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Eddie Shoes Mysteries #2
Two Heads Are Deader Than One
A private investigator trying to help an old friend escape jail time becomes a murder suspect, in this cozy mystery.
When her best friend from high school turns up out of nowhere begging for help, private investigator Eddie Shoes is right to be wary. She hasn’t seen Dakota in years. Maybe it’s nostalgia that has her bailing the woman out of jail. Eddie even reluctantly agrees to help Dakota find the person whose been stalking her. Of course, the moment Dakota is freed, she disappears, leaving Eddie on the hook with the local police, headed up by Eddie’s ex-boyfriend, Det. Chance Parker. Now Eddie is hot on Dakota’s trail, wondering if she was kidnapped or if she just jumped bail. Either way, things are not looking good for Eddie, especially when her business card is found on the bodies of not one, but two murder victims. Even worse, all evidence suggests that the answers to this mystery are tied to Dakota and Eddie’s shared history. Which means that in order to solve this case, Eddie’s going to have to face down her own demons. . . .
Praise for One Dead, Two to Go
“Smart, page-turning fun, with the most feisty and likable P.I. since Kinsey Millhone.” —Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist and author of He’s Gone
“Plunge[s] the reader into a tale of fractured relationships, mayhem, and thrills.” —Deborah Turrell Atkinson, author of the Storm Kayama Mysteries
“The writing is cinematic and vivid, the characters well-drawn. [For] fans of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.” —Max Everhart, author of the Eli Sharpe series
“Memorable and entertaining.” —Scott Driscoll, author of Better
When her best friend from high school turns up out of nowhere begging for help, private investigator Eddie Shoes is right to be wary. She hasn’t seen Dakota in years. Maybe it’s nostalgia that has her bailing the woman out of jail. Eddie even reluctantly agrees to help Dakota find the person whose been stalking her. Of course, the moment Dakota is freed, she disappears, leaving Eddie on the hook with the local police, headed up by Eddie’s ex-boyfriend, Det. Chance Parker. Now Eddie is hot on Dakota’s trail, wondering if she was kidnapped or if she just jumped bail. Either way, things are not looking good for Eddie, especially when her business card is found on the bodies of not one, but two murder victims. Even worse, all evidence suggests that the answers to this mystery are tied to Dakota and Eddie’s shared history. Which means that in order to solve this case, Eddie’s going to have to face down her own demons. . . .
Praise for One Dead, Two to Go
“Smart, page-turning fun, with the most feisty and likable P.I. since Kinsey Millhone.” —Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist and author of He’s Gone
“Plunge[s] the reader into a tale of fractured relationships, mayhem, and thrills.” —Deborah Turrell Atkinson, author of the Storm Kayama Mysteries
“The writing is cinematic and vivid, the characters well-drawn. [For] fans of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.” —Max Everhart, author of the Eli Sharpe series
“Memorable and entertaining.” —Scott Driscoll, author of Better
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
9 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Elena Hartwell
10 books256 followersElena Hartwell started out her storytelling career in the theater. She worked for several years as a playwright, director, designer, technician, and educator before becoming a novelist.
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in Spokane, Washington, with her husband and the greatest pets in the world, two cats, three horses, and two dogs. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found reading, working with the animals, or driving the tractor around Paradise.
Elena also writers under Elena Taylor.
For more information please visit www.elenahartwell.com
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in Spokane, Washington, with her husband and the greatest pets in the world, two cats, three horses, and two dogs. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found reading, working with the animals, or driving the tractor around Paradise.
Elena also writers under Elena Taylor.
For more information please visit www.elenahartwell.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
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May 13, 2018I felt more confident writing the second book in my series, but it was definitely different working with deadlines. Knowing I had a publication date did make for a new kind of stress. Learning more about these characters was gratifying, however, it was like hanging out with old friends. I hope you enjoy spending time with them too.
February 3, 2017
Private investigator Eddie Shoes needs to buy some sneakers. Danger is coming at her that fast in “Two Heads Are Deader Than One,” the excellent new installment in Elena Hartwell’s mystery series. A friend from her high school days shows up out of the blue, needing bail and trailing trouble. Nothing’s what it seems in this tense crime novel, though at least Eddie has the aid of her card shark mom and the company of her giant dog Franklin. Fascinating characters and a story that dares you to put the book down make this book a winner. One murder follows another, guns multiply and Eddie gets put in a frame. Mystery fans will be carried right to the end by this crackling tale.
June 24, 2017
So good! Kept me guessing until the end. Love the dynamics between Eddie and her mom, Chava. The weaving of hope of rekindled romance, friendship and loyalty, and family in its many variations are so well done in this book. Excited for #3 when it arrives!
October 28, 2017
Elena, enjoyed this book as much as the first Eddie Shoes Mystery. Can't wait until the third one is published. A good book to take along when there is a need to escape from the world around you.
April 29, 2024
After really enjoying the tone and characters in One Dead, Two to Go, I eagerly dove into Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell. All the things I loved in book one are still just as lovable in book two, especially Eddie’s delightful dry wit and snark – and the banter between her and her eclectic (and polar opposite) mother, Chava. Eddie’s first person narration keeps the story moving right along, with fun commentary and wry asides. And don’t get me started on how much I love Franklin, her newly acquired giant mop of a dog. The author has captured his quirky canine personality so well, enabling the loyal companion to fit in well with the story’s sense of humor.
Once again, poor Eddie manages to get herself right in the middle of a murder investigation through (mostly) no fault of her own, not to mention the odd reappearance of her childhood best friend and maybe a ghost from her past too. This of course puts her in close proximity with her first love – and local detective – Chance Parker, who I am still depending on for eventual romantic swooniness. I enjoyed the slow shuffle they did toward the maybe-possibility of more-at-some-point, and I’m holding onto that thread of hope like the KissingBooks fan that I am. As for the mystery aspect of Two Heads are Deader Than One, the author smoothly juggles several different elements from murder to break-ins, theft, and missing persons, and most of it seems to keep coming back to that childhood friend that might not be 100% on the up-and-up. Eddie has her work cut out for her, and I had a blast tagging along with her and Chava and Franklin.
Bottom Line: Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell showcases the author’s impeccable skill in combining smart prose, snappy dialogue, layered mysteries, and character growth with steady pacing to deliver an entertaining read that grabs your attention and holds on tight. Eddie continues to be a compelling and delightful protagonist that you can’t help but love immediately, flaws and all, and her inner circle – including her quirky mother and endearing dog – are just as engaging. My mind is already whirring with possibilities for book three, so I’m glad it’s on my TBR pile to read soon!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is some occasional cursing in this book – really scattered, not prevalent – most of it mild except for a few stronger ones.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Once again, poor Eddie manages to get herself right in the middle of a murder investigation through (mostly) no fault of her own, not to mention the odd reappearance of her childhood best friend and maybe a ghost from her past too. This of course puts her in close proximity with her first love – and local detective – Chance Parker, who I am still depending on for eventual romantic swooniness. I enjoyed the slow shuffle they did toward the maybe-possibility of more-at-some-point, and I’m holding onto that thread of hope like the KissingBooks fan that I am. As for the mystery aspect of Two Heads are Deader Than One, the author smoothly juggles several different elements from murder to break-ins, theft, and missing persons, and most of it seems to keep coming back to that childhood friend that might not be 100% on the up-and-up. Eddie has her work cut out for her, and I had a blast tagging along with her and Chava and Franklin.
Bottom Line: Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell showcases the author’s impeccable skill in combining smart prose, snappy dialogue, layered mysteries, and character growth with steady pacing to deliver an entertaining read that grabs your attention and holds on tight. Eddie continues to be a compelling and delightful protagonist that you can’t help but love immediately, flaws and all, and her inner circle – including her quirky mother and endearing dog – are just as engaging. My mind is already whirring with possibilities for book three, so I’m glad it’s on my TBR pile to read soon!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is some occasional cursing in this book – really scattered, not prevalent – most of it mild except for a few stronger ones.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
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December 2, 2018Miniseries: An Eddie Shoes Mystery
May 7, 2024
Well, book 1 was a hoot, and book 2 was even better! While the books in this series can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading them all, because why not! They're so fun!
The snark, sarcasm, and whit between Eddie Shoes and her mom, Chava, has me coming back every time! The mysteries are intricate, the clues are tantalizing, the characters are complex, and the twists are surprising... but the comedy is my favorite part.
I love how nothing is really ever what it seems in this story, and half the time we, along with Private Investigator Eddie Shoes, have no idea who the real victim is or who the culprit could be. I will for sure be diving into book 3, in like two minutes!
The snark, sarcasm, and whit between Eddie Shoes and her mom, Chava, has me coming back every time! The mysteries are intricate, the clues are tantalizing, the characters are complex, and the twists are surprising... but the comedy is my favorite part.
I love how nothing is really ever what it seems in this story, and half the time we, along with Private Investigator Eddie Shoes, have no idea who the real victim is or who the culprit could be. I will for sure be diving into book 3, in like two minutes!
June 7, 2017
Mystery fans will have a hard time putting down Two Heads Are Deader Than One! In this installment of my new favorite series, Eddie Shoes, a smart, funny, and likable private investigator, must deal with not only her haunting past but also her immediate problem: a dead body. When her business card is found on the victim, she becomes determined to solve the case while laying old ghosts to rest. Packed with action and intrigue, the story moves quickly from start to finish, and the characters are so much fun. Eddie and her always-hilarious mother, Chava, are certain to entertain on this suspenseful new adventure.
March 18, 2018
Private Investigator Eddie Shoes is enjoying a rare period of calm. She’s less lonely now that Chava, her card-counting mom from Vegas, is sharing her home. She also has a new companion, Franklin, a giant dog of curious ancestry.
Hoping for a lucrative new case, Eddie instead finds herself taking on a less promising client: her best friend from her childhood in Spokane. Dakota has turned up in Bellingham in jail, where she is being held on a weapons charge. Eddie reluctantly agrees not only to lend her friend money for bail but to also investigate who is stalking her. Soon after Dakota is freed, she disappears again, leaving Eddie to answer to the local cops, including her ex-boyfriend Chance Parker. Has Dakota been kidnapped? If not, why did she jump bail? What are Eddie’s business cards doing on the bodies of two murder victims?
The key to these mysteries lies in Dakota and Eddie’s shared history, which ended when Eddie left home after high school. As a person of interest in both murder cases, Eddie is forced to go in search of the truth, digging into the past and facing her own demons.
This was another quick read. I loved watching Eddie work through this case, while at the same time realizing she's not as alone as she has been. I also liked watching as she came to terms with what happened and acknowledged that she wasn't responsible and while she still felt bad, she stopped thinking it was her fault. Now if only she could get to that realization regarding Coop's death...
Dakota struck me as...off, from the moment she called Eddie. Adding in her breaks in contact immediately after posting bail and the gaps Eddie was discovering in Dakota's reluctance to tell the truth and I seriously wondered just how much she was actually involved in what was going on.
I seriously found myself rooting for Eddie and Chance. At least for them to give it another go. Whether or not it will br long term is a different thing, but I think they definitely need to give it a shot.
Chava was more entertaining this time. I have to admit, I was a little frustrated with her in the last book, but this time it feels more like she's trying to get life going. There were still a few times where I got frustrated, but at the same time, she was being a mother. I kind of want her and Eduardo to make another go of it too.
Hoping for a lucrative new case, Eddie instead finds herself taking on a less promising client: her best friend from her childhood in Spokane. Dakota has turned up in Bellingham in jail, where she is being held on a weapons charge. Eddie reluctantly agrees not only to lend her friend money for bail but to also investigate who is stalking her. Soon after Dakota is freed, she disappears again, leaving Eddie to answer to the local cops, including her ex-boyfriend Chance Parker. Has Dakota been kidnapped? If not, why did she jump bail? What are Eddie’s business cards doing on the bodies of two murder victims?
The key to these mysteries lies in Dakota and Eddie’s shared history, which ended when Eddie left home after high school. As a person of interest in both murder cases, Eddie is forced to go in search of the truth, digging into the past and facing her own demons.
This was another quick read. I loved watching Eddie work through this case, while at the same time realizing she's not as alone as she has been. I also liked watching as she came to terms with what happened and acknowledged that she wasn't responsible and while she still felt bad, she stopped thinking it was her fault. Now if only she could get to that realization regarding Coop's death...
Dakota struck me as...off, from the moment she called Eddie. Adding in her breaks in contact immediately after posting bail and the gaps Eddie was discovering in Dakota's reluctance to tell the truth and I seriously wondered just how much she was actually involved in what was going on.
I seriously found myself rooting for Eddie and Chance. At least for them to give it another go. Whether or not it will br long term is a different thing, but I think they definitely need to give it a shot.
Chava was more entertaining this time. I have to admit, I was a little frustrated with her in the last book, but this time it feels more like she's trying to get life going. There were still a few times where I got frustrated, but at the same time, she was being a mother. I kind of want her and Eduardo to make another go of it too.
April 14, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Elena Hartwell and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour and am over the moon thrilled to have the opportunity to review all three books!
Two Heads are Deader Than One is the second in the Eddie Shoes Mysteries series. When Eddie’s best friend from high school shows up out of nowhere begging for help. Eddie is rightfully wary as she hasn’t seen Dakota for years. Feeling nostalgic, Eddie bails her out of jail and eventually agrees to help her find the person who has been stalking her. Of course, the moment Dakota is released, she disappears, leaving Eddie on the hook with her ex-boyfriend Detective Chance Parker.
Eddie is hot on Dakota’s trail wondering whether she’s been kidnapped or just jumped bail. Either way, things are not looking good when Eddie’s business card is found on the bodies of two victims. All evidence suggests the answers lie in Dakota and Eddie’s history. To get to the bottom of this, Eddie must face her own demons.
The second in this series book is as hilarious as the first. I truly enjoy the author’s writing style and the shenanigans of Eddie and her crew of eclectic sidekicks. Her mother, Chava, remains my favorite and I love that she supports her daughter while trying to get her out of the ridiculous situation she finds herself in.
This book had me engaged from start to finish. It is a slow build, with hints released at just the right time. I constantly found myself trying to figure out who did it only to be met with another twist. The backstories gave each character depth and helped me understand them a little better. I appreciated that the author took on mental health issues with kindness and understanding despite the serious consequences each character faces for their actions.
I am excited to read book three. I like the direction this series is going and learning more about the characters and their back stories. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a well written cozy mystery!
Two Heads are Deader Than One is the second in the Eddie Shoes Mysteries series. When Eddie’s best friend from high school shows up out of nowhere begging for help. Eddie is rightfully wary as she hasn’t seen Dakota for years. Feeling nostalgic, Eddie bails her out of jail and eventually agrees to help her find the person who has been stalking her. Of course, the moment Dakota is released, she disappears, leaving Eddie on the hook with her ex-boyfriend Detective Chance Parker.
Eddie is hot on Dakota’s trail wondering whether she’s been kidnapped or just jumped bail. Either way, things are not looking good when Eddie’s business card is found on the bodies of two victims. All evidence suggests the answers lie in Dakota and Eddie’s history. To get to the bottom of this, Eddie must face her own demons.
The second in this series book is as hilarious as the first. I truly enjoy the author’s writing style and the shenanigans of Eddie and her crew of eclectic sidekicks. Her mother, Chava, remains my favorite and I love that she supports her daughter while trying to get her out of the ridiculous situation she finds herself in.
This book had me engaged from start to finish. It is a slow build, with hints released at just the right time. I constantly found myself trying to figure out who did it only to be met with another twist. The backstories gave each character depth and helped me understand them a little better. I appreciated that the author took on mental health issues with kindness and understanding despite the serious consequences each character faces for their actions.
I am excited to read book three. I like the direction this series is going and learning more about the characters and their back stories. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a well written cozy mystery!
April 5, 2024
Ghosts from her past, both figuratively and literally, come back to haunt Eddie Shoes in book two of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series Two Heads Are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell .
Eddie’s life is starting to get to a new normal. With her mother as her roommate and her old flame a staple at the Bellingham police department, she is finally hitting her groove. But when an old friend from high school calls Eddie out of the blue, begging Eddie to bail her out, her past threatens to destroy her newfound peace.
Digging into her old friend Dakota Fontaine’s stories only leaves Eddie with more and more questions. To make matters worse, those closest to Eddie keep seeing a man—a man who is supposed to be long dead. With those she loves in potential danger, Eddie has to get to the bottom of Dakota’s past, and how the ghost of a dead man can be haunting her.
I loved this installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. The pacing was amazing, and from the first chapter, I was hooked. As the book progresses, little by little, more of the mystery is uncovered, but more tension is raised. I loved that we already had connections to many of the main characters, and having that background made the storytelling much smoother.
Hartwell is an excellent writer, and this book highlighted her talents. Balancing character growth with an edge-of-your-seat mystery is difficult, but Hartwell nailed it. I cannot wait to jump right into the next book in the series!
Two Heads Are Deader Than One is an excellent second installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. Be prepared for a thrill ride that will grab you from the first chapter and never let you go. ~ Tierney for Novels Alive
Eddie’s life is starting to get to a new normal. With her mother as her roommate and her old flame a staple at the Bellingham police department, she is finally hitting her groove. But when an old friend from high school calls Eddie out of the blue, begging Eddie to bail her out, her past threatens to destroy her newfound peace.
Digging into her old friend Dakota Fontaine’s stories only leaves Eddie with more and more questions. To make matters worse, those closest to Eddie keep seeing a man—a man who is supposed to be long dead. With those she loves in potential danger, Eddie has to get to the bottom of Dakota’s past, and how the ghost of a dead man can be haunting her.
I loved this installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. The pacing was amazing, and from the first chapter, I was hooked. As the book progresses, little by little, more of the mystery is uncovered, but more tension is raised. I loved that we already had connections to many of the main characters, and having that background made the storytelling much smoother.
Hartwell is an excellent writer, and this book highlighted her talents. Balancing character growth with an edge-of-your-seat mystery is difficult, but Hartwell nailed it. I cannot wait to jump right into the next book in the series!
Two Heads Are Deader Than One is an excellent second installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. Be prepared for a thrill ride that will grab you from the first chapter and never let you go. ~ Tierney for Novels Alive
April 7, 2024
Ghosts from her past, both figuratively and literally, come back to haunt Eddie Shoes in book two of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series Two Heads Are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell .
Eddie’s life is starting to get to a new normal. With her mother as her roommate and her old flame a staple at the Bellingham police department, she is finally hitting her groove. But when an old friend from high school calls Eddie out of the blue, begging Eddie to bail her out, her past threatens to destroy her newfound peace.
Digging into her old friend Dakota Fontaine’s stories only leaves Eddie with more and more questions. To make matters worse, those closest to Eddie keep seeing a man—a man who is supposed to be long dead. With those she loves in potential danger, Eddie has to get to the bottom of Dakota’s past, and how the ghost of a dead man can be haunting her.
I loved this installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. The pacing was amazing, and from the first chapter, I was hooked. As the book progresses, little by little, more of the mystery is uncovered, but more tension is raised. I loved that we already had connections to many of the main characters, and having that background made the storytelling much smoother.
Hartwell is an excellent writer, and this book highlighted her talents. Balancing character growth with an edge-of-your-seat mystery is difficult, but Hartwell nailed it. I cannot wait to jump right into the next book in the series!
Two Heads Are Deader Than One is an excellent second installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. Be prepared for a thrill ride that will grab you from the first chapter and never let you go.
Review for NovelsAlive.com
Eddie’s life is starting to get to a new normal. With her mother as her roommate and her old flame a staple at the Bellingham police department, she is finally hitting her groove. But when an old friend from high school calls Eddie out of the blue, begging Eddie to bail her out, her past threatens to destroy her newfound peace.
Digging into her old friend Dakota Fontaine’s stories only leaves Eddie with more and more questions. To make matters worse, those closest to Eddie keep seeing a man—a man who is supposed to be long dead. With those she loves in potential danger, Eddie has to get to the bottom of Dakota’s past, and how the ghost of a dead man can be haunting her.
I loved this installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. The pacing was amazing, and from the first chapter, I was hooked. As the book progresses, little by little, more of the mystery is uncovered, but more tension is raised. I loved that we already had connections to many of the main characters, and having that background made the storytelling much smoother.
Hartwell is an excellent writer, and this book highlighted her talents. Balancing character growth with an edge-of-your-seat mystery is difficult, but Hartwell nailed it. I cannot wait to jump right into the next book in the series!
Two Heads Are Deader Than One is an excellent second installment of the Eddie Shoe Mystery series. Be prepared for a thrill ride that will grab you from the first chapter and never let you go.
Review for NovelsAlive.com
June 12, 2025
Eddie Shoes - the PI formerly known as Edwina Schultz - appears in her second novel set in the city of Bellingham. Once again, Eddie's past will cause trouble, this time in the person of her former BFF, Dakota Fontaine, who phones Eddie from the local jail for help. Not having seen or spoken with each other since high school after an auto accident claimed the life of a school chum, Dakota has been arrested after a gun was found in her car and begs Eddie to bail her out. In spite of her reservations, Eddie does so and takes the first step on a course that ends up with Eddie on the run as a person of interest in a pair of murders.
Strong on characterization, Eddie and her mother Chava are engaging, funny, intelligent, and believable. The character of Dakota is nearly as well constructed, especially her problematic personality. Less investment is applied to the male characters, Eddie's father Eduardo and her love interest, Detective Chance Parker. The interaction between Eddie and Dakota is complex, with the reason behind Eddie's reluctance to pin her friend down in the first few chapters obscured until late in the novel. For the reader, this raises questions about Eddie's professionalism rather than her psychology.
Though slow to start, the plot grows more complex as the narrative proceeds and the pace picks up as the climax approaches. The appearance of Eduardo felt manufactured as if it replaced a different ending.
An enjoyable reading experience with a host of characters, places, and quirky elements that have the potential for a long-running and popular series.
Strong on characterization, Eddie and her mother Chava are engaging, funny, intelligent, and believable. The character of Dakota is nearly as well constructed, especially her problematic personality. Less investment is applied to the male characters, Eddie's father Eduardo and her love interest, Detective Chance Parker. The interaction between Eddie and Dakota is complex, with the reason behind Eddie's reluctance to pin her friend down in the first few chapters obscured until late in the novel. For the reader, this raises questions about Eddie's professionalism rather than her psychology.
Though slow to start, the plot grows more complex as the narrative proceeds and the pace picks up as the climax approaches. The appearance of Eduardo felt manufactured as if it replaced a different ending.
An enjoyable reading experience with a host of characters, places, and quirky elements that have the potential for a long-running and popular series.
May 12, 2017
A good read. I was kept interested from page one all the way to pg. 270.
I enjoyed the ride as Eddie follows clues, stumbles onto dead people, stalkers and . . .
mysteries clues that point back to her. Leaving her ex Detective Chance Parker scratching his head as he struggles to 'play by the book' while dealing with Eddie's penchant for 'keeping a few secrets'.
Along for the journey is Eddie's eccentric mother 'Chava' and Eddie's dog Franklin who is one big boy! A cross between an Irish Wolf Hound and a Tibetan Mastiff who is happy to follow along with Eddie as she investigates leads.
As Eddie tries to discover what her friend Dakota is hiding and how the accidental death of a high school friend plays into the present she is bombarded with the clues old high school photo's and Eddie's business cards are left for the police to find and question Eddie's involvement.
There are a lot of characters in the story which might make it a struggle to keep up with what is going on but the author does
and great job of weaving details and people together making a
'Who Dun It' that mystery lovers will want to read!
I enjoyed reading
Two Heads Are Deader Than One and I look forward to
reading book one One Dead, Two to Go.
I appreciated that the author provided a note:
The Silenced Victims
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours
This review will appear on retail sites where the book is
available.
This review will appear on My Reading Journeys and
Good Reads.
I enjoyed the ride as Eddie follows clues, stumbles onto dead people, stalkers and . . .
mysteries clues that point back to her. Leaving her ex Detective Chance Parker scratching his head as he struggles to 'play by the book' while dealing with Eddie's penchant for 'keeping a few secrets'.
Along for the journey is Eddie's eccentric mother 'Chava' and Eddie's dog Franklin who is one big boy! A cross between an Irish Wolf Hound and a Tibetan Mastiff who is happy to follow along with Eddie as she investigates leads.
As Eddie tries to discover what her friend Dakota is hiding and how the accidental death of a high school friend plays into the present she is bombarded with the clues old high school photo's and Eddie's business cards are left for the police to find and question Eddie's involvement.
There are a lot of characters in the story which might make it a struggle to keep up with what is going on but the author does
and great job of weaving details and people together making a
'Who Dun It' that mystery lovers will want to read!
I enjoyed reading
Two Heads Are Deader Than One and I look forward to
reading book one One Dead, Two to Go.
I appreciated that the author provided a note:
The Silenced Victims
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours
This review will appear on retail sites where the book is
available.
This review will appear on My Reading Journeys and
Good Reads.
June 8, 2018
I was lucky enough to win this awesome book on Facebook. Meet Eddie Shoes, private investigator who lives in Bellingham, Washington. She lives with her wacky but loveable mother, Chava who was a card counting dealer from Las Vegas and her huge adopted dog, Franklin. Life has been going along well for Eddie when she gets a late night call from a childhood friend, Dakota, who has been arrested for N illegal hand gun. Dakota convinces Eddie to bail her out of jail and then she disappears off the radar. Before disappearing Dakota had told Eddie that she had a stalker and she needed help finding him. When Dakota fails to show up for a meeting with Eddie, Eddie goes across the hall from her office and finds a dead body. From this point on all he'll breaks loose. Eddie's ex boyfriend, Chance Parker is in charge of the police investigation. On the body of the dead guy is one if Eddie's old business cards. Eddie begins to investigate along with her mom, Chava who likes the thrill of the investigation. Soon a body if s young woman is found and once again Eddie's business card is found in her. What is going on and why does it seem like someone is trying to frame Eddie? It seems like something in Eddie and Dakota's past may be involved here and Eddie must solve the crime or face jail time. This is an awesome detective story filled with a great, twisted plot line and excellently developed characters. You will not want to put this one down. I highly recommend this book to all mystery and detective readers as you will thoroughly enjoy it.
May 7, 2017
This story will definitely keep you keep you guessing right up until the twist you won’t see coming at the end. Eddie Shoes is a PI in Bellingham WA. She lives with her mom Chava and is never far from Franklin her monster cream puff of a dog. She reluctantly takes on a stalking case when a her high school best friend, Dakota calls her out of the deep blue to be bailed out of jail on weapons charge. The case becomes slightly more interesting when Eddie and Franklin turn up a dead body at the sketchy tarot card place across from Eddies’s office that may have a connection to Dakota. Dakota’s story begins unraveling almost from the start, followed by a series of seeming unrelated attacks, break-ins and another dead body. All the clues lead back to Eddie and with the police breathing down her neck, Eddie must head back to her home town town to see why Dakota and a long buried secret may hold the key to the mystery.
This was a great mystery from the get go, packed full of interesting characters. Eddie and her mom make a great team and for once the first person narrative, usually a turn off for me, kept the story moving on a steady burn. What was most remarkable for me though was the interesting presentation of mental health issues. The author’s writing style gave me a modern Mikey Spillane vibe and was quite enjoyable from beginning to end.
5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great mystery from the get go, packed full of interesting characters. Eddie and her mom make a great team and for once the first person narrative, usually a turn off for me, kept the story moving on a steady burn. What was most remarkable for me though was the interesting presentation of mental health issues. The author’s writing style gave me a modern Mikey Spillane vibe and was quite enjoyable from beginning to end.
5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
This is the second book in a series. While it reads relatively well on its own, it will be better enjoyed if the previous novel is read first. The first novel explains who Chava is and how she came on the scene. Eddie and Chava form a good investigative duo. As Eddie explains it, she is more suited to computer searches while Chava is more suited to investigating violent crime.
Violent crime there is in this novel and it has roots in Eddie's past. We know there was a tragedy in her teen years and much becomes clear here when a high school friend resurfaces. Soon there is a murder (or perhaps two). Eddie is implicated and she needs to clear her name. The plot is a bit complex as Eddie's old friend is anything but honest about why she seeks Eddie's help.
There is an interesting exploration of a couple of mental illnesses. While psychopaths are rational, psychotic behavior is a break from reality. And schizophrenia is a condition in which people can learn to live and function in society.
I like the Washington state settings of these novels, here Bellingham and Spokane. Hartwell's writing style is good and the novel reads well. I like the development of the characters as we get to know more about their lives and personalities. I look forward to the third novel in this series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Violent crime there is in this novel and it has roots in Eddie's past. We know there was a tragedy in her teen years and much becomes clear here when a high school friend resurfaces. Soon there is a murder (or perhaps two). Eddie is implicated and she needs to clear her name. The plot is a bit complex as Eddie's old friend is anything but honest about why she seeks Eddie's help.
There is an interesting exploration of a couple of mental illnesses. While psychopaths are rational, psychotic behavior is a break from reality. And schizophrenia is a condition in which people can learn to live and function in society.
I like the Washington state settings of these novels, here Bellingham and Spokane. Hartwell's writing style is good and the novel reads well. I like the development of the characters as we get to know more about their lives and personalities. I look forward to the third novel in this series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 11, 2024
I received this book as a gift.
This is book two in the Eddie Shoes series and it is hilarious! In parts, near the end, it did get serious with a couple of topics, but Eddie maintained her sense of humor throughout.
Eddie’s given name is Edwina Schulz, but she goes by Eddie Shoes, which, I think, fits her personality better. Plus, she’s a PI who does a lot of on-the-ground work, so to speak, so it makes sense she’d call herself Shoes. Eddie and Chance are still dancing around each other.
Chava – Eddie’s mother. Chava is a constant in Eddie’s life, one she did not really appreciate until later in life.
Dakota – what a character in Dakota. She’s the messed-up, long-ago friend.
Lisa – Chance’s police detective partner.
Franklin – Eddie’s dog.
Even though I was chuckling throughout the turning of these pages, there were some serious issues brought up. These may be spoilers, but there is Mark and his schizophrenia. Dakota and her consistent lying, not to mention the bigger crime she perpetrated. There is even a bit of a ghost story in Richard Vost. There is the heartbreak between Eddie and Chance. And, the estranged relationship between Eddie and her father, Eduardo.
I appreciated the characters coming to life through these pages. If you like colorful characters intermixed with some serious subjects, I highly recommend this series. I wonder what Eddie will find herself mixed up in next.
This is book two in the Eddie Shoes series and it is hilarious! In parts, near the end, it did get serious with a couple of topics, but Eddie maintained her sense of humor throughout.
Eddie’s given name is Edwina Schulz, but she goes by Eddie Shoes, which, I think, fits her personality better. Plus, she’s a PI who does a lot of on-the-ground work, so to speak, so it makes sense she’d call herself Shoes. Eddie and Chance are still dancing around each other.
Chava – Eddie’s mother. Chava is a constant in Eddie’s life, one she did not really appreciate until later in life.
Dakota – what a character in Dakota. She’s the messed-up, long-ago friend.
Lisa – Chance’s police detective partner.
Franklin – Eddie’s dog.
Even though I was chuckling throughout the turning of these pages, there were some serious issues brought up. These may be spoilers, but there is Mark and his schizophrenia. Dakota and her consistent lying, not to mention the bigger crime she perpetrated. There is even a bit of a ghost story in Richard Vost. There is the heartbreak between Eddie and Chance. And, the estranged relationship between Eddie and her father, Eduardo.
I appreciated the characters coming to life through these pages. If you like colorful characters intermixed with some serious subjects, I highly recommend this series. I wonder what Eddie will find herself mixed up in next.
April 15, 2024
Once again, Elena Hartwell has me hooked! Her second installment of the Eddie Shoes Mysteries is just as stunning and mysteriously deadly as the first. For those unfamiliar with this series, it is similar to the Murder She Wrote, Hercule Poirot, and like Janet Evanovich's detective sleuth series. Humor, deadly, suspenseful, and engaging this second book by Elena Hartwell is fabulously addictive! I love how the heroine gets herself into multiple case scenarios that lead to her getting into trouble with the law enforcement. Especially the law enforcement headed by her ex! The intense atmosphere between the two plus, the seriousness of the dead matters at hand gives this book the most exciting mystery of the year.
An acquaintance comes and then disappears while dead bodies have evidence that led to the heroine being a prime suspect. As if, she would commit the crimes. But soon, she is once again deeply embroiled in another series of crimes to be solved or else she suffers the consequences. This series really makes you wonder who really did commit the crimes and why. Also, how is the protagonist going to pull herself out of the doggy house. Each time, a new case appears, it seems improbably that she will be proved innocent. I absolutely loved this novel. I cannot wait to read the next exciting grand murder adventure!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
An acquaintance comes and then disappears while dead bodies have evidence that led to the heroine being a prime suspect. As if, she would commit the crimes. But soon, she is once again deeply embroiled in another series of crimes to be solved or else she suffers the consequences. This series really makes you wonder who really did commit the crimes and why. Also, how is the protagonist going to pull herself out of the doggy house. Each time, a new case appears, it seems improbably that she will be proved innocent. I absolutely loved this novel. I cannot wait to read the next exciting grand murder adventure!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 19, 2024
MY THOUGHTS -
Another score for Elena Hartwell! This one was just as good as the first. Definitely left me wanting to read book three.
Continuing on with great characters (Eddie, Chava, and chance especially) and introducing a few new ones. Dakota, new character, old friend. Good news or bad news??? Read the book to find out!
This book got real intense the last third and I could not put it down. Not crazy unbelievable... crazy - lots of action. And, of course - a great ending that will blow your mind!
Eddie is becoming one of my favorite characters ever. I love her snarky sarcastic nature... so much like myself! Maybe that's why I connect with her. But most of all, Eddie is real! As not a hardcore mystery fan, I appreciate Eddie's humor and personality to keep me going. I also loved all the drama in this story. and there is a lot of drama! I am really enjoying the development of the mother/daughter relationship between Eddie and her mom - Chava, who just recently reappeared in Eddie's life.
To me, books should be enjoyable, fun to read. And that's exactly what this series is - fun!
OK, on to book three - Three Strikes, You're Dead!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
Another score for Elena Hartwell! This one was just as good as the first. Definitely left me wanting to read book three.
Continuing on with great characters (Eddie, Chava, and chance especially) and introducing a few new ones. Dakota, new character, old friend. Good news or bad news??? Read the book to find out!
This book got real intense the last third and I could not put it down. Not crazy unbelievable... crazy - lots of action. And, of course - a great ending that will blow your mind!
Eddie is becoming one of my favorite characters ever. I love her snarky sarcastic nature... so much like myself! Maybe that's why I connect with her. But most of all, Eddie is real! As not a hardcore mystery fan, I appreciate Eddie's humor and personality to keep me going. I also loved all the drama in this story. and there is a lot of drama! I am really enjoying the development of the mother/daughter relationship between Eddie and her mom - Chava, who just recently reappeared in Eddie's life.
To me, books should be enjoyable, fun to read. And that's exactly what this series is - fun!
OK, on to book three - Three Strikes, You're Dead!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
April 2, 2024
Another Eddie Shoes book and I love this series so far y'all! I love how Chava is still living with Eddie in this book. And the book opens where the last one picks up where Eddie is still trying figure out where she and Chance, her ex-boyfriend are at this current juncture. And it all starts with a call from her best friend from high school and she is in jail!
The author really knows how to write an engaging mystery series as I continue to say in all of her books as I read them. Starting with the dead body that Eddie finds next to her office and trying to figure out who that is. I continue to love the relationship that Eddie has with Chava her mother. They have a humorous way of interacting with each other.
The end of the book leaves the readers wondering what is going to happen next now that Eddie's father is in town and more. I will not spoil the book, Read it!
I love this series and it is a great mystery book series along the lines of one of my favorites, James Patterson and his Alex Cross series.
The author really knows how to write an engaging mystery series as I continue to say in all of her books as I read them. Starting with the dead body that Eddie finds next to her office and trying to figure out who that is. I continue to love the relationship that Eddie has with Chava her mother. They have a humorous way of interacting with each other.
The end of the book leaves the readers wondering what is going to happen next now that Eddie's father is in town and more. I will not spoil the book, Read it!
I love this series and it is a great mystery book series along the lines of one of my favorites, James Patterson and his Alex Cross series.
April 17, 2024
This is book #2 in a series of three. Elena Hartwell has written another light, cozy mystery read with a side of humor! Though these books can very well be read as stand alone books, I would recommend reading book# 1 first as you will get to know many of the characters who are in both books. From one book to the next, we have seen the characters grow and more characters and more dynamics added as to how they function and what they bring to the books.
The characters are intriguing to say the least! In this book, the author brings in mental health issues to bring awareness to the diseases but she does it in a way that is constructive and enlightening.
Eddie,the protagonist, finds herself having to clear her name after two murders happen (do not want to spoil with details). While investigating the murders, she has to faced some demons from her past and confront some uncomfortable memories. This book is absolutely a “life is not always what it seems” book. So much so, you just can’t put it down! Looking forward to book #3
The characters are intriguing to say the least! In this book, the author brings in mental health issues to bring awareness to the diseases but she does it in a way that is constructive and enlightening.
Eddie,the protagonist, finds herself having to clear her name after two murders happen (do not want to spoil with details). While investigating the murders, she has to faced some demons from her past and confront some uncomfortable memories. This book is absolutely a “life is not always what it seems” book. So much so, you just can’t put it down! Looking forward to book #3
June 12, 2018
The past is catching up with Eddie Shoes in more ways than one. First, her mom has moved in and that both a blessing and a curse. The next thing is a phone call from her childhood friend Dakota Fontaine. Nope, she's not calling to say "Hi." She's calling because she's been arrested and needs bail money.
Not the best circumstance to rekindle an old friendship. But Eddie is willing to give it a shot. Little does she know that giving it a shot is more than a figure of speech. A body here, a body there and Eddie is starting to wonder what the hell she got involved in. Especially when the cops consider her a person of interest. The clues are sparse but the old friendship keeps her going. After all, what are friends for? In the end it takes a trip back to her childhood home of Spokane before the final curtain falls. The past is never past.
Not the best circumstance to rekindle an old friendship. But Eddie is willing to give it a shot. Little does she know that giving it a shot is more than a figure of speech. A body here, a body there and Eddie is starting to wonder what the hell she got involved in. Especially when the cops consider her a person of interest. The clues are sparse but the old friendship keeps her going. After all, what are friends for? In the end it takes a trip back to her childhood home of Spokane before the final curtain falls. The past is never past.
April 9, 2024
Today, it's my turn to join the Eddie Shoes book tour. I will share my review of the second book in the series, "Two Heads are Deader Than One."
The story follows Eddie, who unexpectedly reunites with an old classmate named Daktoka, who asks her for bail. As the plot unfolds, we are taken through a series of events that involve stolen cars, secrets, ghosts, and a dead body, all of which seem unrelated but eventually lead back to Eddie. The police begin to question her, and she is forced to return to her hometown to investigate a long-lost secret between her and Daktoka that may help solve the mystery.
What stood out the most for me was the author's portrayal of mental health issues, which was modern and intriguing.
The story follows Eddie, who unexpectedly reunites with an old classmate named Daktoka, who asks her for bail. As the plot unfolds, we are taken through a series of events that involve stolen cars, secrets, ghosts, and a dead body, all of which seem unrelated but eventually lead back to Eddie. The police begin to question her, and she is forced to return to her hometown to investigate a long-lost secret between her and Daktoka that may help solve the mystery.
What stood out the most for me was the author's portrayal of mental health issues, which was modern and intriguing.
December 3, 2017
eddie shoes series, is great! her mom is living with her and her large dog. a girl she knew from high school enters her life along with 2 dead bodies. she is interested in the cop assigned to the case , but she is investigating on her own to clear her name.
the guy that looked like the one that died when she was in hs is actually his younger brother. all the years she blamed herself for not stopping him from driving was actually the other girls fault for drugging him. she was sent back to prison where she belongs
really like this series and the dog! cant wait for the next one, her mom , the card shark, is working for the casino now.
the guy that looked like the one that died when she was in hs is actually his younger brother. all the years she blamed herself for not stopping him from driving was actually the other girls fault for drugging him. she was sent back to prison where she belongs
really like this series and the dog! cant wait for the next one, her mom , the card shark, is working for the casino now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2018
Picked this book up after hearing the author give a talk at a local bookstore, and have to say I'm glad I did. Eddie and her friends and family are an intriguing bunch, and the mystery was compelling, though I was pretty sure I know who the killer of the first person was early on. Also love that Eddie has a very large dog names Franklin - I am an animal lover, and adding one to a story always helps me connect with the characters. Fun read - will look for me in the series.
May 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. The characters were likable and the ending was a pleasant surprise that I did not foresee. I will be on the look out for the previous Eddie Shoes book as well as any that follow.
August 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this second book - it was a little more convoluted than it needed to be, and I was a little frustrated with Eddie’s inability to see the real Dakota, but I love these characters. The story arc is great - fast paced, engaging, and I adore Franklin.
December 11, 2023
Keeps you coming back!
A story that keeps you locked in and coming back for more. Characters you feel like you know and smart twists and turns.
I love the female protagonist. Couldn't put it down.
A story that keeps you locked in and coming back for more. Characters you feel like you know and smart twists and turns.
I love the female protagonist. Couldn't put it down.
December 6, 2024
Two Heads wasn't quite as satisfying to me as One Dead, the first in the series. It was hard to follow and had more police procedure expository and exposition than I like. I would have liked more Chava and Eddie interaction. Their relation ship is the highlight of the series!
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