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Ruby Wisdom #1
Handcuffs & High Heels
Meet Ruby Wisdom. Smart and sensible. Humorous and heroic. Tough and tender. As the only private investigator in tiny Wormwood, New York, Ruby handles a wide range of cases—everything from jewel heists and cheating husbands to stolen wedding gowns, kidnapped artwork and fraudulent heirs.
In HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS, Ruby is hired by the wife of a millionaire when the woman suspects her husband is having an affair. And he is—several of them. But when Ruby begins connecting the duplicitous dots, the deceitful spouse ends up in a much more difficult dilemma than being caught with his hands in Cookie’s jar. And that’s when the real investigation begins.
HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS is a cozy mystery loaded with humor, romance, memorable characters and a sleuth who knows her way around baked goods and sweet treats as well as crime scenes and tricky investigations.
In HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS, Ruby is hired by the wife of a millionaire when the woman suspects her husband is having an affair. And he is—several of them. But when Ruby begins connecting the duplicitous dots, the deceitful spouse ends up in a much more difficult dilemma than being caught with his hands in Cookie’s jar. And that’s when the real investigation begins.
HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS is a cozy mystery loaded with humor, romance, memorable characters and a sleuth who knows her way around baked goods and sweet treats as well as crime scenes and tricky investigations.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2014
58 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 30, 2014
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This story is all about the characters.
Ruby Wisdom, ex-wife of the local sheriff, is a P.I. you don’t want to mess with. She has gained a lot of wisdom herself over the years to live up to her name. She is a woman with curves and her favorite snack is Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls. She is dating a younger man, Clint. Her is a UPS delivery man who not only looks great in his uniform but makes her happy and treats her right. Her Aunt and Uncle are today’s version of the Bickersons. Her mother tries hard to just keep everyone getting along but can always throw a few zingers in herself as well.
Her latest case is to get evidence that the local car dealer is cheating on his wife, which isn’t too hard because the whole town know he is and he is bedding more than one woman that is not his wife. One of them happens to be Ruby’s boyfriend’s sister! Sadly before his wife can even file for divorce the guy ends up dead.
Tripp, the car dealer really isn’t much to look at and he treats his wife like trash and barely tolerates any of the women around him but money makes certain women want to be with him. He is an easy character to hate and one I wasn’t hurt to see dead.
The storyline was tight and there are plenty of suspects. I really enjoyed the humor throughout the whole book. The dialogue between all the characters was fun to read. This series is off to a splendid start. I look forward to reading the next Ruby Wisdom mystery.
September 13, 2014
Reviewed by Vivian
Recommended 18+
I would categorize this as a high jinx mystery novel. This story centers around a divorcee, Ruby Wisdom, who was at one time married to the town of Wormwood's local sheriff. Currently she is a private detective hired to solve the towns crime, one involving Violet Sullivan. On their initial meeting Ruby requests she bring a box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls along, one of her favorite treats. She hires Ruby to investigate her husbands indiscretions,Violet suspects her husband Tripp is planning on leaving her for his bookkeeper. Her case changes from infidelities to murder when Tripp is found murdered, naked wearing nothing except fur-trimmed handcuffs and leopard print high heels. Ruby tries using her past relationship with her former husband Hank and current flame Clint, a UPS driver to help solve the mystery of who killed Tripp.
I enjoy books that I cannot wait to pick up and finish the read. This story lacked that for me. To be honest, I did not connect with the characters. The author's attempt at humor was tongue and cheek. The novel's plot, in my opinion, requires little concentration on the part of the reader. A great mystery should make the reader think and consist of twists and turns, allowing the reader to enjoy a novel's whodunnit factor. This lacked on all counts. It was a short easy read, if this is your type of book it would be something to consider for a rainy weekend.
Recommended 18+
I would categorize this as a high jinx mystery novel. This story centers around a divorcee, Ruby Wisdom, who was at one time married to the town of Wormwood's local sheriff. Currently she is a private detective hired to solve the towns crime, one involving Violet Sullivan. On their initial meeting Ruby requests she bring a box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls along, one of her favorite treats. She hires Ruby to investigate her husbands indiscretions,Violet suspects her husband Tripp is planning on leaving her for his bookkeeper. Her case changes from infidelities to murder when Tripp is found murdered, naked wearing nothing except fur-trimmed handcuffs and leopard print high heels. Ruby tries using her past relationship with her former husband Hank and current flame Clint, a UPS driver to help solve the mystery of who killed Tripp.
I enjoy books that I cannot wait to pick up and finish the read. This story lacked that for me. To be honest, I did not connect with the characters. The author's attempt at humor was tongue and cheek. The novel's plot, in my opinion, requires little concentration on the part of the reader. A great mystery should make the reader think and consist of twists and turns, allowing the reader to enjoy a novel's whodunnit factor. This lacked on all counts. It was a short easy read, if this is your type of book it would be something to consider for a rainy weekend.
February 22, 2025
I did not love the main character, which made the book difficult. Everyone else in the book seemed less than intelligent and she was condescending. She would make a stupid joke and then lecture other characters for doing the same thing. The mom seemed like an afterthought.
April 6, 2018
This was a fun mystery to read. The main character showed the reality of a person's day to day struggles with family as she did her job. Definitely a book that I will read again in the future.
October 5, 2014
Handcuffs & High Heels was a welcome respite after the depression that Rouse Me left me in. J.M. Edwards was my indie author on 9/18 and she was just the sweetest thing. I really looked forward to a light-hearted read. I definitely got that. While I wouldn’t call it perfect, it was a really great first book by a new author. I would have no hesitance in reading more of JM’s work and I think that’s the best measure of what I thought of the book.
Overall Rating: 4 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
As I said, it wasn’t perfect. The jokes were maybe a little too over-the-top. Sometimes less is more. The first few times that Ruby has to explain what a word means, it was cute. After the 20th, it made her seem a little snooty. It took a little bit of time to get into the meat of the story, but I accept that as part of what is the first book in a series. There’s lots history to set up.
We don’t get to the real mystery of the book until about halfway in. It’s not a big one. I did figure it out pretty early on, but the ride there was still enjoyable. I smiled through most of the book and laughed out loud a few times. The characters are likeable. I really love Ruby’s boyfriend. Not just because he loves his plus-sized lady (though that helps) but because he’s just nice.
The editing was surprisingly good as well. For an indie book, especially an author’s first one, that was a very welcome surprise. I only caught two typos. There was actually a large continuity error at one point, but I alerted J.M. to it and she fixed it, so anyone reading the book from here forward shouldn’t see that at all.
If you’re looking for an easy, light, fluffy read from a great new author, definitely give J.M. a try. It’s smutless but still fun.
Smut Factor : 2 stars- Plain vanilla, no sprinkles
Character likability : 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality : 3 stars- A few errors, but nothing that took away from the story.
Overall Rating: 4 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
As I said, it wasn’t perfect. The jokes were maybe a little too over-the-top. Sometimes less is more. The first few times that Ruby has to explain what a word means, it was cute. After the 20th, it made her seem a little snooty. It took a little bit of time to get into the meat of the story, but I accept that as part of what is the first book in a series. There’s lots history to set up.
“You talking about your bodacious fun bags and lower level lady parts?”
We don’t get to the real mystery of the book until about halfway in. It’s not a big one. I did figure it out pretty early on, but the ride there was still enjoyable. I smiled through most of the book and laughed out loud a few times. The characters are likeable. I really love Ruby’s boyfriend. Not just because he loves his plus-sized lady (though that helps) but because he’s just nice.
“But lots of us learn from our mistakes. Tripp Sullivan wears them like a badge of honor. As if he’s campaigning for biggest asshole in the universe and every blunder he makes puts him closer to victory.”
The editing was surprisingly good as well. For an indie book, especially an author’s first one, that was a very welcome surprise. I only caught two typos. There was actually a large continuity error at one point, but I alerted J.M. to it and she fixed it, so anyone reading the book from here forward shouldn’t see that at all.
If you’re looking for an easy, light, fluffy read from a great new author, definitely give J.M. a try. It’s smutless but still fun.
A woman was sobbing on the end. I could barely understand what she was saying and the smattering of words I did catch made no sense: dental floss, fur-trimmed handcuffs, George Clooney, pink panties and high school graduation.
Smut Factor : 2 stars- Plain vanilla, no sprinkles
Character likability : 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality : 3 stars- A few errors, but nothing that took away from the story.
August 9, 2014
This is the story of Ruby Wisdom, the only P.I. in a town so small everyone knows everyone else's business. She's hired by Violet to confirm that her husband's cheating on her. When said husband turns up dead at a local motel, she finds herself no longer looking into who he was cheating with, but who would want him dead.
I loved this book. The characters were quirky, and there were many times I found myself laughing at some of the things they were saying and doing. Ruby is surrounded by a bunch of interesting characters, including her ex-husband, the Sheriff. At times it seemed like Ruby should have his job, since she came up with angles to look at that he didn't. There's Clint, the UPS boyfriend who always seems to know who's where since he drives around town, and her aunt and uncle, who are always fighting. There's a side story with the aunt and uncle that neatly ties into Ruby's investigation.
One of the other reasons I enjoyed this book is because the killer wasn't who I expected it to be. I hate when I'm reading a mystery and halfway through I figure out who's at fault. In this book, it wasn't an issue, and I appreciated that.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I'm definitely willing to read more.
**A free copy was provided by the author via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review**
I loved this book. The characters were quirky, and there were many times I found myself laughing at some of the things they were saying and doing. Ruby is surrounded by a bunch of interesting characters, including her ex-husband, the Sheriff. At times it seemed like Ruby should have his job, since she came up with angles to look at that he didn't. There's Clint, the UPS boyfriend who always seems to know who's where since he drives around town, and her aunt and uncle, who are always fighting. There's a side story with the aunt and uncle that neatly ties into Ruby's investigation.
One of the other reasons I enjoyed this book is because the killer wasn't who I expected it to be. I hate when I'm reading a mystery and halfway through I figure out who's at fault. In this book, it wasn't an issue, and I appreciated that.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I'm definitely willing to read more.
**A free copy was provided by the author via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review**
August 23, 2014
Ruby Wisdom is the only P.I. in her small town, Wormwood, NY, where, as can be expected, everyone knows everyone else’s business. Ruby is hired by Violet, wife of the town car dealer, to determine and get evidence on her cheating husband. As Ruby gathers evidence, things move to a new level when the husband is killed. How does this impact on Ruby’s investigation? Who is responsible for the death? There are numerous twists and turns presented as Ruby and the reader weave their way toward a solid conclusion and answer. I loved the characters, though many of them were definitely quirky. Some of these include Ruby’s ex, the town sheriff, her aunt and uncle who seem to find love in their constant bickering about just about everything and anything and her mother. This is a great story and cozy mystery, with, at least for me, a surprise ending. I loved reading about the town, its residents and about Ruby in particular. I hope there will be many more Ruby Wisdom books, as I could grow to love her, her small town and the quirky residents. I think anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a solid dose of humor will like this book. This is, in my opinion, a keeper. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
November 2, 2014
4 STARS
This is a light hearted cozy mystery. It was pretty good at keeping you guessing who the murder was. No one liked the victim, lots of suspects & money. Lots of humor, drama, & characters in the small town of Wormwood, New York.
It has a charming, wity, smart and divorced woman P.I. as the main character, Ruby Wisdom. She uses a lot of big words and sayings she is always having to explain to everyone. It makes it seem like everyone is stupid around Ruby. Ruby's ex-husband is the Sheriff.
Ruby is hired to find out if the husband is cheating with his accountant at the car dealer. The whole town knows he is cheating with a couple of ladies. The town is small so everyone knows everyone elses business. Ruby is always trying to keep her clients secrets and other sources too. But she is always seen talking to someone.
So I think all the explaining Ruby does about her words and sayings is too much by the end I was really getting annoyed with everyone else coming off dumb. Also I think it was a little bit much about the gossip around the small town. But overall I did enjoy Handcuffs & High Heels. I would read another book featuring Ruby.
I was given this ebook so I could give an honest review and be part of Handcuffs & High Heels blog tour.
This is a light hearted cozy mystery. It was pretty good at keeping you guessing who the murder was. No one liked the victim, lots of suspects & money. Lots of humor, drama, & characters in the small town of Wormwood, New York.
It has a charming, wity, smart and divorced woman P.I. as the main character, Ruby Wisdom. She uses a lot of big words and sayings she is always having to explain to everyone. It makes it seem like everyone is stupid around Ruby. Ruby's ex-husband is the Sheriff.
Ruby is hired to find out if the husband is cheating with his accountant at the car dealer. The whole town knows he is cheating with a couple of ladies. The town is small so everyone knows everyone elses business. Ruby is always trying to keep her clients secrets and other sources too. But she is always seen talking to someone.
So I think all the explaining Ruby does about her words and sayings is too much by the end I was really getting annoyed with everyone else coming off dumb. Also I think it was a little bit much about the gossip around the small town. But overall I did enjoy Handcuffs & High Heels. I would read another book featuring Ruby.
I was given this ebook so I could give an honest review and be part of Handcuffs & High Heels blog tour.
March 25, 2015
Ruby Wisdom's life is a mixed bag. She's pursuing a career she loves and a relationship with a man she loves, but seems to be surrounded by a cast of characters who try her patience - to say the least! Regardless, her life in small town Wormwood, New York is anything but dull. Sure, there's a bit of corny, hokey-ness in the pages of Handcuffs & High Heels, but you'll be far too busy chuckling at Ruby's one-liners to care.
In a small town, everyone knows everyone's name . . . and their business, too. So it wasn't much of a surprise when the wife of a philandering car dealership owner contacts her for help. But things really heat up when the husband is caught in the act with one of his many mistresses. Unfortunately for him and his wife, adultery and divorce quickly become the least of their worries.
Author J.M. Edwards fills the pages of this debut mystery with colorful and unforgettable characters. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the mystery is well thought out. I had a lot of fun reading the first of Ruby Wisdom's adventures; Handcuffs & High Heels is a quick read that will quickly pull you in and keep you turning the pages.
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of Handcuffs & High Heels in exchange for my honest review.
In a small town, everyone knows everyone's name . . . and their business, too. So it wasn't much of a surprise when the wife of a philandering car dealership owner contacts her for help. But things really heat up when the husband is caught in the act with one of his many mistresses. Unfortunately for him and his wife, adultery and divorce quickly become the least of their worries.
Author J.M. Edwards fills the pages of this debut mystery with colorful and unforgettable characters. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the mystery is well thought out. I had a lot of fun reading the first of Ruby Wisdom's adventures; Handcuffs & High Heels is a quick read that will quickly pull you in and keep you turning the pages.
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of Handcuffs & High Heels in exchange for my honest review.
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September 4, 2015Originally published at Novel Escapism
“Handcuffs & High Heels” is a generally good murder mystery in terms of plot and the main character. Private investigator, Ruby Wisdom, has been hired to check into a philandering husband but when that same man is found dead in a seedy motel wearing nothing but fur-lined handcuffs and leopard-print high heels, Ruby must work quickly to find the truth before her client is arrested for the murder. Ruby Wisdom is a good protagonist. She’s smart and sassy with a fun vocabulary and the mystery elements are well-paced and entertaining. However, I had two complaints about this novel: (1) all the men seemed to be either philanderers and/or dim-witted which I feel is shallow character crafting and; (2) Ms. Edwards makes too many mistakes with the names of her characters, mentioning one character when she really means another. It was, at times, very confusing and pulled me out of the story. Overall, I think that Ms. Edwards has a promising mystery series that wants only for more outside editing.
*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*
“Handcuffs & High Heels” is a generally good murder mystery in terms of plot and the main character. Private investigator, Ruby Wisdom, has been hired to check into a philandering husband but when that same man is found dead in a seedy motel wearing nothing but fur-lined handcuffs and leopard-print high heels, Ruby must work quickly to find the truth before her client is arrested for the murder. Ruby Wisdom is a good protagonist. She’s smart and sassy with a fun vocabulary and the mystery elements are well-paced and entertaining. However, I had two complaints about this novel: (1) all the men seemed to be either philanderers and/or dim-witted which I feel is shallow character crafting and; (2) Ms. Edwards makes too many mistakes with the names of her characters, mentioning one character when she really means another. It was, at times, very confusing and pulled me out of the story. Overall, I think that Ms. Edwards has a promising mystery series that wants only for more outside editing.
*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*
October 22, 2014
'Handcuffs & High Heels' was a book that was funny, different and it has a great storyline. I liked the way the story was told. Ruby and her never ending remarks had me laughing and shaking my head throughout this book. I loved that she isn't the typical size 0 drop dead gorgeous PI. For me, Ruby appeared as a beautiful person inside and out, including her curvaceous physique. The characters were a great cast of characters. I loved how they each had their own quirks. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.
June 14, 2018
This book covers a case that Ruby, the only PI in her town, investigates that begins as a cheating husband, but quickly turns into something that is not only embarrassing but also more complicated than anyone had anticipated. Ruby is befriended by the scorned wife, who is caught between being heartbroken and angry at her husband for being unfaithful to her. This story takes a humorous view on the investigation as well as the circumstances surrounding the death of the cheating husband.
January 3, 2015
This is both a lighthearted romance and a book of sleuthing by private eye Ruby Wisdom. It was easy to read, somewhat predictable and rather fun. It reminded me of a Janet Evanovich book, for some reason, so I would recommend it to those who like her books.
I received a copy of this book through Librarything’s author giveaway program in exchange for a review of the book.
I received a copy of this book through Librarything’s author giveaway program in exchange for a review of the book.
August 13, 2014
Ruby's way with words tends to baffle the locals but she's not unkind about it. People like to talk to Ruby and somewhere amongst all the gossip and personal opinions she finds the answers for her client Violet, and helps the police along the way. A fun, good read.
October 17, 2014
Love it!
I love that ruby is not the typical detective. she's a plus size girl and that's a nice change from most other detective books. I was very entertained and didn't want to put it down! can't wait to read more about ruby and her adventures
I love that ruby is not the typical detective. she's a plus size girl and that's a nice change from most other detective books. I was very entertained and didn't want to put it down! can't wait to read more about ruby and her adventures
December 3, 2014
Goodreads not too deep and fun
...A God attempt at establishing a brand. Could use more development of the characters and less gushing over her guy. Some stereotypes that wear thin but overall light reading and pleasant.
...A God attempt at establishing a brand. Could use more development of the characters and less gushing over her guy. Some stereotypes that wear thin but overall light reading and pleasant.
January 6, 2015
One word KINKY
Its CSI Trueblood style minus the supernatural.
This is an adult read.
Sex and murder.
I just loved this book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I loved the main character in this book I could really relate with her.
I love strong female characters.
Its CSI Trueblood style minus the supernatural.
This is an adult read.
Sex and murder.
I just loved this book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I loved the main character in this book I could really relate with her.
I love strong female characters.
January 23, 2015
Okay, I did have to pull out the dictionary from time to time. It still was a fun read and can't wait until the next Ruby Wisdom PI comes out. Time for me to hit up some Little Debbie's....LOL Keep reading
B-)
B-)
March 29, 2015
Just right
This book has the right amount of mystery to keep you engaged; the author gives the right amount of character development to stay involved, and the right amount of comedy! This is the kind of book that can help when times are tough.
This book has the right amount of mystery to keep you engaged; the author gives the right amount of character development to stay involved, and the right amount of comedy! This is the kind of book that can help when times are tough.
October 9, 2014
Madcap
I really enjoyed reading about Ruby, Clint, Hank and Violet as they get through the murder of Ruby's husband, Tripp.
I really enjoyed reading about Ruby, Clint, Hank and Violet as they get through the murder of Ruby's husband, Tripp.
October 16, 2014
Good
the book is full of people who were sexually actecd to some people who were very bad people.the was a surprise.
the book is full of people who were sexually actecd to some people who were very bad people.the was a surprise.
October 26, 2014
Light read.
interesting characters.unafraid to confront current social issues. language is unusual uplifting
we have a chance to learn and use new vocabulary.
interesting characters.unafraid to confront current social issues. language is unusual uplifting
we have a chance to learn and use new vocabulary.
November 2, 2014
Fun read!
I wanted to read something that would make me smile. This book did that! I will be reading more Ruby Wisdom stories.
I wanted to read something that would make me smile. This book did that! I will be reading more Ruby Wisdom stories.
November 5, 2014
Nice story. I didn't like Ruby, but I appreciate well written books like this.
March 20, 2017
Enjoyed the book
The list of characters in this book will make you laugh and keep you guessing who murdered Violet's cheating husband.
The list of characters in this book will make you laugh and keep you guessing who murdered Violet's cheating husband.
January 1, 2015
Frothy, light hearted but engaging murder/mystery romp. Will be reading more!
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January 2, 2015Quit reading 26% in
February 20, 2015
very enjoyable
July 20, 2015
fluff. shallow characters, shallow plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews