What do you think?
Rate this book
Amanda Pepper #2
Philly Stakes
Amanda Pepper, an English teacher at school for Philadelphia's filthy rich, is determined to teach the kids a lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. She intends to have them cook and serve a meal to the homeless, but unfortunately a powerful parent takes over, and the simple meal turns into a catered affair--topped off by murder. Of course, Amanda wants to solve the crime with her sometime boyfriend and cop C.K. Mackenzie. She's equally determeind to teach the the elusive killer a lesson or two, as well.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
13 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 5, 2019
It took five years to continue Gillian Roberts’ series via “Philly Stakes”, 1989; thus the degree to which I liked this was a nice surprise. I remember giving her début three stars for realistic dismay about a crime. However, calling a cat “dumb” turned me off. Amanda Pepper’s Mom goading her to date was an overblown shtick. Now their phone calls tie-into into essential information. That lets us enjoy leftover humour: Amanda benefitting from an answering machine and Mrs. Pepper frequently re-knitting a Christmas sweater. A few gags still stretched too long. Amanda referred to holding a winter boot over a few pages.
Speaking of winter, I don’t know Philadelphia but Amanda’s pupil should not have been wearing penny-loafers in December. I still grade a better novel at three stars, for an ending that lacked credibility: not shouting for help when someone is at the door or phone. You might as well, if a killer intended to kill. Another big criticism was the stupidity of attempting murder on personal ground, instead of in public.
The mystery is creative, surprising us with unpredictable turns and history. Amanda teaches at a school of well-to-do teenagers, needing to learn thoughtfulness. Laura’s career-crazed Dad busses the homeless to his residence; after which he and another man died. She, her boyfriend, and Mom try protecting each other by declaring themselves at fault.
Side elements that add depth and feeling are the willingness to reach out to pupils in distress and not attaching past trouble to children. I like that Amanda freely went on dates, since she and C.K. are not cemented. My favourite message is the happiness that visiting the elderly gives these worthy people. Helping Laura warmly raised Amanda’s affection and gratitude for her own Mom. I will more eagerly read her next mysteries.
Speaking of winter, I don’t know Philadelphia but Amanda’s pupil should not have been wearing penny-loafers in December. I still grade a better novel at three stars, for an ending that lacked credibility: not shouting for help when someone is at the door or phone. You might as well, if a killer intended to kill. Another big criticism was the stupidity of attempting murder on personal ground, instead of in public.
The mystery is creative, surprising us with unpredictable turns and history. Amanda teaches at a school of well-to-do teenagers, needing to learn thoughtfulness. Laura’s career-crazed Dad busses the homeless to his residence; after which he and another man died. She, her boyfriend, and Mom try protecting each other by declaring themselves at fault.
Side elements that add depth and feeling are the willingness to reach out to pupils in distress and not attaching past trouble to children. I like that Amanda freely went on dates, since she and C.K. are not cemented. My favourite message is the happiness that visiting the elderly gives these worthy people. Helping Laura warmly raised Amanda’s affection and gratitude for her own Mom. I will more eagerly read her next mysteries.
March 4, 2012
Amanda Pepper is the ultimate in everyday crime solvers. She's really a school teacher, but seemed to find herself in some awkward situations where she just has to play sleuth. I really like her because she's believable. She doesn't pull clues and theories out of mid air and she doesn't go out of her way to find mysteries. She could almost be described as average and boring by those who don't know her. She also goes out of her way to help just about anyone. It's like she has a heart of gold even if that heart plunks her right into the middle of some serious trouble.
I'm still no closer to finding out what Mackenzie's first name is. And there's very little mention of that little mystery in this second novel. But I'm still intrigued. I'm thinking Gillian plans to stretch that one out throughout the entire mystery series. And I'm oddly okay with that. Gives me something to ponder when I'm not reading her Philly series.
I loved that Gillian did not decide to modernize the series as it was written a couple of decades ago. The whole debacle about the answering machine made me laugh. It reminded me of growing up and when my family got their first answering machine, tape included. I'm not sure the whole mystery would have worked if it had been modernized to today's standards.
I'm still no closer to finding out what Mackenzie's first name is. And there's very little mention of that little mystery in this second novel. But I'm still intrigued. I'm thinking Gillian plans to stretch that one out throughout the entire mystery series. And I'm oddly okay with that. Gives me something to ponder when I'm not reading her Philly series.
I loved that Gillian did not decide to modernize the series as it was written a couple of decades ago. The whole debacle about the answering machine made me laugh. It reminded me of growing up and when my family got their first answering machine, tape included. I'm not sure the whole mystery would have worked if it had been modernized to today's standards.
September 25, 2016
Really enjoying Amanda.
August 23, 2019
I've read the first and second books in this series, and I really enjoyed them. Gillian Roberts is a very clever storyteller. And as someone who tried to be an English teacher, I may have a soft spot for Amanda Pepper. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
January 19, 2018
Before there was Lisa Scottoline and the Rosato and Associates mystery series, there was Amanda Pepper. Both series are set in Philadelphia, which sometimes becomes more of another character than a mystery series setting. This is the first Amanda Pepper book I've read and I'm impressed enough to pursue other books in the series.
This is a good whydunnit, which is more difficult to figure out than WHOdunnit. This also has some recurring elements that do not interfere with the solving of the mystery, such as Amanda Pepper's relationship with a detective that was born in New Orleans (I think) but wound up somehow working in Philadelphia.
I don't think you need to read the first book in the series Caught Dead in Philadelphia to understand what's going on here but I'm curious enough to see the details behind the hints dropped in this book.
The only problem I had with the book was that the contrast in emotional feel were at times very out of place. It would go from funny, funny, funny to amazingly creepy sad and then swing back to funny. That got to be rather jarring.
This is a good whydunnit, which is more difficult to figure out than WHOdunnit. This also has some recurring elements that do not interfere with the solving of the mystery, such as Amanda Pepper's relationship with a detective that was born in New Orleans (I think) but wound up somehow working in Philadelphia.
I don't think you need to read the first book in the series Caught Dead in Philadelphia to understand what's going on here but I'm curious enough to see the details behind the hints dropped in this book.
The only problem I had with the book was that the contrast in emotional feel were at times very out of place. It would go from funny, funny, funny to amazingly creepy sad and then swing back to funny. That got to be rather jarring.
January 3, 2014
I didn't like this story as much as two others I had read by this author. Using the homeless as a plot device didn't work for me, but most of the characters had no appeal to me. If it wasn't for the fact that I LIKE the characters of Amanda, NoName, her mother and Sasha, I wouldn't even try another book. So, please, if you have not read this author before, DON'T start with this book. Start with the first one.
January 8, 2018
If you can overlook the references to out-of-marriage relationships . . ., this is a humorous, cleverly written, suspenseful read. Amanda Pepper teaches at Philly Prep, "a school for overly-privileged underachievers." She wants to plan an activity to get her students to look beyond themselves, but a noted wealthy, politition-wannabe business man takes over. After the event, there is a fire and a death for which three individuals claim responsibility. Could have fooled me. :)
January 16, 2008
Philly Stakes - G+
Roberts, Gillian
Philadelphia schoolteacher Amanda Pepper wants her students to develop some social consciousness, but when the wealthy benefactor of a party for the homeless is killed, she becomes a teacher-turned-detective.
Light but quite good.
Roberts, Gillian
Philadelphia schoolteacher Amanda Pepper wants her students to develop some social consciousness, but when the wealthy benefactor of a party for the homeless is killed, she becomes a teacher-turned-detective.
Light but quite good.
May 3, 2014
This is a great series and I really like how the author gives you a full view of the charters feelings. This was a tough sceaniro to read but I am sure many teachers are confronted with this type of crime to their students and chose to ignore it.
October 16, 2016
Sassy Heroine
Mystery stories are generally constructed about the same. This one is fun because of the main character who is a sassy English teacher who cares about her students, even the difficult ones.
Mystery stories are generally constructed about the same. This one is fun because of the main character who is a sassy English teacher who cares about her students, even the difficult ones.
March 5, 2007
there's nothing like a mystery to take your mind off everyday worries. this is the second book in the amanda pepper series. i really like her character, so i keep reading the books.
December 20, 2012
Not as good as some of the others but eminently readable.
June 26, 2015
Amanda gets caught up in the family drama of one of her students that results in the murder of her students father
June 5, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed “watching from afar” as Amanda Pepper and the Philly-but-Southern detective CK McKenzie solve this Christmastime murder of a wealthy man hosting a well-publicized party for the homeless at his luxurious home in Chestnut Hill. The idea, imagined by Mandy to awaken awareness in her students at the posh HS where she teaches, was for the students to cook a Christmas dinner at a nearby charity kitchen through their raised donations. But Alexander (Sandy) Claussen “adjusted” the plan and publicized it well enough to find his life ended as he hosted the party that night. Gillian Roberts certainly knows how to make murder stories fun!!
August 16, 2021
I liked this second book in the series. Her teaching adventures and unique student takes on learning are hilarious. Then comes the subtle and building mystery.
Yes, this is one for mystery and Christmas themed-books.
Yes, this is one for mystery and Christmas themed-books.
July 31, 2023
A murder then three separate confessions with unknown motives. Killer turns out to be a fourth person with motive going back many years involving theft, fraud, and a big swindle. May sound interesting but a big bore.
December 15, 2025
Except for too much description that had no bearing on the story it was really good. I don't need to know what everyone was wearing or eating. I don't need to know about every piece of furniture or picture or decoration in a room unless it is important to the crime.
April 2, 2018
Sandy Clausen is a revolting Santa Claus, but the danger to Amanda comes from another quarter
July 16, 2023
I am enjoying this series immensely.
April 1, 2013
Christmas is coming to Philadelphia, but teacher Amanda Pepper is having problems keeping the classroom seats filled as the holiday break approaches, let alone getting her students interested in the true meaning of the season. She teaches English at Philly Prep, a school where high school students prepare to go to college and their parents' money insures that they will get there. Amanda decides a project to feed the homeless may excite the kids and teach them about giving instead of receiving. She plans to have the kids cook the food and feed their fellow citizens. One parent, Alexander Clausen, has the money and power to take over the project, however, and he does so in fine style. A catered dinner at his mansion, elegant but unsuitable gifts, and a carefully selected group of homeless are arranged by Mr. Clausen, and Amanda only succeeds in getting her students to be unwilling servers.
The event arrives as do 65 homeless persons, members of the Clausen family, some society friends including Amanda's socialite friend Sasha Berg, and Alexander "Sandy" Clausen dressed as Santa Clause. Amanda is there with her students and other faculty. The only unwanted guest is a murderer. Mrs. Clausen is drunk, Santa's daughter (and Mandy's student) Laura is frightened out of her wits, and Laura and her brother Peter attempt to manage their mother in the midst of this fiasco. Amanda leaves as soon as decency permits, goes home to grade papers, and finds a disturbing essay by Laura. Amanda shares it with her on-and-off boyfriend, police detective C. K. Mackenzie, a smooth-talking Southerner who has her bewitched with his drawl and blue eyes. The disturbing news comes through that Alexander Clausen has died in a fire, and the whole world seems to know that his daughter has a history with fire. The rumor mill has consistently ground out stories about her burn scars, nightmares, and haunted essays. Amanda feels desperate to protect the girl from what she believes to be untruths. Laura compounds the problem by confessing to murdering her father, but her disraught mother and brother also confess. Mackenzie tries to tear down the confessions as school ends for Amanda and her students, and both she and Mackenzie contemplate Christmas plans that are unwanted and will keep them apart.
Amanda battles on against a cold and bad throat, Christmas shopping and other impossibilities, Philadelphia's city-in-winter gloom and hazards, and Mackenzie's obstinance in refusing to look beyond the Clausen family for the murderer. Amanda pushes him to check out the homeless, the caterers, the cab drivers, and a mystery man named Jacob--anyone associated with the ill-fated charity party. An ornamental object appears to have been the murder weapon with the fire as a cover-up. Irate neighbors, Laura's Aunt Alma, Laura's missing boyfriend, and calls from Amanda's mother describing her matchmaking plans for Amanda's holiday visit to Florida all muddy the picture for the detecting school teacher. Amanda agrees to a special mission for one of her mother's aging friends and learns that Laura has been left alone. She remedies the latter by having Laura stay with her, secretly hoping it will get her out of the trip to Florida. A journalist named Nick was profiling Alexander Clausen before the murder and is now eager to publish while the story is still fresh; he befriends Amanda, somewhat against her better judgment. Laura goes with Amanda to take a gift to the elderly friend Minna, but Minna's ramblings seem somehow connected to the Clausen tragedy. Friend and photographer Sasha prints out photos from the party to try to identify the mystery man Jacob, the missing murder weapon, and other possible suspects who may have slid under the radar with the party as cover.
With so many threads to unravel, Amanda has her hands full with the mystery, her troubled houseguest, and the pending Florida "vacation". Can she resolve the murder with or without Mackenzie's help? What other clues will surface, and which of the present clutch of clues will prove to be red herrings? Christmas is a time to have a little faith--especially in the improving sleuthing skills of a Philadelphia school teacher named Amanda Pepper.
The event arrives as do 65 homeless persons, members of the Clausen family, some society friends including Amanda's socialite friend Sasha Berg, and Alexander "Sandy" Clausen dressed as Santa Clause. Amanda is there with her students and other faculty. The only unwanted guest is a murderer. Mrs. Clausen is drunk, Santa's daughter (and Mandy's student) Laura is frightened out of her wits, and Laura and her brother Peter attempt to manage their mother in the midst of this fiasco. Amanda leaves as soon as decency permits, goes home to grade papers, and finds a disturbing essay by Laura. Amanda shares it with her on-and-off boyfriend, police detective C. K. Mackenzie, a smooth-talking Southerner who has her bewitched with his drawl and blue eyes. The disturbing news comes through that Alexander Clausen has died in a fire, and the whole world seems to know that his daughter has a history with fire. The rumor mill has consistently ground out stories about her burn scars, nightmares, and haunted essays. Amanda feels desperate to protect the girl from what she believes to be untruths. Laura compounds the problem by confessing to murdering her father, but her disraught mother and brother also confess. Mackenzie tries to tear down the confessions as school ends for Amanda and her students, and both she and Mackenzie contemplate Christmas plans that are unwanted and will keep them apart.
Amanda battles on against a cold and bad throat, Christmas shopping and other impossibilities, Philadelphia's city-in-winter gloom and hazards, and Mackenzie's obstinance in refusing to look beyond the Clausen family for the murderer. Amanda pushes him to check out the homeless, the caterers, the cab drivers, and a mystery man named Jacob--anyone associated with the ill-fated charity party. An ornamental object appears to have been the murder weapon with the fire as a cover-up. Irate neighbors, Laura's Aunt Alma, Laura's missing boyfriend, and calls from Amanda's mother describing her matchmaking plans for Amanda's holiday visit to Florida all muddy the picture for the detecting school teacher. Amanda agrees to a special mission for one of her mother's aging friends and learns that Laura has been left alone. She remedies the latter by having Laura stay with her, secretly hoping it will get her out of the trip to Florida. A journalist named Nick was profiling Alexander Clausen before the murder and is now eager to publish while the story is still fresh; he befriends Amanda, somewhat against her better judgment. Laura goes with Amanda to take a gift to the elderly friend Minna, but Minna's ramblings seem somehow connected to the Clausen tragedy. Friend and photographer Sasha prints out photos from the party to try to identify the mystery man Jacob, the missing murder weapon, and other possible suspects who may have slid under the radar with the party as cover.
With so many threads to unravel, Amanda has her hands full with the mystery, her troubled houseguest, and the pending Florida "vacation". Can she resolve the murder with or without Mackenzie's help? What other clues will surface, and which of the present clutch of clues will prove to be red herrings? Christmas is a time to have a little faith--especially in the improving sleuthing skills of a Philadelphia school teacher named Amanda Pepper.
November 13, 2012
I just re-read this book and enjoyed it, some of it may be a little dated, and Amanda seems a little preachy now. However, being a long time Philly girl, Gillian Roberts does an excellent job of capturing the feel of the city in 70 and 80's Brought back memories with the Wanamaker's Eagle and the Woolworth counter (near where I worked). I will definately re-read the rest of the series as it is on Kindle now.
January 30, 2013
amanda pepper - teacher to the rich just wanted to show her students how help others during the holidays. Unfortunately, her idea was changed to promote one of the students father's goals. He had a good party but two ended up dead. Needless to say she did her share of sleuthing. I like this series being from Philadelphia.
November 1, 2014
My first read of a Gillian Roberts. Recommended by Kathleen and read during a cruise in the Greek Islands so definitely a beach book. Set during the Christmas Holidays with a couple of unsanitary murders and a depressed student. A good untaxing romp for the sleuth in all of us.
August 28, 2009
Amanda Pepper #2
August 10, 2012
Such implausible, whiny people! Sorry, I couldn't get through it - not for me.
December 21, 2013
Amanda Pepper. Teacher, Christmas, Students to serve a meal to homeless--"Sandy Clausen (Very Rich) turns event into catered party--he is killed in fire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 1, 2019Synopsis: teacher Amanda Pepper is determined to help her students with the spirit of Christmas - a meal for the homeless. It's topped off by murder!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews