Playing Dirty

Getting Dirty #1

by Amanda Hooser

Contract archaeologist Grace Jackson planned on finishing up the last week of her site survey so that she could write her report and be on her way. Unfortunately, finding a dead body is a sure way to disrupt your schedule, especially if you're a suspect. Now someone is after Grace and it's up to her and Detective Nathan Walters to find out why, before it's too late.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Unknown Binding

First published December 12, 2013

About the author

I am a middle-aged wife and mother of two living in Huntington, West Virginia. I enjoy romance novels and mysteries, and when I started to write Playing Dirty in 2013, my goal was to write a sexy, suspenseful romance novel. Two dead bodies and no sex later, the series evolved into more of a cozy mystery series than a bodice-ripping romance. Now that the first three novels of that series are complete, I'll be changing it up a little, working on some mostly-romance-with-a-little-mystery novels. That doesn't mean I won't be revisiting Grace and the crew, but I've left them in a good place in the meantime.
I hope you enjoy their adventures, and maybe learn a little something about my first love, archaeology, along the way.
Thank you so much!

Reviews

[J. Schlenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery and romance neatly packaged. I liked that the romance element was real and not over the top. The story takes place in Huntington, WV, a town not far from me and one I have ties to. That in itself made it an interesting read, as I learned small tidbits along the way. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot came together nicely. I liked the character of Mamaw, a side character, the best, and think she deserves her own novel. A good debut novel!

[Jessica Slate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Grace!

I absolutely love female leads that are relatable and fun and Grace is perfect for that! This book is funny, entertaining and sweetly romantic all at the same time! Can’t wait to read book 2!!!

[Sarah Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Tore through it in a day! Fun and easy read. Characters are well written and likable. Starting book 2 today.

[Gwen Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Totally didn’t see the ending coming, but it worked without resorting to any writing faux pas. Easy to read and enjoyable cozy mystery. I really liked Hooser’s writing style and want to read more of her books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery, well worth a read.

[Noah Gillispie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Put simply, I'm glad I dug into this book. Very chill romance mystery that was fun all the way.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery with a side of romance set in Cabell County, WV, Hooser has done a great job with her first novel. I really enjoyed the characters, and would like to hear more about the rest of the archeological dig employees. The settings were amazingly vivid (though I'd like to see a little more physical description of the characters), the dialogue was snappy, and the voice of the main character was consistent.

The plot was engaging, and at times surprising. I liked that I got to learn about archaeology in the process, and I hope that continues throughout the series. The archaeological bits make the novel something special. I'm hoping that there's more like that in the sequel, you know, if Grace actually ends up getting any work done.

I was a little leery of this being a "romance novel", because I don't generally read the genre, but it wasn't heavy handed. I think Grace is sassy and the sexual tension is balanced out well with dead bodies.

To sum, I can honestly say I really enjoyed it and read the entire thing on a plane trip from San Fran to TN! I like the voice and style of the writing, the plot was well established, and it was really fun. If you're looking for a fun vacation read, consider picking up "Playing Dirty".

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the chemistry between characters and the easy, well paced flow. It kept me interested and intrigued without being over done. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this mystery set in West Virginia. It was well-written, had good characters, and a good plot. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I tore through this book in no time. I loved the little pieces of real Huntington that found its way into the book...and I loved Mamaw!