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Billie Levine #2
Devil in Profile
In this sequel to 2023's Death of a Dancing Queen, New Jersey P.I. Billie Levine finds herself at the forefront of a new crime adventure... perfect for fans of Veronica Mars and Serial.
Unlicensed P.I. Billie Levine is trying to bank some extra cash, so she picks up hours working as a process server for another investigative firm. Mindless and mostly 9 to 5, Billie is content to simply hand over court documents until during a routine stakeout, she stumbles upon the corpse of an elderly man, an art collector with ties to Nazi Germany.
Compared to Billie, the dead man has it easy. Billie is feeling on edge lately. Maybe it’s because her father is insisting his estranged kids come to his wedding in Sedona, or that David is making plans to move out, or that a smug teaching assistant is getting underfoot on her latest case.
Although, it’s possible she could use the help when the cops zero in on Billie’s boyfriend, Aaron, and his connections to an international art ring. Turns out, Aaron’s stint in Israel has left him with more than just a thick scar across his neck. The woman he screwed over wants revenge, and she’s determined to leverage Billie’s murder case to get it.
With the detectives focused on Aaron, Billie sets her sights on stopping a killer who is tying up loose ends — Billie being one of them.
Unlicensed P.I. Billie Levine is trying to bank some extra cash, so she picks up hours working as a process server for another investigative firm. Mindless and mostly 9 to 5, Billie is content to simply hand over court documents until during a routine stakeout, she stumbles upon the corpse of an elderly man, an art collector with ties to Nazi Germany.
Compared to Billie, the dead man has it easy. Billie is feeling on edge lately. Maybe it’s because her father is insisting his estranged kids come to his wedding in Sedona, or that David is making plans to move out, or that a smug teaching assistant is getting underfoot on her latest case.
Although, it’s possible she could use the help when the cops zero in on Billie’s boyfriend, Aaron, and his connections to an international art ring. Turns out, Aaron’s stint in Israel has left him with more than just a thick scar across his neck. The woman he screwed over wants revenge, and she’s determined to leverage Billie’s murder case to get it.
With the detectives focused on Aaron, Billie sets her sights on stopping a killer who is tying up loose ends — Billie being one of them.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
6 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly G. Giarratano
11 books143 followersKimberly Giarratano is an author of mysteries for teens and adults. Her debut novel, Grunge Gods and Graveyards, won the 2015 Silver Falchion Award for Best YA at Killer Nashville. A former librarian, she is currently an instructor at a SUNY Orange County and the chapter liaison for Sisters in Crime. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Kim and her husband moved to the Poconos to raise their three kids amid black bears and wild turkeys. While she doesn’t miss the Jersey traffic, she does miss a good bagel and lox.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 26, 2024
Thank you to Datura Books @daturabooks and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-book. All thoughts are my own.
Billie is trying to make some extra cash, so she picks up some hours at another investigative firm. It’s there that she finds a dead body, an art collector who just so happens to have ties to Nazi Germany.
When the cops start to focus on Billie’s boyfriend, as a potential suspect due to his ties to art, Billie starts to dig. Turns out that his stint in Israel left him with more than just a scar…the woman he screwed over wants revenge.
With the detectives focused on her boyfriend, Billie is determined to stop the killer before all the loose ends are tied up, including her.
What a fun book! I read the blurb for this book and hoped that it was okay if I didn’t read the first. Would it have been amazing if I had? Yes, but also, was it amazing even though I didn’t? Also, yes! But now I am going to go back and read the first book in this series. I think that it did take me a little longer to get into because I had some catching up to do, but once I was brought up to speed, boy was it a wild ride! This book had some many great things going for it, and it kept me guessing until the last minute. Literally because it ended on a note that made me want to read the next book in the series, and I don’t know if it has a release date, and I’m not a series reader usually! The writing was very immersive and drew me into the story. Once I was hooked, I didn’t want to put this book down, I even delayed eating dinner for everyone because I was so immersed. I loved everything about this book!
Billie is trying to make some extra cash, so she picks up some hours at another investigative firm. It’s there that she finds a dead body, an art collector who just so happens to have ties to Nazi Germany.
When the cops start to focus on Billie’s boyfriend, as a potential suspect due to his ties to art, Billie starts to dig. Turns out that his stint in Israel left him with more than just a scar…the woman he screwed over wants revenge.
With the detectives focused on her boyfriend, Billie is determined to stop the killer before all the loose ends are tied up, including her.
What a fun book! I read the blurb for this book and hoped that it was okay if I didn’t read the first. Would it have been amazing if I had? Yes, but also, was it amazing even though I didn’t? Also, yes! But now I am going to go back and read the first book in this series. I think that it did take me a little longer to get into because I had some catching up to do, but once I was brought up to speed, boy was it a wild ride! This book had some many great things going for it, and it kept me guessing until the last minute. Literally because it ended on a note that made me want to read the next book in the series, and I don’t know if it has a release date, and I’m not a series reader usually! The writing was very immersive and drew me into the story. Once I was hooked, I didn’t want to put this book down, I even delayed eating dinner for everyone because I was so immersed. I loved everything about this book!
July 15, 2025
4.0 Stars
This was an enjoyable sequel in the private eye Investigators series that I can't help but compare to the Veronica Mars TV show. While very much its own independent work of fiction, it will appeal to anyone who shares my love for amateur detective stories.
This mystery was not my favourite of the series because it felt a little simple as a plot. However it was still very much enjoyable to spend time with the characters.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was an enjoyable sequel in the private eye Investigators series that I can't help but compare to the Veronica Mars TV show. While very much its own independent work of fiction, it will appeal to anyone who shares my love for amateur detective stories.
This mystery was not my favourite of the series because it felt a little simple as a plot. However it was still very much enjoyable to spend time with the characters.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 8, 2024
So happy to be hanging out with Billie again! I loved the first book in the Billie Levine series, and couldn't wait to dive back in for another installment, and it certainly delivered. Now, this is a sequel, but the author herself even says you can read them in any order, and I mean, you kind of can. Like- you absolutely would not be lost if you picked this one up and (obviously) devoured it, but since I am a sucker for order, I definitely think you should read both. Mostly because I loved both. And also because I think even though you don't have to, you'll just get a better understanding of what makes Billie tick.
Billie is just... she's freaking delightful, in her own way. She isn't your average likeable protagonist, but rather is likable because of her flaws and her quirks. She never apologizes for who she is, which is not to say that she doesn't try to do better. She absolutely does, but she also understands that she is who she is and people will take it or leave it. I also really adore her grandfather, who makes up for her absolute shitface of a father. She is also quite witty, which I enjoyed, especially since the humorous bits help add some levity to the darker aspects of the story.
Speaking of darker bits, please don't think I am overlooking the mystery! Just like its predecessor, it kept me guessing the whole time. It was exciting and complex and I definitely was entertained. I just can't talk about it too much because well, mystery! And while the mystery does wrap up nicely and in a satisfying way, I think there is a great setup for the next book, too. There are some new characters introduced, and I have a feeling some of them will be key players too. And I cannot wait!
Bottom Line: Always here for hijinks with Billie and company!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Billie is just... she's freaking delightful, in her own way. She isn't your average likeable protagonist, but rather is likable because of her flaws and her quirks. She never apologizes for who she is, which is not to say that she doesn't try to do better. She absolutely does, but she also understands that she is who she is and people will take it or leave it. I also really adore her grandfather, who makes up for her absolute shitface of a father. She is also quite witty, which I enjoyed, especially since the humorous bits help add some levity to the darker aspects of the story.
Speaking of darker bits, please don't think I am overlooking the mystery! Just like its predecessor, it kept me guessing the whole time. It was exciting and complex and I definitely was entertained. I just can't talk about it too much because well, mystery! And while the mystery does wrap up nicely and in a satisfying way, I think there is a great setup for the next book, too. There are some new characters introduced, and I have a feeling some of them will be key players too. And I cannot wait!
Bottom Line: Always here for hijinks with Billie and company!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
February 23, 2025
In the Devil in Profile, we're back with Billie Levine, this time, she's working for another investigative firm, trying to earn some extra money. While on a stakeout, she finds the body of an elderly man, who turns out to be an art dealer with ties to Nazi Germany. Billie is soon drawn further an further into the world of art theft, lies and decipt when her boyfriend is accused of the murder.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So once again, another great crime thriller. Although part two, you definitely don't need to have read part one, as Devil in Profile can be read as a standalone. However, I'd certainly recommend reading part one ( Death of a Dancing Queen ), for some back story.
So all in all, a great crime investigation thriller, with a brilliant female lead character. Billie is intelligent, tough and funny. She has great investigation skills, and will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of her cases.
Written in smart, quick prose, it's certainly a page turner of a read.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So once again, another great crime thriller. Although part two, you definitely don't need to have read part one, as Devil in Profile can be read as a standalone. However, I'd certainly recommend reading part one ( Death of a Dancing Queen ), for some back story.
So all in all, a great crime investigation thriller, with a brilliant female lead character. Billie is intelligent, tough and funny. She has great investigation skills, and will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of her cases.
Written in smart, quick prose, it's certainly a page turner of a read.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
May 8, 2024
Death of a Dancing Queen was one of my all time favorite books last year, so you can imagine how excited I was to have a sequel out a year later!! I don't know if I can say enough about how much I adore Billie Levine and her quirky world.
Billie has been working part time as a process server for a friend's investigative firm, but what should be a routine job ends with her discovering the corpse of an elderly man who happens to be a Nazi art collector. When it starts to look like the cops suspect her boyfriend Aaron is involved, she feels even more compelled to figure out who killed the man, which drags her into a world of art theft and deceit.
I just love how Giarratano writes noir: her voice is fun and snarky amidst gritty danger and mystery, and all of the characters around Billie feel truly alive, unique and intriguing. I can't wait for the next installment in the Billie Levine series!
Fans of Jessica Jones, Veronica Mars, and The Lady Upstairs will love Devil in Profile!
Billie has been working part time as a process server for a friend's investigative firm, but what should be a routine job ends with her discovering the corpse of an elderly man who happens to be a Nazi art collector. When it starts to look like the cops suspect her boyfriend Aaron is involved, she feels even more compelled to figure out who killed the man, which drags her into a world of art theft and deceit.
I just love how Giarratano writes noir: her voice is fun and snarky amidst gritty danger and mystery, and all of the characters around Billie feel truly alive, unique and intriguing. I can't wait for the next installment in the Billie Levine series!
Fans of Jessica Jones, Veronica Mars, and The Lady Upstairs will love Devil in Profile!
March 25, 2024
I've been waiting for the chance to revisit Billie Levine, and this follow-up to the excellent DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN was every bit as clever, witty, and emotionally nuanced as the book that introduced us to the plucky New Jersey P.I. Kimberly G. Giarratano excels at exploring real-world issues with respect and heart, making Billie at once relatable and a character you admire. When faced with a case involving art of dubious origins that bleeds into her personal life, Billie throws herself into the task of righting terrible past wrongs -- danger be damned. This is must-read crime fiction for those who love mysteries that deliver a perfect balance darkness and light.
January 24, 2024
Detective Billie Levine is back! Even when she isn’t looking for trouble, trouble seems to find her - this time in the form of an unexpected discovery that leads her on a path that includes stolen art, university politics, Jewish holidays, and the cold case of a missing teenager. In between clues, twentysomething Billie balances her various relationships - a damaged friendship, a potential rival, a teetering romance, and an intergenerational family - with her attempts to piece together a successful private investigation business. Like Giarratano’s Death of a Dancing Queen, Devil in Profile is a suspenseful, relatable mystery in which the past is never far from the present.
April 24, 2024
Billie Levine is back! She’s trying to slow things down but taking a break from running her own investigation practice and working under someone else. She’s working small cases, including delivering subpoenas but this lands her in the middle of a murder investigation after she discovers a body. The murder investigation ties into the complex black market art world and her boyfriend winds up being the top suspect.
I thought this was a great follow up to Death of a Dancing Queen. There were a ton of twist and turns in this story, and I liked that we got more insight into Billie. I thought the new characters were interesting but I would have liked to see a bit more from the characters we already knew. I didn’t guess a single thing that unfolded in this story, each reveal was a complete shock to me. I also enjoyed the representation of anxiety and panic attacks, I thought it was very well done. I wasn’t as invested in the crime as I was in the first book but I still liked it. I’m really hoping there will be a third book coming soon
Thanks to NetGalley, Datura Books and Kimberly G Giarratano for this e-ARC
I thought this was a great follow up to Death of a Dancing Queen. There were a ton of twist and turns in this story, and I liked that we got more insight into Billie. I thought the new characters were interesting but I would have liked to see a bit more from the characters we already knew. I didn’t guess a single thing that unfolded in this story, each reveal was a complete shock to me. I also enjoyed the representation of anxiety and panic attacks, I thought it was very well done. I wasn’t as invested in the crime as I was in the first book but I still liked it. I’m really hoping there will be a third book coming soon
Thanks to NetGalley, Datura Books and Kimberly G Giarratano for this e-ARC
April 27, 2024
The book was mind blowing, action packed, mysterious and suspenseful. There was a deep mystery and twists and turns were unpredictable.
Billie Levine is an investigator and she has a poignant past. She is investigating about the case linked with art and a man who is an art collector is found dead recently and Billie stumbled upon his body. But that’s not it, as soon as she finds the dead body, the mystery gets deeper and messy. Secrets are found in the basement as well and the mystery of stolen art pieces comes in light with revelation of people who were involved in a messy business. Investigating the case not only brought Billie’s life at stake but her boyfriend’s life too. Aaron and Fathima’s characters were mysterious. But the people who were around Billie were even more mysterious than them. The plot twists and unexpected happenings kept me on toes. I liked the author’s writing and I am able to finish this book in one sitting. There were so many secrets, revenge plan, plot twists and mystery.
This is a crime mystery with historical elements, deceiving characters and murder investigation.
Many Thanks to the Publisher and Author
Billie Levine is an investigator and she has a poignant past. She is investigating about the case linked with art and a man who is an art collector is found dead recently and Billie stumbled upon his body. But that’s not it, as soon as she finds the dead body, the mystery gets deeper and messy. Secrets are found in the basement as well and the mystery of stolen art pieces comes in light with revelation of people who were involved in a messy business. Investigating the case not only brought Billie’s life at stake but her boyfriend’s life too. Aaron and Fathima’s characters were mysterious. But the people who were around Billie were even more mysterious than them. The plot twists and unexpected happenings kept me on toes. I liked the author’s writing and I am able to finish this book in one sitting. There were so many secrets, revenge plan, plot twists and mystery.
This is a crime mystery with historical elements, deceiving characters and murder investigation.
Many Thanks to the Publisher and Author
May 28, 2024
I was really looking forward to this book after reading the first one last year. It didn’t give me the same excitement as the first did, but I did really enjoy the story line. I was not expecting the plot twist at all and it did keep me on my toes. The lack of chemistry and connection between Aaron & Billie was a bit frustrating after the crazy chemistry prior. I loved that I grew up nearby where the majority of the book takes place and even had the area I live now being mentioned. Gave me a couple of good giggles. I’m still looking forward to the continuation of Billie’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
"Devil in Profile" by Kimberly G. Giarratano is a captivating and immersive crime novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot delves into the intriguing world of stolen art from Nazi Germany, offering a fresh and fascinating perspective that I hadn't encountered before in crime fiction.
The characters in this novel are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. While I initially felt like I was missing some backstory due to not having read the first book in the series, I found myself quickly catching up and becoming invested in the lives of these characters.
The pacing of the story is excellent, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged throughout. I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist or revelation.
Speaking of twists, the conclusion of "Devil in Profile" took me completely by surprise. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw in a curveball that left me reeling. It's rare to find a crime novel that can keep me guessing until the very end, and this one certainly delivered.
Overall, "Devil in Profile" is a well-written and thoroughly entertaining read that I would highly recommend to fans of the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series and exploring further mysteries with these captivating characters.
The characters in this novel are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. While I initially felt like I was missing some backstory due to not having read the first book in the series, I found myself quickly catching up and becoming invested in the lives of these characters.
The pacing of the story is excellent, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged throughout. I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist or revelation.
Speaking of twists, the conclusion of "Devil in Profile" took me completely by surprise. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw in a curveball that left me reeling. It's rare to find a crime novel that can keep me guessing until the very end, and this one certainly delivered.
Overall, "Devil in Profile" is a well-written and thoroughly entertaining read that I would highly recommend to fans of the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series and exploring further mysteries with these captivating characters.
May 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the mystery and the uncertainty of everything. It gripped me and once I'd gotten into it, I finished the book in only a couple of days.
~
"Billie wanted to comfort her, but she found she wasn't good at relating to people without making it about herself." I really relate to this quote. I find myself in the same situation regularly, and it's a little frustrating sometimes when people think you're self-centred because of it when truthfully it's just the only way I know how to relate to people.
~
One thing I found to be a challenge with this book was keeping all the characters straight. Maybe this wouldn't have been a problem if I'd have also read the first book where the characters are properly introduced, I don't know. But getting tripped up over the characters didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
~
"Billie wanted to comfort her, but she found she wasn't good at relating to people without making it about herself." I really relate to this quote. I find myself in the same situation regularly, and it's a little frustrating sometimes when people think you're self-centred because of it when truthfully it's just the only way I know how to relate to people.
~
One thing I found to be a challenge with this book was keeping all the characters straight. Maybe this wouldn't have been a problem if I'd have also read the first book where the characters are properly introduced, I don't know. But getting tripped up over the characters didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
July 9, 2024
I loved it just as much as book#1. I couldn't put it down.
May 31, 2024
Billie Levine is back! The wise-cracking, resourceful and loyal-to-a-fault, unlicensed PI Billie Levine was looking for low-risk, bread and butter work, serving divorce papers and lawsuits so she could support her family, both financially and emotionally. When she stumbles on a dead body trying to serve a litigant in a civil case, she becomes enmeshed in a nasty art theft ring with a Nazi past and dangerous international criminals.
DEVIL IN PROFILE is the sequel to Giarratano’s DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN, and this book is every bit as twisty, dark and nuanced as the first book. Billie is a heroine you will root for from the first pages until the perfectly-plotted ending. You don’t need to read the first in the series before DEVIL IN PROFILE, but when you finish this book, you’ll find you probably want to go back to it, just so you can hang out longer with Billie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Datura Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
DEVIL IN PROFILE is the sequel to Giarratano’s DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN, and this book is every bit as twisty, dark and nuanced as the first book. Billie is a heroine you will root for from the first pages until the perfectly-plotted ending. You don’t need to read the first in the series before DEVIL IN PROFILE, but when you finish this book, you’ll find you probably want to go back to it, just so you can hang out longer with Billie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Datura Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
July 23, 2024
*Me glaring at Devil in Profile*
"Look I want to like you!"
What do you do when a book you want to like just keeps hamstringing itself? I enjoyed Death of a Dancing Queen quite a lot. I thought Billie was a great underdog character, the gauntlet of shit that Giarratano dreamed up for her was the stuff that creative writing professors salivate over. Death was told with propulsive plotting, a wry unique voice, a strong sense of place and supporting cast and a main character you genuinely want to root for. Add in a conflicted but seriously considered treatment of faith and this is the stuff that series dreams are made of.
Despite all of that, there was one thing that kept me from loving the book. The feeling that I was being talked down to. Giarratano wrote one character to be noticeably less likable than anyone else who showed up in the book. And wouldn't you know it, they were the who in the whodunnit.
It felt like Giarratano had essentially gone, "Hahahahaha! See you were correct to hate them!" And it left a sour taste in my mouth. Again, my issue was not that I felt like the plot was being telegraphed too strongly, my issue was it felt like I was being talked down to.
But whatever, all things considered it was a satisfying read, one misjudgment does not a book ruin. I looked forward to reading the follow up and kept my eye on the various sites for an announcement regarding the sequel and eagerly started reading it the day I picked it up. It takes a lot to leapfrog to the top of my read pile like that.
Would anyone like to guess what happens in The Devil In Profile?
Something else that I noticed that carried over from Death is a kind of lampshading of opinions that verges on the apologetic. I think some of this might stem from insecurity for a Gen X writer tackling Gen Z, but Billie's internal monologue is constantly letting you know how unproblematic it is. To the point where when Billie made a joke about a French waiter, I expected her to amend herself to let us know that actually there have been some wonderful and industrious French people in the past who are extremely humble and personable, actually.
I think both tendencies stem from the author's background as YA writer. The transition between YA and Adult literature is a hard one. I can only think of one author who I genuinely think made the leap a hundred percent successfully. I think Giarratano might make it yet if she can stop the compulsion to hold our hand. We're all adults here...
It is frustrating because in other aspects Giarratano is unafraid to let Billie be tremendously flawed.
"Look I want to like you!"
What do you do when a book you want to like just keeps hamstringing itself? I enjoyed Death of a Dancing Queen quite a lot. I thought Billie was a great underdog character, the gauntlet of shit that Giarratano dreamed up for her was the stuff that creative writing professors salivate over. Death was told with propulsive plotting, a wry unique voice, a strong sense of place and supporting cast and a main character you genuinely want to root for. Add in a conflicted but seriously considered treatment of faith and this is the stuff that series dreams are made of.
Despite all of that, there was one thing that kept me from loving the book. The feeling that I was being talked down to. Giarratano wrote one character to be noticeably less likable than anyone else who showed up in the book. And wouldn't you know it, they were the who in the whodunnit.
It felt like Giarratano had essentially gone, "Hahahahaha! See you were correct to hate them!" And it left a sour taste in my mouth. Again, my issue was not that I felt like the plot was being telegraphed too strongly, my issue was it felt like I was being talked down to.
But whatever, all things considered it was a satisfying read, one misjudgment does not a book ruin. I looked forward to reading the follow up and kept my eye on the various sites for an announcement regarding the sequel and eagerly started reading it the day I picked it up. It takes a lot to leapfrog to the top of my read pile like that.
Would anyone like to guess what happens in The Devil In Profile?
Something else that I noticed that carried over from Death is a kind of lampshading of opinions that verges on the apologetic. I think some of this might stem from insecurity for a Gen X writer tackling Gen Z, but Billie's internal monologue is constantly letting you know how unproblematic it is. To the point where when Billie made a joke about a French waiter, I expected her to amend herself to let us know that actually there have been some wonderful and industrious French people in the past who are extremely humble and personable, actually.
I think both tendencies stem from the author's background as YA writer. The transition between YA and Adult literature is a hard one. I can only think of one author who I genuinely think made the leap a hundred percent successfully. I think Giarratano might make it yet if she can stop the compulsion to hold our hand. We're all adults here...
It is frustrating because in other aspects Giarratano is unafraid to let Billie be tremendously flawed.
April 9, 2025
Thank you for the free book Datura Books @daturabooks and Kimberly G. Giarratano @kimgarnickgiarratano
“Devil in Profile” (Billie Levine #2) by Kimberly G. Giarratano⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Detective Mystery. Location: Bergen County, New Jersey, USA. Time: Winter, shortly after book 1 ends. NOTE: In the Author’s Note, she reflects that Hitler censored art so hard because it is so powerful. Our leaders wouldn’t do that now-or would they?
THE SERIES: Billie Levine (24) lives in a broken-down house with mom Shari, gramps Billy Levine, and LPN brother David, who has bipolar disorder. When Shari is diagnosed with Alzheimers, Billie revamps her gramp’s private investigation firm, and sets up shop in Nagel’s, her favorite New Jersey deli, wearing vintage outfits and Doc Martens, steeped in Gramps’ PI rules, and “hoping the free pickles and flexible hours would allow her to take care of her mom and pay the bills.” She’s a 24-year-old Nancy Drew who wants to be “a bad-ass Jewish P.I.”
“…all she could hope was…when this was all over, she would live to see another panic attack.”
THIS BOOK: Billie’s life lately: Her estranged father insists his kids attend his Sedona wedding; brother David is moving out; art history teaching assistant Jeremy Yang is driving her nuts. Meanwhile, boyfriend Aaron is targeted by crime syndicate head (and sociopath) Roza Filipek, and also by Billie’s former boyfriend Detective Morales for his connections to Roza. After Billie discovers dead Karl Sauer (a hoarder of Nazi looted art), Roza decides Billie’s murder case is the way to get her revenge on Aaron. And Billie feels the need to fix everything.
Author Giarratano has written a detective crime novel full of art heists, master criminals, mob families, ptsd trauma, revenge, and murder. She begins the book on the 1st night of Hanukkah, imbedding Jewish culture based on her own heritage. Giarrantano was inspired to write this book by the 2010 investigation of Cornelius Gurlitt, who sold art pieces plundered by Nazis. Her flawed characters are loyal and caring, the plot will keep you guessing until, like Hercule Poirot, Billie pulls it all together. It’s 4 stars from me👩🏼🦳
“Devil in Profile” (Billie Levine #2) by Kimberly G. Giarratano⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Detective Mystery. Location: Bergen County, New Jersey, USA. Time: Winter, shortly after book 1 ends. NOTE: In the Author’s Note, she reflects that Hitler censored art so hard because it is so powerful. Our leaders wouldn’t do that now-or would they?
THE SERIES: Billie Levine (24) lives in a broken-down house with mom Shari, gramps Billy Levine, and LPN brother David, who has bipolar disorder. When Shari is diagnosed with Alzheimers, Billie revamps her gramp’s private investigation firm, and sets up shop in Nagel’s, her favorite New Jersey deli, wearing vintage outfits and Doc Martens, steeped in Gramps’ PI rules, and “hoping the free pickles and flexible hours would allow her to take care of her mom and pay the bills.” She’s a 24-year-old Nancy Drew who wants to be “a bad-ass Jewish P.I.”
“…all she could hope was…when this was all over, she would live to see another panic attack.”
THIS BOOK: Billie’s life lately: Her estranged father insists his kids attend his Sedona wedding; brother David is moving out; art history teaching assistant Jeremy Yang is driving her nuts. Meanwhile, boyfriend Aaron is targeted by crime syndicate head (and sociopath) Roza Filipek, and also by Billie’s former boyfriend Detective Morales for his connections to Roza. After Billie discovers dead Karl Sauer (a hoarder of Nazi looted art), Roza decides Billie’s murder case is the way to get her revenge on Aaron. And Billie feels the need to fix everything.
Author Giarratano has written a detective crime novel full of art heists, master criminals, mob families, ptsd trauma, revenge, and murder. She begins the book on the 1st night of Hanukkah, imbedding Jewish culture based on her own heritage. Giarrantano was inspired to write this book by the 2010 investigation of Cornelius Gurlitt, who sold art pieces plundered by Nazis. Her flawed characters are loyal and caring, the plot will keep you guessing until, like Hercule Poirot, Billie pulls it all together. It’s 4 stars from me👩🏼🦳
September 11, 2025
Billie Levine has chosen to work for another investigative firm for the time being; she's backburnered the Levine agency for the time being as managing it is just too much right now. Her mother's nursing requirements and the toll of slowly losing her mother to dementia as well as the worry over keeping the woman safe have worn Billie down.
So, she's happy enough working as a process server and it's on one of her assignments that she comes across a several days dead man in a house crammed full of hoarded goods. That her boyfriend Aaron and his employer might be involved in some fashion has Billie deeply concerned for Aaron, whose family strays over the line frequently when it comes to things legal.
Setting her sights on clearing Aaron's name and finding out who killed the old man, she begins asking questions. Billie learns the dead man was a Nazi who had stolen numerous artworks from Jewish families many years earlier. She also gets to know the man's granddaughter, and does her best to understand the connection between the Nazi and Aaron's employer, a young woman who, unacknowledged by her traditional father, actually runs the auction house he founded.
Billie exhausts herself trying to fulfill her employer's needs while running around town digging up anything that might divert the police from her boyfriend. She uncovers mess after mess, tying several facts and people into the dead man's very, very lucrative stash of artwork, including an international criminal with a seriously dangerous reputation.
I enjoyed book one of this series a lot, and book two does not disappoint. I could really feel Billie's tiredness, and frustration with so many things in her life, including her grandfather, who loves her but with whom she often butts heads. Billie is also scared of being alone, and does not want her brother to leave, even though he and his boyfriend are looking for a home together. Then, we have her totally self absorbed father who keeps leaving messages for Billie to confirm she'll attend his wedding to his new partner. This is a man who ran off when he learned of his then wife's diagnosis, leaving the kids and their grandfather to take on the constantly increasing responsibility and worry for his wife.
Billie's mental health takes a real hit, and she's having panic attacks, understandably, with all the responsibility she has taken on, including investigating the dead man, which isn't even her case, but rather the older detective in the firm they're employed in.
They mystery was interesting, but what really made this book for me was Billie, and how she copes, or was not coping, and her learning to ask for some help . Throughout the book, we also get Billie's humour and intelligence, and I am eager to read book three as Billie proves herself to be good at her job, but more importantly, more settled in herself and all that she has to deal with.
So, she's happy enough working as a process server and it's on one of her assignments that she comes across a several days dead man in a house crammed full of hoarded goods. That her boyfriend Aaron and his employer might be involved in some fashion has Billie deeply concerned for Aaron, whose family strays over the line frequently when it comes to things legal.
Setting her sights on clearing Aaron's name and finding out who killed the old man, she begins asking questions. Billie learns the dead man was a Nazi who had stolen numerous artworks from Jewish families many years earlier. She also gets to know the man's granddaughter, and does her best to understand the connection between the Nazi and Aaron's employer, a young woman who, unacknowledged by her traditional father, actually runs the auction house he founded.
Billie exhausts herself trying to fulfill her employer's needs while running around town digging up anything that might divert the police from her boyfriend. She uncovers mess after mess, tying several facts and people into the dead man's very, very lucrative stash of artwork, including an international criminal with a seriously dangerous reputation.
I enjoyed book one of this series a lot, and book two does not disappoint. I could really feel Billie's tiredness, and frustration with so many things in her life, including her grandfather, who loves her but with whom she often butts heads. Billie is also scared of being alone, and does not want her brother to leave, even though he and his boyfriend are looking for a home together. Then, we have her totally self absorbed father who keeps leaving messages for Billie to confirm she'll attend his wedding to his new partner. This is a man who ran off when he learned of his then wife's diagnosis, leaving the kids and their grandfather to take on the constantly increasing responsibility and worry for his wife.
Billie's mental health takes a real hit, and she's having panic attacks, understandably, with all the responsibility she has taken on, including investigating the dead man, which isn't even her case, but rather the older detective in the firm they're employed in.
They mystery was interesting, but what really made this book for me was Billie, and how she copes, or was not coping, and her learning to ask for some help . Throughout the book, we also get Billie's humour and intelligence, and I am eager to read book three as Billie proves herself to be good at her job, but more importantly, more settled in herself and all that she has to deal with.
May 8, 2024
In this sequel to Death of a Dancing Queen, we follow PI Billie Levine as she begins a new investigation which sees her enter a world of murder, underground criminal networks, art theft and Nazi conspirators.
This book was fascinating and an utterly fun time.
I think the plot was clever and I really liked the focus on stolen art from Nazi Germany, I hadn’t read a book which used this as a plot point before and found it really interesting.
The characters in this book are a unique bunch - I think I was at a disadvantage as I hadn’t read the first book so it felt like I was missing some of the back story and it took me a little while to catch up on who everyone was. I will be going back to read the first book now.
There is plenty of action in this book, the pace is good and it makes for an interesting read.
I didn’t see the conclusion coming at all - I had guessed a lot of different things along the way but this twist completely threw me.
This was a well written, well paced crime novel and I will be reading more from this series
Also look at this cover…stunning 🤩
This book was fascinating and an utterly fun time.
I think the plot was clever and I really liked the focus on stolen art from Nazi Germany, I hadn’t read a book which used this as a plot point before and found it really interesting.
The characters in this book are a unique bunch - I think I was at a disadvantage as I hadn’t read the first book so it felt like I was missing some of the back story and it took me a little while to catch up on who everyone was. I will be going back to read the first book now.
There is plenty of action in this book, the pace is good and it makes for an interesting read.
I didn’t see the conclusion coming at all - I had guessed a lot of different things along the way but this twist completely threw me.
This was a well written, well paced crime novel and I will be reading more from this series
Also look at this cover…stunning 🤩
August 29, 2024
If you're looking for a captivating, gruesome, gritty, non-stop action P.I. story, you have hit the jackpot! The author (a favorite of mine because her characters are always intense and fascinating) has combined her style with the topic many of us find fascinating: recovering Natzi stolen art.
Honestly, I was just going to start the book last night, but when I stopped for a short break I was halfway through the book, and there was no way I was going to stop. Captivating is a mild word for the way I describe the story. Right up to the end I was enthralled, surprised, and stunned.
All I can say is one of the best books I have read in a long time. So many facets of family, mystery, and history are explored. What a treasure!
Honestly, I was just going to start the book last night, but when I stopped for a short break I was halfway through the book, and there was no way I was going to stop. Captivating is a mild word for the way I describe the story. Right up to the end I was enthralled, surprised, and stunned.
All I can say is one of the best books I have read in a long time. So many facets of family, mystery, and history are explored. What a treasure!
January 14, 2025
I'm unfortunately pretty disappointed with book 2... I really enjoyed book 1, but Devil in Profile felt like an unwinding of character and relationship development we spent the entire first book getting invested in.
It felt almost like drama for the sake of drama. From the very beginning, the main relationship wasn't what it was at the end of book 1, and there was the tedium that surrounded so much of the interactions and conversations.
The relationship development with new characters didn't feel genuine.
It's like the author had this great historical concept that we've seen touched on in countless movies but then surrounded it with relationship drama filler.
Unfortunately, I will probably not continue the series.
It felt almost like drama for the sake of drama. From the very beginning, the main relationship wasn't what it was at the end of book 1, and there was the tedium that surrounded so much of the interactions and conversations.
The relationship development with new characters didn't feel genuine.
It's like the author had this great historical concept that we've seen touched on in countless movies but then surrounded it with relationship drama filler.
Unfortunately, I will probably not continue the series.
Read
August 2, 2024Very disappointed. I really liked the first book in the series, but I don’t like the direction of the sequel.
**SPOILERS**
In this book, Billie’s love interest leaves her. A big reason I liked the first book was because of their relationship.
A new — and boring — love interest is introduced. He’s not presented as such, but the trajectory is clear.
The family relationships evolve a bit, but I’d hoped for more. We get very little of the deli/office.
It’s possible that these situations will change. I may check back a few books from now if the series continues.
**SPOILERS**
In this book, Billie’s love interest leaves her. A big reason I liked the first book was because of their relationship.
A new — and boring — love interest is introduced. He’s not presented as such, but the trajectory is clear.
The family relationships evolve a bit, but I’d hoped for more. We get very little of the deli/office.
It’s possible that these situations will change. I may check back a few books from now if the series continues.
August 4, 2024
I loved Death of a Dancing Queen, love Kimbely Giarratano's style of writing, and had a lot of fun in reading this follow up.
Well plotted, entertaining, and gripping. Another novel featuring a solid mystery and the right level of irony.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, entertaining, and gripping. Another novel featuring a solid mystery and the right level of irony.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 15, 2024
KGG has done it again! Billy Levine is whip-smart and takes no bullshit, especially from the man she loves. In this sequel, we get to see a more vulnerable side to our favorite lady PI as she traverses the dark path through Nazi sympathizers, art heists, and betrayal.
April 1, 2024
Bravo to the author!!! This is a fast-paced mystery with the fascinating PI Billie Levine. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series. Read in one sitting!!!
May 6, 2024
I couldn’t Relate to much in this book. It just wasn’t the book for me.
Thanks to Edelweiss NetGalley and Datura Books for the early copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss NetGalley and Datura Books for the early copy.
November 9, 2024
I really like this series! I thought the first book was a fun interesting mystery with so many components to it and the sequel held up- I’m shocked so few people are reading this series!
August 2, 2025
3.5 stars. Enjoyed slightly more than the first book, but what bothered me about book 1 continues in book 2 - too many characters and overly complicated.
November 4, 2025
I hope this series continues and that Billie and Aaron aren’t dead in the water.
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