What do you think?
Rate this book
Make a Killing: A Billie Levine Mystery
Billie Levine is back with a new corporate adventure in this sharp and witty take on the classic P.I. novel, a must-read for fans of Veronica Mars and Sugar.
Private Investigator Billie Levine should be ecstatic. She’s finally getting the cheating spouse cases she’s always wanted. Nothing to do but sit back, snap incriminating photos, and get paid. Except Jeremy Yang is competing for work with his own P.I. firm. Advertising himself as “the man to get the job done” (insert eyeroll), he keeps swooping in and stealing prospective clients. Not to be outmaneuvered, Billie has offered her services to scorned women everywhere.
Their rivalry escalates when Billie and Jeremy are hired by an ultra wealthy couple on opposite sides of a corporate takeover. When the bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy will have to join forces if they are to come out unscathed; they can kill each other later.
Private Investigator Billie Levine should be ecstatic. She’s finally getting the cheating spouse cases she’s always wanted. Nothing to do but sit back, snap incriminating photos, and get paid. Except Jeremy Yang is competing for work with his own P.I. firm. Advertising himself as “the man to get the job done” (insert eyeroll), he keeps swooping in and stealing prospective clients. Not to be outmaneuvered, Billie has offered her services to scorned women everywhere.
Their rivalry escalates when Billie and Jeremy are hired by an ultra wealthy couple on opposite sides of a corporate takeover. When the bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy will have to join forces if they are to come out unscathed; they can kill each other later.
- GenresMystery
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
7 people are currently reading
4656 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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.
I enjoyed this installment because I liked how it tied back to the traditional application of the profession… investigating cheating spouses. Of course, the story became more complicated but it felt grounded in the messy work of domestic life. Again I enjoyed spending time with characters. Billie Levine is such a likeable, reasonably complex protagonist.
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.
I enjoyed this installment because I liked how it tied back to the traditional application of the profession… investigating cheating spouses. Of course, the story became more complicated but it felt grounded in the messy work of domestic life. Again I enjoyed spending time with characters. Billie Levine is such a likeable, reasonably complex protagonist.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 11, 2025
4.25 🌟
""You forget sometimes," she said sadly.
"Forget what?" said Billie.
"That not all monsters are men," she said." (Pg 276)
This was my first Mystery/Private Investigative/Crime Noir type of read that I remember, anyway. I've watched movies and series of the sort in the past, though. Wait, on second thought, does Nancy Drew count? 😆 Oh yeah, and I probably read Sherlock Holmes at some point in my youth. Though, perhaps, neither is a good basis for comparison here.
I love the petty rivalry and the hint of a denied connection. And the complex multi-faceted multi-layering in this one novel is insane, but so well-crafted and delivered. The characters not excluded!
Gramps and his wily ways were endearing. He and Billie had such a great relationship and worked well together. Billie and Jeremy's "adversarial relationship" was too -- you know that love to hate cliché where the parties involved are always at each other's throat or swearing them off, but yet sort of kind of still like them. They won't admit it to them or anyone else, though, and will deny it to even themselves.
There's action, multiple murders, twists and turns, but also a little bit of humor.
The chapters are short, for the most part, which I prefer, so it seemingly made reading quicker, leading to the satisying conclusion of the two cases within this book. It's the 3rd installment of the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Some more quotes:
"Not for the first time, she thought the price for this stuff was just too damn high." (Pg 73)
"He's been looking ravenous lately, and his favorite food are blondies." (Pg 187)
""You're shady," said Billie. "In my experience, shady people aren’t on the right side of anything."" (Pg 262)
ARC courtesy of Datura Books
""You forget sometimes," she said sadly.
"Forget what?" said Billie.
"That not all monsters are men," she said." (Pg 276)
This was my first Mystery/Private Investigative/Crime Noir type of read that I remember, anyway. I've watched movies and series of the sort in the past, though. Wait, on second thought, does Nancy Drew count? 😆 Oh yeah, and I probably read Sherlock Holmes at some point in my youth. Though, perhaps, neither is a good basis for comparison here.
I love the petty rivalry and the hint of a denied connection. And the complex multi-faceted multi-layering in this one novel is insane, but so well-crafted and delivered. The characters not excluded!
Gramps and his wily ways were endearing. He and Billie had such a great relationship and worked well together. Billie and Jeremy's "adversarial relationship" was too -- you know that love to hate cliché where the parties involved are always at each other's throat or swearing them off, but yet sort of kind of still like them. They won't admit it to them or anyone else, though, and will deny it to even themselves.
There's action, multiple murders, twists and turns, but also a little bit of humor.
The chapters are short, for the most part, which I prefer, so it seemingly made reading quicker, leading to the satisying conclusion of the two cases within this book. It's the 3rd installment of the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Some more quotes:
"Not for the first time, she thought the price for this stuff was just too damn high." (Pg 73)
"He's been looking ravenous lately, and his favorite food are blondies." (Pg 187)
""You're shady," said Billie. "In my experience, shady people aren’t on the right side of anything."" (Pg 262)
ARC courtesy of Datura Books
June 18, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Make A Killing is the third novel (can be read as standalone, but it's more enjoyable with the previous context) in the Billie Levine Mysteries series, written by Kimbely G. Giarratano, and published by Datura Books. A noir thriller with our favourite PI, Billie Levine, having to accept a case in a corporate setup to continue paying her bills, while a totally unrelated case (or it seems) about the death of an investigative reporter also takes the attention of Billie and her grandpa.
Billie is hired by Katherine Von Holm to investigate if her husband, Heath, is having an affair; nothing really different from the cases she's been doing for a time, as cheating husbands are paying the bills. However, all becomes more complicated when she discovers that Heath has hired her long-time rival Jeremy Yang; both are disguised as employees of the company, so they need to avoid revealing the identity of the other. Separately, Billie and her grandpa are investigating a case of harassment of a girl in a local college, and to add more, the death of a reporter dismissed as an accident; three apparently unrelated cases until a death in the office leads Billie towards a larger conspiracy, whose pieces she will need to put together.
The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy is one of the highlights of the book: from being staunch enemies to reluctantly collaborate in the bigger case, especially when the corpses start to pile up. Billie continues being that smart and independent character, a bit cynical, but really competent; and honestly, part of the big selling point of the book is alternating her moments with the subplot involving her grandpa investigating what she can't due to her job.
As you might imagine, while the plots seem to be unrelated, it's the task of the reader trying to put all together; the dynamic between the characters works well, and the pacing is agile, making this a quick book to devour.
Make A Killing is another great instalment of the Billie Levine series, continuing with that homage to the golden age of detective stories, a fun story that makes the perfect beach read. I really hope Giarratano continues writing those kinds of stories, as they are a blast!
Make A Killing is the third novel (can be read as standalone, but it's more enjoyable with the previous context) in the Billie Levine Mysteries series, written by Kimbely G. Giarratano, and published by Datura Books. A noir thriller with our favourite PI, Billie Levine, having to accept a case in a corporate setup to continue paying her bills, while a totally unrelated case (or it seems) about the death of an investigative reporter also takes the attention of Billie and her grandpa.
Billie is hired by Katherine Von Holm to investigate if her husband, Heath, is having an affair; nothing really different from the cases she's been doing for a time, as cheating husbands are paying the bills. However, all becomes more complicated when she discovers that Heath has hired her long-time rival Jeremy Yang; both are disguised as employees of the company, so they need to avoid revealing the identity of the other. Separately, Billie and her grandpa are investigating a case of harassment of a girl in a local college, and to add more, the death of a reporter dismissed as an accident; three apparently unrelated cases until a death in the office leads Billie towards a larger conspiracy, whose pieces she will need to put together.
The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy is one of the highlights of the book: from being staunch enemies to reluctantly collaborate in the bigger case, especially when the corpses start to pile up. Billie continues being that smart and independent character, a bit cynical, but really competent; and honestly, part of the big selling point of the book is alternating her moments with the subplot involving her grandpa investigating what she can't due to her job.
As you might imagine, while the plots seem to be unrelated, it's the task of the reader trying to put all together; the dynamic between the characters works well, and the pacing is agile, making this a quick book to devour.
Make A Killing is another great instalment of the Billie Levine series, continuing with that homage to the golden age of detective stories, a fun story that makes the perfect beach read. I really hope Giarratano continues writing those kinds of stories, as they are a blast!
June 17, 2025
Ah, being back in the world of Billie Levine and her family, friends, frenemies, and enemies makes me so happy! It is legit like catching up with your quirkiest group of friends, and frankly, this is the best installment yet! I straight up have not a single complaint about this book. And I tried to think of one, because that's who I am as a person, but nope. I flew through it, because I simply could not put it down. The mystery was very well crafted and kept me guessing throughout. There's enough bread crumbs to keep the amateur sleuth in me thinking I might know, but truly having no idea, which is my favorite kind of mystery.
And while the plot and mystery kept me turning the pages, Billie and the gang had me turning them even faster! I have said before that I adore Billie's entire character, and that hasn't changed a bit. But wow did I fall in love with basically every single side character here, too! Gramps has a bigger role than ever, and I loved getting more of the story from his perspective. Diego was an equally entertaining character, and I love the foil he provides to Gramps. Without giving anything away, I loved Billie's ever-changing interactions with some of the other characters too, but I will keep that to myself because spoilers for the past two books.
What else can I even say? Crime mysteries aren't even my normal genre, but I will read any and every Billie Levine book that comes along. They're great mysteries to be sure, but they are also filled with incredible characters, complex relationships, humor, and are frankly just wildly entertaining!
Bottom Line: Best. Billie. Yet! Bring on Book 4!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
And while the plot and mystery kept me turning the pages, Billie and the gang had me turning them even faster! I have said before that I adore Billie's entire character, and that hasn't changed a bit. But wow did I fall in love with basically every single side character here, too! Gramps has a bigger role than ever, and I loved getting more of the story from his perspective. Diego was an equally entertaining character, and I love the foil he provides to Gramps. Without giving anything away, I loved Billie's ever-changing interactions with some of the other characters too, but I will keep that to myself because spoilers for the past two books.
What else can I even say? Crime mysteries aren't even my normal genre, but I will read any and every Billie Levine book that comes along. They're great mysteries to be sure, but they are also filled with incredible characters, complex relationships, humor, and are frankly just wildly entertaining!
Bottom Line: Best. Billie. Yet! Bring on Book 4!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
June 15, 2025
Billie Levine returns in Making a Killing, and what starts as a simple cheating-spouse case quickly unravels into something much darker. When Billie is hired to trail a possibly unfaithful husband, she stumbles into a tangled web of sexual harassment, corporate cover-ups, and workplace abuse. It’s a timely, emotionally charged mystery that feels a little different from the first two books but still very Billie.
This third installment leans more into social commentary than organized crime or black-market dealings, and I thought that shift worked really well. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, and once again, I had no idea where it was headed. I appreciated that Billie stayed true to herself: scrappy, determined, and just a little reckless. We also see her grappling with the emotional weight of the case in a way that felt very grounded and real.
There’s less of the high-octane chaos we saw in Death of a Dancing Queen, but this story still kept me turning the pages. I liked that we got a bit more of Billie’s day-to-day work life, and how being a P.I. isn’t always glamorous. It’s stakeouts, paperwork, and sometimes walking right into dangerous power dynamics.
Overall, this felt like a more mature, introspective installment, but it didn’t lose the noir vibes or the emotional edge that make this series so enjoyable. I’m still fully on board with Billie’s journey and hope there’s more to come.
Thanks to Datura Books, NetGalley, and Kimberly G. Giarratano for this e-ARC!
This third installment leans more into social commentary than organized crime or black-market dealings, and I thought that shift worked really well. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, and once again, I had no idea where it was headed. I appreciated that Billie stayed true to herself: scrappy, determined, and just a little reckless. We also see her grappling with the emotional weight of the case in a way that felt very grounded and real.
There’s less of the high-octane chaos we saw in Death of a Dancing Queen, but this story still kept me turning the pages. I liked that we got a bit more of Billie’s day-to-day work life, and how being a P.I. isn’t always glamorous. It’s stakeouts, paperwork, and sometimes walking right into dangerous power dynamics.
Overall, this felt like a more mature, introspective installment, but it didn’t lose the noir vibes or the emotional edge that make this series so enjoyable. I’m still fully on board with Billie’s journey and hope there’s more to come.
Thanks to Datura Books, NetGalley, and Kimberly G. Giarratano for this e-ARC!
June 12, 2025
Having read the first two books in the series ( Death of a Dancing Queen and Devil in Profile ), I had an idea of what to expect, and let me tell you, Make a Killing certainly did not disappoint.
Again, we are back with private investigator, Billie Levine, who's usual business is to catch cheating spouses. But this time, along with her rival, Jeremy, they are employed by a wealth family, who are in the midst of a corporate takeover. But soon the bodies start to pile up, and will our two intrepid investigators survive? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, another great read to finish off the trilogy.
It's a story of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end.
There's suspense, well fleshed out characters that are believable and feel real, and a fast moving plot that'll keep you turning the pages eagerly.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Again, we are back with private investigator, Billie Levine, who's usual business is to catch cheating spouses. But this time, along with her rival, Jeremy, they are employed by a wealth family, who are in the midst of a corporate takeover. But soon the bodies start to pile up, and will our two intrepid investigators survive? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, another great read to finish off the trilogy.
It's a story of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end.
There's suspense, well fleshed out characters that are believable and feel real, and a fast moving plot that'll keep you turning the pages eagerly.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
June 24, 2025
Private Investigator Billie Levine should be ecstatic. She’s finally getting the cheating spouse cases she’s always wanted. Nothing to do but sit back, snap incriminating photos, and get paid. Except Jeremy Yang is competing for work with his own P.I. firm. Advertising himself as “the man to get the job done” (insert eyeroll), he keeps swooping in and stealing prospective clients. Not to be outmaneuvered, Billie has offered her services to scorned women everywhere.
Their rivalry escalates when Billie and Jeremy are hired by an ultra wealthy couple on opposite sides of a corporate takeover. When the bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy will have to join forces if they are to come out unscathed; they can kill each other later.
🍹
This is my first Billie series book and I enjoyed Billie's flamboyant, eccentric characterization. It's a moderated gripping narrative, I wouldn't say it's very engrossing, the PI investigation elements lacked in the narrative.
When author delayed to bring mystery on the table it makes readers lose enthusiasm which makes reading dull. I enjoyed the competitive banter between Billie and Jeremy but I was hoping for fun while doing some interesting things like solving a mystery which didn't happen here rather it continues a lethargic manner, I missed the adrenaline rush which should be the USP in a Pi investigation plot.
I liked the character development, it was really well established with depth and clarity but it could be better expressed with a little editing in narration.
Overall it was okay book for me - 3/5
Their rivalry escalates when Billie and Jeremy are hired by an ultra wealthy couple on opposite sides of a corporate takeover. When the bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy will have to join forces if they are to come out unscathed; they can kill each other later.
🍹
This is my first Billie series book and I enjoyed Billie's flamboyant, eccentric characterization. It's a moderated gripping narrative, I wouldn't say it's very engrossing, the PI investigation elements lacked in the narrative.
When author delayed to bring mystery on the table it makes readers lose enthusiasm which makes reading dull. I enjoyed the competitive banter between Billie and Jeremy but I was hoping for fun while doing some interesting things like solving a mystery which didn't happen here rather it continues a lethargic manner, I missed the adrenaline rush which should be the USP in a Pi investigation plot.
I liked the character development, it was really well established with depth and clarity but it could be better expressed with a little editing in narration.
Overall it was okay book for me - 3/5
June 9, 2025
Oooh Billie. I love her so much. She is the perfect PI to read about - young, ambitious, not afraid of a challenge and doesn't take anyone's BS, no matter how much they are paying her. This book started out with drama and did not let up. I love how there are two stories and Billie and her grandfather split up to investigate. Watching them work together and seeing the twists that had these stories converging was so clever. There are a lot of characters to hate, thanks to the wonderful writing of the author - I am always impressed the characters are so vibrant that I have a physical reaction to them (cue a LOT of scowling). The writing is witty, slightly sarcastic and irreverent, and had the prefect pacing. I did not want to put this book down and I hope we get to see more of Billie, ESPECIALLY after the ending.
Note: Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
May 23, 2025
3.75 stars
PI Billie Levine is a great character. This second in a series mystery featuring Billie is a fun read. She is smart, independent, defensive, cynical and caring all at the same time. And tough -- don't forget tough.
Billie is in business with her grandpa, who is a long-retired cop. She and her mother (who is experiencing increasingly severe dementia) and he all live together. She has a brother who is in the mix as well.
Billie is trying to keep her family afloat financially by doing divorce cases and she is good at it because she is inventive and shameless in getting the goods on cheating spouses. Word of mouth brings her a big corporate client who allegedly wants to catch her husband misbehaving.
But the whole corporate setup is strange. This is not a happy workplace and the client is the queen bee who wields a tremendous amount of power and is not telling Billie everything. Meanwhile, another case may or may not be related -- the death of an investigative reporter who was looking into some fraud and also sexual harassment at a college.
To complicate matters, old frenemy Jeremy has been hired by the client's husband -- so both Jeremy and Billie are in disguise at the workplace as they try to find out what's happening. A dead body or two come along and the stakes increase. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
PI Billie Levine is a great character. This second in a series mystery featuring Billie is a fun read. She is smart, independent, defensive, cynical and caring all at the same time. And tough -- don't forget tough.
Billie is in business with her grandpa, who is a long-retired cop. She and her mother (who is experiencing increasingly severe dementia) and he all live together. She has a brother who is in the mix as well.
Billie is trying to keep her family afloat financially by doing divorce cases and she is good at it because she is inventive and shameless in getting the goods on cheating spouses. Word of mouth brings her a big corporate client who allegedly wants to catch her husband misbehaving.
But the whole corporate setup is strange. This is not a happy workplace and the client is the queen bee who wields a tremendous amount of power and is not telling Billie everything. Meanwhile, another case may or may not be related -- the death of an investigative reporter who was looking into some fraud and also sexual harassment at a college.
To complicate matters, old frenemy Jeremy has been hired by the client's husband -- so both Jeremy and Billie are in disguise at the workplace as they try to find out what's happening. A dead body or two come along and the stakes increase. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
Cheating husbands are common, cycling guy’s getting killed, or college girl’s getting harassed rather less so. For a PI the first are a steady income, which is why Billie Levine focuses on catching men in flagrente. Strictly speaking, Billie isn’t a PI, it’s her Grandfather who has the licence, but there are places that young girls can go that old men can’t. Billie’s latest case is Heath, the husband of Katherine the CEO of Von Holm Gear (VHG)a major, perhaps the major, fashion store in NY. Katherine believes he is having an affair with Nina, a VP at a subsidiary company wholly owned by VHG, and employs Billie to get proof by taking the role of an intern within the company. Unfortunately, Heath has employed another PI, Jeremy Yang, to investigate possible embezzlement, and has placed him in a similar covert intern position. This is unfortunate because, in addition to having to not reveal each other’s real identity, Jeremy and Billie have history, of the love/hate kind. Separately, Billie and her grandfather are investigating a case of possible harassment and assault of a girl at a local college, which the college authorities have dismissed as a minor incident. And also the death of a cyclist, classified as an accident by the police, but which a friend believes must have been a hit and run, because the cyclist wouldn’t have come off his bike in that way. Three minor jobs for a young PI in need of money – until a death at the office leads Billie into a much larger and murkier conspiracy, and the three cases suddenly become part of this bigger picture.
This is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. It is written in a style reminiscent of a golden age detective story, especially in its use of language, although it is not as hard-bitten as those, or indeed as the earlier books in the series. The use of separate plot lines which eventually come together is quite characteristic of the genre, so the trick is to keep the reader guessing about the nature of the connection, the real criminal basis for the apparently incidental separate investigations, the identification of the murderer and the motive. Since I didn’t spot either of these until late on, I have to rate the murder-mystery as a 5. That’s an over generous score for the book as a whole, but plot usually wins with me.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. It is written in a style reminiscent of a golden age detective story, especially in its use of language, although it is not as hard-bitten as those, or indeed as the earlier books in the series. The use of separate plot lines which eventually come together is quite characteristic of the genre, so the trick is to keep the reader guessing about the nature of the connection, the real criminal basis for the apparently incidental separate investigations, the identification of the murderer and the motive. Since I didn’t spot either of these until late on, I have to rate the murder-mystery as a 5. That’s an over generous score for the book as a whole, but plot usually wins with me.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
October 15, 2025
Make a Killing is an elegant blend of suspense, wit, and insight into character, demonstrating Kimberly G. Giarratano's unique voice in modern mystery writing. Series private investigator Billie Levine enters this book with the same determination that has established herself as her trademark, but here she is enhanced with more vulnerability and complexity, bringing her journey as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant.
The story revolves around a maze of corporate politics, personal deceptions, and unexpected violence. Giarratano's plotting is careful; the mystery threads, covering everything from a high-stakes corporate battle to an intricate knot of personal secrets, work together seamlessly, rewarding close readers with surprises that are both surprising and fitting. What raises the book above a typical whodunit is the relationship between Billie and Jeremy Yang. Their on-again, off-again rivalry-turned-reluctant-partnership adds a quiet emotional pulse through the tension, grappling with issues of trust, loyalty, and moral complexity.
The setting of the novel, a richly described New Jersey landscape, adds to the story without ever overwhelming it. Streets, offices, and domestic residences are drawn in detail, planting the reader firmly in a world that feels at once familiar and fraught with tension. The writing is spare and intentional; every scene is meticulously built, balancing pacing and mood so tension naturally builds rather than feeling contrived.
Make a Killing is a mystery only to some degree. It's an exploration of human motives like greed, ambition, and the complex bargains people strike in desperation. It forces the reader to ask not just who did it, but why, leaving behind a narrative resonance that remains long after the last page. For readers who enjoy mysteries that are smart, character-driven, and well-plotted, this novel is a richly rewarding experience.
The story revolves around a maze of corporate politics, personal deceptions, and unexpected violence. Giarratano's plotting is careful; the mystery threads, covering everything from a high-stakes corporate battle to an intricate knot of personal secrets, work together seamlessly, rewarding close readers with surprises that are both surprising and fitting. What raises the book above a typical whodunit is the relationship between Billie and Jeremy Yang. Their on-again, off-again rivalry-turned-reluctant-partnership adds a quiet emotional pulse through the tension, grappling with issues of trust, loyalty, and moral complexity.
The setting of the novel, a richly described New Jersey landscape, adds to the story without ever overwhelming it. Streets, offices, and domestic residences are drawn in detail, planting the reader firmly in a world that feels at once familiar and fraught with tension. The writing is spare and intentional; every scene is meticulously built, balancing pacing and mood so tension naturally builds rather than feeling contrived.
Make a Killing is a mystery only to some degree. It's an exploration of human motives like greed, ambition, and the complex bargains people strike in desperation. It forces the reader to ask not just who did it, but why, leaving behind a narrative resonance that remains long after the last page. For readers who enjoy mysteries that are smart, character-driven, and well-plotted, this novel is a richly rewarding experience.
