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Grime Pays #1
Murder is a Dirty Business: A Grime Pays Mystery
When Cece Cavanaugh’s husband empties their joint bank account, steals her designer luggage, and runs off with a younger woman, Cece must decide whether to ask her manipulative mother-in-law for a handout or get a job. Choosing the easier path, Cece lands a job cleaning a crime scene where a high school coach was murdered. When his wife is implicated—a young woman Cece practically raised—Cece finds herself mopping floors, balancing an empty checkbook, and ferreting out a killer.
Amid all this messy business, Cece bumps heads with a handsome detective. She tries to ignore her growing attraction to the detective, but he gives new meaning to the term “hot flash.”
After she stumbles onto a clue that could vindicate her friend, her elation turns to panic when she haphazardly confronts the killer. Through the danger and romance, Cece discovers self-reliance and inner strength.
And that crime – at least, someone else’s – does pay the bills.
Amid all this messy business, Cece bumps heads with a handsome detective. She tries to ignore her growing attraction to the detective, but he gives new meaning to the term “hot flash.”
After she stumbles onto a clue that could vindicate her friend, her elation turns to panic when she haphazardly confronts the killer. Through the danger and romance, Cece discovers self-reliance and inner strength.
And that crime – at least, someone else’s – does pay the bills.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2023
205 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 18, 2023
Sweet and fun, this cozy mystery is a delight. And what a tagline, "grime pays." My bookclub read this and many of us were onto the second book in the series even before we interviewed the author. Delightful!
February 24, 2018
This is a brand new cozy series and I think it is going to be a winner!
As the author's website says, she writes books about women with class, sass, and a touch of kick-ass, and Murder is a Dirty Business and the main character, Cece Cavanaugh, definitely fit that description. Cece finds out at the beginning of this story that her husband is leaving her for a younger woman. To top it off, he has cleaned out the bank accounts and she has nothing to her name but a huge house that is six months behind on the mortgage payments. She also has two daughters, one that is a spoiled brat, and the other is self-sufficient (thank goodness!), and a very controlling mother-in-law. But does Cece let any of this get her down? Heck no! She goes out and finds a job that will pay the bills. Of course, it is a job that I probably wouldn't want to do - clean up crime scenes. But Cece finds that this is her niche, especially since she is a former nurse so if there is any blood it isn't going to affect her too much.
There was so much that I enjoyed about this book: Cece's character, the hunky detective, a mystery to solve and lots of humor. But just so you don't think that she is automatically going to find romance with the detective, there is a condo developer that has taken a shine to Cece too. After all these years in a controlling marriage, she should get out there and play the field. Cece finds herself pulled into a murder investigation since her daughter's friend is being accused of murdering her husband. Cece has known Karen many years and can't believe this is possible. Plus the body was found at a B&B where Karen, Jessie (her daughter) and another friend were staying for the night. And wouldn't you know that her new job has her at the B&B to clean up the scene, perfect for a little snooping to see what might have been missed by the police.
The mystery was well written and there are several suspects to choose from to be the killer. However, the actual killer was quite a surprise because this character was not on my radar. The reasoning made sense but sadly it was all for naught. I don't want to say too much and give away the ending.
The only thing I hope doesn't happen is that Cece just signs the divorce papers presented to her because from what was mentioned, it was not in her favor and she needs to get what she can from Philip, if not for herself then for her sixteen year old daughter. Hopefully, her friend, Angie, will keep her from doing anything rash. Angie is definitely the friend we all need!
We give this book 4 1/2 paws and highly recommend it to you the next time you are looking for empowering to read.
As the author's website says, she writes books about women with class, sass, and a touch of kick-ass, and Murder is a Dirty Business and the main character, Cece Cavanaugh, definitely fit that description. Cece finds out at the beginning of this story that her husband is leaving her for a younger woman. To top it off, he has cleaned out the bank accounts and she has nothing to her name but a huge house that is six months behind on the mortgage payments. She also has two daughters, one that is a spoiled brat, and the other is self-sufficient (thank goodness!), and a very controlling mother-in-law. But does Cece let any of this get her down? Heck no! She goes out and finds a job that will pay the bills. Of course, it is a job that I probably wouldn't want to do - clean up crime scenes. But Cece finds that this is her niche, especially since she is a former nurse so if there is any blood it isn't going to affect her too much.
There was so much that I enjoyed about this book: Cece's character, the hunky detective, a mystery to solve and lots of humor. But just so you don't think that she is automatically going to find romance with the detective, there is a condo developer that has taken a shine to Cece too. After all these years in a controlling marriage, she should get out there and play the field. Cece finds herself pulled into a murder investigation since her daughter's friend is being accused of murdering her husband. Cece has known Karen many years and can't believe this is possible. Plus the body was found at a B&B where Karen, Jessie (her daughter) and another friend were staying for the night. And wouldn't you know that her new job has her at the B&B to clean up the scene, perfect for a little snooping to see what might have been missed by the police.
The mystery was well written and there are several suspects to choose from to be the killer. However, the actual killer was quite a surprise because this character was not on my radar. The reasoning made sense but sadly it was all for naught. I don't want to say too much and give away the ending.
The only thing I hope doesn't happen is that Cece just signs the divorce papers presented to her because from what was mentioned, it was not in her favor and she needs to get what she can from Philip, if not for herself then for her sixteen year old daughter. Hopefully, her friend, Angie, will keep her from doing anything rash. Angie is definitely the friend we all need!
We give this book 4 1/2 paws and highly recommend it to you the next time you are looking for empowering to read.
January 22, 2018
Cece isn’t going to break despite all fate has thrown at her including her cheating husband and lack of funds. She’s get a job as a crime scene cleaner and is on the trail of a killer. I love this story! Cece is a character that I instantly loved. All hell has broken loose in her life and she takes it with a things will get better attitude.
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March 24, 2020
This Cozy Mystery with a dash of will they, won’t they? was a wonderful read. I was able to connect with the main character, Cece, immediately, and she pulled me in. Before I knew it I was right next to her. Her sass, common sense, and strong will kept me engaged to the end. I can’t wait to jump into the next book.
October 29, 2018
Murder Is A Dirty Business
Grime Pays, Book #1
Tricia L. Sanders
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When Cece Cavanaugh’s husband empties their joint bank account, steals her designer luggage, and runs off with a younger woman, Cece must decide whether to ask her manipulative mother-in-law for a handout or get a job. Choosing the easier path, Cece lands a job cleaning a crime scene where a high school coach was murdered. When his wife is implicated—a young woman Cece practically raised—Cece finds herself mopping floors, balancing an empty checkbook, and ferreting out a killer.
Amid all this messy business, Cece bumps heads with a handsome detective. She tries to ignore her growing attraction to the detective, but he gives new meaning to the term “hot flash.”
After she stumbles onto a clue that could vindicate her friend, her elation turns to panic when she haphazardly confronts the killer. Through the danger and romance, Cece discovers self-reliance and inner strength.
And that crime – at least, someone else’s – does pay the bills. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to know CeCe and her daughters. I really liked that fact that CeCe was an older woman and that she had a family and all of the responsibilities that go along with being a mom. In most of the cozies I read the protagonist is younger and more carefree, I found this to be refreshing. CeCe is a strong smart woman who finds herself in a situation that she never thought she would find herself. But that does force her to lay down and take it, she figures out a plan and starts taking her life back. I also really enjoyed getting to know Angie, her no-nonsense friend who is a cop. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider (some of them very close to CeCe) and clues to sift through. I had the killer on my radar but I also had two or three other people on it too.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an east fast read. I really liked that at the beginning of each chapter we were privy to someone’s thoughts. It was a different person each time and I thought it added another level to the story.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book had everything I look for in a cozy: great characters, humor, romance and a puzzling mystery. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Grime Pays, Book #1
Tricia L. Sanders
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When Cece Cavanaugh’s husband empties their joint bank account, steals her designer luggage, and runs off with a younger woman, Cece must decide whether to ask her manipulative mother-in-law for a handout or get a job. Choosing the easier path, Cece lands a job cleaning a crime scene where a high school coach was murdered. When his wife is implicated—a young woman Cece practically raised—Cece finds herself mopping floors, balancing an empty checkbook, and ferreting out a killer.
Amid all this messy business, Cece bumps heads with a handsome detective. She tries to ignore her growing attraction to the detective, but he gives new meaning to the term “hot flash.”
After she stumbles onto a clue that could vindicate her friend, her elation turns to panic when she haphazardly confronts the killer. Through the danger and romance, Cece discovers self-reliance and inner strength.
And that crime – at least, someone else’s – does pay the bills. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to know CeCe and her daughters. I really liked that fact that CeCe was an older woman and that she had a family and all of the responsibilities that go along with being a mom. In most of the cozies I read the protagonist is younger and more carefree, I found this to be refreshing. CeCe is a strong smart woman who finds herself in a situation that she never thought she would find herself. But that does force her to lay down and take it, she figures out a plan and starts taking her life back. I also really enjoyed getting to know Angie, her no-nonsense friend who is a cop. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider (some of them very close to CeCe) and clues to sift through. I had the killer on my radar but I also had two or three other people on it too.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an east fast read. I really liked that at the beginning of each chapter we were privy to someone’s thoughts. It was a different person each time and I thought it added another level to the story.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book had everything I look for in a cozy: great characters, humor, romance and a puzzling mystery. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
February 19, 2018
Loved this in every way
Sometimes I just need a good mystery and this hit all my check boxes. Cece is a character I can relate to; she's sassy, loyal, flawed, and prepared to do whatever it takes to survive her failed marriage--hot flashes be damned! There was a lot happening in this story, but everything wove together, making it the perfect page turner. Lots of mystery, heartache, and some laughs...read it.
Sometimes I just need a good mystery and this hit all my check boxes. Cece is a character I can relate to; she's sassy, loyal, flawed, and prepared to do whatever it takes to survive her failed marriage--hot flashes be damned! There was a lot happening in this story, but everything wove together, making it the perfect page turner. Lots of mystery, heartache, and some laughs...read it.
February 15, 2018
What must that mother-in-law be like for a job cleaning up a murder scene be the preferential choice? And the icing on that particular cupcake is that the #1 suspect is someone you watched grow up? How's that for your job taking over your life?
And after what Cece's husband did, I can totally understand her butting heads with the police detective (another man telling her what to do). Can you imagine fighting an attraction to someone who aggravates you as well? When you walk away from that person, you take about five steps, think of something terribly endearing, stop and almost turn around, then shake your head to clear it, remembering the aggravation, and continue walking. And repeat all that about five times.
But Cece has become strong that way. She survived her first husband's awful behavior, being poor, starting a business, and investigating to help an old friend, stands up to a police detective. And last but not least, she confronts a real killer. Not stuff for the faint of heart.
Cece is one of my new heroines. Proof that women don't have to sit in rocking chairs, knit little things and pet their cats after reaching a certain age. They can start over - in life, in business, in love. They can surprise the heebie jeebies out of themselves and the people around them.
I can hardly wait to see what Cece gets into next!
(And, BTW, knitting is not just for old ladies any more!) ;)
And after what Cece's husband did, I can totally understand her butting heads with the police detective (another man telling her what to do). Can you imagine fighting an attraction to someone who aggravates you as well? When you walk away from that person, you take about five steps, think of something terribly endearing, stop and almost turn around, then shake your head to clear it, remembering the aggravation, and continue walking. And repeat all that about five times.
But Cece has become strong that way. She survived her first husband's awful behavior, being poor, starting a business, and investigating to help an old friend, stands up to a police detective. And last but not least, she confronts a real killer. Not stuff for the faint of heart.
Cece is one of my new heroines. Proof that women don't have to sit in rocking chairs, knit little things and pet their cats after reaching a certain age. They can start over - in life, in business, in love. They can surprise the heebie jeebies out of themselves and the people around them.
I can hardly wait to see what Cece gets into next!
(And, BTW, knitting is not just for old ladies any more!) ;)
October 28, 2018
The downtrodden wife gets a backbone
Loved it. Great plot and written with some much understanding of how a woman feels after years of marriage, being dumped and left penniless with children. Wonderful characters and it's great to see the transformation of the main character into a confident woman n that her overbearing husband trampled into the ground by not letting her make any decisions during their marriage.
Being dumped after years of marriage was one thing, hearing that he had cleared out the bank account and failed to make mortgage payments another. Now she has to take a job and it has to pay well. The cleaning job was a no, no until she found out what the pay was. But cleaning the murder scene of the murder of her eldest daughter's best friends was another. But she had promised to look into it as she knew the girl well and the daughter begged her to. Plus the detective in charge made her pulse race even if he was against her looking into the matter. Another possible suitor also appears on her busy horizon. Juggling a teenager, a mother-in-law from hell, attempts to kill her, getting on with the cleaning jobs and trying to find a killer leave her exhausted. Will she succeed?
Loved it. Great plot and written with some much understanding of how a woman feels after years of marriage, being dumped and left penniless with children. Wonderful characters and it's great to see the transformation of the main character into a confident woman n that her overbearing husband trampled into the ground by not letting her make any decisions during their marriage.
Being dumped after years of marriage was one thing, hearing that he had cleared out the bank account and failed to make mortgage payments another. Now she has to take a job and it has to pay well. The cleaning job was a no, no until she found out what the pay was. But cleaning the murder scene of the murder of her eldest daughter's best friends was another. But she had promised to look into it as she knew the girl well and the daughter begged her to. Plus the detective in charge made her pulse race even if he was against her looking into the matter. Another possible suitor also appears on her busy horizon. Juggling a teenager, a mother-in-law from hell, attempts to kill her, getting on with the cleaning jobs and trying to find a killer leave her exhausted. Will she succeed?
August 22, 2019
When Cece Cavanaugh finds her cushy life gone, along with her cheating husband, their joint bank account and a home that is heading toward foreclosure, this country club regular shows what she's made of and in the process solves a murder!
Cece knows how to survive - few know the hardships she experienced growing up - most think she's a fragile, pampered wife. In order to keep her children taken care of and keep their home, she becomes a crime scene cleaner. She was an ER nurse for 10 years, so blood doesn't phase her. But when the victim is a family friend and the suspects are close to home, Cece swings into action!
I cheered for Cece as she took back control of her life, dealt with her not so nice mother-in-law and confused kids.
The mystery kept you guessing, there was humour, friendship (the tell it like it is Angie - love her!) and the realities of starting over, both challenging & exciting, that Cece's facing. I couldn't put the book down and was glad I started it early in the day!
I can't wait for the next book!
Cece knows how to survive - few know the hardships she experienced growing up - most think she's a fragile, pampered wife. In order to keep her children taken care of and keep their home, she becomes a crime scene cleaner. She was an ER nurse for 10 years, so blood doesn't phase her. But when the victim is a family friend and the suspects are close to home, Cece swings into action!
I cheered for Cece as she took back control of her life, dealt with her not so nice mother-in-law and confused kids.
The mystery kept you guessing, there was humour, friendship (the tell it like it is Angie - love her!) and the realities of starting over, both challenging & exciting, that Cece's facing. I couldn't put the book down and was glad I started it early in the day!
I can't wait for the next book!
September 13, 2018
Wonderfully Refreshing Cozy Mystery!
CeCe is one of my new favorite heroines! A woman of an older age than most protagonists, I can relate well to her as well as sympathize with all she is going through. Her husband has left her for a younger woman, drained her bank account, left her in financial ruin. With one older daughter and a teenager, CeCe needs to bite the bullet and find a job. Before she even begins her new job, she finds herself involved with a murder investigation to help her daughter’s best friend.
The first book is just the first of many more I hope to read. With laugh out load moments and a couple of good-looking men interested in her, we see CeCe go from having no self confidence to being able to stand on her own two feet, make decisions and show the confidence she never showed before. I loved getting to know CeCe and felt myself cheering her on. High five to this new to me author!!
CeCe is one of my new favorite heroines! A woman of an older age than most protagonists, I can relate well to her as well as sympathize with all she is going through. Her husband has left her for a younger woman, drained her bank account, left her in financial ruin. With one older daughter and a teenager, CeCe needs to bite the bullet and find a job. Before she even begins her new job, she finds herself involved with a murder investigation to help her daughter’s best friend.
The first book is just the first of many more I hope to read. With laugh out load moments and a couple of good-looking men interested in her, we see CeCe go from having no self confidence to being able to stand on her own two feet, make decisions and show the confidence she never showed before. I loved getting to know CeCe and felt myself cheering her on. High five to this new to me author!!
November 21, 2017
This book combines mystery, humor and women's fiction in one delightful recipe.What a wonderful debut. I love the characters and I didn't guess who did it until the end.I welcome a wonderful new talent in the vein of Jill Churchill and Joan Hess.
May 23, 2021
The first is great new cozy series, author Tricia Sanders takes a grimy look at crime and comes out squeaky clean. A prolific writer, she's writing this series faster than I can keep up.
February 24, 2018
You can find all of my reviews on my blog at
That's What She's Reading
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I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
I have always had an interest in reading books or watching programs about crime scenes, especially from the coroner's or medical examiner's perspective. Recently, I watched a short documentary about a crime scene cleanup company and went down the rabbit hole of videos available on YouTube. When this book showed up featuring this unique profession, I had to read it! I'm so glad that I did, especially since I got to it at the beginning of what I hope will become a larger series!
Cece is a fantastic lead! She's sassy, holds her own, and has an amazing strength of character. I admired that from the moment her husband left, she was picking up the pieces and figuring out what she needed to do next in order for her family to survive. I really appreciated how much resolve Cece exhibited and that while she was by no means in denial about the predicament her husband left her in, she hardly spent any time wallowing in negativity. She was definitely wronged and expresses her emotions about it; however, she focuses a greater amount of her energy on how she is going to keep things running as smoothly as possible not only for herself, but more importantly for her children. When things get tough, the tough get going and Cece has her work cut out for her! She surprises everyone close to her, including herself, and ultimately realizes that it's never too late to start over.
An interesting aspect of the writing that I thought worked amazingly well was how each chapter began with a humorous quote from a different character which read more like an answer to a interrogation question. These insights provided a lot of great information about each character that added layers to their individual stories as well as the overall mystery. They weren't repeated in context within the book, but contributed to the sharp wit of the story. I don't see this done well very often, but this was a great example of incorporating that kind of element into the story especially within the framework of a mystery.
Given that the story focuses on crime scene cleanup, there aren't any of the gory details, so no worries for anyone who may be squeamish. This is a fast-paced, entertaining, and engaging story with a highly believable accidental amateur sleuth that was hard to put down. This is a great addition to the cozy world and I look forward to reading what Cece has to cleanup next!
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
I have always had an interest in reading books or watching programs about crime scenes, especially from the coroner's or medical examiner's perspective. Recently, I watched a short documentary about a crime scene cleanup company and went down the rabbit hole of videos available on YouTube. When this book showed up featuring this unique profession, I had to read it! I'm so glad that I did, especially since I got to it at the beginning of what I hope will become a larger series!
Cece is a fantastic lead! She's sassy, holds her own, and has an amazing strength of character. I admired that from the moment her husband left, she was picking up the pieces and figuring out what she needed to do next in order for her family to survive. I really appreciated how much resolve Cece exhibited and that while she was by no means in denial about the predicament her husband left her in, she hardly spent any time wallowing in negativity. She was definitely wronged and expresses her emotions about it; however, she focuses a greater amount of her energy on how she is going to keep things running as smoothly as possible not only for herself, but more importantly for her children. When things get tough, the tough get going and Cece has her work cut out for her! She surprises everyone close to her, including herself, and ultimately realizes that it's never too late to start over.
An interesting aspect of the writing that I thought worked amazingly well was how each chapter began with a humorous quote from a different character which read more like an answer to a interrogation question. These insights provided a lot of great information about each character that added layers to their individual stories as well as the overall mystery. They weren't repeated in context within the book, but contributed to the sharp wit of the story. I don't see this done well very often, but this was a great example of incorporating that kind of element into the story especially within the framework of a mystery.
Given that the story focuses on crime scene cleanup, there aren't any of the gory details, so no worries for anyone who may be squeamish. This is a fast-paced, entertaining, and engaging story with a highly believable accidental amateur sleuth that was hard to put down. This is a great addition to the cozy world and I look forward to reading what Cece has to cleanup next!
September 26, 2024
Cece Cavanaugh never thought she’d have to work. One of her daughters is an adult and working as an emergency room nurse; the other is a bratty, obnoxious teenager who is sure Mom has it in for her.
Cece’s husband has it in for her. He has cleaned out their bank accounts, left the house 90 days in arears on the mortgage, filled their designer luggage with his stuff, and headed out for a new life with a 20-something sex kitten. What’s a new single mom to do?
She can beg her erstwhile mother-in-law for money so she doesn’t lose the house, but if she does, she’ll be firmly clinched in mommy-in-law dearest’s clutches, and the thought makes her sick.
She takes a job with a house and business cleaning company, and because she’s hard up for bucks, she’ll take about any cleaning job she can get. Her first assignment is to clean up after a murder at a B&B in town. Someone murdered a local teacher in what was once the charming study of the B&B. The teacher’s wife is Cece’s daughter’s best friend, and she practically grew up in the Cavanaugh house. Everyone who knows Kim is convinced she didn’t kill the guy.
The support characters are memorable and wonderfully funny in some cases. I didn’t see the end coming, but the motive left me a little dubious.
The love triangle among Cece, a sizzling hot detective, and a developer leaves the series with fascinating potential directions.
Cece’s husband has it in for her. He has cleaned out their bank accounts, left the house 90 days in arears on the mortgage, filled their designer luggage with his stuff, and headed out for a new life with a 20-something sex kitten. What’s a new single mom to do?
She can beg her erstwhile mother-in-law for money so she doesn’t lose the house, but if she does, she’ll be firmly clinched in mommy-in-law dearest’s clutches, and the thought makes her sick.
She takes a job with a house and business cleaning company, and because she’s hard up for bucks, she’ll take about any cleaning job she can get. Her first assignment is to clean up after a murder at a B&B in town. Someone murdered a local teacher in what was once the charming study of the B&B. The teacher’s wife is Cece’s daughter’s best friend, and she practically grew up in the Cavanaugh house. Everyone who knows Kim is convinced she didn’t kill the guy.
The support characters are memorable and wonderfully funny in some cases. I didn’t see the end coming, but the motive left me a little dubious.
The love triangle among Cece, a sizzling hot detective, and a developer leaves the series with fascinating potential directions.
September 11, 2025
Good Plot Ruined By Annoying Side Characters
I really enjoyed majority of the book, the plot was great and some of the supporting characters were also entertaining. HOWEVER, I could not stand the FMC's youngest daughter, her character was an annoying, whiney, entitled brat and I found myself almost DNF the book because of it. Anytime she was in a scene I itched to skip past it.
The way that the FMC also refuses to tell the truth about all of the shady and despicable things her soon to be ex did made no sense to me. If her monster-in-law is so concerned with appearances, then she'd be the first person I'd tell about what a useless, cheating piece of garbage her son is. I get not wanting to ruin his relationship with his kids, but honestly, they should know that the reason she's a cleaning lady is because he ran off with all their money and had even stopped paying the mortgage ages ago.
As much as I enjoyed Case's character and would like to see what happens with him and Cece, I don't think I can handle the youngest daughter, ex-husband or monster-in-law anymore.
I really enjoyed majority of the book, the plot was great and some of the supporting characters were also entertaining. HOWEVER, I could not stand the FMC's youngest daughter, her character was an annoying, whiney, entitled brat and I found myself almost DNF the book because of it. Anytime she was in a scene I itched to skip past it.
The way that the FMC also refuses to tell the truth about all of the shady and despicable things her soon to be ex did made no sense to me. If her monster-in-law is so concerned with appearances, then she'd be the first person I'd tell about what a useless, cheating piece of garbage her son is. I get not wanting to ruin his relationship with his kids, but honestly, they should know that the reason she's a cleaning lady is because he ran off with all their money and had even stopped paying the mortgage ages ago.
As much as I enjoyed Case's character and would like to see what happens with him and Cece, I don't think I can handle the youngest daughter, ex-husband or monster-in-law anymore.
April 10, 2020
Cece Cavanaugh’s husband hasn’t paid the mortgage in 6 months, hid their money from her and just left her for a younger woman. In a “New York minute”, her life has turned upside down. This is Cece’s story. Cece climbs out of the shock, finds a job, embarrasses her entire family, gets involved in a murder mystery and manages to come out of it all a better, stronger, self-assured woman.
The book is a fun romp of a cozy mystery, with some real hard knocks thrown in. Part of the fun is seeing Cece come to the understanding that during all those years of marriage she, lost herself. It is a lot of fun watching Cece go through self-discovery to find herself. The mystery keeps you guessing as to who the killer is and the setting, an old home turned B&B, is perfect.
All in all, this makes for a solid mystery with an empowered woman at the front of it and a great fast read.
October 15, 2020
Cece Cavanaugh is being torn in multiple directions. She is trying to make enough money to save her house after her husband of 20-plus years drained all the bank accounts and ran off to Rio with a much younger woman. And he hadn't made a house payment in six months. Also, she's trying to prove her daughter's BFF's innocence in the murder of her husband. At the same time, a handsome, eligible detective who makes her feel something inside she hasn't felt in a long time keeps threatening her with arrest for interfering in his investigation. Interesting story with great characters that you feel like you've known for years - love Cece!, and enough twists, turns, and dead-ends in the murder investigation to keep you guessing until the end. This is the first in a new series, and I can't wait to read more!
January 5, 2019
Cozy Chick Mystery
What a great week this has been for discovering series and I love! I was not a fan of Cece's in the beginning but even then I was drawn into the story and into her life, and it didn't take long for me to become a full fledge fan. A blend of cozy mystery and chick lit, Murder Is a Dirty Business hits all the notes for both genre . I quickly came to admire Cece and rooted for her as she juggled a new and not altogether pleasant career and an amateur murder investigation. A cheating husband, a manipulative mother-in-law, and an empty bank account become the leader of her concerns when her adult and two friends become persons of interest in the murder case. I got the first book from KU but bought the second because I know this is a series that I will want to keep.
What a great week this has been for discovering series and I love! I was not a fan of Cece's in the beginning but even then I was drawn into the story and into her life, and it didn't take long for me to become a full fledge fan. A blend of cozy mystery and chick lit, Murder Is a Dirty Business hits all the notes for both genre . I quickly came to admire Cece and rooted for her as she juggled a new and not altogether pleasant career and an amateur murder investigation. A cheating husband, a manipulative mother-in-law, and an empty bank account become the leader of her concerns when her adult and two friends become persons of interest in the murder case. I got the first book from KU but bought the second because I know this is a series that I will want to keep.
March 11, 2021
After her husband dumps her for a younger, skinny breast enhanced girl, Cece gets a job as an CSC. She later finds out that the CSC stands for crime scene cleaner. Her oldest daughter's best friend's is having marital problems and is murdered. She then becomes the #1 suspect for the murder. There are many curves in the solving of the murder, but she is able to solve the mystery. Cece to the surprise of her ex ends up having two men interested in dating her. It is hard to know which one to choose, the sexy detective or the builder who is caring and is able to give her work so she can start paying the bills that her ex has left her with.
October 7, 2019
Never knew murder could be so fun.
I found this book to be humorous and laugh out loud. The characters are very believable. I had a range of emotions toward a few of them. The gist on who committed the murder and why was a great surprise. I’m looking forward to two and wished I’d have read sooner. A hard to put down book.
I found this book to be humorous and laugh out loud. The characters are very believable. I had a range of emotions toward a few of them. The gist on who committed the murder and why was a great surprise. I’m looking forward to two and wished I’d have read sooner. A hard to put down book.
March 27, 2021
Almost a total five star review! I enjoyed the humor and the characters. Some of the dialogue with Cellarius and of course the grapes that CeCe finds herself in are also pretty funny. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I can’t imagine some of the crime scenes and things that are going to appear in the next few bucks… But the idea is intriguing.
September 14, 2025
I thought this novel by Sanders was alright but it left me unsatisfied. I get that its supposed to be a series so we wont get all the answers we crave but it felt more like an episode of a procedural TV show than a novel series. I feel like we were left on a cliffhanger and according to the blurbs of the the other books in the series we wont get a real answer for around 3 more books give or take a book or so. I did enjoy the murder mystery aspect though.
June 23, 2018
Smart, sassy read that pairs well with your favorite glass of wine.
CeCe felt like my best girlfriend by the end of the book. I loved rooting for her and can't wait til the next book.
CeCe felt like my best girlfriend by the end of the book. I loved rooting for her and can't wait til the next book.
December 31, 2019
Cece kicks ass!
First in this awesome series, storyline is about marriage, a cheating husband, an interfering mother in law and of course a murder! Great reading, love the humor! Well written!
First in this awesome series, storyline is about marriage, a cheating husband, an interfering mother in law and of course a murder! Great reading, love the humor! Well written!
March 24, 2020
Murder is a dirty business
If you’d like a cozy mystery,you need to read this book. It Has to be one of the best,I have read in a long time. I could actually picture each character.I felt like I was stepping right into the story. it’s a book that you want to keep reading.
If you’d like a cozy mystery,you need to read this book. It Has to be one of the best,I have read in a long time. I could actually picture each character.I felt like I was stepping right into the story. it’s a book that you want to keep reading.
April 29, 2020
Deadly Pranks
I found Tricia's book to be inciting and intriguing. Cece is quite a character, and you can't help but like her. When her daughters best friend is accused of murder, she steps in to find out the truth, but is it at her own expense?
I found Tricia's book to be inciting and intriguing. Cece is quite a character, and you can't help but like her. When her daughters best friend is accused of murder, she steps in to find out the truth, but is it at her own expense?
December 29, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery so much. It wasn’t overly niche, it made perfect sense how Cece came into her new career. The characters will pull you in and have you cheering for their success. I’ve read a lot of books this year, and all were great, but this one…it was exceptional.
March 10, 2025
wonderful
Amazing first book! That mil is something else. The interactions between Cece and her daughters and her best friend were great. Interesting premise. Can’t wait for book 2!
Amazing first book! That mil is something else. The interactions between Cece and her daughters and her best friend were great. Interesting premise. Can’t wait for book 2!
December 30, 2025
Wow.
Didn't see that coming. This book definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat. Cece is one determined woman to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. And from the beginning this book has you captured from beginning to end. Cant wait to read the next book.
Didn't see that coming. This book definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat. Cece is one determined woman to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. And from the beginning this book has you captured from beginning to end. Cant wait to read the next book.
November 25, 2017
Fast-paced mystery for a lazy afternoon
This book was fast-paced with a fun plot and interesting characters. I enjoyed the book very much. Good mystery novel for a lazy afternoon.
This book was fast-paced with a fun plot and interesting characters. I enjoyed the book very much. Good mystery novel for a lazy afternoon.
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