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Leslie & Belinda #1
Daredevil
Includes award-winning short story NO WAKE
Move over, Miss Marple; step aside, Jessica Fletcher—there’s a new gal on the case, well, two gals, that is. This pair of sassy, senior sleuths, Leslie and Belinda, are on the hunt for a missing girl; and it leads them on a crazy chase through a dark graveyard with Leslie’s eight-pound-dog, Riff-Raff, right in the middle of all the action. Buckle up and keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
When the granddaughter of a deceased church member goes missing, the two best friends are determined to solve the mystery and rescue the young woman. It seems no one, including the girl’s father, is all that concerned by her vanishing act, but this pair just know something’s amiss. Throw in one wandering bear, a flirtatious undertaker, a dustup with a TBI agent, an overweight corpse, and a trip to the Dollar Store for stakeout supplies and you have all the ingredients for one wild adventure. Sticky situations and comedic antics abound when these meddling senior citizens let their curiosity get the better of them.
Move over, Miss Marple; step aside, Jessica Fletcher—there’s a new gal on the case, well, two gals, that is. This pair of sassy, senior sleuths, Leslie and Belinda, are on the hunt for a missing girl; and it leads them on a crazy chase through a dark graveyard with Leslie’s eight-pound-dog, Riff-Raff, right in the middle of all the action. Buckle up and keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
When the granddaughter of a deceased church member goes missing, the two best friends are determined to solve the mystery and rescue the young woman. It seems no one, including the girl’s father, is all that concerned by her vanishing act, but this pair just know something’s amiss. Throw in one wandering bear, a flirtatious undertaker, a dustup with a TBI agent, an overweight corpse, and a trip to the Dollar Store for stakeout supplies and you have all the ingredients for one wild adventure. Sticky situations and comedic antics abound when these meddling senior citizens let their curiosity get the better of them.
- GenresCozy Mystery
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2015
24 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Linda S. Browning
12 books9 followersLinda Browning’s writing talents took a backseat to salaried jobs for more than 42 years. She knows she has a lot of writing to make up for and the words, sentences, and paragraphs are falling from her head at an alarming pace. She lives with her husband of forty years. They share their Tennessee residence with a 32(+)-year-old amazon parrot and a 20-year-old finch.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 26, 2023
DAREDEVIL is lighthearted mystery with two likable characters, Leslie Barrett and her reluctant-sleuth of a friend, Belinda Honeycutt. Leslie, a retired social worker, has a tendency to holler charge and run in the wrong direction. You could say she has the instincts of Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote and the wherewithal of Barney Fife. She means well, but what can you expect from someone who carries wasp spray as bear repellant? She lives in a retirement village, Lake Manchester Townhomes, Tennessee, where there are plenty of championship golf courses (and black bears, much to her dismay) to keep her retired husband busy, until he dropped dead of a massive heart attack. That leaves Leslie, a non-golfer, with plenty of time to get into trouble. Her widowed friend, Belinda, also enjoys keeping a watchful eye on their community, but she is less than enthusiastic about snooping around cemeteries in the dark, which is what these two “nosy broads” do after the granddaughter of a deceased friend goes missing after a funeral. As Leslie says, “Belinda and I are notorious conspiracy theorists. We enjoy making great piles of stuff out of absolutely nothing,” although “our friends and neighbors have to admit that we had been right about our neighbor’s death by turtle…” Watch out for hot flashes, fear of ceramic knick knacks, fluffy dogs and flirting funeral directors. The wisecracking repertoire of Belinda and Leslie will keep you smiling as you follow them through their misguided adventure.
January 12, 2020
Cute short story.
September 11, 2015
I would like to thank Buddhapuss Ink LLC for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
If you can’t tell from the rating, I LOVED this book. Best one liner I can think of to describe it is: Two friends - of a mature age - with a lot of time on their hands and mysteries to solve. It was fast paced, seriously funny and filled with the sort of sarcastic wit and snappy one-liners I adore. Plus it had a bit of cosy crime mystery thrown in to round off nicely.
This book consisted of two stories, a short intro one and then the ‘Daredevil’ tale. It worked well and was perfect for an eBook.
In the blurb for Daredevil it references Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher but, quite honestly, I feel Agatha Raisin and Amelia Peabody better watch out too! Yes, if you do love your light-hearted cosy crime to include a, possibly, nosey older (I mean – mature) lady with a sarcastic and at times acerbic tongue – this book is for you. I did find myself snorting with amusement almost from page one. So many one-liners in this book I’d love to share, but also really want to emphasise it’s not just a book of one-liners. It is a terrific bit of cosy crime to curl up on the couch with and lose yourself in for a few hours.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely! Anyone who is a fan of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody or MC Beatons’ Agatha Raisin will love this book. Lovers of cosy crime should buy this book!
Would I buy this book for myself? Yes I would. In fact I’ve already gone and liked Ms Browning on Facebook just so I can keep up with when the next story is out. And I will also be looking into any of her other work that may already be published.
In summary: Terrific little eBook cosy crime. It had its mystery, its lovably sarcastic and not so serious characters and a good fast pace to fit it all in. Love it, can’t wait to read more from the series.
If you can’t tell from the rating, I LOVED this book. Best one liner I can think of to describe it is: Two friends - of a mature age - with a lot of time on their hands and mysteries to solve. It was fast paced, seriously funny and filled with the sort of sarcastic wit and snappy one-liners I adore. Plus it had a bit of cosy crime mystery thrown in to round off nicely.
This book consisted of two stories, a short intro one and then the ‘Daredevil’ tale. It worked well and was perfect for an eBook.
In the blurb for Daredevil it references Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher but, quite honestly, I feel Agatha Raisin and Amelia Peabody better watch out too! Yes, if you do love your light-hearted cosy crime to include a, possibly, nosey older (I mean – mature) lady with a sarcastic and at times acerbic tongue – this book is for you. I did find myself snorting with amusement almost from page one. So many one-liners in this book I’d love to share, but also really want to emphasise it’s not just a book of one-liners. It is a terrific bit of cosy crime to curl up on the couch with and lose yourself in for a few hours.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely! Anyone who is a fan of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody or MC Beatons’ Agatha Raisin will love this book. Lovers of cosy crime should buy this book!
Would I buy this book for myself? Yes I would. In fact I’ve already gone and liked Ms Browning on Facebook just so I can keep up with when the next story is out. And I will also be looking into any of her other work that may already be published.
In summary: Terrific little eBook cosy crime. It had its mystery, its lovably sarcastic and not so serious characters and a good fast pace to fit it all in. Love it, can’t wait to read more from the series.
January 15, 2015
What a romp!
If I ever get old I want to be friends with Leslie and Belinda.
I’d move into dear Abner’s empty unit and get those two biddies to make me pie every weekend. In return, I’d go on adventures with them, and I swear, I’d be gutsier than Belinda and hold the flashlight so Leslie could do her investigating.
Linda Browning’s novella Daredevil lives up to the expectations raised by her short story “No Wake,” first published in Buddhapuss Ink's mystery anthology Mystery Times 2013.
Her heroines, the feisty Leslie and her partner-in-crime, the tall but timid Belinda, set forth to find out what happened to a missing girl who vanished shortly after her step-grandmother’s funeral.
I won’t tell you what they discover or how they go about it because I don’t want to spoil the fun for you.
But I will tell you this: you won’t get to the solution before you’ve gone calling at the bereaved family’s house with pie in hand—like a good Southern belle, have a friendly Lab slobber your face, make friends with an TBI agent, and have had to hide in a coffin showroom.
This is a sweet little book to be enjoyed over a cup of tea and a piece of pecan pie…make that sweet iced tea tinkling in a tall glass.
Linda Browning has a a voice that is distinct, and fun to read. It lends itself well to the near-slapstick situations that Belinda and Leslie get into. This is cozy mystery at its best!
If I ever get old I want to be friends with Leslie and Belinda.
I’d move into dear Abner’s empty unit and get those two biddies to make me pie every weekend. In return, I’d go on adventures with them, and I swear, I’d be gutsier than Belinda and hold the flashlight so Leslie could do her investigating.
Linda Browning’s novella Daredevil lives up to the expectations raised by her short story “No Wake,” first published in Buddhapuss Ink's mystery anthology Mystery Times 2013.
Her heroines, the feisty Leslie and her partner-in-crime, the tall but timid Belinda, set forth to find out what happened to a missing girl who vanished shortly after her step-grandmother’s funeral.
I won’t tell you what they discover or how they go about it because I don’t want to spoil the fun for you.
But I will tell you this: you won’t get to the solution before you’ve gone calling at the bereaved family’s house with pie in hand—like a good Southern belle, have a friendly Lab slobber your face, make friends with an TBI agent, and have had to hide in a coffin showroom.
This is a sweet little book to be enjoyed over a cup of tea and a piece of pecan pie…make that sweet iced tea tinkling in a tall glass.
Linda Browning has a a voice that is distinct, and fun to read. It lends itself well to the near-slapstick situations that Belinda and Leslie get into. This is cozy mystery at its best!
April 10, 2017
Lighthearted, quick read about two meddling senior citizens who band together in widowhood.
November 5, 2019
This story is more slapstick comedy than cozy mystery. Leslie and Belinda dive headfirst into everything without really thinking through the consequences. They put themselves in danger by being impetuous. It does get a little old having Belinda always saying no and then doing it anyway. I found some of the physical things they did were out of line for women their age--especially Leslie since she didn't ever exercise. This is an easy read for those looking for a little diversion from everyday life.
In the free short story No Wake I find it ridiculous that the police weren't really investigating the death and that they took the culprits' word on it being an accident even though they had destroyed evidence, manipulated evidence, and disposed of the body.
In the free short story No Wake I find it ridiculous that the police weren't really investigating the death and that they took the culprits' word on it being an accident even though they had destroyed evidence, manipulated evidence, and disposed of the body.
October 24, 2019
Funny!
An absolute hoot. Laugh out loud funny. Two widowed friends with nothing better to do than get into trouble. Looking forward to the next one.
An absolute hoot. Laugh out loud funny. Two widowed friends with nothing better to do than get into trouble. Looking forward to the next one.
October 25, 2019
Different
Two bored elderly ladies that investigate crimes they think have happened when they bumble along and solve an entirely different crime.
Two bored elderly ladies that investigate crimes they think have happened when they bumble along and solve an entirely different crime.
November 1, 2019
Good mystery and great laughs
A very fun story to read. Lots of laughs with a good who dun it mystery. A good clean book for almost any age.
A very fun story to read. Lots of laughs with a good who dun it mystery. A good clean book for almost any age.
February 18, 2023
A fun read!
I really enjoyed her writing and description of the area. Especially since I live in the Glade. Looking forward to her next one.
I really enjoyed her writing and description of the area. Especially since I live in the Glade. Looking forward to her next one.
June 26, 2015
Tom Barrett (76, husband) & Leslie Barrett (68, wife, narrator) had moved to Fairlawn Glen retirement community.
2 yrs. ago he had a heart attack & died.
Belinda (68+, widow) was Leslie’s BFF.
Later Abner Cummings (89, widower, (Baptist) body had been discovered. The ME had determined he had been dead about 5 months.
Belinda (Methodist) & Leslie (Catholic) were both quite snoops & started doing their own investigation.
2 names came up Mitchell Gaines (land/business developer) & Brian Gaines (son).
Leslie Barrett (68, wife, widow, narrator) lived at Fairlawn Glen (retirement/resort, Middle TN).
It had every imaginable wild life possible. 1 in particular the Black Bear.
Marjorie Vickers (Belinda’s BFF, Methodist, Diabetes, 300 lbs. Katrina’s step-grandmother) had died of a heart attack & her funeral was at Walton’s Funeral Home & Cemetery (Clifton).
Belinda Honeycutt (BFF, Methodist, (# 5) & Leslie (# 2, Catholic) were going to attend.
Eric (Roy’s nephew) is lost in the Idaho wilderness.
Katrina Stephens (20, Marjorie’s step-granddaughter, Aubrey step-daughter, U of T) is missing.
Michael (Aubrey’s husband) is very concerned & worried.
An APB had been put out on her.
The 2 wanna-be detectives Belinda & Leslie went to see Mrs. Towers (85, # 19) about the strange disappearances.
Mrs. Farrow (# 7) is getting several packages a day from UPS?
Belinda (former ER nurse) & Leslie (nee Honcoop) next went to see Chief Quinn Braddock (Department of Public Safety).
They met Agent Hailey Donnelly (TBI). She is assigned to the Katrina Stephens MP case.
Will the 2 amateur detectives solve the crimes?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written elderly sleuth murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great humorous elderly sleuth murder mystery movie, or mini TV series. Hilarious, 1 book I didn’t want to quite reading. Never read anything like this before. To be continued. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Buddhapuss Ink LLC.; Author; ARC; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
2 yrs. ago he had a heart attack & died.
Belinda (68+, widow) was Leslie’s BFF.
Later Abner Cummings (89, widower, (Baptist) body had been discovered. The ME had determined he had been dead about 5 months.
Belinda (Methodist) & Leslie (Catholic) were both quite snoops & started doing their own investigation.
2 names came up Mitchell Gaines (land/business developer) & Brian Gaines (son).
Leslie Barrett (68, wife, widow, narrator) lived at Fairlawn Glen (retirement/resort, Middle TN).
It had every imaginable wild life possible. 1 in particular the Black Bear.
Marjorie Vickers (Belinda’s BFF, Methodist, Diabetes, 300 lbs. Katrina’s step-grandmother) had died of a heart attack & her funeral was at Walton’s Funeral Home & Cemetery (Clifton).
Belinda Honeycutt (BFF, Methodist, (# 5) & Leslie (# 2, Catholic) were going to attend.
Eric (Roy’s nephew) is lost in the Idaho wilderness.
Katrina Stephens (20, Marjorie’s step-granddaughter, Aubrey step-daughter, U of T) is missing.
Michael (Aubrey’s husband) is very concerned & worried.
An APB had been put out on her.
The 2 wanna-be detectives Belinda & Leslie went to see Mrs. Towers (85, # 19) about the strange disappearances.
Mrs. Farrow (# 7) is getting several packages a day from UPS?
Belinda (former ER nurse) & Leslie (nee Honcoop) next went to see Chief Quinn Braddock (Department of Public Safety).
They met Agent Hailey Donnelly (TBI). She is assigned to the Katrina Stephens MP case.
Will the 2 amateur detectives solve the crimes?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written elderly sleuth murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great humorous elderly sleuth murder mystery movie, or mini TV series. Hilarious, 1 book I didn’t want to quite reading. Never read anything like this before. To be continued. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Buddhapuss Ink LLC.; Author; ARC; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 18, 2016
Daredevil (A Leslie and Belinda Mystery) by Linda S. Browning is absolutely charming, funny, and exciting. Every page is filled with fun, intrigue, and suspense. Two women going about as sleuths...reminds me of Miss Fisher and her woman friend who go about solving crimes together. I loved reading this story. This is definitely one genre that will never go out of style and this book will become an all-time favorite. Readers will be awed and impressed by this magnificent cozy mystery novel.
Daredevil moves at a fast pace and keeps readers turning the pages. A rush of adventure that will keep readers' adrenaline pumped and keep them guessing. Linda S. Browning is a talented writer indeed and her characters are easy to love. A well-written and fully developed novel that is one thrill ride readers everywhere don't want to miss. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers worldwide.
Daredevil moves at a fast pace and keeps readers turning the pages. A rush of adventure that will keep readers' adrenaline pumped and keep them guessing. Linda S. Browning is a talented writer indeed and her characters are easy to love. A well-written and fully developed novel that is one thrill ride readers everywhere don't want to miss. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers worldwide.
January 16, 2015
A good sleuth follows her instincts--and retired social worker-turned amateur detective Leslie Barrett is no exception. Who knew there were so many murky goings-on in a retirement community? In Daredevil, Leslie and her best pal Belinda Honeycutt team up to locate a friend's granddaughter, who goes missing after a funeral. These two engaging Jessica Fletcher wanna-bes let their imaginations run wild while investigating the case, with hilarious and unexpected results. There's also a bonus story, No Wake, included in this first volume in the Leslie and Belinda Mystery series.
January 7, 2015
Hilarious romp with a lively pair of nosy widows. This is book one in a new cozy mystery series by Linda S. Browning and you won't want to miss it!
September 30, 2016
Lighthearted
Not my kind of book but it was a welcome relief from my usual. Two widowers solving crimes. Not unusual but delightful!
Not my kind of book but it was a welcome relief from my usual. Two widowers solving crimes. Not unusual but delightful!
October 24, 2016
Great reading
Really enjoyed reading this. Down to earth hilarious personality's with a lady who says what she means. Keep it up and I look forward to reading for of their antics
Really enjoyed reading this. Down to earth hilarious personality's with a lady who says what she means. Keep it up and I look forward to reading for of their antics
December 4, 2017
Two widows playing detective. Funny in places! Very light reading.
June 30, 2018
Daredevil is the first in a series featuring two retired ladies as amateur sleuths. They provide great fun as they solve a mystery.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews