Kill the Crazy

Madison Cruz Mystery #2

by Lucy Carol

Can't a girl get a pedicure without someone trying to kill her?

When is it time for a relaxing spa with your FBI mom, and KGB grandmother? When they've been trying to outshoot each other.But when Madison discovers the spa employees are not who they seem, things go from dangerous, to deadly!

A humorous mystery, laced with romantic comedy.

★★★★★ "Madison is at it again. The insanely funny group from Hot Scheming Mess decide to "relax" and get ot know each other better at a day spa." -- Kindle Customer★★★★★ "Between laughing at Madison's thoughts and actions, and holding my breath to see if everyone will escape with their lives, I loved every minute of this book." -- L. SVAC★★★★★ "A light, fun, entertaining heroine who finds herself in improbable but funny situations... Bottom line is, you need to try this series." -- Doc★★★★★ "Artfully written and I can't wait for the next book to come out!" -- Dianne★★★★★ "Laugh yourself silly. Great reads!" -- Garnet★★★★★ "Another winner by Lucy Carol. She has a quirky and sarcastic sense of humor that I just love." -- Lq★★★★★ "I really like this series. It has interesting characters who also are kind rather than bitter when things go wrong. Humorous as well." -- Sandra DiMaio-Leach★★★★★ "Love this series. Can't wait to see what Madison gets up to next. Love the humor mixed in with the action." -- Christine W.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Lucy Carol's top priority is to entertain you, and keep you turning pages. She writes mysteries for those who like it fun, fast, and don't mind losing a little sleep. Living and writing in the Pacific Northwest, she loves martinis, flowers, dancing, a good lipstick, and cake. Her background is in the performing arts, having been an actress, voiceover artist, choreographer, and singing telegram.

Reviews

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although I am not sure I would necessarily call it a mystery because you know who the trouble maker is pretty much right from the start. That's not to say it wasn't good, just no interrogating suspects that you normally get with a mystery and also no dead bodies. Instead you are entertained by a crazy person as she hatches a plot and Madison gets sucked into her world of trouble, which is amusing. I liked the characters, especially the dynamic between Madison's mother and grandmother and there rivalry. This is book two in the series and I read book one a long time ago so can't really remember the previous book and how all the characters found each other ( I just remembered I enjoyed it ), so I might have to go back to book one again but I know I definitely won't be waiting so long before starting book three.
To help to get to know her rediscovered family members Madison and her mother, grandmother and best friend head to a spar for the day to bond over joint treatments. Instead the spar is anything but restful, when one of the technicians starts to act strange around her. She also had a run in with the manager when a photo shoot involving them both went wrong. The assistant manager also seems to be very interested in Madison's family. Then she discovers her boyfriend playing bartender and pretending not to know her. Can Madison find out what is going I so that she can go back and enjoy her pedicure or is something more deadly about to happen?

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment of the Madison Cruz mysteries. I'm on to the next one!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison heads to the spa with her best friend, her mother and her new-found grandmother. Another twisty-turny story. Just showing up at the spa is an experience since she thought she was receiving a free day pass but it seems she has been given a free deluxe pass for whenever she wants. While getting the "treatments" she discovers her current boyfriend is running a wine bar and the crazy gal who seems to be receptionist thinks he is her boyfriend. It becomes clear that she is a little whacked, but she isn't the only one. The owner turns out to be a celebrity that Madison had just done a crazy photo shoot with, and crazy girl is her daughter. The manager is also a bit crazy and she and the daughter are working together and trying to destroy the spa and, it seems, everyone. These stories are fast-paced, and although sound confusing, it really is not hard to keep up. I'm anxious to read more about Madison, her FBI agent mother, her former KGB grandmother and all the rest of Madison's crazy world.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fast, fun read about the crazy that always seems to befall Madison. This time when she and BFF Spencer go to a spa day with her FBI mother and newly discovered bio Grandmother, former KGB Nika. It was fun but I missed all the secondary characters from the first book as most of it took place within a couple of hours at the spa.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's kinda a book in two parts. The first half is about Madison and her recently re-united KGB grandma and FBI mother and her friend having a spa day. But the second half is about a jealous/crazy spa worker. Seems to be little connect between the two storylines.

I enjoyed the first half more than the second.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this second book in this series, it has a wonderful storyline that has it all! Double crossing, romantic comedy and crazy people fill this well-written book. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Madison Cruz. She's smart, but she doesn't always listen to that little voice telling her it's dangerous.
The chase scene in the spa carried on a little long (or maybe I was just sleepy) but my main problem with it is, Madison is barefoot and there is broken glass all over the place!!
Still a good story, even though her Mom and grandma don't play much of a role in this one.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series about Madison Cruz and all the things that seem to just "happen" to her! With an FBI mother and a KGB grandmother trying to outdo each other at the shooting range added to the mix, it is such a fun read! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

If trouble can be found, our girl, Madison, can find it in even the swankiest of places. A posh setting and some interesting relationships lead to another great cozy mystery!

[Christmas Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather then a relaxing spa experience, Madison is thrown into a dangerous situation that escalates into a life threatening challenge for survival. Can Madison herself save her family and friends?
Recommended.

[TheresaK · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the book was more dramatic than funny. It was kind of ‘edge of seat’ to me a couple of times. But Grandma helped pull out a few chuckles and Mom was not far behind. Kind of sad and tragic for some of the people. But a very good read, enjoyed it thoroughly!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is a delight!

Everyone seems to think they know what's best for her, but she's not giving in..she has her eye on her career and she's going to get there! This was a freebie but im.already on number three, delightful series, can't wait to see what happens next.

[Sandra DiMaio-Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read

I really like this series. It has interesting characters who also are kind rather than bitter when things go wrong. Humorous as well.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Madison up to her neck again trouble. Good story on how she overcomes all the obstacles and enjoyed the fight scenes.

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given a free copy for a review. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Plan to read more of this series.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t like it

I didn’t like the blasphemy in this book. The casual use. Not for me so I’ll be deleting the four books I have in my library.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE both of the first two books in the Madison Cruz series. Kill the Crazy (original title) was hilarious will it managed to present a serious plot. Chaos reigns wherever Madison goes but she plays it straight keeping the book on the good side of funny. That balance is what I love best when I look for humor with my mystery. Can't wait to get to the other three books that are out now.
I like these covers and titles better than the new ones but the books are just as good either way.

[ChronicallyReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I enjoyed this quite a bit more than the first

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was fun. I’m excited to see what else is in store for Madison.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

3++. Very cute cozy!

[Nanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had danger, excitement, intrigue, and a few bad guys to liven thing up even more. Very entertaining and loved the characters banter.

[Sandra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow on story from the first book. It brings more depth to the characters and develops their relationships.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book and the crazy antics of Madison and her group of friends, but the ending is very abrupt. Like the author ran out of paper and quickly had to round up the story.

[M.A. Kropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

After all the excitement (in book one, "Hot Scheming Mess") of her grandfather's long-kept secret, her newly discovered ex-KGB grandmother, the improvement in her relationship with her FBI mother, and getting to know her new boyfriend, Madison Cruz needs a good day off. Grandma Nika invites Madison, her mother, and her best friend to a day at a high-end spa. Madison finishes her job at a photo shoot (dressed as a heron, no less) and not without a "Madison moment" or two, and heads to the spa, thinking of nothing but manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials. What she finds is her new boyfriend, his crazy stalker ex-girlfriend, an actor turned spa manager who was the victim of a previous "Madison moment," and a plot for revenge that could turn deadly.

These combinations of mystery, humor, and romance are not my usual reading choice. I tend to stick to sci-fi and fantasy as a rule. But it's always good to stretch out of your normal parameters once in a while, and see what else is out there. I  picked up the first Madison Cruz mystery because I do like a good mystery and humor. Romance is not really my thing, but these are not heavy-handed in that department,  and that adds to the appeal for me. I'm sure some fans who prefer more romance than mystery may be disappointed, but for me, the opposite is what makes these books appealing.

And the  mystery is well done. It wasn't easy to figure out, and had a few twists that kept it interesting. The humor is always there, sometimes bordering on slapstick, and always getting a chuckle or two. Madison often appears flighty and superficial, but underneath the pretty green eyes and dark curls, she is smart and manages to keep her head through some intense situations. The relationship between her grandmother, mother, and herself continues to have its ups and downs, but all three are strong personalities and, while the light, humorous tone is always there, the sense that this is a real family with real relationships comes through, also. I enjoyed seeing that explored more in this book.

Fans of light mysteries with a good dose of humor and some romance will find these books to be quick, fun reads, and will, like me. look forward to Madison's next adventures.

[Michelle Steffen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madison Cruz, Model or should I say Model/Slueth! .Madison has just recently met her grandmother Nika who has some ties to the KGB, also she's still getting to know her mother Ann, who has ties to the FBI. Mother, daughter, grandmother are still trying to catch up and get to know one another, so grandma Nika sets up a Spa day for the girls.
What should've have been a relaxing day at the spa for Madison turns into one of danger! Is Brittany the spa clerk out to hurt Madison just because Madison is dating the Wine Clerk, Brittany's former boyfriend? Who's been putting flowers in the pool, or red hand prints on the glass walls?
I enjoyed this story, was a fast read, good storyline, and likeable characters. Although it's really not necessary, I plan to read Book 1 of this series so I can learn how Madison, her mom Ann, grandmother Nika meet up!

[Ken Bour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Kill the Crazy;" it is well-written, fast-paced, and it maintained the zany cadence found in its predecessor of which I was thoroughly enamored. This is not the genre that I typically gravitate to in books (crime, legal thrillers); however, it was a welcome respite although it, too, had its share of melodrama, fisticuffs, criminal behavior, and a heroine (Madeline) who fought off evil-doers and, in a moment of serious peril, used her cleverness to escape and, in the process, rescue her boyfriend in physical and emotional distress.

Lucy Carol's second novel in the Madeline Cruz series is a light, entertaining, and fun read and I will definitely seek out the next installment...

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Cruz is back for a second adventure, accompanied by her mother, her newly discovered Russian grandmother, and her sexy new boyfriend, Jason. What is supposed to be a relaxing spa day for the three women turns into a nightmare when a spa employee turns out to be Jason’s crazy ex-girlfriend, and a killer stalks the softly-lit rooms and hallways. Between laughing at Madison’s thoughts and actions and holding my breath to see if everyone will escape with their lives, I loved every minute of this book.

[Kaye Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Madison Cruz Mystery series. Madison Cruz wants to be a serious actor, despite her FBI mother’s disapproval. In this book, Madison finds herself caught up in a drama with her boyfriend’s crazy, and murderous, ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile her mother and recently discovered KGB grandmother compete in ways that complicates Madison’s life. Madison is funny, creative and a fun character. I will definitely be looking forward to her next crazy adventure.

[Sparkymom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

I liked the first book in this series pretty well and had high hopes that this book would step things up a notch. I wanted to see more romance, but that didn't happen. The story had a decent amount of action and a bit of romance, however, it was mainly about the family relationships. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't a favorite.

[Lyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is at it yet again. The insanely funny group from Hot Scheming Mess decide to "relax" and get to know each other better at a day spa. Considering Madison has a Russian spy for a grand mother and an FBI agent for a mother, you would think things might be a bit odd. So why is it poor Madison, untrained as she is, that keeps getting into trouble.