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Angela Richman, Death Investigator #8
A Scarlet Death
Angela's new case is full of dark secrets and scandal, but shocking events closer to home prove to be her biggest challenge yet . . .Nobody in Choutaeu Forest expected one of their most prominent citizens, socialite Selwyn Skipton, to be found dead in such salacious strangled on satin bedsheets, a red letter A brutally stapled to his chest, in his private apartment above the Chouteau Forest Chocolate Shoppe.Selwyn was a good man. He gave to charity, supported local causes, and was married to his wife for more than twenty years. What did he do to deserve such a terrible end?As Death Investigator Angela Richman investigates, she uncovers Selwyn's dark secret, but also faces an unexpected, chilling conundrum closer to home . . .
- GenresMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Viets
82 books569 followersAs a young girl, Elaine Viets was taught the virtues of South St. Louis: the importance of hard work, housecleaning, and paying cash. She managed to forget almost everything she learned, which is why she turned to mystery writing.
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 30, 2024
A Scarlet Death takes place in a fictional, upscale suburb of St. Louis. The main character is Angela Richman, whose job as a death investigator requires her to gather and analyze evidence from crime scenes in assistance to the medical examiners. She is officially assigned to a sensational case in which a wealthy philanthropist is found dead in shocking circumstances. The lead investigator, Detective Jace Budewitz, is under a lot of pressure to solve the crime since a prominent local citizen is involved. An unexpected witness helps Jace and Angela break the case.
Unofficially, Angela is also working on a case that is closer to home and turns her whole life upside down. The series mixes the gritty details of Angela's job with some lighter, humorous moments to keep things from getting too dark. The situation gets tense before things are wrapped up in a satisfying ending, especially for readers who have been following this unique series. I don't know if there will be further books in the series after this, but if there are, it looks like Angela could be facing some big changes!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Severn House, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Unofficially, Angela is also working on a case that is closer to home and turns her whole life upside down. The series mixes the gritty details of Angela's job with some lighter, humorous moments to keep things from getting too dark. The situation gets tense before things are wrapped up in a satisfying ending, especially for readers who have been following this unique series. I don't know if there will be further books in the series after this, but if there are, it looks like Angela could be facing some big changes!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Severn House, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
April 2, 2024
Angela Richman is a well developed and likeable characters. The investigations are always twisty and the plot kept me turning pages as there was plenty of surprises.
An entertaining and gripping novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
An entertaining and gripping novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book, it’s has a complex storyline and includes other death scenes that the main murder and investigation. I do think the whole small town corrupted cop troupe is overdone. I wonder about the future of the series has a the end the main characters indicated that they aren’t returning to their professions. Also not sure what the title means in terms of the story. #AScarletDeath #NetGalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
Angela Richman is a death investigator for Chouteau County, which means she is one of the first called to the scene when a body is found. Angela helps determine if the demise is natural or if foul play is suspected. When she’s called to the death scene of prominent local citizen Selwyn Skipton, she finds the seventy year old lying on satin sheets in an enormous bed in an apartment decorated with paintings of nude women. Given that the body has a necktie wrapped tightly around its neck and a red A stapled (yes, stapled) to the chest, it’s pretty obvious this is a crime scene.
As Angela and Detective Jace Budewitz try to piece together what happened to the late philanthropist, they discover a secret life which may just have gotten him killed. Meanwhile, Angela is faced with a real life decision that suddenly becomes more complicated when someone she loves is in danger.
While I had read other books by Elaine Viets, I had not read any others in this series. My tastes generally run to cozy mysteries which are sometimes the closest thing to “fair play” mysteries I can find. I hesitated at starting with the eighth book in the series, but found I had no trouble in immediately getting into both the plot and the characters. This series is a bit darker than, say, the Dead End Jobs series but I still enjoyed it. This is a bit darker than my usual cozy mysteries, but while the crime scene descriptions can be a bit graphic they aren’t gratuitous; the reader gets important pieces of the puzzle. I particularly liked seeing how the various professionals work together to process a crime scene. More than one crime takes place during the book, and I was impressed at the way Viets manages to juggle the different situations.
As a reader, I had no trouble following the individual cases and I found the characters interesting. Angela herself is likeable, but most of all I appreciated her competence and strength. She’s a thorough investigator, tough but not too jaded.
The ending was very satisfying. I’ll be recommending this series to others, though I will probably have them start at the beginning!
As Angela and Detective Jace Budewitz try to piece together what happened to the late philanthropist, they discover a secret life which may just have gotten him killed. Meanwhile, Angela is faced with a real life decision that suddenly becomes more complicated when someone she loves is in danger.
While I had read other books by Elaine Viets, I had not read any others in this series. My tastes generally run to cozy mysteries which are sometimes the closest thing to “fair play” mysteries I can find. I hesitated at starting with the eighth book in the series, but found I had no trouble in immediately getting into both the plot and the characters. This series is a bit darker than, say, the Dead End Jobs series but I still enjoyed it. This is a bit darker than my usual cozy mysteries, but while the crime scene descriptions can be a bit graphic they aren’t gratuitous; the reader gets important pieces of the puzzle. I particularly liked seeing how the various professionals work together to process a crime scene. More than one crime takes place during the book, and I was impressed at the way Viets manages to juggle the different situations.
As a reader, I had no trouble following the individual cases and I found the characters interesting. Angela herself is likeable, but most of all I appreciated her competence and strength. She’s a thorough investigator, tough but not too jaded.
The ending was very satisfying. I’ll be recommending this series to others, though I will probably have them start at the beginning!
January 22, 2024
A Scarlet Death by Elaine Viets
Weekend plans? Yes, indeed, with a new Elaine Viets book to read, I had no need to venture out on cold icy streets. I was happy to let Angela take the slippery risks, along with all the other dangers and hardships she faces as Death Investigator. The entitled denizens of the Forest, so concerned about reputation, seem to feel above the law, until they crash into reality and real consequences. It’s sad that the outrageous behavior also backfires on good, honest people, and reassuring that Angela, Chris, and their loyal friends work to set things right. Amid the suspense and twists of plot, there are also useful insights into driving on slick roads, recovering from brain injuries, and even (small but annoying) how to deal with TVs in waiting rooms — unplug them. (Well, it works for Angela, not sure if it’d work for me).
Wonderful descriptions of food and settings, a mini-vacation, meant I didn’t want to leave the book. My own TV stayed off as I read to the satisfying ending, but now I want more, greedy of me, but I’ll be patient, as good writing takes time.
This book will release in April, so there’s time to read earlier books in the series before then.
Weekend plans? Yes, indeed, with a new Elaine Viets book to read, I had no need to venture out on cold icy streets. I was happy to let Angela take the slippery risks, along with all the other dangers and hardships she faces as Death Investigator. The entitled denizens of the Forest, so concerned about reputation, seem to feel above the law, until they crash into reality and real consequences. It’s sad that the outrageous behavior also backfires on good, honest people, and reassuring that Angela, Chris, and their loyal friends work to set things right. Amid the suspense and twists of plot, there are also useful insights into driving on slick roads, recovering from brain injuries, and even (small but annoying) how to deal with TVs in waiting rooms — unplug them. (Well, it works for Angela, not sure if it’d work for me).
Wonderful descriptions of food and settings, a mini-vacation, meant I didn’t want to leave the book. My own TV stayed off as I read to the satisfying ending, but now I want more, greedy of me, but I’ll be patient, as good writing takes time.
This book will release in April, so there’s time to read earlier books in the series before then.
April 3, 2024
I look forward to each new book in this series and love that the characters grow and continue on through the series. Angela Richman is a death investigator for Chouteau County and attends the death scene, examining the body and the area where the body was found. She is in love with Patrol Officer Chris Feretti, but after the sudden death of her young husband years ago, she is cautious. The bizarre murder of a wealthy resident and the following scandal will rock the Chouteau Forest community. She works with the police and the techs who make sure they recover every bit of evidence from the body and area in order to find justice for the victims. While at the scene, she receives a call from Chris and he has been shot and she rushes to the hospital. The body count is not over for Angela as another body is discovered that may be related to the first murder. Angela is stretched thin as she works with the police and spends time with Chris hoping that he will recover. If you enjoy mysteries and how the puzzle pieces fit together, you will love this series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 19, 2024
Investigator Angela Richman is on a new case. Selwyn Skipton, a socialite, has been found strangled to death at with the letter A in red stapled to his chest. He was found in an apartment above the Chouteau Forest Chocolate Shoppe. The problem besides the his murder, Selwyn was married and also a prominent citizen. Angela must now figure out who killed him and why they felt the need to do so. During her investigation she finds out a dark secret that kind of hits her close to home. Will this unexpected news halt her investigation or will it make her dive in deeper. Follow along and see where it leads her to.
January 22, 2024
A Scarlet Death by Elaine Viets
Weekend plans? Yes, indeed, with a new Elaine Viets book to read, I had no need to venture out on cold icy streets. I was happy to let Angela take the slippery risks, along with all the other dangers and hardships she faces as Death Investigator. The entitled denizens of the Forest, so concerned about reputation, seem to feel above the law, until they crash into reality and real consequences. It’s sad that the outrageous behavior also backfires on good, honest people, and reassuring that Angela, Chris, and their loyal friends work to set things right. Amid the suspense and twists of plot, there are also useful insights into driving on slick roads, recovering from brain injuries, and even (small but annoying) how to deal with TVs in waiting rooms — unplug them. (Well, it works for Angela, not sure if it’d work for me).
Wonderful descriptions of food and settings, a mini-vacation, meant I didn’t want to leave the book. My own TV stayed off as I read to the satisfying ending, but now I want more, greedy of me, but I’ll be patient, as good writing takes time.
This book will release in April, so there’s time to read earlier books in the series before then.
Weekend plans? Yes, indeed, with a new Elaine Viets book to read, I had no need to venture out on cold icy streets. I was happy to let Angela take the slippery risks, along with all the other dangers and hardships she faces as Death Investigator. The entitled denizens of the Forest, so concerned about reputation, seem to feel above the law, until they crash into reality and real consequences. It’s sad that the outrageous behavior also backfires on good, honest people, and reassuring that Angela, Chris, and their loyal friends work to set things right. Amid the suspense and twists of plot, there are also useful insights into driving on slick roads, recovering from brain injuries, and even (small but annoying) how to deal with TVs in waiting rooms — unplug them. (Well, it works for Angela, not sure if it’d work for me).
Wonderful descriptions of food and settings, a mini-vacation, meant I didn’t want to leave the book. My own TV stayed off as I read to the satisfying ending, but now I want more, greedy of me, but I’ll be patient, as good writing takes time.
This book will release in April, so there’s time to read earlier books in the series before then.
March 30, 2024
A deeper addition to the Angela Richman series.
A Scarlet Death is a great addition to the Angela Richman series. Angela is a death investigator in the upscale town of Forest, MO. I enjoyed the complex story and the twists and turns Angela, Jace and her friends have to navigate to solve this crime. I love Elaine Viets’ style of writing style and this one in particular had many other components that it held me captive from beginning to end.
A Scarlet Death is a great addition to the Angela Richman series. Angela is a death investigator in the upscale town of Forest, MO. I enjoyed the complex story and the twists and turns Angela, Jace and her friends have to navigate to solve this crime. I love Elaine Viets’ style of writing style and this one in particular had many other components that it held me captive from beginning to end.
April 3, 2025
Elaine Viets is a favorite of mine and the main character, Angela Richman, is a good one.
This "mystery" had all the elements of deception, etc. I have come to expect rom Viets.
Being from St. Louis Missouri, I love that this series is based in a fictional suburb of St. Louis. She is able to paint a very accurate picture of our surrounding community and uses names that are very familiar to those of us who live here.
This "mystery" had all the elements of deception, etc. I have come to expect rom Viets.
Being from St. Louis Missouri, I love that this series is based in a fictional suburb of St. Louis. She is able to paint a very accurate picture of our surrounding community and uses names that are very familiar to those of us who live here.
April 2, 2024
I didn’t realise this book was the eighth book in a series when I started it. However this doesn't affect the mystery itself but perhaps to get the best of the personal relationships should be read in order. There were a lot of twists and turns and some shockingly dark secrets to be revealed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2024
Complicated
The Angela Richmond series is one of my favorites. Ms Viets weaves great stories with intriguing characters. I couldn’t put this one down. The series is more gritty than a cozy mystery. It’s a law enforcement procedural with real characters and crimes to solve.
The Angela Richmond series is one of my favorites. Ms Viets weaves great stories with intriguing characters. I couldn’t put this one down. The series is more gritty than a cozy mystery. It’s a law enforcement procedural with real characters and crimes to solve.
May 27, 2024
I enjoyed this story. Love how explanations are thrown in where necessary. I just took 2 more of Ms. Viets stories out of the library. Another new favorite author that I missed. With thirty some books, how did I not find her sooner?
March 31, 2024
This book was really good I would recommend reading this book thank you to the author for the advanced
April 11, 2024
Another excellent read by Elaine Viets. Good wrap up to icy St. Louis. Good character developments.
May 13, 2024
It is easy to follow despite not having read the previous books in the series. Enjoyable.
June 10, 2025
Another great read
Love this series! Vietnam writes some of the best mysteries. I have read and loved each one of the death investigation books.
Love this series! Vietnam writes some of the best mysteries. I have read and loved each one of the death investigation books.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews