What do you think?
Rate this book
Kat Parker #3
Getting a Head
Reluctant psychic Katrina Parker always suspected her love of tacos would one day get her into trouble. She just always believed it would come in the form of tight jeans, not a decapitated head and the quiet ghost attached to it.
Agreeing to lend a hand to the severed head, Kat discovers that the problems of lugging a head all over town, crashing a wake, and keeping it hidden from hunky detective Damian Johnson all pale in comparison to having to deal with the constant smell issue.
Each misstep brings her closer to an answer, yet even closer to danger. And with her friends and family now in the line of fire, Kat must keep all her wits about her or risk losing her own head.
Agreeing to lend a hand to the severed head, Kat discovers that the problems of lugging a head all over town, crashing a wake, and keeping it hidden from hunky detective Damian Johnson all pale in comparison to having to deal with the constant smell issue.
Each misstep brings her closer to an answer, yet even closer to danger. And with her friends and family now in the line of fire, Kat must keep all her wits about her or risk losing her own head.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
596 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Phelps
11 books52 followersK.L. Phelps never wanted to be a cop, fireman or baseball player. He fell in love with books at a very early age and (aside from the summer of 1977 when he wanted to be Luke Skywalker) he never wanted to be anything other than a writer. Somehow he took a left when he should have gone right (or write) and spent 17+ years as an oncology nurse. He is now back to pursuing this childhood dream. Thriller, suspense, mysteries, paranormal, humor/comedy, there are very few genres that don't interest him and he intends to take a crack at them all.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 19, 2021
My big question is, why do so many light/humorous crime mystery books suddenly/currently have to include ghosts!?!?!
This is Book #3 in a series, and I haven't read any others. This book actually had quite a good crime mystery story, with some good humour. It could have been even better if the damned ghost wasn't involved. He/it was just plain annoying and added nothing to the story other than some minor info - he lost his memory when he lost his head, you see. Any time the decapitated head became involved in the humour/story/action, it didn't need a ghost.
The story was good, the ghost was annoying, so that affected my rating.
This is Book #3 in a series, and I haven't read any others. This book actually had quite a good crime mystery story, with some good humour. It could have been even better if the damned ghost wasn't involved. He/it was just plain annoying and added nothing to the story other than some minor info - he lost his memory when he lost his head, you see. Any time the decapitated head became involved in the humour/story/action, it didn't need a ghost.
The story was good, the ghost was annoying, so that affected my rating.
October 18, 2019
Loved it. Such fun. This is book 3 in the series, but it stands alone with no loss of enjoyment. Scrappy the tiny turtle has quite the personality, as do several of the story's characters, including the ghost to whom the head belongs.
July 25, 2017
I don't remember where I found this e-book. It was in my "to be read" pile.
What a gem! Yes, there is the odd typo. Even books from Scholastic have the odd typo here and there. I'm a grammarian and a writer, so what can I say? :)
This author does two things I love. He makes me laugh. He makes me in a hurry to get to the next page. Wow.
It is a romp. It has red herrings (and I got derailed by one, which takes some doing).
The pace is relentless. I love that. I love the turtle. I love the belly laughs. I love how the author really KNOWS the characters. I can tell they live in his head. The maladaptive psychic heroine. The vampire roommate. The giant who isn't gigantic. Tacos and mobsters and cops and dead people.
Read it. You'll be glad you did.
What a gem! Yes, there is the odd typo. Even books from Scholastic have the odd typo here and there. I'm a grammarian and a writer, so what can I say? :)
This author does two things I love. He makes me laugh. He makes me in a hurry to get to the next page. Wow.
It is a romp. It has red herrings (and I got derailed by one, which takes some doing).
The pace is relentless. I love that. I love the turtle. I love the belly laughs. I love how the author really KNOWS the characters. I can tell they live in his head. The maladaptive psychic heroine. The vampire roommate. The giant who isn't gigantic. Tacos and mobsters and cops and dead people.
Read it. You'll be glad you did.
October 12, 2019
Entertaining...
I originally downloaded this book because other reviewers mentioned how alike it is to the Stephanie Plum...it is...but it isn't. There are a few blatant reincarnations of Stephanie's world such as the pet turtle, Snappy, on the counter that Kat feeds ridiculous human food (much like Rex the hamster in Stephanie Plum). The "love triangle" between Kat, Jonny, and Damien; granted, in this book, Jonny gets snuggly with Helen. Oh! And Damien is a cop just like Morelli (Stephanie's more "serious" boyfriend).
Don't get me wrong, the plot was well thought out and I enjoyed the paranormal aspect; however, much of the dialogue and character situations are the same jokes/tone over and over.
On another note, Kat's inability to "understand" innuendos or even just casual conversations without acting completely ditzy becomes quite annoying after awhile. Especially since all these people seem to orbit her like she's in charge when, in actuality, she can't handle real life on her own without screwing up daily!
Oh, and I don't know about other women's opinions on this, but if I had a "gorgeous" friend that I KNEW my boyfriend was coming to lust over? Yeah...he wouldn't be my boyfriend anymore. 😒 You can definitely tell a man wrote that.
I originally downloaded this book because other reviewers mentioned how alike it is to the Stephanie Plum...it is...but it isn't. There are a few blatant reincarnations of Stephanie's world such as the pet turtle, Snappy, on the counter that Kat feeds ridiculous human food (much like Rex the hamster in Stephanie Plum). The "love triangle" between Kat, Jonny, and Damien; granted, in this book, Jonny gets snuggly with Helen. Oh! And Damien is a cop just like Morelli (Stephanie's more "serious" boyfriend).
Don't get me wrong, the plot was well thought out and I enjoyed the paranormal aspect; however, much of the dialogue and character situations are the same jokes/tone over and over.
On another note, Kat's inability to "understand" innuendos or even just casual conversations without acting completely ditzy becomes quite annoying after awhile. Especially since all these people seem to orbit her like she's in charge when, in actuality, she can't handle real life on her own without screwing up daily!
Oh, and I don't know about other women's opinions on this, but if I had a "gorgeous" friend that I KNEW my boyfriend was coming to lust over? Yeah...he wouldn't be my boyfriend anymore. 😒 You can definitely tell a man wrote that.
August 22, 2017
I don't know how I did it but I skipped book #2 and got #3 instead (so I am going to have to go back one, oh well). Wow, this was just another absolutely fun and nail biting book to read. I gulped this book down in no time and enjoyed every page of it! Our main character is back again and talking to ghosts and carrying around his head so she can stay in touch with him and solve how he got this way. It is too funny how she got into this mess, and her cute little turtle just seems to have an even bigger and adorable personality in this book as well. There are lots of laughs (I fell out of my chair I was laughing so hard and woke my husband to boot) tons of mystery, fighting off the bad guys, some actual butt kicking, lots of eating, and hanging out with some very different characters. Plus, there is a touch more heat between our main gal and her favorite cop! These books are very well written and just plain enjoyable (I would love to be an author like this one when I grow up some day!).
March 5, 2018
A Heady Story
Kat is one strange woman. Her reputation by this book is a real legend. I like that the author didn’t retell her past stories as give glimpses of them to show how the legend was built.
I started with book 3 so had know idea of where we were going. Frank finds a body, then the head and gives it to Kat. She is now accompanied everywhere with a head and its ghost. It is amazing how she manages to hide and carry the head everywhere she goes. Accompanied by her vampire roommate, best friend, Snappy the turtle and A cop that followed her to Houston from Vegas, she stomps her way through the mob, gangs and FBI raids with Stephanie Plum style. However, she is worthy of her own 5 stars as a Female Heroine to follow.
Kat is one strange woman. Her reputation by this book is a real legend. I like that the author didn’t retell her past stories as give glimpses of them to show how the legend was built.
I started with book 3 so had know idea of where we were going. Frank finds a body, then the head and gives it to Kat. She is now accompanied everywhere with a head and its ghost. It is amazing how she manages to hide and carry the head everywhere she goes. Accompanied by her vampire roommate, best friend, Snappy the turtle and A cop that followed her to Houston from Vegas, she stomps her way through the mob, gangs and FBI raids with Stephanie Plum style. However, she is worthy of her own 5 stars as a Female Heroine to follow.
June 12, 2018
A head for smells or a head that smells?
Stunning. Kat is asked to investigate the decapitated body found outside her favourite taco place. Actually it's the offer of free tacos for life that does it but whose keeping track. Watch as she tries to investigate whilst carrying the head around (the ghost is tethered to the head). The Mob, illegal imports and bombs add to the havoc that she calls life. Will she be able to bring the one responsible to account especially once her detective is put at risk? Another great read. Not as funny as the first two books but again a terrific read. Love this series.
Stunning. Kat is asked to investigate the decapitated body found outside her favourite taco place. Actually it's the offer of free tacos for life that does it but whose keeping track. Watch as she tries to investigate whilst carrying the head around (the ghost is tethered to the head). The Mob, illegal imports and bombs add to the havoc that she calls life. Will she be able to bring the one responsible to account especially once her detective is put at risk? Another great read. Not as funny as the first two books but again a terrific read. Love this series.
January 4, 2022
This is a nice solid read. I'm jumping in at book 3 and I am now curious about books 1 and 2. The main character, Kat, I did not find all that likable - she is ditzy to the max and causes problems for herself and for those around her. But the people who surround her are likable and interesting - like her roommate who happens to be a vampire; and her not-my-boyfriend Damien, a police officer is great. So it's a grab bag, but the plot was excellent; with more and more issues piling up just when you think nothing else could go wrong. No sex to speak of, language is pretty tame. Some "ew" stuff. This would be a fun read for an older teen.
January 28, 2018
There are some books that I call fairy-floss reads. They’re light, fluffy, quick and so totally fun I could just keep reading them if I didn’t have real life to attend to. I haven’t read any other books in the series, so jumping into book 3 meant I just had to accept some things and draw my own conclusions, but I don’t think that detracted from the read. I love a heroine who isn’t perfect, and I love a book that makes me laugh out loud (well, snort in an unladylike manner so as not to wake up my husband who was sleeping). Loved it. Funny, irreverent and I’d really like some tacos now please!
April 30, 2023
It was a quick, fun read that held together pretty well. Kat is a reluctant psychic who can communicate with the dead but in this particular instance, the ghost was only present when his decapitated head was close by. Obviously, this created some difficult, awkward and humorous situations that Kat worked through, much like Stephanie Plum. Like Plum, she also has an unusual pet - a hissing turtle named Snappy who really likes swimming in the pool. And she has a hunky male interest plus some acquaintances and friends that are definitely not normal, like Plum.
February 5, 2021
For somebody who naps a lot and seems to throw up a lot, Kat Parker somehow figures out the mystery. A fun read that's filled with snappy, "quick-pay-attention" dialogue (you have to keep up) a unique premise (she sees dead people), and very unique and interesting characters. Not a book I'd normally read, but I discovered it in my "to-read" pile and I'm glad I did. I'll be reading other Kat Parker stories.
August 12, 2021
Lovable
It's fun, thrill and a great adventure. A deadly combination that kept me glued until the end. Kat's ability to see and chat with ghosts comes in handy once again to solve the murder of Glenn Balone whose decapitated body is discovered outside Frank's deli. He also brings the head of Glenn to Kat's house where she sees a ghost. What happens next is incredibly humorous as Kat is desperate to hide the head from Damian and others. A must read.
It's fun, thrill and a great adventure. A deadly combination that kept me glued until the end. Kat's ability to see and chat with ghosts comes in handy once again to solve the murder of Glenn Balone whose decapitated body is discovered outside Frank's deli. He also brings the head of Glenn to Kat's house where she sees a ghost. What happens next is incredibly humorous as Kat is desperate to hide the head from Damian and others. A must read.
September 15, 2018
This is a laugh out loud romp. It is also about people who are trying to make new lives for themselves. This book is the 3rd in the series and you have to keep “your wits about you” to figure out the previous events.
Even when you are semi lost you will laugh. I think if Kat makes it through this she will have to get some therapy.
Even when you are semi lost you will laugh. I think if Kat makes it through this she will have to get some therapy.
October 29, 2018
Very funny and one of the best books I've read in the past few months!
I thought this book was a welcome change to the mystery books I normally read. Glen was very sad and very human for being a ghost. Mostly, I thought the book would be scary, not funny. But it was both. Will definitely be reading the the earlier books in the series as well as any later ones.
I thought this book was a welcome change to the mystery books I normally read. Glen was very sad and very human for being a ghost. Mostly, I thought the book would be scary, not funny. But it was both. Will definitely be reading the the earlier books in the series as well as any later ones.
October 8, 2019
A head? Yep, it is.
What a wild and wacky read! I gave it a five. How Kay manages to go from one disaster to another is a scary ride. Had a lot of laughs following her and her dubious friends. Did I mention her ability to see and talk with the dead? This is a must read for mystery lovers and anyone who loves a bit of comedy and wit. Kudos to the author. Excellent first!
What a wild and wacky read! I gave it a five. How Kay manages to go from one disaster to another is a scary ride. Had a lot of laughs following her and her dubious friends. Did I mention her ability to see and talk with the dead? This is a must read for mystery lovers and anyone who loves a bit of comedy and wit. Kudos to the author. Excellent first!
May 24, 2020
Can't get enough!
Thanks for talking about Vegas, I saw the next books in the series and wondered if it would explain in them. I appreciate the effort and detail you put into these books, not to mention the extra craziness dealt with this one. I can't wait to see what you come up with once this series is complete!
Thanks for talking about Vegas, I saw the next books in the series and wondered if it would explain in them. I appreciate the effort and detail you put into these books, not to mention the extra craziness dealt with this one. I can't wait to see what you come up with once this series is complete!
December 29, 2020
After months of a Covid enforced anti-social life, another lockdown cancelling Christmas and New Year celebrations, plus a night-time curfew, I was in desperate need of some light relief. The highlight of my day seemed to be choosing which colour face mask to wear.
Getting a Head is mad cap and totally OTT. It contained a great bunch of characters, with a plot that bounced happily along totally out of control, ideal escapism for the reader.
You'll love this or hate it. I'm still laughing.
Getting a Head is mad cap and totally OTT. It contained a great bunch of characters, with a plot that bounced happily along totally out of control, ideal escapism for the reader.
You'll love this or hate it. I'm still laughing.
March 25, 2021
Sooo if you cross Odd Thomas (serious, spooky, mystery solving ghost-talker a la Dean Koontz), with Stephanie Plum (spacy, bail-bonds person with hot cop boyfriend a la Janet Evanovich), maybe you come up with Kat Parker? Well not as good as Odd or Steph, but entertaining in a light-hearted way. Easy read between chapters of weightier stuff.
January 22, 2022
Another killer adventure!
K.L. Phelps has done it again with this 3rd book in the Kat Parker series. Humour, romance, family and friends all thrown into crazy, dangerous, nail-biting situations that make for unputdownable reading.
Great for fans of Carl Hiassen, Christopher Moore, and Janet Evanovich.
K.L. Phelps has done it again with this 3rd book in the Kat Parker series. Humour, romance, family and friends all thrown into crazy, dangerous, nail-biting situations that make for unputdownable reading.
Great for fans of Carl Hiassen, Christopher Moore, and Janet Evanovich.
May 13, 2017
Loved it
Manic, scatty, crazy but gets things done Kat! At times I wanted to laugh out loud, others call out 'What are you doing?' But Kat gets it done in a crazy action packed way. I loved this book. Highly recommended
Manic, scatty, crazy but gets things done Kat! At times I wanted to laugh out loud, others call out 'What are you doing?' But Kat gets it done in a crazy action packed way. I loved this book. Highly recommended
July 17, 2017
Crazy !!!
This book was free on Amazon Kindle. First book by this Author, found her humor on telling the story fantastic, crazy about the characters and the plot as well. Going on to book number four first and then I will start on book one.
This book was free on Amazon Kindle. First book by this Author, found her humor on telling the story fantastic, crazy about the characters and the plot as well. Going on to book number four first and then I will start on book one.
October 8, 2017
Fantastic
It seems strange to believe that murder, mayhem, a ghost, a vampire, policemen, mobsters, and an unlucky wimpy woman who craves tacos and has a pet turtle could combine to make a great story, but this author made it happen.
It seems strange to believe that murder, mayhem, a ghost, a vampire, policemen, mobsters, and an unlucky wimpy woman who craves tacos and has a pet turtle could combine to make a great story, but this author made it happen.
May 6, 2018
Very Entertaining Murder Mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with its interesting characters involved in a complex plot with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. No sex, but some violence.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with its interesting characters involved in a complex plot with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. No sex, but some violence.
May 28, 2018
Another winner
I just love the Kat books. They are funny, intense and just a bit scary, kind of an Evanovich/King/Koontz combo. Getting ready to dive into #4.
Mr. Phelps..... keep em comin'!
I just love the Kat books. They are funny, intense and just a bit scary, kind of an Evanovich/King/Koontz combo. Getting ready to dive into #4.
Mr. Phelps..... keep em comin'!
June 7, 2018
This series is too funny!!! How much trouble can Kat get into....apparently a lot!!! Love all the characters. Hard to pick a favorite. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happened in Vegas!!! Happy Reading :)
August 12, 2018
Good book
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.
I highly recommend this book to read for anyone who likes funny action books with a little supernatural thrown in.
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.
I highly recommend this book to read for anyone who likes funny action books with a little supernatural thrown in.
February 27, 2019
So much fun!
I truly enjoy these books, the characters are relatable, yet so much better at it than me! The absurdities in life really come out and play. I'm going to binge read the rest of the series
I truly enjoy these books, the characters are relatable, yet so much better at it than me! The absurdities in life really come out and play. I'm going to binge read the rest of the series
September 28, 2019
Serious and hilarious
From the start Kat had me laughing. I could not wait to turn the page. Truly a good light hearted read e en though monsters are involved. The dead guy had a sense of humor too.
From the start Kat had me laughing. I could not wait to turn the page. Truly a good light hearted read e en though monsters are involved. The dead guy had a sense of humor too.
October 3, 2019
A fun read with some laugh out loud adventures
Take the time to read this book and get to know Kat and her friends. I especially liked the short story, Car Shopping with Kat, I busted out laughing a number of times.
Take the time to read this book and get to know Kat and her friends. I especially liked the short story, Car Shopping with Kat, I busted out laughing a number of times.
October 10, 2019
What a fun read!
This series is laugh out loud funny crazy mystery series. Each book takes a further along in the story of Katrina and her friends and “what happened in Vegas”. A fabulously fun read.
This series is laugh out loud funny crazy mystery series. Each book takes a further along in the story of Katrina and her friends and “what happened in Vegas”. A fabulously fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews