Final Transaction: Murder, Money & Real Estate

by Diane Dickinson

"Full of plot twists, laugh-out-loud humor, and romantic trysts, Final Transaction is a wonderful debut." -Kim McCollum, author of What Happens in Montana

Lara Maxwell, a promising, yet naive realtor in Houston's number one boutique real estate company, Drake Properties, is suddenly thrust into the darker side of success when she finds her preeminent broker shot dead following a public open house. The murder propels Lara into Houston real estate's full-throttle underworld of sex, drugs, and explosively spiraling secrets.

No one at Drake Properties is beyond suspicion, including Lara, as Houston police detectives dig into the lies, jealousies and twisted relationships that lie beneath the surface of the firm.

When detectives determine that Lara is innocent, they convince her to assist them as a mole in her office. Determined to live up to the trust the detectives have put in her, she dives headfirst into her new role. The deeper she probes, the darker the world around her becomes. Secrets are exposed that not only involve the entire office staff, but her best friend as well as her current boyfriend.

Lara has a secret of her own that ultimately leads to a deadly confrontation with the unhinged killer.

Final Transaction is a fast-paced take on how human relationships, if held together by closeted behavior, can lead to lethal consequences.

Genres: Mystery

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2024

Reviews

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This narrative weaves together absorbing characters, terrific descriptions, and plenty of red herrings. The author's vivid portrayal of the police interrogation room is as convincing as her depiction of the world of attractive, driven, money-hungry realtors.

The story is loaded with plot twists, and the occasional laugh-out-loud humor and romantic situations add a pleasant layer of complexity to the narrative. The writing is smooth, with no complicated language to navigate, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

However, I couldn't help but feel that the ending was somewhat rushed in its execution. It left me craving a bit more depth. Despite this, "Final Transaction" is a satisfying read that will keep anyone entertained with its well-developed characters and intricate plot.

I want to thank the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC and allowing me the opportunity to offer this honest review.

[Kim McCollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Janet Evanovich with her humorous dialog and lighthearted writing style, Diane Dickenson's debut novel, Final Transaction, is a must read. When the handsome head broker is murdered during an open house, the agent co-hosting the open house is in for the shock of her life. A cast of characters whose immense personalities leap off the page keep readers guessing as to who is to blame for the murder. Alternating perspectives between the lead homicide detective, the beautiful broker at the scene during the murder, the utterly forgettable office manager, and the flamboyant office assistant, Ms. Dickenson gives the reader just enough to think they have solved the case, until the next chapter baffles the reader once again. Full of plot twists, laugh out loud humor, and romantic trysts, Final Transaction is a wonderful debut.

[yourmysterygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A murder mystery which unfurls a hidden world of parties, drugs, jealousy and high end deals and life of the wealthy.

Final Transaction is a high profile whodunit murder mystery of Todd Drake, co-owner and broker of one of the biggest real-estate agency in Houston.
The story weaves around the life of the Lara, who was the last person who was with Todd at the open and found his body. It involves the investigative part where the detectives Edie and Ron unfold some private affairs, lives of the people involved and track the events that led to Todd's death.

The story was good but as an ardent mystery reader it felt very basic to me.
The language was also very ordinary.
In my opinion it could have been more intriguing.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kadi Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! First chapter pulls you in …meeting Lara . Can we not all relate to the hard-working, upbeat leading character who must always play second fiddle to the boss-fella? And though we can relate to her doing what he does, but in high heels …it still is kinda’ funny. And I feel a sisterhood with female professionals and melting make-up in Texas summers. These details the author seems to have fun with are sprinkled throughout this enjoyable (not for the victim!) murder mystery. I applaud her for giving us a fictional but satisfying peek into the intriguing world of high-dollar, big city real estate. Final Transaction is a light, entertaining mystery with plenty of humor, rivalries, relatable characters and suspects. You will keep those pages turning.

[Clauee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane Dickson, Final Transaction(Black Rose Writing, 2024), 264 p

Diane (The Grave) pens this story into a cold homicide case. A typical work day as a house agent encounters a massive shift when Lara jabs the key, only to feel that someone is inside her spine. As I unfold the pages of the novel, my heart skips a beat, knowing that a series of secrets will be exposed. Lara needs to find evidence to establish her innocence regarding the death of Todd. Final Transaction is a novel about redeeming one’s reputation while knowing the worth of every piece of information kept. If Lara had spoken about what she witnessed, circumstances would have greatly favored her.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara is a high end realtor who, while working an open house with her boss, walks into a room to find him murdered. Our story follows Lara, and detectives Edie and Ron as they work through the investigative process.

The story was easy to read, and despite there being a number of characters, it didn't get bogged down and hard to remember who was who. There were a few inconsistencies in the story and it could have benefited from one more pass through an editor but overall it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Bad for a First Effort

I liked this book but did not love it. The central murder mystery was good with twists right to the end. I liked the two detectives involved. However the dialogue seemed wooden in places and couldn't get a good handle on the main character, a young woman who sometimes seemed likable and sometimes just wanted to shout at.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action packed read, filled with twists and turns. From romance, to suspense, with anger & revenge thrown in the mix.

[Karen Gelmis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun romp, with many well-placed and perfectly described details about Houston, Texas. The story was very well-crafted and neatly tied up at the end. Who knew real estate could be so saucy?

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's easy to read, thrilling and light-hearted at the same time. I liked the characters and the switch from different perspectives gave interesting insights into them, as the plot unfolded. My only complaint is the cliche of the beautiful protagonist having red hair and green eyes ... it's getting boring now! But, it wasn't predictable and the tension was maintained right to the end. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.