What do you think?
Aggie Underhill Mysteries #8
Dead Ringer
Aggie and her friends have rented a beach house in Oceanside while anxiously awaiting the birth of her granddaughter. Little did she know that Roger’s supposed near death experience of practically choking to death on a golden ring baked into a gluten free donut would land her into so much trouble. Now it’s up to Betty, Aggie’s best friend, to put the clues together and play detective in order to dig Aggie out of a dangerous situation.
Will the mystery of the golden ring be solved before Aggie’s granddaughter is born? Join Aggie, Betty, and Roger in this comical escapade to find out.
Will the mystery of the golden ring be solved before Aggie’s granddaughter is born? Join Aggie, Betty, and Roger in this comical escapade to find out.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2014
About the author
Michelle Ann Hollstein
47 books24 followersMichelle Ann Hollstein resides in Southern California with her two wonderful children and her spoiled pup, Dougal. She’s the author of the quirky and comical Aggie Underhill Mysteries, the Fantasy Trilogy, The Niberia Chronicles, the paranormal romance mystery series, A Lost Souls Novel, and the new nonfiction series, Who Says You Can’t Paint?
You can visit her website at http://www.MichelleHollstein.com to learn more about her books and to view book trailers.
You can visit her website at http://www.MichelleHollstein.com to learn more about her books and to view book trailers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Much more than just doughnuts."
Unbeknownst to her, Aggie Underhill had acquired a bit of a reputation as an amateur sleuth following the writing of her exp!loits on a blog kept by her close friend, Betty. She only discovered that she was famous when she and Betty, together with Robert, rented an holiday home to be present when Aggie'e daughter had her second baby. Local pleasures included the bakery with doughnuts to die for - almost literally, when Robert nearly chokes on a gold ring inside one of them. And being a nosey sort of psrson, Aggie finds herself in trouble again.
This lighthearted, rather ridiculous mystery. Is very character focused and great fun; it would surely make a great comedic thriller film in the style of the old Ealing comedies or the Margaret Rutherford Agatha Christie movies. Narrator Eliza Andes has a very pleasant voice and reads the text beautifully. She also individually voices each of the protagonists - and this is where, for this reader, the problem arises. Because Ms.Ander's rendering of the females is so over the top and silly, it was hard to get past the early chapters - there is a lot of conversational exchange. A pity because with a less satirical performance the whole book would have been not only more enjoyable but much funnier also. A real case of less is more.
This is the first of the Aggie Underhill stories that I have read, although I am familiar with other of M.A.Holstein's books and always found them well written and enjoyable. My thanks to the rights holder of Dead Ringer, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I will be looking out for others in the series to brighten up those days when something undemanding and fun is needed. But, sadly, not one read by this narrator: better to read the printed version instead.
Oh, and there's a bonus of two gluten free recipes at the end.
"Much more than just doughnuts."
Unbeknownst to her, Aggie Underhill had acquired a bit of a reputation as an amateur sleuth following the writing of her exp!loits on a blog kept by her close friend, Betty. She only discovered that she was famous when she and Betty, together with Robert, rented an holiday home to be present when Aggie'e daughter had her second baby. Local pleasures included the bakery with doughnuts to die for - almost literally, when Robert nearly chokes on a gold ring inside one of them. And being a nosey sort of psrson, Aggie finds herself in trouble again.
This lighthearted, rather ridiculous mystery. Is very character focused and great fun; it would surely make a great comedic thriller film in the style of the old Ealing comedies or the Margaret Rutherford Agatha Christie movies. Narrator Eliza Andes has a very pleasant voice and reads the text beautifully. She also individually voices each of the protagonists - and this is where, for this reader, the problem arises. Because Ms.Ander's rendering of the females is so over the top and silly, it was hard to get past the early chapters - there is a lot of conversational exchange. A pity because with a less satirical performance the whole book would have been not only more enjoyable but much funnier also. A real case of less is more.
This is the first of the Aggie Underhill stories that I have read, although I am familiar with other of M.A.Holstein's books and always found them well written and enjoyable. My thanks to the rights holder of Dead Ringer, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I will be looking out for others in the series to brighten up those days when something undemanding and fun is needed. But, sadly, not one read by this narrator: better to read the printed version instead.
Oh, and there's a bonus of two gluten free recipes at the end.
February 19, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This book is part of the series of Aggie Underhill Mysteries. It is a standalone book and can be read without having read any of the prior books in the series.
I am torn on this book -- I would rate it a 4 star based on the relationship and interactions of Aggie, Betty and Roger but the mystery - definitely 2.5 stars, hence the 3 star rating. Here, Aggie has rented a beach house not far from her daughter who is pregnant and about to give birth. Of course, she takes Roger and Betty along. One morning Roger has bought donuts and chokes on a ring found in one of the donuts. Roger will not stand for almost being killed by a donut and returns to the shop with Aggie in tow. While Roger is complaining, the owner of the bakery comes to realize that Aggie is Aggie Underhill from Betty's blog posts and she is a big fan. The mystery here is why was the ring in the donut?
The problem with the mystery is that it is lackluster and Aggie, while ending up in several situations which brought her closer to the solution, was not really part of solving the mystery or putting together any of the clues to solve it [I don't want to give away any spoilers]. There were several humorous moments throughout the story which I enjoyed but I guess I just like the story more when Aggie is investigating. The interactions between Aggie, Betty and Roger are always fun and for me worth the price of admission.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Eliza Anders, has again done a great job narrating. She does voices for all of the characters and keeps the story moving along at a good pace.
This book is part of the series of Aggie Underhill Mysteries. It is a standalone book and can be read without having read any of the prior books in the series.
I am torn on this book -- I would rate it a 4 star based on the relationship and interactions of Aggie, Betty and Roger but the mystery - definitely 2.5 stars, hence the 3 star rating. Here, Aggie has rented a beach house not far from her daughter who is pregnant and about to give birth. Of course, she takes Roger and Betty along. One morning Roger has bought donuts and chokes on a ring found in one of the donuts. Roger will not stand for almost being killed by a donut and returns to the shop with Aggie in tow. While Roger is complaining, the owner of the bakery comes to realize that Aggie is Aggie Underhill from Betty's blog posts and she is a big fan. The mystery here is why was the ring in the donut?
The problem with the mystery is that it is lackluster and Aggie, while ending up in several situations which brought her closer to the solution, was not really part of solving the mystery or putting together any of the clues to solve it [I don't want to give away any spoilers]. There were several humorous moments throughout the story which I enjoyed but I guess I just like the story more when Aggie is investigating. The interactions between Aggie, Betty and Roger are always fun and for me worth the price of admission.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Eliza Anders, has again done a great job narrating. She does voices for all of the characters and keeps the story moving along at a good pace.
March 11, 2019
Dead Ringer (An Aggie Underhill Mystery, Book #8) by Michelle Ann Hollstein has been my favorite Aggie book so far. Would recommend venturing into the world of Aggie with this one if you are new to the series or looking for a cozy mystery.
What’s it about? While eating a donut, Roger almost chokes to death, resulting in the gang trying to solve the mystery of where the ring came from. Betty’s busy blogging away Aggie’s detective life, unbeknownst to Aggie. Roger thinks a new character is attracted to him and finds out he has started balding. Enter new characters, the game of who done it begins. There’s an appearance by Aggie’s arch nemesis, a new grandchild, and of course Tom. The book is fast-paced, contains the groups typical banter, such as does Roger almost choking on a ring causing him to become bald?
The narrator, Eliza Anders, was good. I would have no problem listening to her other books.
Overall, I recommend Dead Ringer, especially if you are new to Aggie’s world.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: kidnapping, near death (choking on a ring that was in food), one death, slashing of care tire, posting of stories on internet blog without person’s permission, referring to someone as a slow person and using them for nefarious reasons, birth of a baby, mention of death of Aggie’s spouse and dating Tom. I do not recall any swear words- the closest there was is crap, darn.
*I was given a free review copy of these audio books at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
What’s it about? While eating a donut, Roger almost chokes to death, resulting in the gang trying to solve the mystery of where the ring came from. Betty’s busy blogging away Aggie’s detective life, unbeknownst to Aggie. Roger thinks a new character is attracted to him and finds out he has started balding. Enter new characters, the game of who done it begins. There’s an appearance by Aggie’s arch nemesis, a new grandchild, and of course Tom. The book is fast-paced, contains the groups typical banter, such as does Roger almost choking on a ring causing him to become bald?
The narrator, Eliza Anders, was good. I would have no problem listening to her other books.
Overall, I recommend Dead Ringer, especially if you are new to Aggie’s world.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: kidnapping, near death (choking on a ring that was in food), one death, slashing of care tire, posting of stories on internet blog without person’s permission, referring to someone as a slow person and using them for nefarious reasons, birth of a baby, mention of death of Aggie’s spouse and dating Tom. I do not recall any swear words- the closest there was is crap, darn.
*I was given a free review copy of these audio books at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
April 12, 2021
Aside from the plot being totally ridiculous, the constant, inane, bantering back and forth between Betty and Roger is mind numbing and takes up far, far too many pages of saying nothing.
Betty is the opposite of what they say about men "anything in a skirt" as she is "anything in pants". How pathetic can you make one character. She is an overage predator of men, regardless of age.
Aside from that, the manner in which the story is told; i.e. Tom is driving his car heading to where he thinks Aggie is - the paragraph stops and with no warning, etc. we are now in a car with Betty and Roger. I had to go back and reread this part, as I was not quite sure what exactly had happened to suddenly cause a change of venue.
Then of course Tom is waiting for the "ambiment" to get there to take care of Aggie.
This is the first time I have read an Aggie Underhill book, and might I add, the last time I will ever read one.
Betty is the opposite of what they say about men "anything in a skirt" as she is "anything in pants". How pathetic can you make one character. She is an overage predator of men, regardless of age.
Aside from that, the manner in which the story is told; i.e. Tom is driving his car heading to where he thinks Aggie is - the paragraph stops and with no warning, etc. we are now in a car with Betty and Roger. I had to go back and reread this part, as I was not quite sure what exactly had happened to suddenly cause a change of venue.
Then of course Tom is waiting for the "ambiment" to get there to take care of Aggie.
This is the first time I have read an Aggie Underhill book, and might I add, the last time I will ever read one.
January 31, 2019
It's always fun to step into another Aggie Underhill book to see what she's been up too... This time we find Aggie renting a house in Oceanside while she's waiting for the birth of her second grandbaby... and just to pass the time away, she's brought along her cronies Betty and Roger, so they can all have a bit of a getaway...
The day starts out normal enough, 'til Roger finds somebody's ring in his morning donut... Mischief ensues, and a kidnapping occurs! You're gonna need to grab the book if you wanna find out how this madcap mystery is resolved, because I'm not telling... =8')
Eliza Anders does a really fine job narrating this tale. This is the third Aggie Underhill book that I've had the pleasure of listening to, and each story has been narrated by a different person. I find it odd, but not disconcerting, as each narrator brings us a new fresh perspective to the fore!
The day starts out normal enough, 'til Roger finds somebody's ring in his morning donut... Mischief ensues, and a kidnapping occurs! You're gonna need to grab the book if you wanna find out how this madcap mystery is resolved, because I'm not telling... =8')
Eliza Anders does a really fine job narrating this tale. This is the third Aggie Underhill book that I've had the pleasure of listening to, and each story has been narrated by a different person. I find it odd, but not disconcerting, as each narrator brings us a new fresh perspective to the fore!
February 18, 2019
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This is my first book in this series, and yet, it was easy to get into without any issue. It didn't feel like I was missing any important backstory. The characters are very endearing and relatable. The "mystery" keeps you on your toes, even though I wouldn't call it "palpable".
What I disliked about the book -
The pacing could've been faster. There are few dull moments here n there.
Narration -
Narration by Eliza Anders was great. All the different voices created an immersive experience and kept me interested in listening to it.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This is my first book in this series, and yet, it was easy to get into without any issue. It didn't feel like I was missing any important backstory. The characters are very endearing and relatable. The "mystery" keeps you on your toes, even though I wouldn't call it "palpable".
What I disliked about the book -
The pacing could've been faster. There are few dull moments here n there.
Narration -
Narration by Eliza Anders was great. All the different voices created an immersive experience and kept me interested in listening to it.
February 17, 2019
Do not consume liquid caffeine while reading this laugh riot! Yes, there is a mystery, but the laughs and guffaws are deservedly the best part. Hard to decide which character has the funniest lines, but it's the whole combination that kept me turning pages and laughing my sox off. The publisher's blurb gives a good intro so you have half a clue, but there is the aspect of Aggie being the unwitting subject of Betty's blog!
Eliza Anders deserves an award for narrating this one without cracking up.
Eliza Anders deserves an award for narrating this one without cracking up.
March 6, 2019
Dead Ringer: An Aggie Underhill Mystery was a great read by Michelle Ann Hollstein. Aggie and her friends rent a beach house while waiting for the birth of Aggie's granddaughter. While eating donuts, Roger nearly chokes on a golden ring baked into the donut. Little did they know that near death experience would get them all in trouble. I enjoyed reading Betty, Aggie and Roger trying to put all the clues together and find the owner of the ring. I can't wait to read more by Michelle Ann Hollstein.
March 8, 2019
This is the book 8 in the Aggie Underhill Series. I love this Series! Dead Ringer is short and really fun cozy mystery, filled with suspense and humor! I like the characters, and it's fun to follow Aggie, Betty, and Roger in their research! Eliza Anders did a great narration, and the characters are easy to distinguish. I like the ending. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
January 2, 2020
Aggie's at it again and it comes complete with quirky characters that'll drive you nuts or maybe, drive you to murder. It was an enjoyable listen that you enjoyed listening to. It had humor that would make you laugh out loud and it also had a few characters that may or may not deserve a story or two of their own.So when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
August 19, 2022
A Fun Read!
Michelle Ann Hollstein and I exchanged books at an authors’ book fair, and I am so glad we did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dead Ringer. I loved the friendships between the three main characters. Each had such a distinctively different and well-developed personality. I look forward to reading more of her novels.
Dead Ringer is a quick read, yet it is full of suspense, romance, and humor. I highly recommend it. It is a fun read! Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl.
Michelle Ann Hollstein and I exchanged books at an authors’ book fair, and I am so glad we did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dead Ringer. I loved the friendships between the three main characters. Each had such a distinctively different and well-developed personality. I look forward to reading more of her novels.
Dead Ringer is a quick read, yet it is full of suspense, romance, and humor. I highly recommend it. It is a fun read! Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl.
March 3, 2019
This group will have you cracking up with their bickering again just like in the previous books. Poor Aggie finds herself in trouble again and this time it wasn’t really her fault! Lucky for Aggie she has some great friends that will go to any length to get her out of trouble and home safe. I really enjoy listening to these stories and look forward to more in the future.
January 5, 2024
This has to be the best one of the series so far - felt so sorry for Vincent. Loved the bit towards the end with the two grandmothers. The narration suited the story - I really liked it but I am intrigued as to why it keeps swapping, all have been good so far.
Love the fact that they are nice and short
Love the fact that they are nice and short
December 4, 2019
Roger wasn’t kidding when he almost chocked while eating a donut. Another time with Aggie and all the quirky friends. A mystery to solve and along the way having fun. The narration by Elisha Anders was good.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
February 28, 2020
Received a free copy of the audio version for a review. The story was good however I found some of the characters annoying especially the narration of them. I likely will not listen to anymore in the series.
March 1, 2019
Audible: A good story with good characters. I felt it was a bit repetitious. Eliza Anders was a fine narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
This was a quirky little story, where everything is not what it seems. It was a little short on plot, but it was still a fun little book.
August 1, 2021
Basic
Standard characters. Does have updated tech. Story does have slight twist that is easy to figure out though. Won't read others
Standard characters. Does have updated tech. Story does have slight twist that is easy to figure out though. Won't read others
April 25, 2023
A truly twisted storyline with some really twisted people!!!
September 24, 2026
it was different story then what i have been reading n it was short and sweet suprise who did it
December 6, 2016
This is a mystery suspense with a touch of humor and makes for a fun read. Aggie Underhill is in Oceanside awaiting the birth of her grandchild when all kinds of trouble pops up. When a friend, Roger, chokes on a doughnut, the ring inside is going to send Aggie on a suspense filled adventure and readers get to tag along.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews