At First I Was Afraid

by Marty Ludlum

Whether you’re a mother or whether you’re a brother, you’re gonna love this book!

Meet Detective Donna Summer Wyznecki of Las Vegas, Nevada. Yes, she’s named after the disco queen. Her dad named all six Wyznecki kids after disco royalty. Dad loves disco. Even now.

Donna’s love life is a Dumpster fire, and when her best friend gets engaged, the flames grow higher. Donna stands five-foot-nothing and sports a 97-pound frame. She has a metabolism issue and must eat like two teenage boys just to maintain that weight. Don’t hate her too much! Because she has to track down the psychotic culprit behind a terrifying explosion. A bomber who calls himself The Messenger is causing chaos and panic, something a tourist town cannot tolerate. Donna chases down clues (and carb-laden snacks) aided by the squad she calls her Disco a part-time psychic, a Shirley Temple lookalike, and her seven-foot-tall partner.

Can Donna stop The Messenger, or will he succeed in destroying all she holds dear—the casinos, the Elvis impersonators, the buffets . . . and the people, she cares about the people too. Well, some people . . .

At First I Was Afraid is the first in a new series featuring Detective Donna and the Disco Divas. Go on now, go! Walk out that door—and buy a copy of At First I Was Afraid today to find out if Donna is petrified or if she will survive!

262 pages, Hardcover

Published November 3, 2024

Reviews

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Hidden Gems and I'm willingly leaving a review
TRIGGERS: sexual harassment passed as normal
I loved the theme, the references to the theme, and how much the detective could eat. I did not like the overkill drama surrounding the brother (which was almost a farce at the end), and the death details (too graphic for a cozy). I'm not sure if I received an ARC or not but there were too many repeats about many information throughout. Corny stuff but unrealistic, such as breakfast served to a patient that was in a coma right from the start or the police officer dropping off subpoenas by giving them to the receptionist; taking a shower from fire sprinklers??? Some unanswered questions, like who sent a donut box to Donna - it could have been poisoned. Kudos on the editing. Do not read while hungry.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Eighties are back!

The first thing I liked about this book was the title! Detective Donna Summer is the main character and a known foodie. I liked the book at the beginning, had sum "eh" moments about a third in, but ended up loving the book and can't wait for the 2nd book in the series. While it is not a cozy mystery by definition as series continues I see it taking on more of that style. Also lots of humor within the reading.
My favorite quote was : " There is no "we" in chocolate "

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, action packed read. An innocent trip into the bank to reactivate her ATM card, an altercation with a fellow customer, and a bomb detonating in the lobby of the bank set in motion a whirlwind of events for Detective Donna Summer Wyznecki. Everything in this book moves along at a fast pace as Detective Wyznecki and her police colleagues try to stop a mystery bomber from blowing up several large venues in Las Vegas. Well written and compelling. Looking forward to more books in this series. Thank you, BookSirens, for providing the ARC.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, and very true to life in what I can only assume a female detective has to put up with, even from some of her own coworkers. Donna was quite enjoyable to read about, as were her other cohorts in the Disco Divas at the station. I was completely surprised at both who the bomber was and who their accomplish was. Great job!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is about to be pulled in a a case of a bomber who is running wild. They will send her messages and she will have help in trying to find them. It is not going to easy to find them but she will do whatever she needs to do to prevent more attacks. See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I wanted her to get them

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with an interesting cast of characters with even more interesting names. I finished reading the story wishing I could eat like Donna!
I found the story, while serious, it was light and refreshing.
I'll gladly read more from this author.
I received a free advance review copy & I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Sandra Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Hiddengemsbooks. This book is very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. This is one of those books that you have a hard time putting down, I had it finished with a day. Great characters and I love the Disco Divas!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story about Donna and her insatiable appetite. Wait, no, that can't be it. Detective Donna stops a criminal in Vegas, that's it. This story was fast paced and amazing. Very hard to put down. If you like cop mysteries, and doughnuts, you will like this book. Can't wait to read more!
I was given a copy of this book by Hidden Gems Books.

[Lailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that's fresh, funny, and full of suspense, with a unique setting and a detective who's anything but ordinary, then "Meet Detective Donna Summer Wyznecki" sounds like it's ready to boogie its way onto your must-read list. I'm already picturing the glitter and the explosions. What a combination!

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but I struggled with it. The beginning was good but as it went on it lost me. I struggled to connect with the characters and felt the story was all over the place.

With that being said it wasn't all bad. I did enjoy all 70s disco references and the family interactions.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alicia Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. The characters were great, and the action was non-stop. I loved the way the author worked all those disco references into the story. Imaginative and cleverly plotted, At First I Was Afraid is sure to please.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely must-read!

Excellent mystery, plenty of twists and turns, some red herrings and humor along the way. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Glad I bought this one! Thank you, William Bernhardt, for the recommendation!

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The doctor event wasn't right. I would have liked to have seen him arrested. I doubt he "learned his lesson" by being scared. Other things like that did not come out smoothly. Enjoyed the book, though!

[Lisa L]

Could not put it down! Love Little Donna and can’t wait to read more.

This book made me laugh and cry. I highly recommend this book.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little book. A little gutted by the ending, as I really wanted to see where it went (and I thought it was Lynn who had something to hide).
But it was an enjoyable read.

[Lee Tyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Hard to put down. It’s an entertaining thriller that I really enjoyed. Looking forward to the next one. Also, the who-dun-it aspect was well done.