June 11, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
This is my first introduction to this author, and Billie Levine is a wonderfully addictive character. I will read the earlier books in this series, but you can definitely start with this one!
Kimberly G. Giarratano’s "Make a Killing" is a sharp, witty, and fast-paced mystery that delivers all the intrigue and tension of a classic private investigator novel with a modern twist.
There is much to love with Billie Levine, a PI navigating the cutthroat world of corporate espionage and marital betrayals.
Billie Levine is finally getting the cases she wants—cheating spouses, easy money, and a straightforward path to success. But her rival, handsome Jeremy Yang, is making things complicated, advertising himself as “the man to get the job done” (cue the eyeroll).
Their professional rivalry escalates when they find themselves on opposite sides of a high-stakes corporate takeover, each hired by a different member of a wealthy power couple. When bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy must set aside their competitive instincts and work together—at least until the case is solved.
Giarratano’s writing is crisp and engaging, balancing humor with suspense. Billie is a compelling protagonist—smart, resourceful, and refreshingly flawed. The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy adds an extra layer of tension, making their reluctant partnership one of the book’s highlights. The corporate intrigue is well-crafted, offering a fresh setting for a PI mystery while maintaining the genre’s classic appeal.
With its snappy dialogue, layered characters, and unpredictable twists, "Make a Killing" is a must-read for mystery lovers looking for a fresh take on the genre.
This is my first introduction to this author, and Billie Levine is a wonderfully addictive character. I will read the earlier books in this series, but you can definitely start with this one!
Kimberly G. Giarratano’s "Make a Killing" is a sharp, witty, and fast-paced mystery that delivers all the intrigue and tension of a classic private investigator novel with a modern twist.
There is much to love with Billie Levine, a PI navigating the cutthroat world of corporate espionage and marital betrayals.
Billie Levine is finally getting the cases she wants—cheating spouses, easy money, and a straightforward path to success. But her rival, handsome Jeremy Yang, is making things complicated, advertising himself as “the man to get the job done” (cue the eyeroll).
Their professional rivalry escalates when they find themselves on opposite sides of a high-stakes corporate takeover, each hired by a different member of a wealthy power couple. When bodies start dropping, Billie and Jeremy must set aside their competitive instincts and work together—at least until the case is solved.
Giarratano’s writing is crisp and engaging, balancing humor with suspense. Billie is a compelling protagonist—smart, resourceful, and refreshingly flawed. The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy adds an extra layer of tension, making their reluctant partnership one of the book’s highlights. The corporate intrigue is well-crafted, offering a fresh setting for a PI mystery while maintaining the genre’s classic appeal.
With its snappy dialogue, layered characters, and unpredictable twists, "Make a Killing" is a must-read for mystery lovers looking for a fresh take on the genre.
June 8, 2025
PI Billie Levine has got a couple of cases to work. Billie works with her grandfather, a retired police officer. She has found her niche working cases involving cheating spouses. Katherine Von Holm, CEO of VHG, a company that produces high end travel products hires Billie and offers a lucrative fee. Katherine believes her husband, Heath, is having an affair and wants Billie to go undercover and work in the company to watch him. Coincidentally, Billie's PI rival, Jeremy Yang, has been hired by Heath, to work undercover in the company looking for possible embezzlement. A second case also has Billie's attention, June Tran believes her brother an investigative journalist was murdered. He was riding his bicycle. Although the police ruled it an accident, June feels his death was related to a story he was working on. A death at VHG office ramps up the undercover work for both Billie and Jeremy.
Billie is smart, tenacious, and works hard. She is basically the main financial bread winner in her family of grandfather William and her mother who has dementia. I loved the back and forth between her and Jeremy. The author does a great job of throwing out red herrings and adding twists and turns to the plot. This is the third book in the series and can be read without having read the previous ones. (I somehow missed the second one and am going to read it). I feel that there are more cases for Billie to solve. I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Datura Books, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Billie is smart, tenacious, and works hard. She is basically the main financial bread winner in her family of grandfather William and her mother who has dementia. I loved the back and forth between her and Jeremy. The author does a great job of throwing out red herrings and adding twists and turns to the plot. This is the third book in the series and can be read without having read the previous ones. (I somehow missed the second one and am going to read it). I feel that there are more cases for Billie to solve. I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Datura Books, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
June 14, 2025
Make a Killing by Kimberly G. Giarratano is a witty, fast paced mystery with the intrigue of an old school P.I novel. This is the third book in the Billie Levine series but it can 100% be read as a standalone!!
Billie Levine is finally getting her favorite type of cases, cheating spouses. Usually those jobs are easy money with a sure path to success in her field. But when Billie is called in to investigate one half of a wealthy power couple during a corporate takeover, Billie finds herself face to face with her handsome and confident rival, Jeremy Yang. Their rivalry continues to heat up while on opposite sides of the takeover, but when a series of seemingly unconnected deaths occur, Billie and Jeremy have to put their rivalry to the side and team up in order to stay one step ahead.
I really enjoyed this book! With a fresh take on the P.I mystery theme, Giarratano really stands out especially with her well crafted plot and engaging narrative. I really liked the witty banter and tension that was used between Billie and Jeremy. Billie as our protagonist is determined, ambitious and will not back down for anyone. A highlight for me was how Giarratano added well placed red herrings and twists that had me thrown in a completely different direction. Overall a great continuation of the Billie Levine series that will hook you in from the very beginning and not let go until the satisfying conclusion!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kimberly Giarratano, and Datura Books for this ARC!! Publication date was June 10th 2025.
Billie Levine is finally getting her favorite type of cases, cheating spouses. Usually those jobs are easy money with a sure path to success in her field. But when Billie is called in to investigate one half of a wealthy power couple during a corporate takeover, Billie finds herself face to face with her handsome and confident rival, Jeremy Yang. Their rivalry continues to heat up while on opposite sides of the takeover, but when a series of seemingly unconnected deaths occur, Billie and Jeremy have to put their rivalry to the side and team up in order to stay one step ahead.
I really enjoyed this book! With a fresh take on the P.I mystery theme, Giarratano really stands out especially with her well crafted plot and engaging narrative. I really liked the witty banter and tension that was used between Billie and Jeremy. Billie as our protagonist is determined, ambitious and will not back down for anyone. A highlight for me was how Giarratano added well placed red herrings and twists that had me thrown in a completely different direction. Overall a great continuation of the Billie Levine series that will hook you in from the very beginning and not let go until the satisfying conclusion!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kimberly Giarratano, and Datura Books for this ARC!! Publication date was June 10th 2025.
June 14, 2025
My Mae West's style review: "Billie Levine is back, and let’s just say—she ain't here to knit doilies. This one's got layers, laughs, and a bite sharper than a two-bit detective’s wit. She’s got a love/hate thing goin’ with that work rival, Jeremy, but sugar, isn’t that just the spice that keeps things interesting? And her private life? A little sad, a little sweet, but plenty enough to make you wanna tip your hat in sympathy. This ain't just a story—it’s a whirlwind, superbly plotted and downright impossible to put down. It’s the kinda read that’ll have you so lost in the pages, you’ll forget your dinner’s gettin’ cold. I lapped up every bit of it and wouldn’t say no to more. Strongly recommended, darling.
And to Datura for the digital copy—many thanks, sugar, but the opinions? They’re all mine, and I say it’s worth every minute."
(original)
Billie Levine is back and doesn't disappoint—this is another gripping, multilayered, and darkly humorous story.
There's a love/hate relationship between Billie and her work rival, Jeremy. Billie's private life is always a bit sad, evoking empathy for her and her relatives.
It's a hell of a story—superbly plotted, engrossing, and impossible to put down.
A novel that triggers a sort of hyperfocused reading, as you turn pages and lose all sense of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there will be many more stories in this series.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Datura for this digital copy—all opinions are mine.
And to Datura for the digital copy—many thanks, sugar, but the opinions? They’re all mine, and I say it’s worth every minute."
(original)
Billie Levine is back and doesn't disappoint—this is another gripping, multilayered, and darkly humorous story.
There's a love/hate relationship between Billie and her work rival, Jeremy. Billie's private life is always a bit sad, evoking empathy for her and her relatives.
It's a hell of a story—superbly plotted, engrossing, and impossible to put down.
A novel that triggers a sort of hyperfocused reading, as you turn pages and lose all sense of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there will be many more stories in this series.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Datura for this digital copy—all opinions are mine.
June 18, 2025
The story follows Billie Levine, a private investigator who has been taking on cheating spouse cases. Billie has a rivalry with another P.I. Jeremy Yang, who has been trying to steal her clients. Things intensify between the two when they are both hired by a wealthy couple on opposite sides of a corporate takeover.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is the third book in a series of interconnected standalones. I haven't read the first two books, I didn't feel confused or lost at any point.
The author has found the perfect balance between an engaging plot that is filled with twists and turns, and interesting well developed characters.
I especially enjoyed the relationships between the character's. Billie works with her grandfather. Their dynamic was great, you have Billie coming through with a fresh set of eyes, growing up with technology and wanting to do their P.I. work with a more direct approach where as gramps is old school and by the book, he has years and years of experience in the business and relies on his own methods of doing things. They work well as a team.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Billie and Jeremy. They have this delicious love-hate thing going on.
I loved the ending and how everything was all tied together. I'm a new fan of this series and will definitely be adding the first two books in the series to my tbr.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is the third book in a series of interconnected standalones. I haven't read the first two books, I didn't feel confused or lost at any point.
The author has found the perfect balance between an engaging plot that is filled with twists and turns, and interesting well developed characters.
I especially enjoyed the relationships between the character's. Billie works with her grandfather. Their dynamic was great, you have Billie coming through with a fresh set of eyes, growing up with technology and wanting to do their P.I. work with a more direct approach where as gramps is old school and by the book, he has years and years of experience in the business and relies on his own methods of doing things. They work well as a team.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Billie and Jeremy. They have this delicious love-hate thing going on.
I loved the ending and how everything was all tied together. I'm a new fan of this series and will definitely be adding the first two books in the series to my tbr.
August 1, 2025
Going undercover as a hotel housekeeper to catch cheating spouses wasn't quite what Billie Levine had in mind when she joined her grandfather's private eye business. But it pays the bills . . . mostly. Still, a chance to expose the philandering spouse of a high-powered executive is too lucrative an opportunity to pass up. So that's how Billie finds herself pretending to be an intern at VHG, a company known for its upscale clothes and accessories. While Billie juggles the intricacies of office politics - made worse by discovering that her rival detective, Jeremy Yang, has had the same idea - Gramps is working on a campus harassment case linked to a recent suspicious death. On top of everything else, Nagel's, the Jewish deli whose corner booth serves as Levine Investigation's makeshift office, is about to be sold.
Make a Killing features all the elements of a classic murder mystery: hidden clues, unexpected twists, and objects accidentally left at the scene. These are interspersed with laugh-out-loud-funny lines, references to New Jersey pop culture, and a tangy will-they-or-won't-they romantic subplot. Issues of gender and power, corporate greenwashing, and self-discovery pepper the mystery with a contemporary flavor. Fans of Gramps will be delighted by the chapters that show his perspective for the first time, hinting at the possibility of backstories to come.
Make a Killing features all the elements of a classic murder mystery: hidden clues, unexpected twists, and objects accidentally left at the scene. These are interspersed with laugh-out-loud-funny lines, references to New Jersey pop culture, and a tangy will-they-or-won't-they romantic subplot. Issues of gender and power, corporate greenwashing, and self-discovery pepper the mystery with a contemporary flavor. Fans of Gramps will be delighted by the chapters that show his perspective for the first time, hinting at the possibility of backstories to come.
June 6, 2025
Thank you to Datura for my #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
Things are looking up for Billie Levine and her grandfather's PI practice--even though Jeremy Yang keeps undercutting them and stealing their clients, they still have their hands full with cheating spouse cases. So when Billie's brother asks them to look into a journalist's suspicious death, Gramps looks into it while Billie takes on the money-making undercover case to prove that an ultra-wealthy businesswoman's husband is being unfaithful. But when people start getting killed, Billie and Jeremy may have to team up to solve the case and to not end up dead themselves.
I liked getting to know Billie Levine and the cast of characters. I thought the plot was intriguing and well-timed. I also loved that Billie was working through anxiety disorder treatment and therapy (I'm a sucker for a good mental health rep!). I didn't find the "hard-boiled" bent that came through in Billie's voice now and then to be authentic or necessary, but neither did it detract too much from the story. I did appreciate the wry humor, though, which DID add to the plot. Though this is part of a series, aside from references to people and events from previous books, this was a standalone novel.
Things are looking up for Billie Levine and her grandfather's PI practice--even though Jeremy Yang keeps undercutting them and stealing their clients, they still have their hands full with cheating spouse cases. So when Billie's brother asks them to look into a journalist's suspicious death, Gramps looks into it while Billie takes on the money-making undercover case to prove that an ultra-wealthy businesswoman's husband is being unfaithful. But when people start getting killed, Billie and Jeremy may have to team up to solve the case and to not end up dead themselves.
I liked getting to know Billie Levine and the cast of characters. I thought the plot was intriguing and well-timed. I also loved that Billie was working through anxiety disorder treatment and therapy (I'm a sucker for a good mental health rep!). I didn't find the "hard-boiled" bent that came through in Billie's voice now and then to be authentic or necessary, but neither did it detract too much from the story. I did appreciate the wry humor, though, which DID add to the plot. Though this is part of a series, aside from references to people and events from previous books, this was a standalone novel.
August 27, 2025
Giarratano has done it again! Billie Levine is back, scrappy, smart and sarcastic as ever.
I’m a huge fan of the Billie Levine Mysteries and the latest, MAKE A KILLING does not disappoint. Billie goes undercover in the glitzy and surprisingly deadly world of high fashion. Hired by a female CEO to catch an unfaithful husband, Billie finds herself in a treacherous world of corporate misdeeds. To her surprise, her biggest rival, Jeremy Yang, is also undercover in the same company, hired by the unfaithful husband. Jeremy refuses to tell Billie why he is there, which only aggravates Billie more. Her investigation quickly heads into dangerous territory, putting her and her young assistant Diego in danger, even as it strains her relationship with her best friend, Nicole.
It’s these relationships, with her friends, enemies and even her Gramps, which add so much texture to a twist-filled plot that left me guessing until the end.
While MAKE A KILLING is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone mystery. But, seriously, why would you? Read the first two in the series, DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN and DEVIL IN PROFILE. You will be really glad you did.
I’m a huge fan of the Billie Levine Mysteries and the latest, MAKE A KILLING does not disappoint. Billie goes undercover in the glitzy and surprisingly deadly world of high fashion. Hired by a female CEO to catch an unfaithful husband, Billie finds herself in a treacherous world of corporate misdeeds. To her surprise, her biggest rival, Jeremy Yang, is also undercover in the same company, hired by the unfaithful husband. Jeremy refuses to tell Billie why he is there, which only aggravates Billie more. Her investigation quickly heads into dangerous territory, putting her and her young assistant Diego in danger, even as it strains her relationship with her best friend, Nicole.
It’s these relationships, with her friends, enemies and even her Gramps, which add so much texture to a twist-filled plot that left me guessing until the end.
While MAKE A KILLING is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone mystery. But, seriously, why would you? Read the first two in the series, DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN and DEVIL IN PROFILE. You will be really glad you did.
May 30, 2025
Make a Killing - releasing June 10th 2025
✨huge thanks to @daturabooks for the gifted copy ✨
Make A Killing was my first introduction to Kimberly G. Giarratano‘s book and i was pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it. this was a good crime fiction with plenty of humor that kept me invested throughout the story. i finished this book in less than 15 hours. yup, it was truly UNPUTDOWNABLE.
the characters were interesting and complex. i adored our main character, Billie Levine so so much. she’s smart, sarcastic, strong and had a great sense of humor. the constant bickering between her and Jeremy was also entertaining to read. as a huge fan of ‘enemies / rivals to lovers’ trope, i could see clearly that they were flirting through their fighting 🫢
overall, this was a fun read and i would highly recommend if you want to dip your toes into crime fiction. i cannot wait to read more books from this author💚🖤
✨huge thanks to @daturabooks for the gifted copy ✨
Make A Killing was my first introduction to Kimberly G. Giarratano‘s book and i was pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it. this was a good crime fiction with plenty of humor that kept me invested throughout the story. i finished this book in less than 15 hours. yup, it was truly UNPUTDOWNABLE.
the characters were interesting and complex. i adored our main character, Billie Levine so so much. she’s smart, sarcastic, strong and had a great sense of humor. the constant bickering between her and Jeremy was also entertaining to read. as a huge fan of ‘enemies / rivals to lovers’ trope, i could see clearly that they were flirting through their fighting 🫢
overall, this was a fun read and i would highly recommend if you want to dip your toes into crime fiction. i cannot wait to read more books from this author💚🖤
June 25, 2025
The third instalment to this series where Billie had been hired to investigate a cheating husband but nothing is ever that simple. Investigating a corporate power couple and coming face to face with her rival on the other side of the case. Tensions are high but Billie and her rival have to team up to solve the underlying series of deaths occurring.
This was such a fun instalment especially considering the take on P.I in mystery thrillers. A well crafted plot, rivalry and a narrative filled with twists and turns. The witty banter and tension between our rivals was a great subplot and romance undertone was just perfect. This was unexpected but I loved the development and challenges Billie faced not only in the investigation but with herself. It was also great coming back to familiar characters from the previous instalments.
June 3, 2025
I just LOVE every single book in the Billie Levine series!
In Make a Killing, Billie finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy connected to Kentwell college and a luxury travel gear company. As she digs into the death of a journalist who was looking into allegations, her PI competitor Jeremy Yang is trying to poach as many of her clients as he can. The deeper Billie gets into her investigation, the more threats she beings to receive. Will she be able to connect the dots before it's too late?
I love living in Billie's action packed noir world, and I'm always excited to experience her dynamic with Gramps. I really enjoyed the way this story unfurled, and fans of witty characters solving complex whodunnits will love this too!
In Make a Killing, Billie finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy connected to Kentwell college and a luxury travel gear company. As she digs into the death of a journalist who was looking into allegations, her PI competitor Jeremy Yang is trying to poach as many of her clients as he can. The deeper Billie gets into her investigation, the more threats she beings to receive. Will she be able to connect the dots before it's too late?
I love living in Billie's action packed noir world, and I'm always excited to experience her dynamic with Gramps. I really enjoyed the way this story unfurled, and fans of witty characters solving complex whodunnits will love this too!
June 16, 2025
I had such a blast with Make a Killing!
Billie Levine is such a sharp, witty private investigator — her snarky voice had me hooked from the start.
The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy, her charmingly infuriating rival, brought so much energy and humour to the story. Their banter felt fresh and addictive.
The plot had the perfect mix of classic PI intrigue and modern corporate drama, with enough twists to keep me guessing. Plus, the escalating tension as Billie and Jeremy had to team up against real danger made the stakes feel high and personal.
If you love Veronica Mars-style mysteries with a strong, clever heroine and sizzling rivalry, this book’s going to be a new favourite. Definitely looking forward to more adventures with Billie!
Billie Levine is such a sharp, witty private investigator — her snarky voice had me hooked from the start.
The dynamic between Billie and Jeremy, her charmingly infuriating rival, brought so much energy and humour to the story. Their banter felt fresh and addictive.
The plot had the perfect mix of classic PI intrigue and modern corporate drama, with enough twists to keep me guessing. Plus, the escalating tension as Billie and Jeremy had to team up against real danger made the stakes feel high and personal.
If you love Veronica Mars-style mysteries with a strong, clever heroine and sizzling rivalry, this book’s going to be a new favourite. Definitely looking forward to more adventures with Billie!
June 17, 2025
Billie is back at it, risking her all for her detective job. With her grandpa’s help she takes on two cases, a possible cheating husband for which she goes undercover as an intern at a fancy clothing company and fishy stuff going on at her old campus.
I really enjoyed book 1&2, and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters are fleshed out well.
The chapters are short and snappy which makes it so easy to finish the book quickly.
I will say the only minus about the book and a running theme in the Billie books, is that she is in her early 20s, but some of her vernacular and references seem more like an elder millennial vs gen Z. Even so I would absolutely read a fourth book if the author decides to write one.
I really enjoyed book 1&2, and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters are fleshed out well.
The chapters are short and snappy which makes it so easy to finish the book quickly.
I will say the only minus about the book and a running theme in the Billie books, is that she is in her early 20s, but some of her vernacular and references seem more like an elder millennial vs gen Z. Even so I would absolutely read a fourth book if the author decides to write one.
July 27, 2025
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I liked the main character, and there were parts of the dialogue that I found really funny. Unfortunatley, I found the murder mystery aspect of it to be disappointing. Not that was badly written, necessarily, but the entire thing was focused far too much on the corporate business rivals and I just did not care to continue reading about a bunch of rich, entitled assholes hating each other and trying to outdo one another. With a different premise, I would have enjoyed the book much more, since I did really like the main character and her grandfather.
I liked the main character, and there were parts of the dialogue that I found really funny. Unfortunatley, I found the murder mystery aspect of it to be disappointing. Not that was badly written, necessarily, but the entire thing was focused far too much on the corporate business rivals and I just did not care to continue reading about a bunch of rich, entitled assholes hating each other and trying to outdo one another. With a different premise, I would have enjoyed the book much more, since I did really like the main character and her grandfather.
September 2, 2025
I was not able to read the first two books in this series before I read Make A Killing. While I enjoyed this grandfather/granddaughter PI duo, I felt some of the "bad guys" were a bit 2 dimensional.
I was also quite surprised at the route the relationship with Jeremy took. Seemed out of character, but as I said I had not read the previous books.
This has a great plot and the process of investigating was understandable. Some of the twists were well camouflaged.
I won a contest for my copy which was nicely signed by the author. I will look for copies of the earlier books.
I was also quite surprised at the route the relationship with Jeremy took. Seemed out of character, but as I said I had not read the previous books.
This has a great plot and the process of investigating was understandable. Some of the twists were well camouflaged.
I won a contest for my copy which was nicely signed by the author. I will look for copies of the earlier books.
June 3, 2025
Another fabulous story about Billie Levine and her PI business that she partners with her grandfather. A suspicious accident resulting in a death brought Billie into the investigation, and almost at the same time she was hired by a high end Avant Garde clothing company CEO regarding her cheating husband. Before long Billie is involved with both cases and their complex and devious actions.
The intricate plotline is an absolute delight to anticipate what could happen. So many unexpected twists and turns had me riveted and reading until hours past midnight! As all of the books by this author, countless details come crashing together for a shocking conclusion. This mesmerizing-captivating-enthralling-extraordinary book is the third in this incredible series.
The intricate plotline is an absolute delight to anticipate what could happen. So many unexpected twists and turns had me riveted and reading until hours past midnight! As all of the books by this author, countless details come crashing together for a shocking conclusion. This mesmerizing-captivating-enthralling-extraordinary book is the third in this incredible series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews