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Jamie Winters #1

Motion for Murder

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Jamie Winters loathes her job as a secretary in the sleaziest law firm in New Jersey. Trouble is, someone else loathes the whole firm—enough to kill one of the partners, the two-timing, eleven-fingered king of lowbrow television commercial spots, Dougie Digits. Now, Jamie is being strong-armed into investigating by Dougie’s frosty widow, Hilary. The suspect list is long, including the firm’s bookish paralegal, embezzling bookkeeper, ambitious associate, and resentful senior partners. Add to that list a mélange of oddball clients with grudges of their own, and Jamie has her work cut out for her. With assists from her studly landlord and husband-hungry sister, Jamie uncovers enough dirt on her coworkers to launch a tabloid in her hunt to find the killer...before he or she strikes again!

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2014

232 people are currently reading
474 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Rey

28 books28 followers
From her first discovery of Nancy Drew, Kelly has had a lifelong love for mystery and tales of things that go bump in the night, especially those with a twist of humor. Through many years of working in the court reporting and closed captioning fields, writing has remained a constant. If she’s not in front of a keyboard, she can be found reading, working out or avoiding housework. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime and lives in the Northeast with her husband and a menagerie of very spoiled pets.

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5 stars
150 (25%)
4 stars
185 (31%)
3 stars
180 (30%)
2 stars
56 (9%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Author 4 books17 followers
January 23, 2015
This cozy mystery felt very similar to another book I recently reviewed (Handbags and Homicide). In Motion for Murder, the main character hates her job at a law firm where one of the partners is sleazier than humanly possible. It's pretty obvious from the first time Dougie steps into a scene that someone has to kill him soon, or the reader will be tempted to do the deed. He wasn't simply annoying, he was sexist. His behavior would never survive in the real world where he would invite a sexual harassment lawsuit.

A former client almost kills him but is thwarted at the last minute. The same client pops up again later in the book - as if the police wouldn't have dealt with him properly the first time!

After Dougie is murdered his widow forces Jamie to investigate her co-workers at the law firm to determine who did it. Jamie has some help from her landlord, Curt and her goofy sister, Sherri, who is desperate for a husband.

I never really understood the relationship between Jamie and Curt. He owns the home they share, which he manages on the salary of a delivery driver. The relationship wasn't clearly defined. Add to that - Curt just happens to have a relative in the police force and supplies her with some insider information.

At one point Jamie winds up following a suspect into an S&M club. This entire section seemed to server no purpose whatsoever. Red herrings are everywhere (see my earlier post for a definition) and the actual killer is someone who you absolutely would least expect.

The story was somewhat plodding and I felt as if the author tossed in everything she could think of to add interest but it didn't work for me. The promise was that this was the next Stephanie Plum but I felt like she missed the mark.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,565 reviews64 followers
April 10, 2017
This book took a bit to get into. I think that happens with a lot of novels that are the first in a series. Once I got the gist of who was who, I enjoyed the story more.

I felt for the main character who was in a job that wasn't quite a fit for her but she stayed out of the security of it all. Then when the creepy, overbearing wife of the victim asks her to solve the murder... how can she say no?

I thought the plot was interesting and it kept me guessing. It also gave me a bit of stress when Jamie was plodding through her suspect list while trying to keep it all on the DL.

I definitely had a hankering to keep up with the series and bought a few more books in this series line. Check it out.
Profile Image for Kathy.
533 reviews13 followers
September 26, 2014
I received an ARC eBook in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by Kelly Rey and it most certainly will not be my last! This is the first book in what promises to be a fun and exciting mystery series. I loved Jamie Winters and the crazy cast of characters in her world especially her sexy landlord Curt and her so-desperate-for-marriage sister Sherri! This book keeps you guessing as you laugh out loud at some of the situations Jamie finds herself in while trying to deduce who murdered her boss. I was as surprised as Jamie was at who the killer turned out to be. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a cozy, fun mystery!
Profile Image for Imjussayin.
561 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2018
Motion for murder: Jamie Winters 1

Motion For Malice
Jamie Winters book 2

Jamie, a secretary at a law firm, investigates the murder of the sleazy partner. His widow convinces if not orders her to get information.

Jamie Winters has the kind of character that I like to see in a protagonist: smart, feisty with a healthy touch of self-deprecation. So, I picked it up and ran with it. The book turned out to be most entertaining.

The writing flows, so you are entertained while you wait for the murder. And wait you will, but there is a small and colourful cast of characters keeping you amused.

However, the story does not have a smooth start. And I was going to stop reading because I didn’t like the sexual dynamic of Dougie patting Missy on the bottom. But it plays to his character and fits the story. The F-word, on the other hand, has no place in a cosy. I read cosies for light relief and to escape the vulgarities that are elsewhere considered cool. Anyway, that’s the first ten minutes, and things pick up.

There are amusing lines that had me smirking. So I forgive the holes in the story. It’s a light, easy read with a plot line that kept me guessing until Jamie stumbles upon the killer.

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Book Rating
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Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes.

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
429 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2024
A great mystery it keeps you guessing till the end.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,341 reviews12 followers
November 18, 2016
Mildly entertaining but I found Jamie kind of a doormat. It annoyed me how she let everyone order her around and never spoke up for herself. Wish she had of had more back bone. I also found her determination to investigate a bit inexplicable. There is nothing to suggest the police wouldn't be perfectly capable, why not leave it to them. I found the relationship between Curt & Jamie confusing also. At first Curt is the one grilling her for info and insisting she figure out what is going on for her own safety then he is telling her not to investigation for her safety. Had potential but needs some editing for clarity and Jamie needs to stop being a doormat.
Profile Image for Michele.
36 reviews
October 12, 2014
Motion denied

This was a struggle to get through. The action was slow and the characters were unappealing. The plot made little sense and the killer turned out to be a minor character only mentioned in one paragraph. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Quenya.
401 reviews19 followers
June 7, 2020
It took while for this book and the characters to grow on me. I was about two-thirds of the way through the book when I realized this isn’t so bad. The main character is a little on the weird side and by that I mean I couldn’t decide if she really was in her early 30s because she had a lot of tendencies to act like a tween.

I loved the fact there were so many suspects who had access and motive. The author did a good job of showcasing the main characters thought process as she evaluated all the suspects and their ability to have possibly committed the murder. The main did get a little tiresome in her taking everything any one said on when she discovered something she didn’t know as an “aha they’re the murder” moments. The series will be okay if the main character can grow and mature a little. The supporting characters are wide open because I’m not sure how they will fit into the next book as they were so integral to this murder.

I truly disliked the sister and it was all in the way she was written. I think the author recognized this and tried to redeem her character a little at the end but I’m still not sure how I feel about that character.

The ending was good and left a lot open for the series to continue so we will see. The narrator did a really good job and I had no issues with the narration of the story.
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 26 books69 followers
November 5, 2025
Secretaries Know Everything - Almost

Jamie Winters is the character we love to hate - or hate to love? She’s tiny (5’3”) and weighs less than 100 pounds. And spends an awful lot of her time eating high-calorie foods that the rest of us can only dream of. She works as a low-level secretary at a law firm that has at least one unscrupulous lawyer. She lives on the second floor of a small cottage with her landlord on the first floor - her very cute, hunky, male landlord who provides her with food.
Jamie is tasked with the widow of the murdered lawyer to find out who killed him. And she very reluctantly agrees. And her “investigations” lead to all sorts of secrets—and danger for her.
This story had a good plot and a satisfying ending. The characters were quirky and interesting, especially Jamie and Curt (the landlord). And Jamie’s sister, Sherri! She was a hoot! It was a little slow to start until we got to know all the characters and what was going on, but a decent cozy.
Recommended.
2,522 reviews
September 24, 2021
free ebook

she works in a lawyers office , typing and doing clerical duties. hes one of the lawyers that advertises on tv . he is having apparently more than one affair, including cheating on his wife with one of the staff and clients

her sister wants to get married and have kids, but is not finding anyone to marry. she tried to pick someone up in the market but he was a cop and thought she was a hooker and arrested her.

she got her sister out on bail. the lawyer was killed and she had to figure out who did it. one of the clients was in the break room and poisoned his protein for his drink.

i would read more of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,470 reviews18 followers
January 30, 2025
Jaime Winter hates her job as a secretary for her law firm in New Jersey. One of the partners Dougie Digits in the firm is found murdered. Jaime has been requested by Dougie’s widow Hilary to investigate his murder. Jaime must delve through a long list of suspects such as Donna Warren the paralegal, Janice Iannacone the pilfering bookkeeper, Wally Randall the aspiring associate, and disgruntled partners. Jaime must find the killer before they strike again. I really enjoyed this fantastic cozy mystery novel.
Profile Image for Richard Cowart.
604 reviews
August 30, 2023
An interesting mystery set in a lawyers office with many suspects and little hard evidence. Jamie, one of the secretarial pool is trying to figure out who among her fellow employees killed the partner. As she looks into everyones lifes she finds reasons for and against each employee. Good reading and an enjoyable mystery.
258 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2024
Really Enjoyable

Lately I've had trouble concentrating. I blame it on my phone. Hours can be wasted just scrolling. But, I picked up this book and immediately got involved with Jamie's antics, concentrating through the book in one sitting.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,766 reviews20 followers
December 24, 2025
Took a bit to get into and vibe with the storyline but once it got going was engaging and entertaining.
Lots of little sleuthing going on in all kinds of places.
Twists and turns and laugh out loud moments.
Good fun read.
76 reviews
November 22, 2019
Okay

For better as it went on. I hope the character development is better as the series goes on. But I'm not holding my breath.
446 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2021
Dougie the law partner is murdered& Jamie investigates the various dysfunctional characters, trying to 'solve' the murder.
913 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2021
Fun and sassy. Jamie will be enjoyable to follow.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,781 reviews19 followers
March 22, 2022
What a fun series

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great and Kelly sure did a fantastic job at keeping you guessing as to who the killer was.
10 reviews
April 29, 2024
New book series

Book was entertaining, funny and ended with a twist. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Jane Smith.
243 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2023
first in a series

I read this first book in the Jamie Winters mystery series. I’m not hooked but will give the second a try. Funny but two many outrageous characters. Way too much focus on food!
18 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2017
Ok, nothing to talk about

This book is ok, but seemed to drag on a bit. I'd recommend it as a "summer read", or maybe for bedtime to help you sleep.
1,630 reviews
Read
December 16, 2014
3.69 · rating details · 67 ratings · 9 reviews
"Move over Stephanie Plum—there's a new girl in town! Jamie Winters is smart, sassy, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. Mix one fun mystery, some fantastic romantic chemistry, and witty quips throughout for a sure-fire winner! Who knew a lawyer's office could be so funny?"
~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author

Jamie Winters loathes her job as a secretary in the sleaziest law firm in New Jersey. Trouble is, someone else loathes the whole firm—enough to kill one of the partners, the two-timing, eleven-fingered king of lowbrow television commercial spots, Dougie Digits. Now, Jamie is being strong-armed into investigating by Dougie's frosty widow, Hilary. The suspect list is long, including the firm's bookish paralegal, embezzling bookkeeper, ambitious associate, and resentful senior partners. Add to that list a mélange of oddball clients with grudges of their own, and Jamie has her work cut out for her. With assists from her studly landlord and husband-hungry sister, Jamie uncovers enough dirt on her coworkers to launch a tabloid in her hunt to find the killer...before he or she strikes again!

The murderer was Mack Ramsey. He killed Dougie because he had failed to open a real file and pursue and investigation into Constance Ramsey's death.
He is finally arrested.
Profile Image for Danielle Eisner.
249 reviews24 followers
September 22, 2014
Jamie is a secretary in a sleazy law firm. When the most loathed lawyer in the firm, Dougie is murdered, Jamie is forced into investigating the murder by Dougie’s scary wife. He was lowdown and conniving and pretty much every body he met had motive to kill him. She has to look into her coworkers and friends to catch the killer before they kill again.

The book was a little slow at first. It took longer than is typical in a murder mystery to get to the actual murder. I kept thinking the murder was coming but it took a while. The story was good though even before the murder. It was funny and I enjoyed it early on.

Jamie was an interesting character. She was slightly obsessed with food. She's also a huge push over. She needed to get a back bone, but it was hilarious when she was pushed into things. And I love her silly family.

I knew who the killer was pretty quickly, or I suspected that they were the killer or a future suspect that would be eliminated. I turned out to be right.

I enjoyed this mystery and recommend to anyone who likes a silly cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Julia.
75 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2015
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, thank you to Gemma Halliday publishing.

I really loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I had not read the 1st book in the series so did not know what to expect. The series revolves around Jamie Winters who is lucky in love with the hunky Curt but seems to attract murder. Jamie ends up a suspect in the murder of a body she and Curts niece find, so she decides to take matters into her own hands and try to solve the murder.
The plotline keeps you guessing until the end & you end up suspecting everyone!! There are some great characters and laugh out loud moments that give a lighthearted element to the book.
I will definitely read more of Ms Rey's books as I love this genre and think she has written a fab well worth a read book, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Shirley.
Author 2 books11 followers
September 5, 2016
Enjoyable for the first book in the series, though a bit slow at the beginning of the story. The characters were as varied as you would see in any office setting, and the lawyers, well, let's leave it at that. Jamie, the main character seemed a bit mousy at first, but stepped up to the plate to find out who killed one of the partners in the law firm where she works. Jamie occasionally runs her list of suspects by her sister, but her sister's focus is centered around how to get a husband. Talk about desperate. Then there's Curt, Jamie's hunky landlord, dinner companion, and sounding board. Jamie's relationship with this confirmed bachelor was a bit confusing, but as the story evolved, so did the relationship. The plot was interesting and took several unusual turns before the killer was revealed. I never expected ????? to be the killer.

Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,141 reviews132 followers
October 3, 2014
I downloaded this eBook after reading posts about it online. What a hoot!

Kind of stuck in the law firm from hell, Jamie does a lot of things to keep the partners happy, including defusing the clients from another planet who react to bad news with guns, knives, you name it. But the lawyers don't care. They do their thing on the second floor why the three secretaries do the daily grind.

Then one of the lawyers dies. Now what? Everyone is a suspect. Now Jamie and her sister deal with annoyingly loving parents, annoyingly focused detectives, and annoying co-workers as Jamie tries to find out who actually did it.

This book is a blast
Profile Image for Anna Snow.
Author 18 books94 followers
October 9, 2014
We've all had that one job that we couldn't stand, but Jamie's murderous place of employment takes it to a whole other level.

This is the first book I've read by Kelly Rey. It was quite good. I enjoyed seeing Jamie grow from shy and reserved, to finally growing some backbone and taking things into her own hands. Especially where her hunky landlord, friend, and neighbor Curt is concerned.
Jamie is easy to relate to, the story is fast paced, and the whodunit was a brilliant surprise. Hopefully there will be another installment, as I'd like to see more of Jamie Winters.

Fun, fast paced, and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lin .
223 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2016
How much stress can there be as a secretary in the law offices of Parker, Dennis and Heath? Well Missy Clark, Jaime Winter and Paige Ford can tell you. Some of their clients are less than favorable and each day a new surprise arises. One of the partners enjoys doing schleppy commercials to bring in those less than favorable clients. The other partners don’t care for this marketing technique, but they love the money.

One day while dealing with Torts and other legal documentation, the staff had to deal with an unexpected death. Nothing at the law office would be same again.

A very intriguing read!
2,220 reviews44 followers
September 26, 2025
Motion for Murder is the first Jamie Winters mystery and I really enjoyed it. Jamie Winters is a thirty-three year old secretary for the sleazy law firm of Parker, Dennis, and Heath. Her sister desperately wants to get married and is on the prowl. Jamie just wants to make enough money to get by and pay her landlord, Curt Emerson. When one of the partners, Dougie, is poisoned to death, his wife seeks Jamie's help in finding out who murdered him. There is no shortage of possible suspects working with Jamie. This story has interesting characters and I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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