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The Alvarez Family #4
Dead....If Only
A man who should be dead isn’t and Lee Alvarez’s very pregnant sister-in-law, Vicki, is about to be charged with a murder he recently committed in the Big Easy. Aided by the rest of the Alvarez Family, Palo Alto’s favorite P.I. kicks the Voodoo in the Who Do throughout New Orleans. With only three days to clear Vicki’s name, a child is kidnapped, two more people wind up dead, a hurricane hits, and the clock never stops ticking....
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2014
About the author
Heather Haven
123 books153 followersIn her varied career, Heather has written short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and had two one-act plays well-received in Manhattan. Once she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time. Heather’s first paying job was writing a love story for Moments of Love, published by Bantam Books. But it was her stint at New York City’s No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy – that helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 29, 2014
I don't hand out five stars lightly. However, I'll make this exception since I've read all the books in the Alvarez mysteries and consistently gave them four stars. This one is my favorite of them all, so five stars it is.
It's been a fun journey following Lea Alvarez and her strange family which make up Discretionary Inquiries. The purpose of the private investigation firm is to solve cyber crime, not chase down murderers. But Lea can't seem to avoid putting herself on the front line especially when members of her family are in danger.
The idea of the wise-cracking Lea in a wetsuit flippering her way to the bad guy's yacht during a hurricane can only come out of the twisted mind of Heather Haven. How she can make murder and mayhem funny is truly a special talent.
Read all the Alvarez mysteries in order. The development of this oddball bunch of crime solvers will leave you in stitches while you bite your nails in suspense.
Highly recommended.
It's been a fun journey following Lea Alvarez and her strange family which make up Discretionary Inquiries. The purpose of the private investigation firm is to solve cyber crime, not chase down murderers. But Lea can't seem to avoid putting herself on the front line especially when members of her family are in danger.
The idea of the wise-cracking Lea in a wetsuit flippering her way to the bad guy's yacht during a hurricane can only come out of the twisted mind of Heather Haven. How she can make murder and mayhem funny is truly a special talent.
Read all the Alvarez mysteries in order. The development of this oddball bunch of crime solvers will leave you in stitches while you bite your nails in suspense.
Highly recommended.
October 17, 2024
Classic Alvarez family
I always love reading about the Alvarez family and the things they, especially Liana, get into. This time they are in NOLA to help Vicki with the opening of her new store there. When she sees the man who molested her sister, one who is supposed to have died in a boating accident, alive and well in the "Big Easy", she gives chase. But, she ends up knocked unconscious and is found lying next to a dead man with a weapon in her hands. The Alvarez family believes she could not have killed anyone and begin investigating when local police threaten to charge her with murder.
I love copies because they are light reading and I hope this series continues well past the ones that are currently written.
I always love reading about the Alvarez family and the things they, especially Liana, get into. This time they are in NOLA to help Vicki with the opening of her new store there. When she sees the man who molested her sister, one who is supposed to have died in a boating accident, alive and well in the "Big Easy", she gives chase. But, she ends up knocked unconscious and is found lying next to a dead man with a weapon in her hands. The Alvarez family believes she could not have killed anyone and begin investigating when local police threaten to charge her with murder.
I love copies because they are light reading and I hope this series continues well past the ones that are currently written.
February 4, 2026
4.5⭐
It's only the 4th book, so I don't know what is still coming, but so far, this was the heaviest book.
It's still a cozy mystery, so it's not too graphic, but the themes 😱
I mean, child 🌽, 🍇, assault, 🔫... It's a lot. But it's also so good. The story is thrilling from the beginning to the end. Of course, there are twists and everything in it too again 😎
It's quite a bit funny how Liana and her family always get into heavy investigations, even though they are PIs for intellectual property, espionage..., especially in computers and Silicon Valley 🤣
It's only the 4th book, so I don't know what is still coming, but so far, this was the heaviest book.
It's still a cozy mystery, so it's not too graphic, but the themes 😱
I mean, child 🌽, 🍇, assault, 🔫... It's a lot. But it's also so good. The story is thrilling from the beginning to the end. Of course, there are twists and everything in it too again 😎
It's quite a bit funny how Liana and her family always get into heavy investigations, even though they are PIs for intellectual property, espionage..., especially in computers and Silicon Valley 🤣
May 23, 2020
Liana and Gurn
The Alvarez family is unusual. They own and run Discretionary Inquiries, a private detective organization specializing in intellectual property. Her mother is CEO since her father passed away; her brother, Richard, is married to Victoria and expecting their first child. He is a computer genius. Liana is the active private investigator, and Turn is her boyfriend, who is apparently a government agent. This is an unusual story with good humor.
The Alvarez family is unusual. They own and run Discretionary Inquiries, a private detective organization specializing in intellectual property. Her mother is CEO since her father passed away; her brother, Richard, is married to Victoria and expecting their first child. He is a computer genius. Liana is the active private investigator, and Turn is her boyfriend, who is apparently a government agent. This is an unusual story with good humor.
August 20, 2025
I read this book many years ago, and sort of remembered it as I just reread it. The plots in this series are so good, the characters interesting, but I can't stand Lee Alvarez! She's smart, clever, a really good detective with great ideas, but omg she is so mouthy and irreverent, no matter when, -- absolutely NOT funny -- so not the kind of person I would ever look up to. Not to mention she gets almost killed over and over. Clever, huh. Oh well.
August 20, 2020
I took a nostalgic trip back to Louisiana with this book, and it was great! At first, I didn’t like this book as much as the others in the series (because of the nature of the crimes). However, I was won over by the thrill of the action-packed chase that ended on a boat in the Gulf, in the middle of a hurricane...talk about an adrenaline rush!
Read
January 9, 2023A mishmash
This story is a fast paced mishmash of mystery, adventure, romance, and a tight family unit...family that looks after each other even if they squabble while doing it.
We may be given a villain to find and chase but there are a few surprises in store for the reader.
It's after midnight and I should have been asleep hours ago as 5 AM is my wakeup call. Darn good book.
This story is a fast paced mishmash of mystery, adventure, romance, and a tight family unit...family that looks after each other even if they squabble while doing it.
We may be given a villain to find and chase but there are a few surprises in store for the reader.
It's after midnight and I should have been asleep hours ago as 5 AM is my wakeup call. Darn good book.
January 29, 2022
oh my gosh so good
This is an excellent series. Each book gets better and better. This one is set in New Orleans with a cat 1 hurricane approaching. Of course Lee, who is so tenacious, solves the murders. Can’t wait for the next one!
This is an excellent series. Each book gets better and better. This one is set in New Orleans with a cat 1 hurricane approaching. Of course Lee, who is so tenacious, solves the murders. Can’t wait for the next one!
September 19, 2023
love the series
I have been enthralled with this series since the first book. It’s hard to put down & keeps you on your toes. I can’t wait to start reading the next book in the series.
I have been enthralled with this series since the first book. It’s hard to put down & keeps you on your toes. I can’t wait to start reading the next book in the series.
September 28, 2023
Dead….If Only 📕book 4
This is a fun action packed story with heart,humour,banter,some stressful situations. The author has a way of bringing the story to life for me.Kept me captivated throughout the book.❣️💃🏻😉🙀🧐😢🤨
This is a fun action packed story with heart,humour,banter,some stressful situations. The author has a way of bringing the story to life for me.Kept me captivated throughout the book.❣️💃🏻😉🙀🧐😢🤨
April 14, 2025
Cosy murder mystery
Action, suspense, mystery but all in a mainly lighthearted way, even when dealing with some very heavy subjects. I hope there was a reward for criminals capture and that it went to Reed for school. Who doesn’t want an Tio in their life.
Action, suspense, mystery but all in a mainly lighthearted way, even when dealing with some very heavy subjects. I hope there was a reward for criminals capture and that it went to Reed for school. Who doesn’t want an Tio in their life.
May 4, 2020
Review to come!
September 21, 2020
Book
Loved this story and the different characters. Will read many more of her books. Can't wait to order them asap!
Loved this story and the different characters. Will read many more of her books. Can't wait to order them asap!
November 27, 2021
Another great entry in the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries. It seems Lee always gets involved in disastrous situations but comes through in the end. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 6, 2022
A grand adventure to NOLA.
April 20, 2024
Terrific series. I love Lee and her quirky family. There are lots of funny lines and scenes. The author does a great job in the storyline of the mystery.
July 11, 2024
Life is a busy journey
The lady is a switched on just sure the family would love it if she didn’t get herself into trouble. Lucky she has a great man who loves her too.
The lady is a switched on just sure the family would love it if she didn’t get herself into trouble. Lucky she has a great man who loves her too.
March 5, 2025
Very good detective type read. Characters are good, decent plot. I just found the mother to be too much.
June 3, 2026
I am a big fan of this series. It just keeps getting better. The excitement in this one builds to one thrilling end.
July 11, 2015
I will start out by stating that you should definitely read this series in order. This one was okay as a stand-alone, but I really wish I had read them in order. I love this funny, quirky, family .... they are a real hoot!
Lea Alvarez and her family make up Discretionary Inquiries. The purpose of the private investigation firm is to solve cyber crime, not chase down murderers. But Lea can't seem to avoid putting herself on the front line especially when members of her family are in danger.
The Alvarez family is in New Orleans to open the shop of their newest family member, Vicki. While she is out, she sees a man she thought dead. She follows and is later found unconscious beside a dead man....holding the murder weapon. Lee's job is to prove her sister-in-law innocent and solve this crime...with no help from the police.
There is so much action packed into this book. The characters are terrific. I loved all of them.
I will definitely be going back to start at the beginning!
Many thanks to the author who furnished a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Lea Alvarez and her family make up Discretionary Inquiries. The purpose of the private investigation firm is to solve cyber crime, not chase down murderers. But Lea can't seem to avoid putting herself on the front line especially when members of her family are in danger.
The Alvarez family is in New Orleans to open the shop of their newest family member, Vicki. While she is out, she sees a man she thought dead. She follows and is later found unconscious beside a dead man....holding the murder weapon. Lee's job is to prove her sister-in-law innocent and solve this crime...with no help from the police.
There is so much action packed into this book. The characters are terrific. I loved all of them.
I will definitely be going back to start at the beginning!
Many thanks to the author who furnished a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 17, 2016
DEAD....IF ONLY, book 4 in the Alvarez Family Murder Mystery series, has a lot of action and at times is a bit dark, but it is interspersed with humor that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. The Calistoga mud bath was one of my favorite humorous scenes! Being a black belt in karate and a career private investigator, Lee isn’t your typical amateur. She knows how to do her job and while she takes risks, she’s confident of her skill to see her through…although her family often thinks her risks are too dangerous. Lee is highly loyal and the family motto is Honor Above All, which shows in how she views her cases. The close-knit Alvarez family has a unique dynamic that adds interest. Lee is just the opposite of her prim, properly dressed mother who doesn’t quite understand her daughter, and it adds levity to the book. But the humor does not detract from the well plotted mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night to see “what happens.” The story pulls you in with its twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat! I am looking forward to catching up and reading all the books in this series!
February 26, 2018
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
Dead... If Only is a fast-paced murder mystery set against the backdrop of class, wealth and status. It's unusual for a detective to be part of a whole crime-solving family, yet even more unique is the fact that said crime-solving family are extremely upper-class.
The story was quick and relentless, marching onward at a constant pace and barely giving you time to catch your breath before being thrown into another situation! From luxury fashion and opulent properties to hurricanes, voodoo and buried family secrets, Dead... If Only is certainly far from a boring read.
On paper, the concept for the plot is pretty good, but when it comes to fleshing it out and making everything more three-dimensional, the reality is that there is just too much going on, not enough explanations and too many questions left unanswered.
Dead... If Only is a fast-paced murder mystery set against the backdrop of class, wealth and status. It's unusual for a detective to be part of a whole crime-solving family, yet even more unique is the fact that said crime-solving family are extremely upper-class.
The story was quick and relentless, marching onward at a constant pace and barely giving you time to catch your breath before being thrown into another situation! From luxury fashion and opulent properties to hurricanes, voodoo and buried family secrets, Dead... If Only is certainly far from a boring read.
On paper, the concept for the plot is pretty good, but when it comes to fleshing it out and making everything more three-dimensional, the reality is that there is just too much going on, not enough explanations and too many questions left unanswered.
June 3, 2015
The Alvarez family can't do anything easy. So you know there will be big trouble in the big easy.
Going on vacation should be east and cub but not for Liana and Gurn. There is trouble in New Orleans and the family needs help. This book has more twists and turns than ever. Just when you think you have it figured out another murder and another twist. Come enjoy the big easy with the Alvarez family.
Going on vacation should be east and cub but not for Liana and Gurn. There is trouble in New Orleans and the family needs help. This book has more twists and turns than ever. Just when you think you have it figured out another murder and another twist. Come enjoy the big easy with the Alvarez family.
October 26, 2014
The fascinating Alvarez Family is back and better than ever. Author Heather Haven keeps you turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next. Murder, mystery, romance -- all are there in her latest novel. Add Ms. Haven's wit and unique sense of humor and you have a great read.
Grace DeLuca, Author
Grace DeLuca, Author
January 8, 2015
Every Alvarez Family book by heather Haven just gets better as she develops the individual characters personalities. DEAD ... If Only is the 4th book in the series. I hope she is working on Number 5 as I'd love to read more about this family. I highly recommend this bok
March 31, 2023
I love this series. The members of the Alvarez family, including Vicky and Gurn, are so quirky, the writing is humorous, and just flowing along, the plots are good and always with a certain amount of danger and tension (and last minute or so rescues...) - yes, definitely one of my favourite series.
June 5, 2015
Another great book in the series...now have to wait for next one! I love the humor, even laughed out loud in this one. The characters are rich and full and I love them!
July 28, 2015
This is a humorous, intriguing, fast-paced mystery. My favorite character was the little boy Reed.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews