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Sémya Slotin Mystery #1
Bird of Prey
The First Book of the Bird of Prey Saga
This was supposed to be an easy case…
Sémya Slotin had spent the last three years living in London with her best friend Polliannah Koch staying away from solving cases. After Hawaii, she was taking a break from puzzles, cases and mysteries that could potentially get her killed. Instead, she had been doing her second and third favorite things, drinking and selling expensive vintage wines and having earth-shattering sex with the mysterious, sexy, beautiful but ever so secretive Josh Heinz. Life in London was good….until her funds ran out. Too much wine drinking, not enough wine selling!
When fashion designer and adoptive mother, Annika Slotin, summoned her back to Paris to hire her for what Sémya considered being the easiest case of her amateur sleuth career, all she could think of and see was money signs and a well-deserved Cuban holiday once it was solved.
What Sémya didn’t see was her stumbling on the fresh corpse of supermodel Johanna Cartier. She didn’t think that male model turned fashion designer Julian Marais-Caldwin, who also happened to be Sémya’s ex, would be suspected of brutally murdering her. Johanna was his girlfriend, his muse and he loved her. Sémya didn’t see the dead bodies piling up or the conspiracy theories.
Sémya was a little rusty. But then again, it was supposed to be an easy case and she was going to solve it. One vintage wine at a time… Sémya Slotin was off
This was supposed to be an easy case…
Sémya Slotin had spent the last three years living in London with her best friend Polliannah Koch staying away from solving cases. After Hawaii, she was taking a break from puzzles, cases and mysteries that could potentially get her killed. Instead, she had been doing her second and third favorite things, drinking and selling expensive vintage wines and having earth-shattering sex with the mysterious, sexy, beautiful but ever so secretive Josh Heinz. Life in London was good….until her funds ran out. Too much wine drinking, not enough wine selling!
When fashion designer and adoptive mother, Annika Slotin, summoned her back to Paris to hire her for what Sémya considered being the easiest case of her amateur sleuth career, all she could think of and see was money signs and a well-deserved Cuban holiday once it was solved.
What Sémya didn’t see was her stumbling on the fresh corpse of supermodel Johanna Cartier. She didn’t think that male model turned fashion designer Julian Marais-Caldwin, who also happened to be Sémya’s ex, would be suspected of brutally murdering her. Johanna was his girlfriend, his muse and he loved her. Sémya didn’t see the dead bodies piling up or the conspiracy theories.
Sémya was a little rusty. But then again, it was supposed to be an easy case and she was going to solve it. One vintage wine at a time… Sémya Slotin was off
- GenresMystery
202 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba
8 books135 followers“My life journey is like my playlist, amazingly unique but full of contradictions with surprising joys with every song...”
I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I'm obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life... most days.
I'm a major goof.
I can't stand intolerance.
I'm curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!
I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I'm obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life... most days.
I'm a major goof.
I can't stand intolerance.
I'm curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 11, 2013
I so finished this book in not even a full 2 days which tells you how good this book was/is. That's right is was Amazing!!! :)
The mystery was hard to follow but that's just me some things did get cleared up for me and it made it great I really enjoyed that. I didn't really care for how much Sémya was around Julian I think that could have been different after all she did move and so did he right? At least that's what it seemed like in the story. I also liked the fact that is was written like I was really in London having never been the language was great also very much appreciated the translation of the different languages that were spoken that helped out a lot. I felt like I was in London as a shadow reading this like I was really their the details was great.
Let's just say this was not my normal read, however I really did like it. The mystery/ love story I fell for it right away it was for sure a page turner. I wasn't to for sure about the hole mystery part I have a hard time following those and just turning the page with them, but this one was different I don't know if it was all the hott love parts or the really really good parts that made you turn the page. This author for sure knew what the hell she was doing.
I really can't wait for the second part of this story I got only a taste of the second story at the end and let's just say I want more. More mystery and more love I really want to find out what's going on with Josh and Sémya. Do they stay together? Does she finally make a career move? And what about all her boards? Yes I know you probley don't know what I'm talking about but that's kinda almost the point so it get's you to buy a copy and read it. Heck I enjoyed it and I bet you would to.
~I received this book for free for an honest review.~
The mystery was hard to follow but that's just me some things did get cleared up for me and it made it great I really enjoyed that. I didn't really care for how much Sémya was around Julian I think that could have been different after all she did move and so did he right? At least that's what it seemed like in the story. I also liked the fact that is was written like I was really in London having never been the language was great also very much appreciated the translation of the different languages that were spoken that helped out a lot. I felt like I was in London as a shadow reading this like I was really their the details was great.
Let's just say this was not my normal read, however I really did like it. The mystery/ love story I fell for it right away it was for sure a page turner. I wasn't to for sure about the hole mystery part I have a hard time following those and just turning the page with them, but this one was different I don't know if it was all the hott love parts or the really really good parts that made you turn the page. This author for sure knew what the hell she was doing.
I really can't wait for the second part of this story I got only a taste of the second story at the end and let's just say I want more. More mystery and more love I really want to find out what's going on with Josh and Sémya. Do they stay together? Does she finally make a career move? And what about all her boards? Yes I know you probley don't know what I'm talking about but that's kinda almost the point so it get's you to buy a copy and read it. Heck I enjoyed it and I bet you would to.
~I received this book for free for an honest review.~
April 7, 2016
I received an ARC copy to give an honest review.
This was a really good murder mystery. The story was weaved together perfectly. I was really hoping to give this book a 5 but I had to drop the rating down to a 4 only because the author seem to over do it on certain words. And I had a couple of questions that made me wonder if this really was a book 1 in the series.
You have Seyma who has been asked to find out what is going on within the world of fashion designing she gets much more than she bargains for. She has a murder mystery to solve and it raises all sorts of questions.
I really like how when there were and I am assuming they are french words you could click and you get the definition of the word. such as "Boxhe moy" means Oh my God! First time I have ever read a book that did that and helped me understand a bit.
I was kept on the edge of my seat in this book as I wanted to know who was the murderer, what was the end game. Why was this person doing this.
You get a bit of mystery surrounding all the characters, such as Josh who seems very mysterious in his own way. You have Polli who is related to someone dangerous. And then Semya who seems like a mystery to me.
Now the reasons why I had a problem with the book.
With the way the story was written you get involved with the m.c. Semya she seems to have thing about profiling people as she has a background in criminology. With that being said, you have so much questions as to why isn't she pursing what she has a background in. Why does she do boards on people? Her best friend Polli has a story, what does she have to do with Semya, how did they exactly meet? Why is Semya always trying to find what others are hiding? With all these questions it made me feel as though I was missing a bit of the background of Semya. Could there be a novella that puts all this together? I do not know. In the description you get that she was in Hawaii, what happened in Hawaii?
Reason number 2:
The word "shouted or screamed" was used in different scenarios which I found didn't match to what I would have thought. Example: "They left the bar and headed to the elevator. "I need to kiss you now!" he screamed before urgently taking her lips" Instead of the word screamed I would have used growled lowly.
When Semya, was talking to Julian. "Julian, you can't say a thinking to anyone not even you're new girlfriend. No one!" She shouted. When speaking in this scenario I didn't imagine her shouting. I would have maybe said she said roughly. Or something along those lines. The character seemed to shout way to much in the story.
This was a really good murder mystery. The story was weaved together perfectly. I was really hoping to give this book a 5 but I had to drop the rating down to a 4 only because the author seem to over do it on certain words. And I had a couple of questions that made me wonder if this really was a book 1 in the series.
You have Seyma who has been asked to find out what is going on within the world of fashion designing she gets much more than she bargains for. She has a murder mystery to solve and it raises all sorts of questions.
I really like how when there were and I am assuming they are french words you could click and you get the definition of the word. such as "Boxhe moy" means Oh my God! First time I have ever read a book that did that and helped me understand a bit.
I was kept on the edge of my seat in this book as I wanted to know who was the murderer, what was the end game. Why was this person doing this.
You get a bit of mystery surrounding all the characters, such as Josh who seems very mysterious in his own way. You have Polli who is related to someone dangerous. And then Semya who seems like a mystery to me.
Now the reasons why I had a problem with the book.
With the way the story was written you get involved with the m.c. Semya she seems to have thing about profiling people as she has a background in criminology. With that being said, you have so much questions as to why isn't she pursing what she has a background in. Why does she do boards on people? Her best friend Polli has a story, what does she have to do with Semya, how did they exactly meet? Why is Semya always trying to find what others are hiding? With all these questions it made me feel as though I was missing a bit of the background of Semya. Could there be a novella that puts all this together? I do not know. In the description you get that she was in Hawaii, what happened in Hawaii?
Reason number 2:
The word "shouted or screamed" was used in different scenarios which I found didn't match to what I would have thought. Example: "They left the bar and headed to the elevator. "I need to kiss you now!" he screamed before urgently taking her lips" Instead of the word screamed I would have used growled lowly.
When Semya, was talking to Julian. "Julian, you can't say a thinking to anyone not even you're new girlfriend. No one!" She shouted. When speaking in this scenario I didn't imagine her shouting. I would have maybe said she said roughly. Or something along those lines. The character seemed to shout way to much in the story.
December 16, 2013
*I Received this ARC from the Author via My Family's Heart Reviews & Tours in exchange for an Honest Review*
What do you get when you combine the heiress to The Sanka House, the finest wine in all of Europe, and a few dead bodies? Well you get Semya Slotin of course!
Semya is an enigma, her best friend is a Russian mob princess, her boyfriend of almost 4 years is absolute mystery to her, and she likes to play Nancy Drew more often than she probably should.
Bird of Prey takes the reader on a roller coaster of sex, lies, betrayal, and murder. The sex scenes are steamy without being tacky, the investigation will keep the reader on their toes as they try to follow Semya's boards and ways of thinking. The ending of the case will more than likely catch the reader off guard. The ending sets it up beautifully for "The Plot Thickens" which is the second book in the series releasing next month.
I don't normally mention errors when it comes to an ARC, but there was one error that repeated itself in every instance, so I'm not sure if the author was even aware it was an error at all, nor do I know if it was caught and corrected before the book was released. I do hope it was.
For the American readers who complain and cry errors in pretty much all UK books, other than the one repeated error, there are no others, at least none as obvious as that one is.
The storyline is beautiful and it flows wonderfully. Though, I do hope the author will grace her fans with the case from fifteen years prior to this one, about Semya's step father, when she met Heinz. I think that story would make a great prequel to the series.
Either way, I look forward to The Plot Thickens and do hope I'll get the chance to review it as I did this one.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
September 15, 2013
*I received an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Bird of Prey was a great, multi-layered mystery. It has romance and suspense set amid the high fashion world of Paris, France. Sémya Slotin has left her "murder investigating" days behind her. She has settled into nice life in London selling vintage wines and having hot, passionate sex with her lover, Josh Heinz. However, she is called back to Paris by her adoptive mother who is the head of a major fashion house to do some minor investigating into who is giving fashion secrets away. The case should be easy money, and Sémya is looking forward to returning to London quickly. Of course, that's not what happens. She stumbles into a murder mystery involving her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Julian. He is a suspect in the murder of his beautiful model girlfriend. Problem is, nobody really liked her, so the list of suspects is not short. She knows she must stay to help save Julian.
I loved several things about this book. First the author does a wonderful job of weaving all the story elements seamlessly together. Every chapter smoothly moves into the next chapter. She even goes so far as to show the readers how the title, Bird of Prey, relates to the story. Second, I enjoy a mystery that keeps you guessing. Every time I thought I knew who the murderer was, there would be another twist to cause me to suspect someone else. There is just enough information given to keep you guessing. Third, I thought the characters were great. They were all very realistic as well. The author did a phenomenal job of developing the secondary characters like Julian, Eileen, Ally, Polliannah, and Josh. There was a bit of mystery built into each character. Even though the murder is solved at the end, the reader is left wondering who exactly some of the characters really are....especially Josh. I cannot wait to read the sequel and get to know a bit more about Josh. Do yourself a favor and read this book! You will not be disappointed!
Bird of Prey was a great, multi-layered mystery. It has romance and suspense set amid the high fashion world of Paris, France. Sémya Slotin has left her "murder investigating" days behind her. She has settled into nice life in London selling vintage wines and having hot, passionate sex with her lover, Josh Heinz. However, she is called back to Paris by her adoptive mother who is the head of a major fashion house to do some minor investigating into who is giving fashion secrets away. The case should be easy money, and Sémya is looking forward to returning to London quickly. Of course, that's not what happens. She stumbles into a murder mystery involving her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Julian. He is a suspect in the murder of his beautiful model girlfriend. Problem is, nobody really liked her, so the list of suspects is not short. She knows she must stay to help save Julian.
I loved several things about this book. First the author does a wonderful job of weaving all the story elements seamlessly together. Every chapter smoothly moves into the next chapter. She even goes so far as to show the readers how the title, Bird of Prey, relates to the story. Second, I enjoy a mystery that keeps you guessing. Every time I thought I knew who the murderer was, there would be another twist to cause me to suspect someone else. There is just enough information given to keep you guessing. Third, I thought the characters were great. They were all very realistic as well. The author did a phenomenal job of developing the secondary characters like Julian, Eileen, Ally, Polliannah, and Josh. There was a bit of mystery built into each character. Even though the murder is solved at the end, the reader is left wondering who exactly some of the characters really are....especially Josh. I cannot wait to read the sequel and get to know a bit more about Josh. Do yourself a favor and read this book! You will not be disappointed!
August 12, 2014
This is a story about Semya Slotin. She owns her own wine business with her best friend Polliannah. But, they tend to drink more then sell the wine. In order to to not loose for store Semya agrees to help her adoptive mother, a fashion designer in Paris find out who's been stealing her designs and leaking them to her competitor. Who just happens to be Semya's 1st love Julian. Semya agrees because she knows it's going to be fast money. She's a fantastic profiler & has studied criminology. Semya agrees.
After her 1st day undercover at Julian's design firm. She instantly doesn't like or trust Julian's girlfriend Johanna. Just as she think's she's uncovered the case. Johanna has been murdered & they're looking for Julian. Now Semya has to figure out what really happened that night. Luckily for her she has Josh. Her very, very secretive boyfriend & Detective Ally in her corner helping her every in every way.
I can't give way too much away. I can tell you this was a hard book for me to get into. While I liked the actual synopsis, characters & story. When I finished this book I was as confused as I was on page 1!! There was so much about the characters I didn't know. There was absolutely no back story on Semya & Polli or Semya and Josh. Mind you there's A LOT we don't know about Josh. The whole book we heard about them in Hawaii. Yet, know nothing. The story also implies a lot of other stuff about Josh. I also felt this story bounced around a lot. Like one minute they can be talking about wine. The next minute they're talking about murder. It didn't make sense most of the time. If it wasn't for that my rating would of been higher.
Check out my other reviews, upcoming books, giveaways at:
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http://mommyslatenightbookup.blogspot...
After her 1st day undercover at Julian's design firm. She instantly doesn't like or trust Julian's girlfriend Johanna. Just as she think's she's uncovered the case. Johanna has been murdered & they're looking for Julian. Now Semya has to figure out what really happened that night. Luckily for her she has Josh. Her very, very secretive boyfriend & Detective Ally in her corner helping her every in every way.
I can't give way too much away. I can tell you this was a hard book for me to get into. While I liked the actual synopsis, characters & story. When I finished this book I was as confused as I was on page 1!! There was so much about the characters I didn't know. There was absolutely no back story on Semya & Polli or Semya and Josh. Mind you there's A LOT we don't know about Josh. The whole book we heard about them in Hawaii. Yet, know nothing. The story also implies a lot of other stuff about Josh. I also felt this story bounced around a lot. Like one minute they can be talking about wine. The next minute they're talking about murder. It didn't make sense most of the time. If it wasn't for that my rating would of been higher.
Check out my other reviews, upcoming books, giveaways at:
https://www.facebook.com/MommysLateNi...
http://mommyslatenightbookup.blogspot...
September 24, 2013
Hi guys I receive this book for a honest review so here's what I think. This book is about Semya and her helping her mother (godmother fashion designer) find the person who is stealing her design and sending them to Julian Semya ex-boyfriend fashion house. Semya thinks that she can solve the case quickly since she already knows who the trader is in her mother fashion house is. Soon she realize that the case is more complicated since there are two dead people and the investigation goes one way but, the clues takes you another and that had me turning the pages at 2 am in the morning. As you get pull into the story you can't believe who is the murderer at the end. The reason why I didn't give this book a 5 star is because I needed more of a background on Semya she was obviously smart yet she own a wine store why??? We know she met josh in Hawaii but, nothing else???? Who is Josh Heinz???? What does he do??? And, her friend polli being who she is what role did she play being Semya friend??? Hopefully we get more answers in book 2. Also, the book still need some editing there where a few mistake that hopefully by its release date they will be better. But, I like Birds of Prey it had me want to read more and the prologue was my favorite and well written. The investigation was also written well and the way the clues gather up together at the end. This was my first read by Mrs.Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba and there will be many books to come. I can't wait for book 2 and if you like mystery solving with a little romance then I would highly recommend this book you won't regret it.
October 14, 2013
*****Received ARC from the author for an honest opinion-this is mine!****
First let me tell you that this is the very first book that I have had the pleasure of reading of that has been written by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. And I look forward to reading more of your works/books!!!
The "Bird of Prey" will keep you on the edge of your seat! You never know what is gonna happen next and you definitely don't know what twist or turn is gonna happen.
The story starts out with a strange turn of events two roommates one is jealous of the other. One is a well know Model and she is suppose to going and getting her contract today however her mean ole roommate by the name of Catherine has taken over her identity and has fooled everyone- is slowly poisoning her and goes and signs her contract , comes back finds her alive then finishes her -jump a few months later. And this is where the story really takes off!!!
Now we get to the juicy parts!!!! Semya has been contacted by her step-mother to come home and help her. She will pay her well. And well she is out of money-does not believe men should give her money, loves high price wine ( good wine that is) and loves her men.(but only one at a time, she is not a whore)
when she gets home she finds out someone has been stealing designs from her ex's fashion house along with her mothers fashion house. They need her help. She thinks why not quick case easy money.
But its not that way-- murder happens - hmm who killed who..
For that you will need to read the book my friends..
I will tell you . This book is AWESOME! AMAZING!! GENIUS!!
YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!!!
First let me tell you that this is the very first book that I have had the pleasure of reading of that has been written by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. And I look forward to reading more of your works/books!!!
The "Bird of Prey" will keep you on the edge of your seat! You never know what is gonna happen next and you definitely don't know what twist or turn is gonna happen.
The story starts out with a strange turn of events two roommates one is jealous of the other. One is a well know Model and she is suppose to going and getting her contract today however her mean ole roommate by the name of Catherine has taken over her identity and has fooled everyone- is slowly poisoning her and goes and signs her contract , comes back finds her alive then finishes her -jump a few months later. And this is where the story really takes off!!!
Now we get to the juicy parts!!!! Semya has been contacted by her step-mother to come home and help her. She will pay her well. And well she is out of money-does not believe men should give her money, loves high price wine ( good wine that is) and loves her men.(but only one at a time, she is not a whore)
when she gets home she finds out someone has been stealing designs from her ex's fashion house along with her mothers fashion house. They need her help. She thinks why not quick case easy money.
But its not that way-- murder happens - hmm who killed who..
For that you will need to read the book my friends..
I will tell you . This book is AWESOME! AMAZING!! GENIUS!!
YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!!!
October 9, 2013
** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This is the first book I've read by the author Danielle-Claude.
Sémya Slotin has spent the last 3 years in London with her best friend, staying away from solving any crime. You see she's a brilliant woman. She was trying to stay away from anything that could get her killed. Instead she's been doing her other loves... selling vintage wine as well as drinking TONS of it. Everything was going fantastic, that is until her money supply ran out.
Sémya's adoptive mother, a fashion designer in Paris contacts her and wants to hire her for a job. Thinking it would be an easy way to earn money she accepts. She thought once she was done she would have a vacation in Paris. However it couldn't be that easy. She stumbles across a fresh corpse...and the bodies just keep piling up.
I loved this book! It is packed full of action and keeps you guessing. Which I absolutely love when reading, don't you? It's a multi-layered mystery. It has romance, suspense, and of course fashion and wine. Oh how I love wine. I love how the author weaves everything together. When you hit the point in the story where the title, Bird of Prey, relates you have an "ooohhhh" moment =)
The moment you think you know who the murderer is there is another plot twist that makes you think it's someone else. I love all of the main characters as well as the secondary ones. I loved this story and can't wait to read more. I highly recommend this book, it's a page turner.
I rate this book 5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by the author Danielle-Claude.
Sémya Slotin has spent the last 3 years in London with her best friend, staying away from solving any crime. You see she's a brilliant woman. She was trying to stay away from anything that could get her killed. Instead she's been doing her other loves... selling vintage wine as well as drinking TONS of it. Everything was going fantastic, that is until her money supply ran out.
Sémya's adoptive mother, a fashion designer in Paris contacts her and wants to hire her for a job. Thinking it would be an easy way to earn money she accepts. She thought once she was done she would have a vacation in Paris. However it couldn't be that easy. She stumbles across a fresh corpse...and the bodies just keep piling up.
I loved this book! It is packed full of action and keeps you guessing. Which I absolutely love when reading, don't you? It's a multi-layered mystery. It has romance, suspense, and of course fashion and wine. Oh how I love wine. I love how the author weaves everything together. When you hit the point in the story where the title, Bird of Prey, relates you have an "ooohhhh" moment =)
The moment you think you know who the murderer is there is another plot twist that makes you think it's someone else. I love all of the main characters as well as the secondary ones. I loved this story and can't wait to read more. I highly recommend this book, it's a page turner.
I rate this book 5 stars.
August 25, 2014
5 cupcakes
Sèmya owns a wine shop in London with her best friend Polliannah and is the adopted daughter of one of fashions most popular modeling agencies. She lived in Paris for most of her life and was a model just like her real mother. But with fate and life, there comes tragedy and murder. Sèmya studied criminology and computer science in college but never went into the field because she was use to the life of the rich and famous, even being broke. But her ex-boyfriend and mother find out that someone was stealing sketches from one agency and sneaking them into the other agencies books. They hire Sèmya to find out whom, but when she does there’s murder and scandal mixed up in the simple robbery. Will Sèmya prove the murders and find out more along the way? Was one of the victims a Bird of Prey? Read it!
I absolutely love Sèmya and Polli. Josh is defiantly a great add to the story and makes for an intriguing mystery surround him alone. My favorite scene is Josh and Sèmya’s first date after being together 3 years lol. Interesting couple. I have to say I got caught up in the story line several times and fell asleep reading because I didn’t want to put the book down.
Romance meets mystery. Great combination. If you like murder, she wrote and mystery woman then this is a book for you. 18+ due to sex and violence.
Reviewer for Sweets Books and Danielle-Claude Nagontang Mba
Sèmya owns a wine shop in London with her best friend Polliannah and is the adopted daughter of one of fashions most popular modeling agencies. She lived in Paris for most of her life and was a model just like her real mother. But with fate and life, there comes tragedy and murder. Sèmya studied criminology and computer science in college but never went into the field because she was use to the life of the rich and famous, even being broke. But her ex-boyfriend and mother find out that someone was stealing sketches from one agency and sneaking them into the other agencies books. They hire Sèmya to find out whom, but when she does there’s murder and scandal mixed up in the simple robbery. Will Sèmya prove the murders and find out more along the way? Was one of the victims a Bird of Prey? Read it!
I absolutely love Sèmya and Polli. Josh is defiantly a great add to the story and makes for an intriguing mystery surround him alone. My favorite scene is Josh and Sèmya’s first date after being together 3 years lol. Interesting couple. I have to say I got caught up in the story line several times and fell asleep reading because I didn’t want to put the book down.
Romance meets mystery. Great combination. If you like murder, she wrote and mystery woman then this is a book for you. 18+ due to sex and violence.
Reviewer for Sweets Books and Danielle-Claude Nagontang Mba
March 1, 2016
5 cupcakes
Sèmya owns a wine shop in London with her best friend Polliannah and is the adopted daughter of one of fashion's most popular modeling agencies. She lived in Paris for most of her life and was a model just like her real mother. But with fate and life, there comes tragedy and murder. Sèmya studied criminology and computer science in college but never went into the field because she was use to the life of the rich and famous, even being broke. But her ex-boyfriend and mother find out that someone was stealing sketches from one agency and sneaking them into the other agencies books. They hire Sèmya to find out whom, but when she does there’s murder and scandal mixed up in the simple robbery. Will Sèmya prove the murders and find out more along the way? Was one of the victims a Bird of Prey? Read it!
I absolutely love Sèmya and Polli. Josh is definitely a great add to the story and makes for an intriguing mystery surround him alone. My favorite scene is Josh and Sèmya’s first date after being together 3 years lol. Interesting couple. I have to say I got caught up in the story line several times and fell asleep reading because I didn’t want to put the book down.
Romance meets mystery. Great combination. If you like murder, she wrote and mystery woman then this is a book for you. 18+ due to sex and violence.
Till next time - Sweets Books
(written by Beth - SBAH)
February 4, 2014
Bird of Prey is book one in Danielle Claude Ngontang Mba's Semya Slotin mystery series, It's written in third person which for me takes something away from the feeling and emotion of the characters within the novel. There were typo's throughout which I felt needed mentioning because I found it took away from the flow of the novel having to go back and work out what some of the words were supposed to be. The scenes felt a little jumpy to me and I was often confused as to why a location or a conversation had changed so rapidly. With that said though the storyline was fantastic some nice twists and turns that I wasn't expecting and it constantly had me thinking, I felt like I was watching an episode of Miss Marple at times. Semya Slotin is a great character she's confident, sassy and very nosey, which I suppose being a sleuth she needs to be. There's something very odd about her boyfriend Josh Heinz, I don't trust him he makes me feel jumpy and nervous reading about him and his 'contacts'. Polliannah is Semya's best friend and flatmate, she helps Semya run their wine shop and she also seems to help with some of the sleuthing, Polli is the daughter of the Russian mob boss which helps them a little along the way. This mystery and these characters are very well thought out and that ending had me chomping at the bit to read book two. 4 Stars!
October 11, 2013
3.5 stars
Sémya has been living in London for three years with her best friend Polli selling expensive wines. When funds start to run low, Sémya takes a job from her mother to investigate some design sketches that have been showing up at a competitors fashion house. The other fashion house happens to be owned by Julian, Sémya's ex-boyfriend. He too, wants to know why the sketches are showing up at in his designs.
Sémya is super intelligent and has a knack for investigating. She spends most of her free time with Josh. Their relationship was slightly confusing. For about the first half, I didn't understand why they had been together so long when it seemed they were only together for sex.
This was a really good story but lacked so much detail. I felt like it a lot was supposed to be known, like it was in a previous book but this was book one of the series. Like what happened in Hawaii, who is Josh and why she was mad at her Mother for years. I don't mind some mystery left for another book but it was stated in a way that felt like I should already know.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sémya has been living in London for three years with her best friend Polli selling expensive wines. When funds start to run low, Sémya takes a job from her mother to investigate some design sketches that have been showing up at a competitors fashion house. The other fashion house happens to be owned by Julian, Sémya's ex-boyfriend. He too, wants to know why the sketches are showing up at in his designs.
Sémya is super intelligent and has a knack for investigating. She spends most of her free time with Josh. Their relationship was slightly confusing. For about the first half, I didn't understand why they had been together so long when it seemed they were only together for sex.
This was a really good story but lacked so much detail. I felt like it a lot was supposed to be known, like it was in a previous book but this was book one of the series. Like what happened in Hawaii, who is Josh and why she was mad at her Mother for years. I don't mind some mystery left for another book but it was stated in a way that felt like I should already know.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2013
I was captivated from page one, who doesn't love a good mystery? Especially when it is perfectly blended with some smoldering romance, and written so well! The plot was thick and well thought out, though at time I had my doubts (it could be a little hard to see where things were headed). Semya Slotin's passion and quirky sort of attitude made me quickly fall in love with her, and cheer her on as things got tough. She is brilliant with serious passion, and a taste for wine and a yummy man named Josh.
It was suppose to start off simple, Semya goes to help out her mother discover who is the thief stealing her lovely designs and selling the secrets off to earn some quick cash. But things quickly get more complicated as dead bodies appear and more clues pop up, taking you around in a whole new direction. It was exciting and suspenseful! Every character was as developed as the main with realistic traits and some secrets that almost become another mystery on their own.
It was beautifully detailed with a phenomenal ending that only makes me crave more!
Gah, I can't wait for the next book, and highly recommend it to lovers of mystery, romance, and strong female characters!
It was suppose to start off simple, Semya goes to help out her mother discover who is the thief stealing her lovely designs and selling the secrets off to earn some quick cash. But things quickly get more complicated as dead bodies appear and more clues pop up, taking you around in a whole new direction. It was exciting and suspenseful! Every character was as developed as the main with realistic traits and some secrets that almost become another mystery on their own.
It was beautifully detailed with a phenomenal ending that only makes me crave more!
Gah, I can't wait for the next book, and highly recommend it to lovers of mystery, romance, and strong female characters!
August 4, 2016
Mystery isn’t my favorite genre, only lately have I started reading it more often. Well, after reading Bird Of Prey I like it even more. Semya Slotin is an absolute delight to the detective world, she is absolutely brilliant. Until her mother called her to help with a case, she was selling wine with her bff Polliannah, as well as spending time with her hot boyfriend Josh Heinz, who is also a mystery in himself. As she heads in to solve an easy case as she puts it, she discovers that it isn’t going to be just that easy. Watch out folks Semya Slotin is back.
I just loved this story and I am eager to dive into the next. This is a well written book that held my attention and kept me guessing until it was over. I recommend this book to mystery lovers everywhere, you will enjoy the author’s way of telling her tale. It was really easy to picture the world in which the characters were moving in and include yourself in that picture. To be there is absolutely thrilling. I would like to thank Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba & Girls Heart Books for making this book available for me to read and review. It was a fantastic read!
**Book provided in exchange for an honest review**
I just loved this story and I am eager to dive into the next. This is a well written book that held my attention and kept me guessing until it was over. I recommend this book to mystery lovers everywhere, you will enjoy the author’s way of telling her tale. It was really easy to picture the world in which the characters were moving in and include yourself in that picture. To be there is absolutely thrilling. I would like to thank Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba & Girls Heart Books for making this book available for me to read and review. It was a fantastic read!
**Book provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 27, 2014
I received a copy of Bird of Prey by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba in exchange for an honest review. I was torn when rating this book. On the one hand this book has a really interesting mystery, which turned out to be much more than expected. The story had me hooked from the beginning and I didn’t feel any urges to skim pages. I read this in just over a day. As far as the plot goes, this is a 4.5 star book. In general, I do not take editing into account when I review a book. In this case, I found that the misused or missing words made it difficult to follow what was happening at times. There were also a couple of instances of the wrong name being used. This book is written in third person and just about every character’s point of view is included. This tripped me up a few times because I didn’t know who was thinking something. The only other aspect that confused me was the multiple references to things that happened in the past. I had to go back and make sure I hadn’t skipped a book. Despite these few issues I found this book very enjoyable and dove right into the next book in the series. Overall, I give this book 4 stars and look forward to continuing this series..
August 18, 2013
I received an advanced review copy but this in no way affected my review.
I read this book in less than a day- I couldn't walk away from it. Danielle-Claude has once again created a compelling heroine. I wasn't sure I was going to like the high-fashion angle, but I loved it, especially mixed with the criminal/police angle.
Semya may have a rough exterior, but within two pages you'll want her as your best friend: she's honest, compassionate and brilliant. Her tragic childhood could make her an emotional mess, but instead she's cool as ice and knows exactly which buttons to push, how to get a rise out of someone- and when to do it.
Of course you want to know more about her best friend Polli, her ex Julian and, most importantly, her very mysterious boyfriend Josh, but the mystery is so well set up that those will be afterthoughts. You might be able to figure out "whodunnit" pretty quickly, but *why* is the question. When you realize the answer, you'll be able to see the little clues that were dribbled throughout the story. Well done.
Can't wait to read the rest in this series!
I read this book in less than a day- I couldn't walk away from it. Danielle-Claude has once again created a compelling heroine. I wasn't sure I was going to like the high-fashion angle, but I loved it, especially mixed with the criminal/police angle.
Semya may have a rough exterior, but within two pages you'll want her as your best friend: she's honest, compassionate and brilliant. Her tragic childhood could make her an emotional mess, but instead she's cool as ice and knows exactly which buttons to push, how to get a rise out of someone- and when to do it.
Of course you want to know more about her best friend Polli, her ex Julian and, most importantly, her very mysterious boyfriend Josh, but the mystery is so well set up that those will be afterthoughts. You might be able to figure out "whodunnit" pretty quickly, but *why* is the question. When you realize the answer, you'll be able to see the little clues that were dribbled throughout the story. Well done.
Can't wait to read the rest in this series!
December 13, 2013
With a starting line in the blurb going like "It was supposed to be an easy case", you just
know there's gonna be trouble. Guess what? I was right. There's trouble with a capital T. In fact, capitalize ALL the words in trouble and that's what you have.
The first section of the book threw me off. Good little mysterious what-in-the-world-just happened and WHY? type thing. Yeah lady, you hooked me there. What an intro!
I gotta say, I enjoy this author's writing. Her characters are sassy and I never know what they'll say or do next. Kept me on my toes for sure. I love the good dose of mystery, and a bit of drama and sure, throw in a little side shot of romance. Semya might be rusty at solving cases, but she sure kicks butt anyway! She's kinda fun, I'd hang out with Semya for a day despite the Capital T-rest of the words capitalized too ROUBLE she gets into.
Yeah, I had a blast with this book. Stayed out on my swing too long in the cold and now my toes still aren't warmed up. Looking forward to more. Bring it on, and quick, ya hear?
know there's gonna be trouble. Guess what? I was right. There's trouble with a capital T. In fact, capitalize ALL the words in trouble and that's what you have.
The first section of the book threw me off. Good little mysterious what-in-the-world-just happened and WHY? type thing. Yeah lady, you hooked me there. What an intro!
I gotta say, I enjoy this author's writing. Her characters are sassy and I never know what they'll say or do next. Kept me on my toes for sure. I love the good dose of mystery, and a bit of drama and sure, throw in a little side shot of romance. Semya might be rusty at solving cases, but she sure kicks butt anyway! She's kinda fun, I'd hang out with Semya for a day despite the Capital T-rest of the words capitalized too ROUBLE she gets into.
Yeah, I had a blast with this book. Stayed out on my swing too long in the cold and now my toes still aren't warmed up. Looking forward to more. Bring it on, and quick, ya hear?
December 17, 2013
Bird of Prey by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
This story begins with Semya and her best friend, Polliannah, running a fine wine business. The business is not doing well and they seem to enjoy drinking their beverages instead of selling them. One day Semya is called back to her mother to help with a little problem at her mother’s design house. Someone is stealing her ideas and selling them off. Her mother wants her to come find out who is responsible for this. Semya walks into more than she had bargained for. Dead bodies weren’t part of this deal. Will she find what she is looking for or will she find more?
This is the first time I had ever read anything by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. I was pleased with how she brought her characters to life. Just when you think you have it figured out, she throws a wrench in it and takes you down a different path. I love it. Continual twists and turns till the end. Great job Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
This story begins with Semya and her best friend, Polliannah, running a fine wine business. The business is not doing well and they seem to enjoy drinking their beverages instead of selling them. One day Semya is called back to her mother to help with a little problem at her mother’s design house. Someone is stealing her ideas and selling them off. Her mother wants her to come find out who is responsible for this. Semya walks into more than she had bargained for. Dead bodies weren’t part of this deal. Will she find what she is looking for or will she find more?
This is the first time I had ever read anything by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. I was pleased with how she brought her characters to life. Just when you think you have it figured out, she throws a wrench in it and takes you down a different path. I love it. Continual twists and turns till the end. Great job Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 20, 2013
I recieved an advance pdf copy of the book. This is the first book i have read by this author Danielle -Claude. I absolutely loved it. There is plenty of suspense and romance ..Set in the high fashion world of Paris France, Semya Slotin thought hse had left her murder investigating days behind her. Now settled into a nice life in London selling vintage wines and having passionate sex with Josh Heinz her lover. When her adoptive mother who is the head of a major fashion houe calls her to come back to Paris to do some minor investigating into who is giving away fashion secrets. It looks like easy monry and she is looking forward to returning to London quickly. However that is not the case.She soon stumbles upon a murder mystery involving her childhood friend and ex boyfriend Julian. He is the suspect in the murder of his model girlfriend.She knows she must help Julian. Problem is no one really liked her so the suspect list is long.
October 10, 2013
Received from: Danielle-Claude Ngontang MBA (in exchange for an honest review)
Fifteen years ago, a young girl is able to prove her mother did not kill her step-father. She completes schooling to be a top notch criminologist, but instead co-owns a wine store in London with her best friend, the mob boss’ daughter. When her mother asks her to look into a little case of fashion-house espionage, she thinks it’s going to be an easy case and on to vacation. When the bodies start hitting the floor and they’re all in for more than they planned.
Well thought-out plot with plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes while reading this. This is Ms. Ngontang’s first foray into the mystery realm and I would say she has hit it solidly. I look forward to reading the second book in this series The Plot Thickens, to be released January 2014.
Recommended for: 18+
Fifteen years ago, a young girl is able to prove her mother did not kill her step-father. She completes schooling to be a top notch criminologist, but instead co-owns a wine store in London with her best friend, the mob boss’ daughter. When her mother asks her to look into a little case of fashion-house espionage, she thinks it’s going to be an easy case and on to vacation. When the bodies start hitting the floor and they’re all in for more than they planned.
Well thought-out plot with plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes while reading this. This is Ms. Ngontang’s first foray into the mystery realm and I would say she has hit it solidly. I look forward to reading the second book in this series The Plot Thickens, to be released January 2014.
Recommended for: 18+
August 6, 2016
ARC Kindle Copy for Review
We are introduced to Sémya Slotin and her best friend and roommate Polliannah Koch. As they live a life full of extravagance despite hiding secrets. They return from Hawaii where their lives were in peril and they meet an equally mysterious Josh Heinz who ends up saving Sémya but she has no recollection as they end up being in a relationship.
Sémya who has a penchant for solving cases returns to Paris on behalf of her adoptive mother a former fashion model. Her former ex a former model turned fashion designer returns to the scene as the accused victim of his supermodel girlfriend.
She ends up searching for answers with the aid of Josh who is not what he pretends to be. They unravel the truth of what really happen and will they ever really confide their pasts which might break them apart.
October 4, 2013
Hi all,
I was given an ARC of this book by author for reviewing purposes. I enjoyed reading this and many thanks to the author. Corporate espionage, murder, mayhem, and romance this book has it all. Just loved reading about the cops working with civilians for assistance. The main character Semya is considered to be a genius and has a “board” for everybody. Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba included in several scenes what Semya was listening to when she had her thinking/study sessions, it’s nice to be able to relate to book characters in this playlist way. If I have any complaint it’s that the book gives slight details about her start in helping to solve cases leading up to this one. So I’m hoping as ending indicated this will possibly be addressed in further series.
I was given an ARC of this book by author for reviewing purposes. I enjoyed reading this and many thanks to the author. Corporate espionage, murder, mayhem, and romance this book has it all. Just loved reading about the cops working with civilians for assistance. The main character Semya is considered to be a genius and has a “board” for everybody. Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba included in several scenes what Semya was listening to when she had her thinking/study sessions, it’s nice to be able to relate to book characters in this playlist way. If I have any complaint it’s that the book gives slight details about her start in helping to solve cases leading up to this one. So I’m hoping as ending indicated this will possibly be addressed in further series.
October 27, 2013
I read this for Hooked On Books
I really enjoyed this story. It was full of twists & turns and was very exciting.
I found the character of Semya really interesting. She is a really clever lady, and she is a trained criminologist. She has spent the last three years sharing a flat with her best friend Polliannah in London, selling expensive wines. She has given up solving crimes, until this one. She thinks this is going to be an easy case, but it turns into far much more than she expected.
My only problem with is was, it jumped about a bit, but I still enjoyed it & I look forward to reading #2
I really enjoyed this story. It was full of twists & turns and was very exciting.
I found the character of Semya really interesting. She is a really clever lady, and she is a trained criminologist. She has spent the last three years sharing a flat with her best friend Polliannah in London, selling expensive wines. She has given up solving crimes, until this one. She thinks this is going to be an easy case, but it turns into far much more than she expected.
My only problem with is was, it jumped about a bit, but I still enjoyed it & I look forward to reading #2
October 30, 2013
BIRD OF PREY (Sémya Slotin Mystery #1) by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba
I really enjoyed this story. It was full of twists & turns and was very exciting.
I found the character of Semya really interesting. She is a really clever lady, and she is a trained criminologist. She has spent the last three years sharing a flat with her best friend Polliannah in London, selling expensive wines. She has given up solving crimes, until this one. She thinks this is going to be an easy case, but it turns into far much more than she expected.
My only problem with is was, it jumped about a bit, but I still enjoyed it & I look forward to reading #2
August 7, 2014
I loved it. It was a great story, lots of turns.
Seyma is a beautiful and talented as well as intelligent. She puts things together before everyone else.
Josh, mmm, loved Josh. I want more.
Julian, okay, yeah, he was a tool, but you still almost feel sorry for him.
There is a large cast, but well thought out and the story flows.
You can easily read it in a sitting, and keep up with what's going on.
I definitely recommend it to mystery lovers.
I'm looking forward to the next.
I received an ARC for an honest review, but plan to buy the ebook once it's out.
Seyma is a beautiful and talented as well as intelligent. She puts things together before everyone else.
Josh, mmm, loved Josh. I want more.
Julian, okay, yeah, he was a tool, but you still almost feel sorry for him.
There is a large cast, but well thought out and the story flows.
You can easily read it in a sitting, and keep up with what's going on.
I definitely recommend it to mystery lovers.
I'm looking forward to the next.
I received an ARC for an honest review, but plan to buy the ebook once it's out.
September 21, 2013
I was given an ARC of this novel for an honest review and all I can say is wow!! I couldn't stop reading it. The characters were real and engaging and the plot flowed. There were some grammatical issues that I discovered while reading but I know they will all be caught during the final processes. I am not going to put anything about the story in here since it has not been released yet, but if you are a fan of murder mysteries, strong women and sex, then make sure you read this book. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait for book 2 in this series. Great job!!!!!!!
June 6, 2014
New to me author, who I have enjoyed reviewing this book for. Danielle-Claude Ngontang MBA brings you a different taste of romance and mystery. She gives you a good enough taste that you will want more. Including the wine she offers in this book. If you want to know the secrets and mystery as well as the drama from this well written story plot you must get you a copy. You will think you have it all figured out on who did what, and then here comes the twists and turns. This is the first in this set.
June 11, 2014
Bird of Prey is an enjoyable modern-day mystery book. The protagonist is an independent, kick-ass woman, which is always a plus point with this type of fiction. The criminal profiling aspect to the story is very interesting and I enjoyed reading how Semya put together pieces of the puzzle as the story moved along.
I would have loved more background on Semya and the main characters surrounding her, but maybe that is to come in the next instalment, I hope so. Overall, it’s a great read.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
I would have loved more background on Semya and the main characters surrounding her, but maybe that is to come in the next instalment, I hope so. Overall, it’s a great read.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
August 23, 2014
Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba’s “Bird of Prey” (“Bird of Prey” series #1) is like a Dan Brown novel with better sex. I like the main character, Semya, and I like the murder mystery bits a lot. I find myself really wanting to know who her boyfriend really is. The sexy bits are steamy and the plot keeps you reading. My only complaint is that the author is obviously not a native English speaker and so sometimes it feels like you’re reading something that was translated to English.
August 3, 2013
I had the honor of beta reading this book and I absolutely loved it, it had enough mystery to keep me turning the pages. It was not predictable, I honestly couldn't figure out who did it until the author revealed it. At the same time it was funny and it had a bit of romance. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
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