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Alicia Allen Investigates Trilogy #1
A Model Murder
If you've read Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, you're going to love crime fiction's latest detective, Alicia Allen; London's delightful Anglo-Italian sleuth with a passion for Pringles... and solving crime.
Alicia Allen is a London solicitor about to discover she has an unusual flair for solving crime. When her Australian neighbour, Tamsin Brown, a model, is brutally raped and beaten to death, her flatmate Kimberley Davies begs for Alicia’s help and she cannot easily refuse. After her inquisitive elderly neighbour Dorothy Hammond is savagely attacked, Alicia knows there’s no turning back and she soon becomes embroiled in the hunt for Tamsin’s killer and the sleazy world of hostess clubs. Meanwhile, having accepted a new job at the firm of Wilson, Weil & Co., where Kimberley works as a secretary, she discovers that nothing there is as it seems and that nobody can be trusted, not even a Junior Partner called Alexander Waterford to whom she is attracted. Alicia’s tenacious investigations, however, have life-threatening consequences for those drawn into the evil web created by Tamsin’s killer, who believes there is such a thing as a model murder…
Alicia Allen is a London solicitor about to discover she has an unusual flair for solving crime. When her Australian neighbour, Tamsin Brown, a model, is brutally raped and beaten to death, her flatmate Kimberley Davies begs for Alicia’s help and she cannot easily refuse. After her inquisitive elderly neighbour Dorothy Hammond is savagely attacked, Alicia knows there’s no turning back and she soon becomes embroiled in the hunt for Tamsin’s killer and the sleazy world of hostess clubs. Meanwhile, having accepted a new job at the firm of Wilson, Weil & Co., where Kimberley works as a secretary, she discovers that nothing there is as it seems and that nobody can be trusted, not even a Junior Partner called Alexander Waterford to whom she is attracted. Alicia’s tenacious investigations, however, have life-threatening consequences for those drawn into the evil web created by Tamsin’s killer, who believes there is such a thing as a model murder…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2011
5 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Celia Conrad
4 books46 followersWriter and author of legal books and crime fiction (legal mysteries), with a love for reading and a passion for all things Italian!
I come from a legal background hence the legal handbooks, but the idea of writing a crime novel came to me after relaying to a friend some experience I had had within the law and him asking whether I had ever considered putting my thoughts down on paper. A Model Murder started with some pencil scribblings jotted down on the back of an envelope. My then literary agent told me that I would have to write more than one book to be taken seriously as a crime writer which led to Wilful Murder and finally Murder in Hand to complete the first Alicia Allen Investigates series.
Alicia is very much the product of my imagination, but I have used my experiences of working within the legal profession and my love of Italy and Italian and, of course Pringles, in her creation. She has a dogged determination and a keen sense of justice, but most of all she has a conscience. She’s also very human and has her foibles! It was my intention to create key characters that appear in every book. I have written each of the books so that they may be read in isolation or as part of a series.
Many thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the trilogy.
I come from a legal background hence the legal handbooks, but the idea of writing a crime novel came to me after relaying to a friend some experience I had had within the law and him asking whether I had ever considered putting my thoughts down on paper. A Model Murder started with some pencil scribblings jotted down on the back of an envelope. My then literary agent told me that I would have to write more than one book to be taken seriously as a crime writer which led to Wilful Murder and finally Murder in Hand to complete the first Alicia Allen Investigates series.
Alicia is very much the product of my imagination, but I have used my experiences of working within the legal profession and my love of Italy and Italian and, of course Pringles, in her creation. She has a dogged determination and a keen sense of justice, but most of all she has a conscience. She’s also very human and has her foibles! It was my intention to create key characters that appear in every book. I have written each of the books so that they may be read in isolation or as part of a series.
Many thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 16, 2016
A Model Murder by Celia Conrad is definitely a FIVE star.
This one kept me up at night reading. It is a page turner & the characters came to life for me. I enjoyed the character delineation very much.
The discussions of the 'bad' bosses was so on target. I suppose the universality of that event crosses the ocean. There were a few unfamiliar English terms but by context I was able to discern their meaning.
I'm so glad to have discovered this talented author & look forward to the rest of the Alicia Allen series.
I was eager to find out 'who done it'.
After many interesting twists & turns, Alicia Allen's suspicions are confirmed. The end came as a pleasant surprise. However, I'd grown fond enough of Miss Allen, I didn't want it to be over. That's the truest sign of a good book. Now I look forward to the next in the series.
I highly recommend it to any murder mystery readers.
This one kept me up at night reading. It is a page turner & the characters came to life for me. I enjoyed the character delineation very much.
The discussions of the 'bad' bosses was so on target. I suppose the universality of that event crosses the ocean. There were a few unfamiliar English terms but by context I was able to discern their meaning.
I'm so glad to have discovered this talented author & look forward to the rest of the Alicia Allen series.
I was eager to find out 'who done it'.
After many interesting twists & turns, Alicia Allen's suspicions are confirmed. The end came as a pleasant surprise. However, I'd grown fond enough of Miss Allen, I didn't want it to be over. That's the truest sign of a good book. Now I look forward to the next in the series.
I highly recommend it to any murder mystery readers.
November 8, 2014
Ms. Conrad gives us an interesting behind the scenes look at what happens in law firms in her murder mystery, A Model Murder. We get to follow Alicia Allen as she goes about her day to day life. Right away I like this character. She's written as a full-rounded person and by no means a perfect individual. If someone gets rude or aggressive with Alicia, she has no qualms about standing her ground or saying something snarky in return.
In her journey to discover who's murdered one of her neighbors Alicia puts her life in danger.
A Model Murder is a thrilling-chilling read
In her journey to discover who's murdered one of her neighbors Alicia puts her life in danger.
A Model Murder is a thrilling-chilling read
December 11, 2014
I'm giving this fun book 5 stars for (a) its hilarious and scary depiction of alpha males in the workplace; (b) its tightly-written story that kept me guessing whodunit until I could barely stand the suspense; and (c) its classy, caring heroine, Alicia Allen, whose desire for crisp potato chips is only matched by her desire for justice. As a former legal secretary, I laughed out loud at the Law-Firm-From-Hell scenes. And as an American, I felt sorry that such office horrors are not confined to my own zip code.
The title does not refer to a top model, but to a beautiful, naive young woman forced to make financial ends meet at the bottom rung. Celia Conrad paints unblinkingly unflattering scenarios of how vulnerable women can be exploited in prostitution rackets masquerading as "hostess clubs" and prostitution's evil twin: law firms.
What drew me in and made the darkness less menacing was that Alicia's personal comfort zone is made up of caring neighbors and good friends. I like that there's nothing superhuman about her powers of deduction; her ability to solve crime comes from her detail-oriented observations, and willingness to risk her life to bring a murderer to his/her deserved fate. I also enjoyed how London's immigrant cultures intersected throughout the story: Alicia's own half-Italian heritage; her smitten Italian wannabe boyfriend who plies her with pasta and opera; and the "Aussies" who abound with their good natures and high hopes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their mysteries helmed by smart, strong female sleuths who have not lost interest in romance.
The title does not refer to a top model, but to a beautiful, naive young woman forced to make financial ends meet at the bottom rung. Celia Conrad paints unblinkingly unflattering scenarios of how vulnerable women can be exploited in prostitution rackets masquerading as "hostess clubs" and prostitution's evil twin: law firms.
What drew me in and made the darkness less menacing was that Alicia's personal comfort zone is made up of caring neighbors and good friends. I like that there's nothing superhuman about her powers of deduction; her ability to solve crime comes from her detail-oriented observations, and willingness to risk her life to bring a murderer to his/her deserved fate. I also enjoyed how London's immigrant cultures intersected throughout the story: Alicia's own half-Italian heritage; her smitten Italian wannabe boyfriend who plies her with pasta and opera; and the "Aussies" who abound with their good natures and high hopes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their mysteries helmed by smart, strong female sleuths who have not lost interest in romance.
August 1, 2013
I loved this book. The central character, Alicia Allen, is an Anglo-Italian Solicitor living in London. She is addicted to Pringles and gradually eats her way through all the different flavours as the book progresses. There is a little of everything in this story and although it is a complete book in itself, being part of a trilogy means there are a few unanswered questions, particularly regarding Alicia's lovelife! It is easy to read, fun (despite the title), humorous at times, tough in places with a strong storyline which keeps you reading until the last page. Once you've read this one you will want to move straight onto the second book in the trilogy.
February 5, 2014
A MODEL MURDER is a craftily woven tale of friendship, deception, and murder. When Alicia's young friend Tammy is found murdered and the police lose interest in the case, Alicia takes the case upon herself. She risks her comfort and her life to find the killer. The characters in this novel are impressive. They present true friendship and caring for one another, a willingness to greet an unexpected guest at any hour with a cup of tea and some food, and a dedication that could cost one's life. I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.
December 30, 2013
This was a free book sent to me as a First Read.
I thought it was an intriguing book and well written. There are some words or phrases that must be English and I didn't always get it but generally understood it. Alicia is an attorney and has quite a few things going on when a friend's roommate(and neighbor) is murdered. She gets involved with solving the crime even though she doesn't intend to though she has good instincts regarding people. I enjoyed this read.
I thought it was an intriguing book and well written. There are some words or phrases that must be English and I didn't always get it but generally understood it. Alicia is an attorney and has quite a few things going on when a friend's roommate(and neighbor) is murdered. She gets involved with solving the crime even though she doesn't intend to though she has good instincts regarding people. I enjoyed this read.
September 17, 2013
I won this book!! Thank you Goodreads and Celia Conrad! Delightful book. Even got to learn a bit of Italian, lol. Loved the mystery and that the ending is not predictable. You have a basic idea of who did but was shocked, absolutely shocked with the other part of the mystery. I did not see that coming!!! Fun to read, was able to picture certain areas of where the characters were in London as I have visited there in the past. Look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
August 7, 2014
A Model Murder is the first in a trio of books about Alicia Allen, an Anglo-Italian lawyer based in London, England. The books are British from the first word, "Strewth" (an exclamation), through to the end of the third book. Anglo/Italophiles will enjoy these books the most, and if you happen to be a lawyer (or solicitor or barrister), you should enjoy them even more.
The author calls the books "cosy-legals". These are not the "cute-cozies" that have taken the U.S. by storm lately. These are old-fashioned, British cosies that ask you to sit back, relax, and live vicariously through the protagonist, as she lets you into her life, in the first-person, and introduces you to her friends, family, colleagues, and all her adventures.
The London location is strong in the books, with street names, districts, restaurants, cafes and clubs mentioned. This may appeal to Londoners, and Anglophiles.
This British cosy is rougher than an American cozy would be. The nature of the murder, and the misogyny of many of the men in the book, is harsh and revolting. There are also probably more details than American readers are used to in their cozies, which have been pared down over the years to the bare essentials.
This book is full of details that are not there in relation to the mystery, but are there purely to create a scene or an atmosphere. Americans may find the pace slow, and the abundance of phone conversations unusual, and the lack of commas jolting. The story itself is not artificially condensed, as many American books like to do. The story in A Model Murder takes place, realistically, over quite a few months.
These are not criticisms. I am just pointing these things out so American readers understand that this is a British novel, written to different standards than mass-market American novels.
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
The author calls the books "cosy-legals". These are not the "cute-cozies" that have taken the U.S. by storm lately. These are old-fashioned, British cosies that ask you to sit back, relax, and live vicariously through the protagonist, as she lets you into her life, in the first-person, and introduces you to her friends, family, colleagues, and all her adventures.
The London location is strong in the books, with street names, districts, restaurants, cafes and clubs mentioned. This may appeal to Londoners, and Anglophiles.
This British cosy is rougher than an American cozy would be. The nature of the murder, and the misogyny of many of the men in the book, is harsh and revolting. There are also probably more details than American readers are used to in their cozies, which have been pared down over the years to the bare essentials.
This book is full of details that are not there in relation to the mystery, but are there purely to create a scene or an atmosphere. Americans may find the pace slow, and the abundance of phone conversations unusual, and the lack of commas jolting. The story itself is not artificially condensed, as many American books like to do. The story in A Model Murder takes place, realistically, over quite a few months.
These are not criticisms. I am just pointing these things out so American readers understand that this is a British novel, written to different standards than mass-market American novels.
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
October 19, 2014
Outstanding!
I am hooked. I fell in love with her passionate protagonist Alicia Allen the moment I started reading A Model Murder. From her first person perspective the reader is introduced to her neighbors, work mates and family through a cozy weaving of action, everyday occurrences and thoughts. It really is the true test of a book if one can become so enamoured with a character that you think you know them and have met them. This was the case with A Model Murder. Celia Conrad convinced me that I knew Alicia and wanted to know how she solved the murder of her model-to-be next door neighbour.
Along the way we met many different characters. Many of the men are nasty-both in the “Gentlemen’s Club” and at Alicia’s law firms. There are a few good guys but Alicia’s feeling towards them seem honest and conflicted which gives her a more realistic feel. The female characters are equally enchanting-kudos to the author for her characterization and dialogue, both of which make this a special work.
Adding to the joy of this gem is her protagonist’s half-Italian background. The reader is treated to small snippets of Italian dialogue that are quite realistic for English-Italian speakers. The novel is set in London and Conrad creates such a vivid world with her prose (and street names, tube stations and restaurants) I could not help but let my mind wander to her novels location. I became lost to the real world and found myself making time to read and finish this captivating piece at the expense of my other books and tasks. This is a grand crime novel which provides a true escape. There even were few twists in the end to keep me guessing!
A Model Murder is the first in her trilogy of the Alicia Allen Investigates series. I cannot wait to get her sequel, Wilful Murder, and hope it is just as good as her first crime novel.
I am hooked. I fell in love with her passionate protagonist Alicia Allen the moment I started reading A Model Murder. From her first person perspective the reader is introduced to her neighbors, work mates and family through a cozy weaving of action, everyday occurrences and thoughts. It really is the true test of a book if one can become so enamoured with a character that you think you know them and have met them. This was the case with A Model Murder. Celia Conrad convinced me that I knew Alicia and wanted to know how she solved the murder of her model-to-be next door neighbour.
Along the way we met many different characters. Many of the men are nasty-both in the “Gentlemen’s Club” and at Alicia’s law firms. There are a few good guys but Alicia’s feeling towards them seem honest and conflicted which gives her a more realistic feel. The female characters are equally enchanting-kudos to the author for her characterization and dialogue, both of which make this a special work.
Adding to the joy of this gem is her protagonist’s half-Italian background. The reader is treated to small snippets of Italian dialogue that are quite realistic for English-Italian speakers. The novel is set in London and Conrad creates such a vivid world with her prose (and street names, tube stations and restaurants) I could not help but let my mind wander to her novels location. I became lost to the real world and found myself making time to read and finish this captivating piece at the expense of my other books and tasks. This is a grand crime novel which provides a true escape. There even were few twists in the end to keep me guessing!
A Model Murder is the first in her trilogy of the Alicia Allen Investigates series. I cannot wait to get her sequel, Wilful Murder, and hope it is just as good as her first crime novel.
August 14, 2014
I received a free download of " A model Murder" (Alicia Allen Investigates) by Celia Conrad, in exchange for an honest review. This is a English cozy mystery crime novel. I do not consider this a real whodunit murder mystery, as I feel the strengths from this novel, show strong female characters that are bonded in friendship, amidst deception, lies and murder.
When Alicia's young friend Tammy is found murdered and the case becomes a cold-case file, Alicia takes it upon herself to find the killer and solve the murder. Not too many friends would risk their life in the name of honour and friendship. I felt the true friendship and caring for one another, as I watched them interact over a spot of tea. The only negative criticism I had with the book, was that I felt there was the introduction of too many characters all at once, which left the reader scrambling to catch up and be in sink. But maybe this is the British style.
Overall, I enjoyed this well written novel, which will appeal to many readers.
When Alicia's young friend Tammy is found murdered and the case becomes a cold-case file, Alicia takes it upon herself to find the killer and solve the murder. Not too many friends would risk their life in the name of honour and friendship. I felt the true friendship and caring for one another, as I watched them interact over a spot of tea. The only negative criticism I had with the book, was that I felt there was the introduction of too many characters all at once, which left the reader scrambling to catch up and be in sink. But maybe this is the British style.
Overall, I enjoyed this well written novel, which will appeal to many readers.
May 3, 2014
Disclosure: I received an ARC in exchange for a straight forward review.
First, let me say I’m not a huge fan of the average English mystery; but, ‘A model Murder’ is not average. This insightful novel follows the everyday life of a British lawyer as she makes a new friend and then loses her to death. I also learned about the everyday life of a woman who is a lawyer, not a lawyer who happens to be a woman: there is a distinction. It was a good experience to see the protagonist grow in strength and character throughout the story. This novel is well written and while there are not a lot of cliffhangers per-se, the prose compels one to read on—not only to learn who the murderer is and why, but to follow the story through to its nicely constructed ending. I look forward to reading more in the Alicia Allen series.
First, let me say I’m not a huge fan of the average English mystery; but, ‘A model Murder’ is not average. This insightful novel follows the everyday life of a British lawyer as she makes a new friend and then loses her to death. I also learned about the everyday life of a woman who is a lawyer, not a lawyer who happens to be a woman: there is a distinction. It was a good experience to see the protagonist grow in strength and character throughout the story. This novel is well written and while there are not a lot of cliffhangers per-se, the prose compels one to read on—not only to learn who the murderer is and why, but to follow the story through to its nicely constructed ending. I look forward to reading more in the Alicia Allen series.
December 25, 2014
I have just finished A Model Murder and will be downloading more from Celia Conrad.
A Model Murder is the first in the Alicia Allen Investigates trilogy. The character is a lawyer based in London. She has Italian heritage which adds some spice.
The great thing about this story is that the characters are believable and deal with real day-to-day issues at work and at home.
With a heady mix of seedy night clubs and top level law firms, the story’s passionate protagonist is pulled into a neatly woven murder mystery, and it’s all wrapped up in the buzzing ebb and flow of London.
A Model Murder is a great way to escape, and will be appealing to anyone who likes to delve into a good murder mystery. Conrad creates an entertaining read, laced with atmosphere and intrigue.
A Model Murder is the first in the Alicia Allen Investigates trilogy. The character is a lawyer based in London. She has Italian heritage which adds some spice.
The great thing about this story is that the characters are believable and deal with real day-to-day issues at work and at home.
With a heady mix of seedy night clubs and top level law firms, the story’s passionate protagonist is pulled into a neatly woven murder mystery, and it’s all wrapped up in the buzzing ebb and flow of London.
A Model Murder is a great way to escape, and will be appealing to anyone who likes to delve into a good murder mystery. Conrad creates an entertaining read, laced with atmosphere and intrigue.
November 20, 2015
Confused
I read this book because the 3rd book of this series was on the NPR Morning Edition book club and I thought I would start with the first book. It received many great reviews and I expected to like it. One of the many comments was great character development. I found that completely untrue. I had no idea about anyone's character in the whole book. Even the heroine. I h ad no feeling about anyone, not even what they looked like. It was a typical crime story in this genre. Ended pretty much as expected. I just didn't understand the great reviews. Probably won't bother getting to the 3rd book.
I read this book because the 3rd book of this series was on the NPR Morning Edition book club and I thought I would start with the first book. It received many great reviews and I expected to like it. One of the many comments was great character development. I found that completely untrue. I had no idea about anyone's character in the whole book. Even the heroine. I h ad no feeling about anyone, not even what they looked like. It was a typical crime story in this genre. Ended pretty much as expected. I just didn't understand the great reviews. Probably won't bother getting to the 3rd book.
August 29, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. The central character, Alicia Allen, is very engaging with a well drawn group of family and friends. My only criticism would be that the first couple of chapters are a little bitty as too many other characters are introduced or referenced very quickly. Once the book settles down however it moves at a good pace as Alicia is drawn in to investigating the murder of a friend and moves to a satisfying conclusion. The book is part of a trilogy so there are some open-ended issues, particularly about Alicia's personal life. Can't wait for book number two!!
September 6, 2019
Alicia Allen is someone I want to have a drink with, funny, intelligent and interesting. She’s a brilliant creation of a modern female sleuth, a character perfect to lead a TV crime series. Celia Conrad’s experience in the legal profession brings reality and weight to this story and the exciting plot twists and turns with an unexpected firework thrown in at the end. A very good read.
November 11, 2017
A Model Murder by Celia Conrad is a contemporary murder mystery set in London, England, amongst the young and the beautiful of South Kensington and the dark corners of the legal industry. Half-Italian solicitor, Alicia Allen is the story’s narrator. She lives in a small block of flats near friends, handsome Cesare – who has a soft spot for Alicia – and sprightly Dorothy. Her new neighbours are Australians Tammy and Kim, both looking for work. Kim finds a job as a legal secretary but Tammy struggles to make inroads to the UK model industry and instead starts a new job as a hostess at a Gentlemen’s Club. Alicia also has itchy feet in her current legal firm and starts a new job elsewhere, becoming enamoured with hunky new colleague, Alex. Soon after starting her role at the Club, Tammy is brutally murdered and Alicia is determined to find the killer; she quickly identifies some likely suspects, but is she putting herself in danger? Can she trust her admirer Alex? And who is really responsible for Tammy’s death?
A Model Murder is an enjoyable mystery with a likeable lead character and good supporting personalities. The story flows and develops well, although loses a little pace during the middle with a couple of chapters repeating the theme of not much progress being made in the investigation. Celia Conrad’s insight into the workings of firms of solicitors was very interesting, her potentially romantic episodes are warm and enticing and the dark side of London life is cleverly and unnervingly portrayed. The story is appealing and the mystery is engaging. I would recommend this to all lovers of modern murder mysteries. For Readers' Favorite.
A Model Murder is an enjoyable mystery with a likeable lead character and good supporting personalities. The story flows and develops well, although loses a little pace during the middle with a couple of chapters repeating the theme of not much progress being made in the investigation. Celia Conrad’s insight into the workings of firms of solicitors was very interesting, her potentially romantic episodes are warm and enticing and the dark side of London life is cleverly and unnervingly portrayed. The story is appealing and the mystery is engaging. I would recommend this to all lovers of modern murder mysteries. For Readers' Favorite.
January 5, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this 1st book in the Alicia Allen Investigates series. Alicia is a fresh & feisty female lead character who I liked straight away. The story line is interesting & fast paced. I've bought the 2nd in the series, Wilful Murder, and look forward to another great story from Celia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2016
Conrad develops a great protagonist with a clear writing style. This debut mystery also has lessons on Italian and British phrases. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews