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Nicole Charles Mystery #1
If It Bleeds
If It Bleeds is the first novel in a series of mysteries featuring rookie reporter Nicole Charles. Nicole Charles didn’t go to journalism school to become a gossip columnist, but the job fell into her lap right out of school and her immigrant work ethic just won’t let her quit to find something she’d like better. It’s a good job, but she struggles with the stigma attached to her position by other reporters. More than anything, she wants to be a real reporter, but it looks like she’s never going to get a chance. Then one night while covering a gallery opening, she discovers a dead body in a dark alley. An up-and-coming artist has been stabbed in the throat with an antique icepick. Nicole is right in the middle of the biggest story of the year. It’s the chance of a lifetime. Too bad someone had to die to make it happen.
- GenresMystery
168 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Linda L. Richards
18 books168 followersLinda L. Richards is the award-winning author of fifteen books. The founder and publisher of January Magazine and a contributing editor to the crime fiction blog The Rap Sheet, she is best known for her strong female protagonists in the thriller genre. Richards is from Vancouver, Canada and currently makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona. Her latest book, ENDINGS, was published by Oceanview Publishing in 2021. A PW starred review said that this “harrowing tale of love, loss, and the value of life is not to be missed.” A sequel, EXIT STRATEGY, was published May 2022 and DEAD WEST, the third novel in the series, will be published September 2023. Linda’s 2021 novel, ENDINGS, was recently optioned by a major studio for series production.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2017
Book Description
Nicole Charles didn’t go to journalism school to become a gossip columnist, but the job fell into her lap right out of school and her immigrant work ethic just won’t let her quit to find something she’d like better. It’s a good job, but she struggles with the stigma attached to her position by other reporters. More than anything, she wants to be a real reporter, but it looks like she’s never going to get a chance.
Then one night while covering a gallery opening, she discovers a dead body in a dark alley. An upand- coming artist has been stabbed in the throat with an antique icepick. Nicole is right in the middle of the biggest story of the year. It’s the chance of a lifetime. Too bad someone had to die to make it happen.
If It Bleeds is the first novel in a series of mysteries featuring rookie reporter Nicole Charles.
My Review
This was a very quick and easy read. Pretty much straight story dialogue and not much description but a very good read that I enjoyed very much. It held my interest to the very end and I found the characters and plot intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book and I would recommend this book to those who hate books that drag on with lots of descriptions.
Nicole Charles didn’t go to journalism school to become a gossip columnist, but the job fell into her lap right out of school and her immigrant work ethic just won’t let her quit to find something she’d like better. It’s a good job, but she struggles with the stigma attached to her position by other reporters. More than anything, she wants to be a real reporter, but it looks like she’s never going to get a chance.
Then one night while covering a gallery opening, she discovers a dead body in a dark alley. An upand- coming artist has been stabbed in the throat with an antique icepick. Nicole is right in the middle of the biggest story of the year. It’s the chance of a lifetime. Too bad someone had to die to make it happen.
If It Bleeds is the first novel in a series of mysteries featuring rookie reporter Nicole Charles.
My Review
This was a very quick and easy read. Pretty much straight story dialogue and not much description but a very good read that I enjoyed very much. It held my interest to the very end and I found the characters and plot intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book and I would recommend this book to those who hate books that drag on with lots of descriptions.
December 20, 2017
Cute little novella. Does not end as one would expect a cute story to end but so much the better.
April 1, 2021
This is not so much a book as a short story.
September 25, 2023
2.5⭐️bleh. Nice but nothing I’ll remember I’m the future
February 15, 2024
In this short noire novel, Nicole is the local gossip columnist. When she comes across the dead body of an artist she is covering, Nicole fights for the story. Recommended.
March 31, 2025
This was a decent book,written by a Canadian author. A whodone it mystery. Chapters were very samll,and it was well written. I borrowed it from my local library
October 23, 2015
Nicole Charles is a Vancouver society columnist. She struggles with the stigma attached to her job and wants to be a real investigative journalist. She may have her chance when she discovers the body of Steve Marsh, an emerging artist.
This book is part of the Rapid Reads series which, according to the publisher’s website, “is committed to providing books that will help adults achieve their literacy goals in an interesting and accessible way.” The short format certainly makes for a quick read. The problem is that there is insufficient opportunity for character development. The focus tends to be on plot, so the novel will appeal more to readers who want action.
What I found confusing is that there were events that were mentioned but seemed to serve little purpose. Why, for example, are we told about Mrs. Fast and Mrs. Noble, two women who live in Nicole’s building? Why is there repeated reference to Nicole’s looking for a “good boob shot” for each social event she attends? Nicole’s visit to her mother also seems unnecessary since their conversation focuses on a woman’s trying to set Nicole up on a date?
Some potential conflicts are introduced, but then they fizzle out. That is the case with both Erica West and Brent Hartigan. Why suggest conflicts if they are not going to be developed.
There are events which do not seem realistic. Would a journalist who wants to be taken seriously focus on “boob shots”? Would that journalist risk being charged with break and enter? Would a newspaper editor permit plagiarism? Would a police investigator provide key evidence to a reporter and then ask that it not be revealed to the public for three days?
This book is supposedly the first of a series of Nicole Charles mysteries. Perhaps some of the possible conflicts will be further developed in subsequent books. As the first in the series, this book does provide enough interest to entice readers to read the second.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing.
Please check out my reader's blog (http://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
This book is part of the Rapid Reads series which, according to the publisher’s website, “is committed to providing books that will help adults achieve their literacy goals in an interesting and accessible way.” The short format certainly makes for a quick read. The problem is that there is insufficient opportunity for character development. The focus tends to be on plot, so the novel will appeal more to readers who want action.
What I found confusing is that there were events that were mentioned but seemed to serve little purpose. Why, for example, are we told about Mrs. Fast and Mrs. Noble, two women who live in Nicole’s building? Why is there repeated reference to Nicole’s looking for a “good boob shot” for each social event she attends? Nicole’s visit to her mother also seems unnecessary since their conversation focuses on a woman’s trying to set Nicole up on a date?
Some potential conflicts are introduced, but then they fizzle out. That is the case with both Erica West and Brent Hartigan. Why suggest conflicts if they are not going to be developed.
There are events which do not seem realistic. Would a journalist who wants to be taken seriously focus on “boob shots”? Would that journalist risk being charged with break and enter? Would a newspaper editor permit plagiarism? Would a police investigator provide key evidence to a reporter and then ask that it not be revealed to the public for three days?
This book is supposedly the first of a series of Nicole Charles mysteries. Perhaps some of the possible conflicts will be further developed in subsequent books. As the first in the series, this book does provide enough interest to entice readers to read the second.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing.
Please check out my reader's blog (http://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
July 26, 2015
When reading the summary of the book on the back cover, I was immediately drawn in and thought this sounds like it's going to be a pretty intense book. But I should have realized, being part of the 'Rapid Reads' series, that there really wasn't enough time for all of the intensity that the story had the potential to be.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good plot line with some interesting characters that the main character Nicole Charles interacts with. Some things did really stand out for me while reading it though, how for her gossip column she had to make sure to get enough 'boob shots' because you know, that's what the readers want. Or the fact that when she submitted her story to the editor, Mike, about the murder that both she and crime reporter Brent Hartigan were covering, that she received no recognition for the pictures that were printed, that Hartigan literally took her opening to the story and claimed it for his own. Mike, when confronted, backed Hartigan's decisions on the story. Later in the story, Nicole comes upon a big break in gaining information... she breaks into the murdered artist's studio. Did the police not find out the deceased had a studio, would they have not found this information? Was Nicole not worried about being charged with breaking and entering?
There were a lot of little things like this that just didn't hold true for me, but overall it was still a decent story. Perhaps some of the useless information that was spoken about in the book will be referred to in future novellas about this character.
It took me less than 2 hours to read this novella, recommend for a quick read when you're just looking for a quick moving mystery to occupy your mind
Don't get me wrong, it's a good plot line with some interesting characters that the main character Nicole Charles interacts with. Some things did really stand out for me while reading it though, how for her gossip column she had to make sure to get enough 'boob shots' because you know, that's what the readers want. Or the fact that when she submitted her story to the editor, Mike, about the murder that both she and crime reporter Brent Hartigan were covering, that she received no recognition for the pictures that were printed, that Hartigan literally took her opening to the story and claimed it for his own. Mike, when confronted, backed Hartigan's decisions on the story. Later in the story, Nicole comes upon a big break in gaining information... she breaks into the murdered artist's studio. Did the police not find out the deceased had a studio, would they have not found this information? Was Nicole not worried about being charged with breaking and entering?
There were a lot of little things like this that just didn't hold true for me, but overall it was still a decent story. Perhaps some of the useless information that was spoken about in the book will be referred to in future novellas about this character.
It took me less than 2 hours to read this novella, recommend for a quick read when you're just looking for a quick moving mystery to occupy your mind
February 16, 2015
"If It Bleeds" by Linda Richards is quite sort and is a book for reluctant readers. Due to this, I will be reviewing this book more as a short story.
Our story begins with Nicole Charles, a society journalist, discovering the dead body of an artist she was supposed to meet, named Steve Marsh. Nicole, always wanting to be a 'real' journalist, takes this as her chance to write something of substance rather than parties, art, and society articles. On her journey, she is met with derision by her editor and co-workers as she tries to investigate the case. Ultimately, she does succeed after doing some leg work interviewing the various people in the life of Steve Marsh.
The writing is great, easy to follow, and easy to read. Any teen attempting to read this will have an easy enough time following the story. My one issue with this book is that the main character is 27 years old and far removed from the audience. While this is not a deal breaker, most YA books published for teens have a teenage main character for a reason. It is much easier to get into the character's shoes if you are able to identify with them. There are elements of the story which a teen can definitely fit into, such as feeling like an outsider or like you aren't 'good enough,' but ultimately, I think only very mature teens may be into reading this title past the first couple chapters.
Otherwise, I would strongly recommend this for reluctant readers of the adult age.
Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Optional*
Level: High School
*Depends on your need for reluctant reader books.
Our story begins with Nicole Charles, a society journalist, discovering the dead body of an artist she was supposed to meet, named Steve Marsh. Nicole, always wanting to be a 'real' journalist, takes this as her chance to write something of substance rather than parties, art, and society articles. On her journey, she is met with derision by her editor and co-workers as she tries to investigate the case. Ultimately, she does succeed after doing some leg work interviewing the various people in the life of Steve Marsh.
The writing is great, easy to follow, and easy to read. Any teen attempting to read this will have an easy enough time following the story. My one issue with this book is that the main character is 27 years old and far removed from the audience. While this is not a deal breaker, most YA books published for teens have a teenage main character for a reason. It is much easier to get into the character's shoes if you are able to identify with them. There are elements of the story which a teen can definitely fit into, such as feeling like an outsider or like you aren't 'good enough,' but ultimately, I think only very mature teens may be into reading this title past the first couple chapters.
Otherwise, I would strongly recommend this for reluctant readers of the adult age.
Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Optional*
Level: High School
*Depends on your need for reluctant reader books.
November 21, 2014
If It Bleeds is part of the Rapid Reads series. It is the story of Nicole Charles, a rookie reporter at a newspaper in Vancouver. She is working as the gossip columnist for the paper, covering parties and galas, art openings and fancy fundraisers. She enjoys her job but is frustrated that opportunities to move into hard news are not presenting themselves at a paper that seems to have a well-established good ole' boys network. That all changes when she attends a gallery opening and discovers the artist dead in his car with an odd-looking tool stabbed in his neck.
This was a very fast read and a fairly good story. I think the premise was good and there was a decent amount of background for the main character but it would have worked better as a little bit longer work. I think it would adequately hold the interest of a new reader or someone just learning to read.
This was a very fast read and a fairly good story. I think the premise was good and there was a decent amount of background for the main character but it would have worked better as a little bit longer work. I think it would adequately hold the interest of a new reader or someone just learning to read.
December 5, 2014
Nicole Charles receives invitations to all of the town’s hottest events and parties. Most people would be happy to be part of the in crowd, but not Nicole. She went to journalism school to be a real newspaper reporter, but is instead stuck writing all the society pages as a gossip columnist.
She’s been looking for her first big break and gets in when she’s the first to discover a dead body at a gallery opening. Yet it’s going to take all of her training, courage and intuition to stay ahead of the newspaper’s crime reporter who has no desire to help her make it to the news room.
This typical Rapid Reads novel for reluctant readers is an entertaining mystery and glimpse into newspaper journalism. First in a new series.
She’s been looking for her first big break and gets in when she’s the first to discover a dead body at a gallery opening. Yet it’s going to take all of her training, courage and intuition to stay ahead of the newspaper’s crime reporter who has no desire to help her make it to the news room.
This typical Rapid Reads novel for reluctant readers is an entertaining mystery and glimpse into newspaper journalism. First in a new series.
July 4, 2014
The first chapter was extremely hard to get into, but after a couple more the story really got going. The book in general did not require much thought to read, but the plot was compelling and the way everything was written, I read the book in about two hours. So that gives it points. But it wasn't anything spectacular, just a quick read with a good plot.
August 15, 2014
A compelling story of a newbie reporter in the big city. Evokes Vancouver very nicely. Nicole Charles stumbles on a murder and pursues the story with determination and curiousity. Richards has written a number of other mysteries, glad to see her tackling this shorter format for people who want a quick, engaging read!
March 27, 2015
I almost didn't read this, I was uninterested in the first two chapters. It wasn't a great book, and some parts felt rushed and incomplete. The main character needed more development, I could not get a feel for her personality.
It was also very easy to figure out the whodunit.
That all being said, once past the first two chapters I finished the book in one sitting.
It was also very easy to figure out the whodunit.
That all being said, once past the first two chapters I finished the book in one sitting.
May 14, 2016
Reasonably good set up but told 'whodunnit' after an off page conversation with a possible suspect which was pretty lame. Supporting characters had potential but sadly didn't get a chance to do anything other than briefly introduce themselves.
March 25, 2017
The writing was mediocre, and the story was a bit of a drag. The mystery took awhile to build up. Therefore I gave it a 2.5 stars. It was a quick and easy read, whereas I completed in 40 minutes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews