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Valerie Inkerman Investigates #1
Don't Be A Stranger
When Valerie Inkerman’s roommate Jerry gets her a waitressing gig at cushy Hamptons party, she has no idea that murder is on the menu.
But when one of the guests is found dead and Jerry is accused of being the killer, Val knows she needs to utilize all her skills as a private investigator to clear his name. Trying to track down the victim’s possible enemies and find new leads, Val faces distractions in the form of old acquaintances and a hot dinner date. But as Val’s leads all turn into dead ends, the killer seems to stay step ahead of her all the time.
Val knows she’s close to finding out the truth, but will she be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together before time runs out for Jerry or the killer strikes again?
But when one of the guests is found dead and Jerry is accused of being the killer, Val knows she needs to utilize all her skills as a private investigator to clear his name. Trying to track down the victim’s possible enemies and find new leads, Val faces distractions in the form of old acquaintances and a hot dinner date. But as Val’s leads all turn into dead ends, the killer seems to stay step ahead of her all the time.
Val knows she’s close to finding out the truth, but will she be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together before time runs out for Jerry or the killer strikes again?
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
493 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Winters
186 books396 followersA.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food!
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 11, 2015
I couldn't finish the first chapter.
The story has promise but the typos are just too much! One kind friend could have saved this book, but I wonder was the author too arrogant to ask for help? If an update comes out, I will give it another try. Until then, i just cannot be bothered to interpret the story.
The story has promise but the typos are just too much! One kind friend could have saved this book, but I wonder was the author too arrogant to ask for help? If an update comes out, I will give it another try. Until then, i just cannot be bothered to interpret the story.
July 27, 2014
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! The 2nd one I've read by A.R. Winters. It was similar to the other book I've read, "Innocent in Las Vegas," although this main character seemed less naive and inexperienced.
Valerie is a Private Investigator who has mainly been doing small time PI work, like cheating partner cases. This is why she is working as a waitress at a party when a girl is killed! Her roommate, Jerry, becomes the main suspect and his father hires Valerie to clear his name and find the real murderer.
I really enjoyed Valerie's character. She was likable, trusting of people, like her roommate Jerry who she has only known a few months, but not so trusting that she doesn't make intelligent choices. I really liked the "friendship chemistry" between her and Jerry. He was like an adorable dog- loyal, but sometimes clueless. At times, this book made me laugh out loud, like when a potential suspect comes over and the roommates grab a frying pan and butcher knife for protection and pretend they're cooking something.
I also liked the mystery! I wasn't expecting "the twist," but it was believable. I admired how it was Valerie's first big case, but she was really organized in her investigation and persevered in her interviews.
I really have no complaints with this book! Even though it was a little short, I hate when mysteries drag on unnecessarily so it didn't bother me. Likable characters, laugh out loud moments, and a well-written mystery. I would highly recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this book! The 2nd one I've read by A.R. Winters. It was similar to the other book I've read, "Innocent in Las Vegas," although this main character seemed less naive and inexperienced.
Valerie is a Private Investigator who has mainly been doing small time PI work, like cheating partner cases. This is why she is working as a waitress at a party when a girl is killed! Her roommate, Jerry, becomes the main suspect and his father hires Valerie to clear his name and find the real murderer.
I really enjoyed Valerie's character. She was likable, trusting of people, like her roommate Jerry who she has only known a few months, but not so trusting that she doesn't make intelligent choices. I really liked the "friendship chemistry" between her and Jerry. He was like an adorable dog- loyal, but sometimes clueless. At times, this book made me laugh out loud, like when a potential suspect comes over and the roommates grab a frying pan and butcher knife for protection and pretend they're cooking something.
I also liked the mystery! I wasn't expecting "the twist," but it was believable. I admired how it was Valerie's first big case, but she was really organized in her investigation and persevered in her interviews.
I really have no complaints with this book! Even though it was a little short, I hate when mysteries drag on unnecessarily so it didn't bother me. Likable characters, laugh out loud moments, and a well-written mystery. I would highly recommend this book!
February 2, 2015
This was a quick, easy and light read that kept me turning the pages till the end. I do agree with some of the other reviews that the author really should have had someone give this book an extra edit to pick up some of the silly errors. Some which really should have been picked up and lowered the stories professionalism.
On a whole the characters and story flow well, if the story is a little short. I think it would have benefitted from maybe an extra 50 pages to allow some of the storylines to be bulked out a bit and give them more substance. An I think our leading lady needs a little bit more back bone!
Perfect if you want a light read to pass sometime.
On a whole the characters and story flow well, if the story is a little short. I think it would have benefitted from maybe an extra 50 pages to allow some of the storylines to be bulked out a bit and give them more substance. An I think our leading lady needs a little bit more back bone!
Perfect if you want a light read to pass sometime.
August 26, 2018
2,5 stars
June 11, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5
This was a nice, simple, light read that was a perfect for a break away from my longer current read.
As many have pointed out, there were multiple editing errors that shouldn't have occured, and therefore this could have used some extra lovin'.
But putting the errors aside, I thought this was a nice "who done it" mystery. Valerie wasn't inexperienced, which was a great point. A lot of authors I've found try to have their characters just starting out with no previous experience, or even relatable experience. So Valerie having a background in PI work, even if not a lot, was a nice touch.
On the flipside, she really had no idea what she was doing at times, which is partially why my rating is actually 3.5 instead of a solid four. Jerry did most of the leg work in terms of contacting people, which is why it wasn't surprising that his father, Kyle, wanted Valerie and Jerry to team up. And when you think about it, with Jerry being a suspect in the case she was doing private investigative work on, he shouldn't have had any input whatsoever. Had they not found anything or who the real killer was, Jerry could have had more than just a murder charge against him. This could have been considered "impeding investigation" since Jerry was not the PI.
But I digress. Overall, this was a nice, quick read. If you're not too much of a grammar and spelling stickler, but love mysteries, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
This was a nice, simple, light read that was a perfect for a break away from my longer current read.
As many have pointed out, there were multiple editing errors that shouldn't have occured, and therefore this could have used some extra lovin'.
But putting the errors aside, I thought this was a nice "who done it" mystery. Valerie wasn't inexperienced, which was a great point. A lot of authors I've found try to have their characters just starting out with no previous experience, or even relatable experience. So Valerie having a background in PI work, even if not a lot, was a nice touch.
On the flipside, she really had no idea what she was doing at times, which is partially why my rating is actually 3.5 instead of a solid four. Jerry did most of the leg work in terms of contacting people, which is why it wasn't surprising that his father, Kyle, wanted Valerie and Jerry to team up. And when you think about it, with Jerry being a suspect in the case she was doing private investigative work on, he shouldn't have had any input whatsoever. Had they not found anything or who the real killer was, Jerry could have had more than just a murder charge against him. This could have been considered "impeding investigation" since Jerry was not the PI.
But I digress. Overall, this was a nice, quick read. If you're not too much of a grammar and spelling stickler, but love mysteries, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
January 28, 2015
Meh...
The story was okay I guess. The thing was I almost stopped reading it by the second chapter. There were just too many stupid type-o's for such an easy read. I wasn't sure it was even worth reading with as many as I was marking. I did appreciate that it was a clean book though. I might give another book of hers a chance but I certainly won't be rushing out to find or buy one. I was glad I got this one for free.
The story was okay I guess. The thing was I almost stopped reading it by the second chapter. There were just too many stupid type-o's for such an easy read. I wasn't sure it was even worth reading with as many as I was marking. I did appreciate that it was a clean book though. I might give another book of hers a chance but I certainly won't be rushing out to find or buy one. I was glad I got this one for free.
January 5, 2015
Fun read, loved the characters. I will defiantly read more of her books. Liked the settings and situations. Easy read without all the unnecessary added filler. Glad she is writing more about these characters..
January 18, 2015
This is a fun who done it read.
I liked how all the characters were portrayed .
I also enjoyed the quirky humor between the main characters.
I will definitely recommend this book to like minded readers.
I plan to look for more of this author's writings soon.
I liked how all the characters were portrayed .
I also enjoyed the quirky humor between the main characters.
I will definitely recommend this book to like minded readers.
I plan to look for more of this author's writings soon.
July 23, 2018
I liked it
A good well written Cozy Mystery. Great characters, a new PI and her wanna be an actor roommate work together to solve this who done it. Strong plot with plenty of false leads.
A good well written Cozy Mystery. Great characters, a new PI and her wanna be an actor roommate work together to solve this who done it. Strong plot with plenty of false leads.
October 10, 2019
Easy fun, quick read.
I needed a short time relaxer. Sitting out in the gazebo up popped this story. It proved to be light and funny. The relatively new roommates one and 1/2 detectives came up with some New York ways to solve a murder. Try it, a fun fast refreshing read!
I needed a short time relaxer. Sitting out in the gazebo up popped this story. It proved to be light and funny. The relatively new roommates one and 1/2 detectives came up with some New York ways to solve a murder. Try it, a fun fast refreshing read!
May 24, 2017
Quirky
Fast, enjoyable read. Lots of plot twists, hard to put down. Read it in one go. Sure to be a favorite.
Fast, enjoyable read. Lots of plot twists, hard to put down. Read it in one go. Sure to be a favorite.
June 12, 2017
Whimsical
This is a great combination of suspense and humor. An easy read that will keep your interest from start to finish.
This is a great combination of suspense and humor. An easy read that will keep your interest from start to finish.
July 7, 2017
Blah. Insufficient clues. Solution is big guess. Just blah. 2 star
November 2, 2017
Utterly implausible and poorly plotted.
July 10, 2018
Pretty good book with some humor.
December 17, 2018
Enjoyed the book
Very well written, thoroughly enjoyed the book. Looking forward to more books featuring Valerie Inkerman. Just the right amount of humor.
Very well written, thoroughly enjoyed the book. Looking forward to more books featuring Valerie Inkerman. Just the right amount of humor.
March 9, 2019
Easy read
Could pick up and put down easy to keep up with story line Suitable for the not so serious reader.
Could pick up and put down easy to keep up with story line Suitable for the not so serious reader.
June 26, 2020
2 stars
July 2, 2020
Fun characters
Lighthearted fun between main characters. Even though it was a murder mystery it was comical too. It didn't have a gory storyline
Lighthearted fun between main characters. Even though it was a murder mystery it was comical too. It didn't have a gory storyline
December 28, 2015
Review of Don’t Be A Stranger
AJ WINTERS (2014) - A VALERIE INKERMAN MYSTERY.
What you will notice straight away
What you will notice straight away (assuming you get the same version as me) is there is no Table of Contents. Funny old thing but that list is at the end of the story???? However here is more pressing news to deliver.
Review
“The part was just getting started.” Just enough of a hook to look beyond the start. Don’t Be A Stranger is a great little story with a female sleuth at it’s centre.
Characters
The detectives: Valerie Inkerman PI; Detective Sara Rodriguez, NYPD; Sammy (policeman); Detective Eloise Hartley, Lieutenants Browner and Geller.
The victim: Esme Lindl, lawyer.
The suspects: Carly Bilson (party host); Laurence Lindl (Esme’s father); Jerry Spilatro (Esme friend and defence); Kyle Spilatro (Jerry’s father); Michelle Lindl, Leo Moskovitz (ex-colleague), Kevin (Esme’s ex-); Gloria (friend of Michelle); Koko (friend of Michelle); Darren xxx (step-brother of Esme/Jerry/Michelle); Alan Peterman (Esme’s boss); Lisa (fried of Valerie); Mellissa Bosley (friend of Valerie, engaged to Edgar); Remy (club promoter); Danny Ford (Esme’s colleague); Veronica Bates (Esme’s caseload); Winona xxx (Esme’s colleague); Veronica Bates (Esme’s caseload); Kimberley xxx (friend of Esme); Stephanie (friend of Esme); Edgar (Eddie) Martinez (Esme’s boyfriend); Anita Lowe (Jerry’s alibi);
… and a legion of others.
Story
Valerie Inkerman is a newbie PI without a major success to her bow. She bowed out of her last HR job but things are so slow she is picking up some extra cash waiting at a party for Carly Bilson. Jerry Spilatro (auditioning and out of work actor, also Val’s roommate and cook) is at the party as is Esme Lindl and some ex-colleagues (Lisa and Mellie) from the ex-HR job. In between circulating, looking out for Jerry and talking to her friends, Esme Lindl was shot in an upper room.
Most of the guests leave before the police arrive
At the time of the shooting Jerry was upstairs getting friendly with a married woman in a closet. Unfortunately, the closet was in the same bedroom and where Esme is shot. Jerry becomes the main suspect when he refuses to tell the police whom he was with.
Jerry is taken in by the police but released on bail thanks to his family’s lawyer. Kyle Spilatro, Jerry’s father, turns up and retains Val to solve the murder and keep his son out of jail.
What follows is death by interview as Valerie looks into Esme’s life, family, work and her love life. The drop-dead step-brother and her ever so secret boyfriend. The super inquisitive ex-colleagues keep getting in her way too. Jerry and Val join forces and get things done.
In a story where greed and lust are at the fore it’s a surprise to find out who is the murderer. The ending has a nice conclusion too, setting the reader up for more of the same to come.
Observations
Do policemen use the words ‘fatal ballistic trauma?’ Died from her wounds or the simplistic she been shot would surely do.
When the first detective arrives she has two lieutenants to toss the apartment’s rooms. Seems a bit heavy to use lieutenants for such an everyday task?
Odd things stood out in the text like commas before the word ‘but’ as in ‘, but.’ I’ve always thought of ‘but’ as an alternative to a comma. It’s odd to see them together.
Lieutenant Geller is also referred to Detective Geller at one point.
There is a chapter where Jerry and Val check out Darren’s alibi. A whole chapter of its was a whole chapter too much as it didn’t reveal anything new and didn’t therefore add to the story.
Conclusion.
It’s a natty little mystery that will keep you entertained and I for one would read it again at a later date. The PIs get their man, the case is solved hurrah!
So is it a good read?
Yes, it is. I took a couple of days to read it and when I went back to do the review I enjoyed reading it again. 5 out of 5 stars.
AJ WINTERS (2014) - A VALERIE INKERMAN MYSTERY.
What you will notice straight away
What you will notice straight away (assuming you get the same version as me) is there is no Table of Contents. Funny old thing but that list is at the end of the story???? However here is more pressing news to deliver.
Review
“The part was just getting started.” Just enough of a hook to look beyond the start. Don’t Be A Stranger is a great little story with a female sleuth at it’s centre.
Characters
The detectives: Valerie Inkerman PI; Detective Sara Rodriguez, NYPD; Sammy (policeman); Detective Eloise Hartley, Lieutenants Browner and Geller.
The victim: Esme Lindl, lawyer.
The suspects: Carly Bilson (party host); Laurence Lindl (Esme’s father); Jerry Spilatro (Esme friend and defence); Kyle Spilatro (Jerry’s father); Michelle Lindl, Leo Moskovitz (ex-colleague), Kevin (Esme’s ex-); Gloria (friend of Michelle); Koko (friend of Michelle); Darren xxx (step-brother of Esme/Jerry/Michelle); Alan Peterman (Esme’s boss); Lisa (fried of Valerie); Mellissa Bosley (friend of Valerie, engaged to Edgar); Remy (club promoter); Danny Ford (Esme’s colleague); Veronica Bates (Esme’s caseload); Winona xxx (Esme’s colleague); Veronica Bates (Esme’s caseload); Kimberley xxx (friend of Esme); Stephanie (friend of Esme); Edgar (Eddie) Martinez (Esme’s boyfriend); Anita Lowe (Jerry’s alibi);
… and a legion of others.
Story
Valerie Inkerman is a newbie PI without a major success to her bow. She bowed out of her last HR job but things are so slow she is picking up some extra cash waiting at a party for Carly Bilson. Jerry Spilatro (auditioning and out of work actor, also Val’s roommate and cook) is at the party as is Esme Lindl and some ex-colleagues (Lisa and Mellie) from the ex-HR job. In between circulating, looking out for Jerry and talking to her friends, Esme Lindl was shot in an upper room.
Most of the guests leave before the police arrive
At the time of the shooting Jerry was upstairs getting friendly with a married woman in a closet. Unfortunately, the closet was in the same bedroom and where Esme is shot. Jerry becomes the main suspect when he refuses to tell the police whom he was with.
Jerry is taken in by the police but released on bail thanks to his family’s lawyer. Kyle Spilatro, Jerry’s father, turns up and retains Val to solve the murder and keep his son out of jail.
What follows is death by interview as Valerie looks into Esme’s life, family, work and her love life. The drop-dead step-brother and her ever so secret boyfriend. The super inquisitive ex-colleagues keep getting in her way too. Jerry and Val join forces and get things done.
In a story where greed and lust are at the fore it’s a surprise to find out who is the murderer. The ending has a nice conclusion too, setting the reader up for more of the same to come.
Observations
Do policemen use the words ‘fatal ballistic trauma?’ Died from her wounds or the simplistic she been shot would surely do.
When the first detective arrives she has two lieutenants to toss the apartment’s rooms. Seems a bit heavy to use lieutenants for such an everyday task?
Odd things stood out in the text like commas before the word ‘but’ as in ‘, but.’ I’ve always thought of ‘but’ as an alternative to a comma. It’s odd to see them together.
Lieutenant Geller is also referred to Detective Geller at one point.
There is a chapter where Jerry and Val check out Darren’s alibi. A whole chapter of its was a whole chapter too much as it didn’t reveal anything new and didn’t therefore add to the story.
Conclusion.
It’s a natty little mystery that will keep you entertained and I for one would read it again at a later date. The PIs get their man, the case is solved hurrah!
So is it a good read?
Yes, it is. I took a couple of days to read it and when I went back to do the review I enjoyed reading it again. 5 out of 5 stars.
April 8, 2015
Great first book in a series
This is an enjoyable, fairly quick read. I would have given it five stars, but it took a little while for the characters to develop and become likable. I suspect that is merely a first-in-the-series issue. That being said, I'm eager to read the next book in the series. I wish this system allowed for 4.5 stars, because that's what I'd give it.
I really enjoyed that the main characters had realistic and noticeable flaws. They weren't too perfect or too pretty; neither were they too good nor unbelievably intelligent. Winters developed believable, human characters who were just witty enough, and just naive enough to be entirely realistic.
As for the mystery itself, there was adequate representation of investigative moments mixed with multiple suspects and a surprise ending. Well written with good flow.
The addition of humor made the story easy to follow. Humor was the feature that tied the threads together in Valerie's life. I appreciated that it wasn't over-the-top, and didn't try too hard to be funny. It was simply sarcasm at its finest.
Overall, a good read with interesting characters and a solid mystery. I'm hoping the next in the series will be even stronger and just as fun.
This is an enjoyable, fairly quick read. I would have given it five stars, but it took a little while for the characters to develop and become likable. I suspect that is merely a first-in-the-series issue. That being said, I'm eager to read the next book in the series. I wish this system allowed for 4.5 stars, because that's what I'd give it.
I really enjoyed that the main characters had realistic and noticeable flaws. They weren't too perfect or too pretty; neither were they too good nor unbelievably intelligent. Winters developed believable, human characters who were just witty enough, and just naive enough to be entirely realistic.
As for the mystery itself, there was adequate representation of investigative moments mixed with multiple suspects and a surprise ending. Well written with good flow.
The addition of humor made the story easy to follow. Humor was the feature that tied the threads together in Valerie's life. I appreciated that it wasn't over-the-top, and didn't try too hard to be funny. It was simply sarcasm at its finest.
Overall, a good read with interesting characters and a solid mystery. I'm hoping the next in the series will be even stronger and just as fun.
February 1, 2015
A. R. Winters seems to enjoy conjuring up female Private Investigators as tools for keeping the rest of us off the streets and out of trouble. Perhaps the goal is to keep the rest of us reading so we don't write...ummm. That is a question worthy of his new P.I. (apologies to all real private Investigators everywhere). With his character, Valerie Inkerman, he takes lightheartedness to cosmic levels.
Another P.I. that has been dumped by real life, it seems to be a profession for those who either retired at something, on time or not, or those tossed out of society for transgressions. That is an apt description for Valerie. Sneaking around a cocktail party trying to avoid old friends who knew the "old, successful Valeries", she runs head on into a murder of a woman while aother womam is in a closet with her charming, also anchor-less roommate, Jerry. This begins her latest quest for rent income.
If you enjoy mystery/suspense novels that are about absolutely inane characters, but still quite well written and entertaining, you will enjoy Ms. Inkerman...and Jerry.
Carol Piner
aka NCcharmer
Another P.I. that has been dumped by real life, it seems to be a profession for those who either retired at something, on time or not, or those tossed out of society for transgressions. That is an apt description for Valerie. Sneaking around a cocktail party trying to avoid old friends who knew the "old, successful Valeries", she runs head on into a murder of a woman while aother womam is in a closet with her charming, also anchor-less roommate, Jerry. This begins her latest quest for rent income.
If you enjoy mystery/suspense novels that are about absolutely inane characters, but still quite well written and entertaining, you will enjoy Ms. Inkerman...and Jerry.
Carol Piner
aka NCcharmer
April 15, 2016
Valerie Inkerman is a newly minted PI who has no clients. With the rent coming due, she agrees with her roommate’s suggestion and spends an evening waitressing at an upscale house party. While working the party, Jerry, Valerie’s roommate, introduces her to his friend Esme, but before the party’s over Esme is dead and Jerry is the prime suspect. The following day, Jerry’s dad shows up and hires Valerie to find out who the real killer is.
Valerie may not yet be a seasoned PI but she is organized and methodical in her investigation. I really liked Valerie from the start. She’s had a job she loved go south and then she bumps into two of her former colleagues, who have obviously been relishing her downfall. Jerry, who fancies himself a great actor and lady’s man, is the kind of guy you can’t help but like even when he’s annoying the heck out of you.
I found this book to be an easy and fun lighthearted mystery. This would be a perfect lazy summer day read. A.R. Winters, as usual, has created a delightful story in this first of the Valerie Inkerman series.
Alinefromabook’s rating: THUMBS-UP!
Valerie may not yet be a seasoned PI but she is organized and methodical in her investigation. I really liked Valerie from the start. She’s had a job she loved go south and then she bumps into two of her former colleagues, who have obviously been relishing her downfall. Jerry, who fancies himself a great actor and lady’s man, is the kind of guy you can’t help but like even when he’s annoying the heck out of you.
I found this book to be an easy and fun lighthearted mystery. This would be a perfect lazy summer day read. A.R. Winters, as usual, has created a delightful story in this first of the Valerie Inkerman series.
Alinefromabook’s rating: THUMBS-UP!
March 9, 2015
This was a freeby on the Kindle. Very entertaining for a quick light read. Enjoyable, appropriate for young adults and older readers alike. If you like Buddy mysteries this is a fun one. Goofy housemates solve murder mysteries. Frying pans, chocolate cake, clueless socialites and dashing disappointments are all part of the story. Not wanting to spoil anything, if you're looking for something to entertain yourself on the plane, or during train / bus commute this is a good book for that.
The main characters are a nice realistic change from the ultra-perfection of most novella characters. Flawed, silly, and very relate-able as people. Valerie Inkerman is a former PR person, now waitress, soon to be P.I., she, and work / house mate, Jerry, are serving at a party, where a guest is murdered.
An experienced Mystery reader will not be disappointed as threatening letters and ditsy debutantes roam Manhattan where Val and Jerry search for the murderer. Will they find the culprit or will the culprit find them?
The main characters are a nice realistic change from the ultra-perfection of most novella characters. Flawed, silly, and very relate-able as people. Valerie Inkerman is a former PR person, now waitress, soon to be P.I., she, and work / house mate, Jerry, are serving at a party, where a guest is murdered.
An experienced Mystery reader will not be disappointed as threatening letters and ditsy debutantes roam Manhattan where Val and Jerry search for the murderer. Will they find the culprit or will the culprit find them?
July 5, 2015
This book had good potential, but ended up being a bit too predictable and too-well wrapped up.
The main character, Valerie, is a newly-trained private investigator. At the beginning of the story, she is working as a waitress until her PI business picks up. She is at a party with her friend and roommate, Jerry. Another woman gets killed at the party, and Jerry is accused of murder. Valerie is hired by Jerry's father to investigate the murder and get Jerry off on the murder charge.
Jerry and Valerie seem to stumble onto various leads and people potentially involved in the story of who actually committed the murder. The story seems to wander around through somewhat unnecessary text, and I found myself losing interest in the characters stories. There were also some typographical errors in my (kindle) edition.
The main character, Valerie, is a newly-trained private investigator. At the beginning of the story, she is working as a waitress until her PI business picks up. She is at a party with her friend and roommate, Jerry. Another woman gets killed at the party, and Jerry is accused of murder. Valerie is hired by Jerry's father to investigate the murder and get Jerry off on the murder charge.
Jerry and Valerie seem to stumble onto various leads and people potentially involved in the story of who actually committed the murder. The story seems to wander around through somewhat unnecessary text, and I found myself losing interest in the characters stories. There were also some typographical errors in my (kindle) edition.
May 7, 2015
This book was good. The story was funny, engaging and a bit suspenseful. I read other books by A.R. Winters and I have to say that I enjoyed them a bit more. This seemed a bit "fluffy" and was almost too light. I also think that Winters can do a better job of developing his characters and the plot. This book seemed to read really fast with little detail. I liked the speed and you got the general gist of the book but I enjoy reading things with full descriptions that I can picture and absorb.
I guess the whole point of a book in a series is to get you to read the next book, and I plan to. Winters did a good job of setting up the second book and I look forward to finding out what Valerie and Jerry have in store!
I guess the whole point of a book in a series is to get you to read the next book, and I plan to. Winters did a good job of setting up the second book and I look forward to finding out what Valerie and Jerry have in store!
August 8, 2014
Another winner by AR Winters. I love her Tiffany Black series, and this is a great start to a new series. We first find Val working as a server and trying to hide from her past friends and co-workers at a ritzy event. A murder occurs and Val finds herself investigating the crime. I loved the interplay between Val and her room mate as she searched to identify the killer.
This is the first book in what I hope will become a long series. This is a real mystery with some bits of humor tucked in.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book in what I hope will become a long series. This is a real mystery with some bits of humor tucked in.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2014
AR Winters manages to do it all over again with her new series about Valerie Inkerman. I loved the Tiffany Black series (and can't wait to see more of her - hint hint), but Val has a different feel to her. I enjoy her 'grown-upness' - I don't want to call her more mature, because that isn't exactly what I'm going for, but she's a more sophisticated investigator.
Really enjoyed these new characters and the 'realistic edge' to Val, and the splash of humour I've come to expect from this author. Really great book - look forward to seeing what AR Winters will do with Val and Jerry next!
Really enjoyed these new characters and the 'realistic edge' to Val, and the splash of humour I've come to expect from this author. Really great book - look forward to seeing what AR Winters will do with Val and Jerry next!
March 29, 2015
Published: 23/07/2014
Author: A.R Winters
Recommended for: fans of crime and mystery books
Edition: Kindle
I found this novella on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I found this book to be a good 'who done it' book. The author A.R Winters is clearly talented.
The characters were portrayed well and very well described. There was humor between the characters which gave it a bit of a light hearted sense. It is very well written and I would recommend to people who enjoy crime and mystery books. It is the first in a series of great books.
Author: A.R Winters
Recommended for: fans of crime and mystery books
Edition: Kindle
I found this novella on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I found this book to be a good 'who done it' book. The author A.R Winters is clearly talented.
The characters were portrayed well and very well described. There was humor between the characters which gave it a bit of a light hearted sense. It is very well written and I would recommend to people who enjoy crime and mystery books. It is the first in a series of great books.
July 22, 2015
Un giallo leggero e piacevole, a tratti anche umoristico. Adatto a una lettura sotto l'ombrellone e a chi vuol giocare a scoprire l'assassino. Alcune recensioni dicono che la serie precedente della scrittrice era ancora migliore. Vi saprò dire, perché credo che le darò ancora fiducia.
A light and pleasant thriller, sometimes even humorous. Suitable for a reading on the beach and for those who wants to play detective. Some reviews say that previous series of the writer was even better. I could tell you, because I think I'll read her again.
A light and pleasant thriller, sometimes even humorous. Suitable for a reading on the beach and for those who wants to play detective. Some reviews say that previous series of the writer was even better. I could tell you, because I think I'll read her again.
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