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Smith and Westen Mysteries #1
On the Hook
A Picasso painting, worth a hundred million dollars, disappears en route from Chicago to New Hampshire. Literally--en route. The painting goes missing while the truck is moving. The painting is there, then it's not. It's gone, but it can't be.
Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.
Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from her old nemesis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback.
KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.
Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.
Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.
Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from her old nemesis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback.
KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.
Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.
- GenresMystery
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2014
97 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Davis
193 books40 followersWhen I lived in New England I stayed indoors and wrote murder mysteries. Now, in Florida, where I can be outdoors twelve months of the year, I write self-help and metaphysical fiction.
Maybe it's the warm weather!
I travel around absorbing earth energy and doing motivational speaking.
www.cindydavisauthor.com, www.fiction-doctor.com
Maybe it's the warm weather!
I travel around absorbing earth energy and doing motivational speaking.
www.cindydavisauthor.com, www.fiction-doctor.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2020
Interesting mystery
A Picasso painting gets stolen and every single thing points too the underwriter KJ. KJ gets the help of one of the people who bullied her in school to prove her innocence.
The plot was very interesting and the pacing was nice. Liked it.
A Picasso painting gets stolen and every single thing points too the underwriter KJ. KJ gets the help of one of the people who bullied her in school to prove her innocence.
The plot was very interesting and the pacing was nice. Liked it.
November 15, 2019
This is the first book by this author I have listened to and I quiet enjoyed it. I liked the way the pair have to puzzle out how the robbery took place and think out side of the box . There was plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and listening.
A hundred million dollar Picasso painting has been stolen as it travelled from one museum to another. Fingers all point to Kendra Jean Valentine as she was the underwriting agent for the policy. Nobody believe she wasn't involved somehow, not even her boyfriend so she turns to the one person how might be able to help, the girl she bullied at school. When asking Westen Hughes for help they are over heard by Phoebe Smith and a very unlikely partnership is formed in the hunt for the missing painting. Neither have any training in investigating a robbery but they both need money badly and a will to learn if only KJ would stop calling every five minutes to get a progress report. The problem is someone knows they are investigating and the pair is being followed.
The narrator was okay but didn't really have much reflection in her voice or range of voices so everybody tended to sound the same. Other than that it was a good book and I would try another book by this author.
A hundred million dollar Picasso painting has been stolen as it travelled from one museum to another. Fingers all point to Kendra Jean Valentine as she was the underwriting agent for the policy. Nobody believe she wasn't involved somehow, not even her boyfriend so she turns to the one person how might be able to help, the girl she bullied at school. When asking Westen Hughes for help they are over heard by Phoebe Smith and a very unlikely partnership is formed in the hunt for the missing painting. Neither have any training in investigating a robbery but they both need money badly and a will to learn if only KJ would stop calling every five minutes to get a progress report. The problem is someone knows they are investigating and the pair is being followed.
The narrator was okay but didn't really have much reflection in her voice or range of voices so everybody tended to sound the same. Other than that it was a good book and I would try another book by this author.
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October 12, 2020Even before I purchased the book, the title On the Hook: Smith and Weston caught my eye. The play on words led me to believe that the story would be sprinkled with sparks of humor. I was not disappointed. However, the story line was serious. As you know, theft is always a serious matter, especially when it involves a painting worth over $100,000,000. That’s a lot of zeroes. To Weston and her “investigative partner” Smith, those zeroes mean climbing out of debt and forging a new future, something they desperately need.
Right from the beginning, Weston is faced with two problems. Smith’s suggestion that they work together to find the missing painting doesn’t set well with Weston. Why? She knows nothing about being a private eye. Plus, she doesn’t really know anything about Smith except that she dresses flamboyantly and likes snakes.
Then comes the biggest obstacle of all. Kendra Jean (KJ), the alleged thief, is an old nemesis of Weston’s. KJ claims she is innocent of the charges. Weston’s internal conflicts guide the action of the plot. Should she overcome lifelong prejudices to prove KJ is innocent? Can she believe KJ? Can she trust Smith? Those are the questions Weston must answer before she can solve the mystery of the missing Picasso.
Right from the beginning, Weston is faced with two problems. Smith’s suggestion that they work together to find the missing painting doesn’t set well with Weston. Why? She knows nothing about being a private eye. Plus, she doesn’t really know anything about Smith except that she dresses flamboyantly and likes snakes.
Then comes the biggest obstacle of all. Kendra Jean (KJ), the alleged thief, is an old nemesis of Weston’s. KJ claims she is innocent of the charges. Weston’s internal conflicts guide the action of the plot. Should she overcome lifelong prejudices to prove KJ is innocent? Can she believe KJ? Can she trust Smith? Those are the questions Weston must answer before she can solve the mystery of the missing Picasso.
November 4, 2018
On the Hook
Smith and Westen Mysteries
Book 1
Cindy Davis
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
This mystery was a fun book to read, because of the characters investigative abilities which were nil, according to their interpretation. Smith and Westen are engaged to find a missing Picasso because of a friend's position as an insurance underwriter when the painting got stolen.
Each of the women has their problems and need the finder's fee, so they proceed to do due diligence in their quest. That search leads to some enjoyable confrontations, by interviewing the people involved in the action that brought about the theft.
The two detective ladies ask the right questions, but it is their ingenuity and visual perception that lead them in the right direction. Their combined talents would make Sherlock smile - they think out of the box and outsmart professional in the task at hand.
I enjoyed the banter amongst the two and the prose of the author.
I'll be back sometime to see if Smith and Westen will shoot straight again with little bloodshed.
Smith and Westen Mysteries
Book 1
Cindy Davis
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
This mystery was a fun book to read, because of the characters investigative abilities which were nil, according to their interpretation. Smith and Westen are engaged to find a missing Picasso because of a friend's position as an insurance underwriter when the painting got stolen.
Each of the women has their problems and need the finder's fee, so they proceed to do due diligence in their quest. That search leads to some enjoyable confrontations, by interviewing the people involved in the action that brought about the theft.
The two detective ladies ask the right questions, but it is their ingenuity and visual perception that lead them in the right direction. Their combined talents would make Sherlock smile - they think out of the box and outsmart professional in the task at hand.
I enjoyed the banter amongst the two and the prose of the author.
I'll be back sometime to see if Smith and Westen will shoot straight again with little bloodshed.
June 13, 2023
On the Hook
If you're a mystery lover or a cozey mystery lover I can't recommend this mystery enough,it's a nonstop adventure in mankind's faith in change both good and bad and whether greed is the way to go. The array of characters are wonderful vibrant colorful and quirky it's a fabulous selection and believe me they will definitely draw you in within the first few paragraphs not letting you go while you're enticed further by the great intriguing mystery of how, how could this happen. The plot amusing and fascinating taking you from one city to another exposing secret after secret wading through facts and fiction hoping to come to truth Cindy Davis has brought to life a truly grand who done it tale that I couldn't put down once I started reading until I reached its very unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " On the Hook " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. 😃Kat
If you're a mystery lover or a cozey mystery lover I can't recommend this mystery enough,it's a nonstop adventure in mankind's faith in change both good and bad and whether greed is the way to go. The array of characters are wonderful vibrant colorful and quirky it's a fabulous selection and believe me they will definitely draw you in within the first few paragraphs not letting you go while you're enticed further by the great intriguing mystery of how, how could this happen. The plot amusing and fascinating taking you from one city to another exposing secret after secret wading through facts and fiction hoping to come to truth Cindy Davis has brought to life a truly grand who done it tale that I couldn't put down once I started reading until I reached its very unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " On the Hook " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. 😃Kat
October 2, 2018
The key to this cozy mystery series is the relationship between Smith and Westen, and this first book in the series does a great job in allowing their very different, but equally quirky personalities to develop and shine throughout the story. If you're a fan of light-hearted mysteries that keep you guessing until the end, you won't want to miss this one. You will most likely find yourself wanting to know what lies ahead for Westen Hughes and Phoebe (Don't ever call me by my first name!) Smith in the future... luckily for all of us, there are more books in this series to satisfy that want
October 4, 2018
The Good
From the word -pee-gasm at the start and my love of Daniel Craig at the end - I knew I would enjoy this book! There were lots and lots of sharp witty one-liners that I really enjoyed. I loved the Cagney and Lacey style of Smith and Westen.. I also felt for KJ with Brett and Limpy!
The Bad
I enjoyed the robbery and discovery - I felt the middle with the confusion and everything pointing to KJ was unfair and lengthy in spots - but not overly.
The Ending
The desperation of Smith and Westen I willed them to succeed... I would like to read more from the author!
4 Stars
From the word -pee-gasm at the start and my love of Daniel Craig at the end - I knew I would enjoy this book! There were lots and lots of sharp witty one-liners that I really enjoyed. I loved the Cagney and Lacey style of Smith and Westen.. I also felt for KJ with Brett and Limpy!
The Bad
I enjoyed the robbery and discovery - I felt the middle with the confusion and everything pointing to KJ was unfair and lengthy in spots - but not overly.
The Ending
The desperation of Smith and Westen I willed them to succeed... I would like to read more from the author!
4 Stars
July 5, 2023
mystery
An interesting mystery, characters interesting and funny. The crime kept me guessing. All the characters have difficult lives, financial problems and challenging relationships. Lots more background should be coming in the story as the series continues
An interesting mystery, characters interesting and funny. The crime kept me guessing. All the characters have difficult lives, financial problems and challenging relationships. Lots more background should be coming in the story as the series continues
August 12, 2025
On the hook
It was OK. I didn’t much care for the start of it but as I kept reading, it got better and better so I’m gonna go to book 2 and check it out as well. Thank you, Miss Davis for writing good books.
It was OK. I didn’t much care for the start of it but as I kept reading, it got better and better so I’m gonna go to book 2 and check it out as well. Thank you, Miss Davis for writing good books.
July 2, 2023
Fun story about two amateurs trying to solve the mystery of a stolen Picasso.
February 8, 2016
Well developed and likable characters combined with a complex art theft make this a non-stop read! I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Kendra Jean Valentine is an insurance agent with many high-end clients in the art world. When a one hundred million dollar Picasso that she was escorting from one museum to another goes missing from the locked and sealed transport truck she is frantic to recover it. She involves an old friend, Westen and Westen's new friend, Smith in the recovery process. Smith is without a job and is being evicted. Weston owns a pet store and is recovering from the death of her husband and son. Finding the store deep in debt, being harassed by bill collectors and on the verge of losing everything, Weston jumps at the chance to solve the theft and recover the painting. This really was a page turning read, lots of action, emotions and many red herrings. I am looking forward to reading the next installment and highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good locked room type of cozy mystery. Cindy Davis is a must check it out author!
October 9, 2015
Hooked from page one! I don't typically read mysteries, but this one piqued my interest. Great attention to detail, lots of twists and turns and a heck of a cast. Smith and Westen were a hysterical duo and they played off each other perfectly. Their snarky banter kept me chuckling throughout. They really carried the story, clumsily meandering around the red herrings. Highly recommended if you're looking for comic suspense.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews