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A Liv And Di In Dixie Mystery #1
Death Crashes the Party
In the quirky, close-knit town of Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay has a knack for throwing Southern-style soirées, from diamonds-and-denim to black tie affairs, and her best friend Di Souther mixes a mean daiquiri. While planning a Moonshine and Magnolias bash for high maintenance clients, Liv inconveniently discovers a corpse in the freezer and turns her attention from fabulous fêtes to finding a murderer. Together, Liv and Di follow a trail of sinister secrets in their sweet little town that leads them from drug smugglers to a Civil War battlefield, and just when they think they’re whistling Dixie, Liv and Di will find themselves squarely in the crosshairs of the least likely killer of all…
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
105 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Vickie Fee
5 books353 followersVickie Fee is the author of the Liv and Di in Dixie mystery series, published by Kensington. The first entry, Death Crashes the Party, releases December 29, 2015. Vickie grew up in Memphis on a steady diet of Nancy Drew, daydreams and sweet tea. She now lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband. If she cranes her neck slightly, she can see Lake Superior from her office/guest room, where she is hard at work on her next novel. Visit her at www.vickiefee.com and www.Facebook.com/VickieFeeAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 3, 2017
Liv McKay is working with some clients to plan an anniversary party for them when they find two dead bodies in their garage. The murder victims worked at the trucking company Liv’s father-in-law owns. Soon, rumors are swirling about Liv’s family, and the police are uncovering some things that are upsetting the family. Liv and her best friend Di Souther start their investigation to find out what is really happening. Can they figure it out?
This was a very enjoyable debut with some twists on the usual cozy set up, which I really enjoyed. Liv is a fantastic main character, and Di is a wonderful sidekick. I did feel they were a bit passive early on, but that soon changed and they threw themselves headlong into solving the mystery, which featured plenty of surprises and twists. Throw in a bit of humor, and you have a winner. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This was a very enjoyable debut with some twists on the usual cozy set up, which I really enjoyed. Liv is a fantastic main character, and Di is a wonderful sidekick. I did feel they were a bit passive early on, but that soon changed and they threw themselves headlong into solving the mystery, which featured plenty of surprises and twists. Throw in a bit of humor, and you have a winner. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 9, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Liv McKay and her best friend Di Souther live in Dixie, Tennessee. Liv is a party planner and Di is a mail carrier. Together they can get into all sorts of trouble.
Liv has been planning a Moonshine and Magnolias bash for the Erdman’s 40th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Erdman has a firm plan in mind complete with costumes and fancy food. Mr. Erdman would like a very relaxed party and to just drink whiskey with his friends. Liv needs to find the perfect balance to keep both the husband and wife happy.
While making the final preparations Liv goes to check out the big freezer in the garage that will hold the ice sculptures until the day of the party. Opening the lid she finds a very dead and frozen corpse. If that isn’t bad enough she backs up into a big green garbage can only to have another dead body roll out onto the floor. The Erdmans are stunned and upset. Liv tries to pull herself as she calls 911.
The bodies are quickly identified and Liv and Dave know they both work for her husband’s trucking company. When the police investigate it looks like the men were smuggling something in the trucks and that quickly brings in the FBI and Larry and his dad become suspects.
Working together Liv and Di try to find the killer. A task that takes them on quite a journey as they flush out secrets about the residents of Dixie. Their investgation also has them questioning some very shady individuals. Soon they find themselves in a serious situation that they may not be able to get out of. Party planning and the U.S. Postal Service had not prepared either of them to take down a killer.
I am late to the party on this series full of parties but let me tell you when I read this paragraph I knew I was in the right place.
“I hope there’s liquor in one of those bags,” I said, dropping the bag on the counter and plopping myself into a faux-suede recliner. “This day’s been one long turd.”
I have had days like that and I am sure you have too!
Liv is a great protagonist. Smart, genuine, and happily married. Her husband, Larry Joe works in the family trucking business with his dad. His dad is a workaholic and his mother is totally devoted to her husband. Di is a hoot and she just happens to be dating Sheriff “Dave” Davidson. Dave is also one of Liv’s friends too. I felt all these characters were very well-developed for this first book in the series. I quickly became invested in their lives.
Ms. Fee plotted out quite a mystery. Liv and Di were on a mission and if they borrowed a little evidence would it really matter. The sheriff knew these two were not going to back off so he filled them in on some things about the case and even accepted their help in certain areas. There were many laugh-out-loud moments throughout this story along with some dicey situations. The story kept a quick pace the whole way. I loved the twists at the end and was pretty surprised when the killer was revealed. The unexpected assist was pretty epic as the killer was brought down. I loved it.
Death Crashes the Party was a terrific start for this series. I totally enjoyed my first trip to Dixie, Tennessee and I am looking forward to three more trips as I finish up this series!
Funny and entertaining! A Perfect Escape!
Liv McKay and her best friend Di Souther live in Dixie, Tennessee. Liv is a party planner and Di is a mail carrier. Together they can get into all sorts of trouble.
Liv has been planning a Moonshine and Magnolias bash for the Erdman’s 40th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Erdman has a firm plan in mind complete with costumes and fancy food. Mr. Erdman would like a very relaxed party and to just drink whiskey with his friends. Liv needs to find the perfect balance to keep both the husband and wife happy.
While making the final preparations Liv goes to check out the big freezer in the garage that will hold the ice sculptures until the day of the party. Opening the lid she finds a very dead and frozen corpse. If that isn’t bad enough she backs up into a big green garbage can only to have another dead body roll out onto the floor. The Erdmans are stunned and upset. Liv tries to pull herself as she calls 911.
The bodies are quickly identified and Liv and Dave know they both work for her husband’s trucking company. When the police investigate it looks like the men were smuggling something in the trucks and that quickly brings in the FBI and Larry and his dad become suspects.
Working together Liv and Di try to find the killer. A task that takes them on quite a journey as they flush out secrets about the residents of Dixie. Their investgation also has them questioning some very shady individuals. Soon they find themselves in a serious situation that they may not be able to get out of. Party planning and the U.S. Postal Service had not prepared either of them to take down a killer.
I am late to the party on this series full of parties but let me tell you when I read this paragraph I knew I was in the right place.
“I hope there’s liquor in one of those bags,” I said, dropping the bag on the counter and plopping myself into a faux-suede recliner. “This day’s been one long turd.”
I have had days like that and I am sure you have too!
Liv is a great protagonist. Smart, genuine, and happily married. Her husband, Larry Joe works in the family trucking business with his dad. His dad is a workaholic and his mother is totally devoted to her husband. Di is a hoot and she just happens to be dating Sheriff “Dave” Davidson. Dave is also one of Liv’s friends too. I felt all these characters were very well-developed for this first book in the series. I quickly became invested in their lives.
Ms. Fee plotted out quite a mystery. Liv and Di were on a mission and if they borrowed a little evidence would it really matter. The sheriff knew these two were not going to back off so he filled them in on some things about the case and even accepted their help in certain areas. There were many laugh-out-loud moments throughout this story along with some dicey situations. The story kept a quick pace the whole way. I loved the twists at the end and was pretty surprised when the killer was revealed. The unexpected assist was pretty epic as the killer was brought down. I loved it.
Death Crashes the Party was a terrific start for this series. I totally enjoyed my first trip to Dixie, Tennessee and I am looking forward to three more trips as I finish up this series!
Funny and entertaining! A Perfect Escape!
January 25, 2018
I think this is the most I've ever laughed while reading a mystery! I love the author's style and how she words things, just little things that make a person giggle.
Liv is a party planner in Dixie, TN who had two dead bodies show up while she was talking with some clients so she's really anxious to find out what really is going on. Dave, the sheriff who is sweet on her friend Di, had interviewed her at some length about the bodies. Liv is just wanting to get through one of the biggest parties she's ever planned without a hitch. But real life isn't that way and as it turns out, the dead guys may have had something to do with drug smuggling going on in Liv's husband's family trucking business.
These characters are just awesome! Di is such a hoot and it's so cute how the sheriff likes her and can be sweet one minute then take on his all-business cop persona the next. He wasn't actually too strict with the girls when he found out they were investigating. Di is the kind of friend everyone would want, total support and "come use my house whenever you need to get away", things like that. She and Liv make a great team.
I liked that the main character was happily married. It's very few and far between that I find a cozy with a happily married couple in it that isn't the parents or grandparents...or the sleuth's best friend. Larry Joe was a great husband, very understanding and supportive. I'm anxious to keep reading in the series and see if he ever gets that home renovation done that he wants to do.
There were enough twists and little subplots that I definitely didn't guess who the killer was until the reveal. What a surprise! And of course all ends well and everyone who is supposed to be in custody ends up there.
Liv is a party planner in Dixie, TN who had two dead bodies show up while she was talking with some clients so she's really anxious to find out what really is going on. Dave, the sheriff who is sweet on her friend Di, had interviewed her at some length about the bodies. Liv is just wanting to get through one of the biggest parties she's ever planned without a hitch. But real life isn't that way and as it turns out, the dead guys may have had something to do with drug smuggling going on in Liv's husband's family trucking business.
These characters are just awesome! Di is such a hoot and it's so cute how the sheriff likes her and can be sweet one minute then take on his all-business cop persona the next. He wasn't actually too strict with the girls when he found out they were investigating. Di is the kind of friend everyone would want, total support and "come use my house whenever you need to get away", things like that. She and Liv make a great team.
I liked that the main character was happily married. It's very few and far between that I find a cozy with a happily married couple in it that isn't the parents or grandparents...or the sleuth's best friend. Larry Joe was a great husband, very understanding and supportive. I'm anxious to keep reading in the series and see if he ever gets that home renovation done that he wants to do.
There were enough twists and little subplots that I definitely didn't guess who the killer was until the reveal. What a surprise! And of course all ends well and everyone who is supposed to be in custody ends up there.
July 5, 2017
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July 19, 2017
Party planning would be tough on a great day, but if you mix murder with it, the plans suddenly have the potential to go down the drain. The first in a series, Death Crashes the Party, was an great read set in an enchanting southern town.
Liv was a great main character who stood out as a leader throughout the book. Ms. Fee boldly took on a relationship many modern cozy authors are afraid to do; a marriage, and she did a wonderful job. The marriage didn’t feel overbearing, like in some books, but it felt natural. Di was also a lovable character, though I don;t know how she had so much time off as a postal carrier. Though, admittedly, I don’t know much about that profession.
The mystery was solid. For a first mystery, the author did a wonderful job creating a complex plot that wrapped up nicely in the end. The setting was also picturesque, I could picture the small town of Dixie with absolutely no problem.
Overall a solid book. I only deducted a star because it took me so long to get through, though that was probably due to my personal schedule. Recommend, and I will be reading the next one!
Liv was a great main character who stood out as a leader throughout the book. Ms. Fee boldly took on a relationship many modern cozy authors are afraid to do; a marriage, and she did a wonderful job. The marriage didn’t feel overbearing, like in some books, but it felt natural. Di was also a lovable character, though I don;t know how she had so much time off as a postal carrier. Though, admittedly, I don’t know much about that profession.
The mystery was solid. For a first mystery, the author did a wonderful job creating a complex plot that wrapped up nicely in the end. The setting was also picturesque, I could picture the small town of Dixie with absolutely no problem.
Overall a solid book. I only deducted a star because it took me so long to get through, though that was probably due to my personal schedule. Recommend, and I will be reading the next one!
December 22, 2015
It's summertime in the quaint Southern town of Dixie, Tennessee. Party planner, Liv McKay, is with hoity-toity clients, Mr. And Mrs. Erdman, when a horrible discovery is made in their garage. Sheriff "Dave" Davidson responds, and he happens to be Liv's best friend, Di Souther's, boyfriend, and a friend of Liv's, as well. When the bodies are identified, Dave and Liv realize they worked for her husband, Larry's, trucking company. An initial investigation turns up suspicions of drug smuggling plus some stolen Confederate artifacts. Liv and Di feel the need to help Dave and the FBI since Liv's husband and in-laws appear to be top suspects.
This entertaining story is skillfully plotted and there was never a dull moment for me. There are truly laugh-out-loud moments at some of the situations Liv and Di get in to! Liv is a strong lead character and sleuthing comes naturally to her. She and her bestie have no qualms borrowing evidence--before the Feds find it--so they can stay a few steps ahead on the investigation. Of course, this is dangerous, and the author sure surprised me at the startling killer reveal. I totally enjoyed this debut cozy mystery, Death Crashes the Party, and look forward to more stories in the series.
FTC Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
This entertaining story is skillfully plotted and there was never a dull moment for me. There are truly laugh-out-loud moments at some of the situations Liv and Di get in to! Liv is a strong lead character and sleuthing comes naturally to her. She and her bestie have no qualms borrowing evidence--before the Feds find it--so they can stay a few steps ahead on the investigation. Of course, this is dangerous, and the author sure surprised me at the startling killer reveal. I totally enjoyed this debut cozy mystery, Death Crashes the Party, and look forward to more stories in the series.
FTC Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
January 23, 2018
This book was suggested at a cozy mystery book club. I picked it up and didn't want to put it down! With suspects galore, federal agents and the town Sheriff all involved in solving the murder, Liv and her partner in crime, Di (Diana Souther), uncover quite a frew secrets in their little town of Dixie, Tennessee. Not to mention a murderer who has the girls in their radar.
Vickie Fee has created a mystery I truly enjoyed. I am excited to continue this series. By the time you finish Death Crashes the Party, you will feel as if you are a part of DIxie, Tennessee, with some great new friends!
Vickie Fee has created a mystery I truly enjoyed. I am excited to continue this series. By the time you finish Death Crashes the Party, you will feel as if you are a part of DIxie, Tennessee, with some great new friends!
January 23, 2018
Two things about this book stood out for me: The main character was married (happily) and the law officer actually worked with her to solve the mystery. I enjoyed this book and want to continue with the series
November 11, 2015
As a first in a new series, I was blown away with the story line. I found this book to be charming, clever and witty. It deserves a 5 star rating!
Liv McKay owns Liv 4 Fun, a part planning business in Dixie Tennessee. She is married to Larry Joe, who is in business with his father, they own McKay trucking. Liv's best friend Dixie is a postal carrier and she is a great character in this story.
Liv is busy planning the 40th anniversary for Mr. & Mrs. Erdman and the party plans are finally getting ironed out. Mrs. Erdman has some firm ideas on how she wants her party to be and you will surely be laughing at the crazy ideas she has.
Of course things cannot always run smoothly, so when Liv encounters a dead body all bets are off and she finds herself knee deep in trouble.
In my opinion, all the characters were great and their personalities are well thought out and quirky. When I find myself so wrapped up in a book that I am laughing, snorting and yelling at the characters, then I know the book is first rate.
I look forward to reading more in this fantastic series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Liv McKay owns Liv 4 Fun, a part planning business in Dixie Tennessee. She is married to Larry Joe, who is in business with his father, they own McKay trucking. Liv's best friend Dixie is a postal carrier and she is a great character in this story.
Liv is busy planning the 40th anniversary for Mr. & Mrs. Erdman and the party plans are finally getting ironed out. Mrs. Erdman has some firm ideas on how she wants her party to be and you will surely be laughing at the crazy ideas she has.
Of course things cannot always run smoothly, so when Liv encounters a dead body all bets are off and she finds herself knee deep in trouble.
In my opinion, all the characters were great and their personalities are well thought out and quirky. When I find myself so wrapped up in a book that I am laughing, snorting and yelling at the characters, then I know the book is first rate.
I look forward to reading more in this fantastic series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for my fair and honest review.
December 2, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Death Crashes the Party is the first book in a new series that follows the adventures of Liv and Di who live in the town Dixie. I liked this book, but at the same time it also didn't really impress me. Enough was happening to keep my attention, but it also felt like I was making progress very slowly and it took me so long to finish this book.
The mystery was interesting and I liked the mix between what Liv and Di uncovered and how the police also did their part of the investigation. It all worked pretty well and was quite realistic in my opinion. On the other hand part of the mystery was a bit predictable, one of the people who I suspected at first turned out to be the murdered, but there was also a nice twist as well. The ending felt a bit too rushed to fully appreciate it though, it just felt it all got wrapped up a bit too fast suddenly. And there was a classic bad guy tells the main characters everything scene. I just wished they had put more pieces together themselves as when we finally have the conclusion it made me wonder why they didn't found out any of that and only other tiny pieces.
Also the title is a bit misleading, yes there is a party, but the death bodies aren't found at the party. And I was a bit disappointed by that to be honest, as I kinda liked the plot idea of finding a death body during a party. Also I would've liked to see more about the party planning business. There are quite some sub plot lines, some about Liv her party business, Di her budding romance with Dave, Liv her family, Liv her house and some plot lines related to the mystery. So there was enough going on, it just felt a bit off at times.
The main character is Olivia or Liv, who owns her own party business and get's quite the scare when she finds two death bodies while visiting two clients while planning their party. I liked Liv, although even after reading the whole book I still don't feel like I really know her. Her best friend Di is one of the more important side characters and I liked how open and honest Liv was with Di. Overall I thought Liv was a nice enough character, I just felt like I never really connected with her and she does her fair share of less smart things in this book as well.
Beside the few main characters there is a big cast of characters, most of whom play a minor part and at times I had trouble remembering who was who. Most side character we learn a bit about and while they do bring the town alive. I would've liked getting more of a feel for some of the characters.
This book takes a slightly different approach to the romance as most cozy mysteries books. Namely Olivia is already married, so no budding romance here. I quite liked reading about a married couple for nice, but sadly I didn't really feel their connection. They seem pretty normal, but there wasn't really any spark. I did like how they cared about each other and had these little gestures that they did care, I just had hoped for a bit more. And I only realized she was married after the first few chapters, although that might've been an error on my part as I had assumed she was single, until we met her husband for the first time. Also for some reason I really dislike the name Larry Joe, not sure why, but it really rubbed me wrong.
To summarize: Death Crashes the Party is a story driven book that follow Liv and Di who try to help the police uncover the mystery of the murders of two brothers. Overall it was a nice read, but it failed to really impress me. There is enough going to keep my attention, but at the same time it felt like I was slowly crawling through the book. The mystery was interesting, a tad predictable and realistically done. I liked how Liv and Di where part of the investigation, but also let the police do their job. The end felt a bit rushed and I had wished they had put more pieces together before the bad guy explained everything. I liked the main characters, although I would've liked getting to know them even better. There are a lot of side characters and at times it has hard to keep rack of everyone. It was interesting to read about a married couple for a chance, but I didn't really felt the romance. And for some reason the name Larry Joe bothered me. The party business from Liv was a nice addition, although it stayed pretty much on the background.
Death Crashes the Party is the first book in a new series that follows the adventures of Liv and Di who live in the town Dixie. I liked this book, but at the same time it also didn't really impress me. Enough was happening to keep my attention, but it also felt like I was making progress very slowly and it took me so long to finish this book.
The mystery was interesting and I liked the mix between what Liv and Di uncovered and how the police also did their part of the investigation. It all worked pretty well and was quite realistic in my opinion. On the other hand part of the mystery was a bit predictable, one of the people who I suspected at first turned out to be the murdered, but there was also a nice twist as well. The ending felt a bit too rushed to fully appreciate it though, it just felt it all got wrapped up a bit too fast suddenly. And there was a classic bad guy tells the main characters everything scene. I just wished they had put more pieces together themselves as when we finally have the conclusion it made me wonder why they didn't found out any of that and only other tiny pieces.
Also the title is a bit misleading, yes there is a party, but the death bodies aren't found at the party. And I was a bit disappointed by that to be honest, as I kinda liked the plot idea of finding a death body during a party. Also I would've liked to see more about the party planning business. There are quite some sub plot lines, some about Liv her party business, Di her budding romance with Dave, Liv her family, Liv her house and some plot lines related to the mystery. So there was enough going on, it just felt a bit off at times.
The main character is Olivia or Liv, who owns her own party business and get's quite the scare when she finds two death bodies while visiting two clients while planning their party. I liked Liv, although even after reading the whole book I still don't feel like I really know her. Her best friend Di is one of the more important side characters and I liked how open and honest Liv was with Di. Overall I thought Liv was a nice enough character, I just felt like I never really connected with her and she does her fair share of less smart things in this book as well.
Beside the few main characters there is a big cast of characters, most of whom play a minor part and at times I had trouble remembering who was who. Most side character we learn a bit about and while they do bring the town alive. I would've liked getting more of a feel for some of the characters.
This book takes a slightly different approach to the romance as most cozy mysteries books. Namely Olivia is already married, so no budding romance here. I quite liked reading about a married couple for nice, but sadly I didn't really feel their connection. They seem pretty normal, but there wasn't really any spark. I did like how they cared about each other and had these little gestures that they did care, I just had hoped for a bit more. And I only realized she was married after the first few chapters, although that might've been an error on my part as I had assumed she was single, until we met her husband for the first time. Also for some reason I really dislike the name Larry Joe, not sure why, but it really rubbed me wrong.
To summarize: Death Crashes the Party is a story driven book that follow Liv and Di who try to help the police uncover the mystery of the murders of two brothers. Overall it was a nice read, but it failed to really impress me. There is enough going to keep my attention, but at the same time it felt like I was slowly crawling through the book. The mystery was interesting, a tad predictable and realistically done. I liked how Liv and Di where part of the investigation, but also let the police do their job. The end felt a bit rushed and I had wished they had put more pieces together before the bad guy explained everything. I liked the main characters, although I would've liked getting to know them even better. There are a lot of side characters and at times it has hard to keep rack of everyone. It was interesting to read about a married couple for a chance, but I didn't really felt the romance. And for some reason the name Larry Joe bothered me. The party business from Liv was a nice addition, although it stayed pretty much on the background.
December 13, 2015
Author Vickie Fee wasted no time in getting DEATH CRASHES THE PARTY off to an exciting start!
While turning many colorful phrases, Ms. Fee introduces us to Liv McKay and her friend Di Souther, as well as a delightfully fun cast of supporting characters.
As I mentioned above, this book beginning with an exciting start that throws the reader right into the story and takes us on a mysterious ride packed with intrigue, questions, and suspects! And all of this leads to an ending that I never would have guessed.
Vickie Fee is a strong, talented writer who knows how to capture her readers quickly, entertain us thoroughly, and leave us wanting more. I know I sure do. I’m looking forward to watching this series grow.
If you’re looking to start a new series, grab a copy of DEATH CRASHES THE PARTY, and join the party in the Liv and Di Mystery series.
Check out the back of the book for tips on hosting a Moonshine and Magnolias party, and an excerpt from, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO, book two in this great new series!
While turning many colorful phrases, Ms. Fee introduces us to Liv McKay and her friend Di Souther, as well as a delightfully fun cast of supporting characters.
As I mentioned above, this book beginning with an exciting start that throws the reader right into the story and takes us on a mysterious ride packed with intrigue, questions, and suspects! And all of this leads to an ending that I never would have guessed.
Vickie Fee is a strong, talented writer who knows how to capture her readers quickly, entertain us thoroughly, and leave us wanting more. I know I sure do. I’m looking forward to watching this series grow.
If you’re looking to start a new series, grab a copy of DEATH CRASHES THE PARTY, and join the party in the Liv and Di Mystery series.
Check out the back of the book for tips on hosting a Moonshine and Magnolias party, and an excerpt from, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO, book two in this great new series!
November 21, 2016
I get excited finding books set in my home state of Michigan but in this case the author is from Michigan. I wanted to support this author. I really liked this cozy and it had some differences in it where some seem to be similar. In this case the main character is married. That's a first for me with a cozy. Vicki Fee did really good writing a novel set in the south. I would never guess she lives in MI!
July 10, 2017
Party planner Liv McKay loves her job but doesn't always love her clients, including her current clients the Erdman's who are being difficult over plans for their fortieth wedding anniversary party. Liv’s life is made even more difficult when she stumbles across not one but two dead bodies at the Erdman's house. Liv soon finds out that the murdered man worked for her husband and father-in-law and before she knows it she and her best friend Di are investigating the murders. They need to be careful though because not everyone they meet is who they seem to be and they may be unknowingly trusting a killer.
“Death Crashes the Party” is the nicely done first book in Vickie Fee’s Liv and Di in Dixie cozy mystery series. I say cozy mystery but this book is slightly edgier than most cozy mystery series I have read – it is not too violent but the themes are just a bit edgier than in most cozy mystery books. Mixed in with the edginess, however, is a sly sense of humor starting with the names Liv and Di and the book is worth reading just for the events at the Erdman's anniversary party! I like Liv as a character – she is great at her business, resourceful, loyal to those she loves, and willing to do whatever she can to help them - even if she has to break a law or two in order to do so! In fact, her relationship with those she loves - her husband, family, Di - is what drives this book and makes it such a good read. The mystery itself is very well plotted with many twists and turns - it is not too often that I am surprised when the identity of the killer is revealed in the mystery but I was totally shocked by the ending of this book!
“Death Crashes the Party” is a good mystery.
“Death Crashes the Party” is the nicely done first book in Vickie Fee’s Liv and Di in Dixie cozy mystery series. I say cozy mystery but this book is slightly edgier than most cozy mystery series I have read – it is not too violent but the themes are just a bit edgier than in most cozy mystery books. Mixed in with the edginess, however, is a sly sense of humor starting with the names Liv and Di and the book is worth reading just for the events at the Erdman's anniversary party! I like Liv as a character – she is great at her business, resourceful, loyal to those she loves, and willing to do whatever she can to help them - even if she has to break a law or two in order to do so! In fact, her relationship with those she loves - her husband, family, Di - is what drives this book and makes it such a good read. The mystery itself is very well plotted with many twists and turns - it is not too often that I am surprised when the identity of the killer is revealed in the mystery but I was totally shocked by the ending of this book!
“Death Crashes the Party” is a good mystery.
February 29, 2020
Hilarious and well-written, this first book in a new series has me hooked already. I enjoyed everything about it and can't wait to read the next.
September 1, 2020
Sweet and funny little book. Easy read with down home southern goodness.
February 14, 2018
I wasn't sure I'd be crazy about this one, since the main character is a party planner and I abhor parties. But, it was a book club read, so I sallied forth. In the end, I was totally wrong and absolutely loved it. Vickie Fee had me giggling aloud more than once in the book, while having a multi-layered mystery that kept me guessing.
The characters were charming and their relationships seemed so real. That is almost always my favorite party of cozies... the characters and their relationships... and this one did not disappoint!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
The characters were charming and their relationships seemed so real. That is almost always my favorite party of cozies... the characters and their relationships... and this one did not disappoint!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
January 15, 2016
The first in the "Liv and Di in Dixie" cozy mystery series opens with Dixie, Tennessee party planner Liv McKay, inspecting an upscale Victorian home where she is planning an anniversary party for the snooty Erdmans, when she discovers the bodies of two brothers who've been shot to death - one of them dressed in the uniform of a Civil War soldier. Things get even hotter when the investigation of the deceased siblings - both of whom worked as mechanics for the trucking company co-owned by Liv's husband and father-in-law - uncovers a drug smuggling ring apparently going on at McKay Trucking, right under the owners's noses. Determined to help, Liv - with the aid of her best friend Di - gets herself into all kinds of trouble with the police, the FBI, and several of the more shady characters who live in Dixie, in this nicely-plotted first novel by author Fee - who even reserves a very nice little plot twist/surprise for the end. Liv and Di are both likable, very real women who have their flaws, but are at heart there for each other and their town; the contrast between Liv's strong marriage to devoted husband Larry Joe and single Di's blooming romance with the sheriff, Dave, gives the friends even more depth and authenticity. Very often you have to leave a little leeway when it comes to reviewing the first of a mystery series; more often than not, the first book suffers from "growing pains" as the author tries to find both his or her voice with the characters, as well as the fleshing out of the characters themselves. Here, you can feel those vibes but - for me, anyway - not as obviously as many first novels; Vickie Fee seems to not only know but like her characters very much, and it shows. I would liked to have seen more of the party planning aspect of Liv's life, in direct relation to the mystery especially (though it sounds like that's coming in book two - and I thought the touches of humor in this book, particularly with how the Erdman party turned out, were terrific), and I did struggle with what I call the breaking of one of the "writer's commandments" - of not giving a number of characters similar names, to the point your readers may confuse them (Rudy? Ray? Ralph? I found myself going back, at first, to remind myself who was who a few too many times). But those are minor tweaks; I really enjoyed Liv and Di, hoping for more Di in future volumes to share the spotlight (this one was focused more on Liv as the central character), but either way heartily do look forward to delving more into these characters and this series. ****
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
This is the first book in the series "A Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery". Liv and Di are best friends living in Dixie Tennessee and they are a force to be reckoned with. This was a fun, interesting mystery with just enough twists to keep me guessing.
Liv McKay owns Liv 4 Fun, a party planning business in Dixie Tennessee. Di, her best friend is a postal worker. They are more like sisters as they share everything with one another and give each other as good as she gets back. They are always there for one another and both plunge in to trouble without a thought. Liv is married to Larry Joe, who owns McKay trucking with his father, Daddy Wayne. Di is dating the sherriff, Dave.
IN this story Liv is busy planning an anniversary party for the Erdmans. When she checks out the freezer in the garage to store an ice sculpture, she finds a dead body and while falling back, stumbles over a second body in the garbage can. Of course she can't just let this be. The rumour is that perhaps the fact that the brothers worked for her husband means he might be involved has her hopping. When Daddy Wayne is brought in for questioning after drugs are found in one of his trucks, she ramps up her nosing around. Di is right there with her, although she is a little more cautious and often advises Liv to talk to Dave. Suffice it to say, they end up putting themselves in danger, but only the next book will tell if this causes them to slow down in their crime investigating.
All the characters in this book were well written. Their personalities were shown and they were all just a bit quirky, living in this small Southern town. The relationships were real and you could identify with the frustrations of Liv and Di as well as understand their enthusiasm for "helping" to solve the case. The end of the book includes tips for throwing a party based on the ones described in the story. I definitely want to read the next on in this wonderful series. I recommend this book to any cozy mystery lover who likes a little fun in their read. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Liv McKay owns Liv 4 Fun, a party planning business in Dixie Tennessee. Di, her best friend is a postal worker. They are more like sisters as they share everything with one another and give each other as good as she gets back. They are always there for one another and both plunge in to trouble without a thought. Liv is married to Larry Joe, who owns McKay trucking with his father, Daddy Wayne. Di is dating the sherriff, Dave.
IN this story Liv is busy planning an anniversary party for the Erdmans. When she checks out the freezer in the garage to store an ice sculpture, she finds a dead body and while falling back, stumbles over a second body in the garbage can. Of course she can't just let this be. The rumour is that perhaps the fact that the brothers worked for her husband means he might be involved has her hopping. When Daddy Wayne is brought in for questioning after drugs are found in one of his trucks, she ramps up her nosing around. Di is right there with her, although she is a little more cautious and often advises Liv to talk to Dave. Suffice it to say, they end up putting themselves in danger, but only the next book will tell if this causes them to slow down in their crime investigating.
All the characters in this book were well written. Their personalities were shown and they were all just a bit quirky, living in this small Southern town. The relationships were real and you could identify with the frustrations of Liv and Di as well as understand their enthusiasm for "helping" to solve the case. The end of the book includes tips for throwing a party based on the ones described in the story. I definitely want to read the next on in this wonderful series. I recommend this book to any cozy mystery lover who likes a little fun in their read. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
November 22, 2015
This book is a great start to a new series. It is set in a little town called Dixie in Tennessee. Love the down home small town feel. You start out getting to know Liv who is the owner of Liv 4 Fun a party planning business. She is getting ready for Mr and Mrs Erdman's 40th wedding anniversary party where she has Mrs Erdman wanting elegant southern charm and Mr Erdman wanting men dressed as bootleggers with moonshine. Yes, you guessed it Liv has her hands full with this party. One of the must have decorations for Mrs Erdman are ice sculptures. So she bought a freezer to put them in prior to the party. They went to check on the size when they found two dead bodies, one on ice and the other in a garbage bag. This is only the start of Liv's bad luck. The police find a connection to her father in laws trucking company, McKay's trucking. This puts everyone on edge and things go down hill from there.
Liv and her friend Di are on a mission to find the real killer or killers and save McKay's trucking. Will they be able to save themselves from trouble should be the real question???
These characters in Dixie are a hoot. I loved the southern charm and close knit family ties. Loved the humor along the way too. At times I was laughing out loud. The story line was well written and kept a steady pace. I really liked the fact that Liv was married. Not many cozies have a main character who is married and I loved how they interacted. The author brought out the close knit southern family, can't beat it. The characters were all great. Can't wait to get to know them better as the series progresses.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Liv and her friend Di are on a mission to find the real killer or killers and save McKay's trucking. Will they be able to save themselves from trouble should be the real question???
These characters in Dixie are a hoot. I loved the southern charm and close knit family ties. Loved the humor along the way too. At times I was laughing out loud. The story line was well written and kept a steady pace. I really liked the fact that Liv was married. Not many cozies have a main character who is married and I loved how they interacted. The author brought out the close knit southern family, can't beat it. The characters were all great. Can't wait to get to know them better as the series progresses.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 20, 2015
Death Crashes the Party is the first book in Vickie Fee’s new cozy mystery series. It’s set in Dixie, Tennessee, a small southern town filled with fun and quirky characters. The storyline is well plotted and main characters well developed. The story moved smoothly but slowly. I found this book to be charming, clever, and witty. The mystery had enough clues and red herrings to keep me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Liv McKay is the owner of a successful party planning business, Liv 4 Fun. She’s been hired to plan the 40th anniversary party for Mr. and Mrs. Erdman. While measuring the Erdman’s freezer to make sure it’s big enough to store an ice sculpture, she stumbles upon the bodies of two brothers, Duane and Darrell Farrell. One body is in a freezer and the other in a trash can. They’re dressed in Confederate soldier uniforms and work for McKay's Trucking Company, which is owned by Liv's father in law, Daddy Wayne. In an effort to salvage the reputation of her party planning business and the future of McKay's Trucking, Liv teams up with her best friend, Diane “Di” Souther, to find the killer. Di's love interest, Sheriff Eulyse “Dave” Davidson, and Liv's husband, Larry Joe, also join in the investigation. They also uncover a ring of thieves stealing Civil War memorabilia and possible drug trafficking.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Liv McKay is the owner of a successful party planning business, Liv 4 Fun. She’s been hired to plan the 40th anniversary party for Mr. and Mrs. Erdman. While measuring the Erdman’s freezer to make sure it’s big enough to store an ice sculpture, she stumbles upon the bodies of two brothers, Duane and Darrell Farrell. One body is in a freezer and the other in a trash can. They’re dressed in Confederate soldier uniforms and work for McKay's Trucking Company, which is owned by Liv's father in law, Daddy Wayne. In an effort to salvage the reputation of her party planning business and the future of McKay's Trucking, Liv teams up with her best friend, Diane “Di” Souther, to find the killer. Di's love interest, Sheriff Eulyse “Dave” Davidson, and Liv's husband, Larry Joe, also join in the investigation. They also uncover a ring of thieves stealing Civil War memorabilia and possible drug trafficking.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
November 8, 2015
While going over event details at a client's house, Party Planner Liv comes face to face with 2 dead men. And there's more bad news, all kinds of bad things are happening, all centered around the trucking company owned by Liv's father-in-law. Liv and her best friend Di start snooping around to solve the murder and save her family's trucking business.
Very enjoyable read; from the picturesque setting, the Southern customs, the humor sprinkled throughout to the pacing that, for the most part, kept the story moving at a good pace. I thought the characters were realistic and likeable, but I thought there could've been a bit more character development. There was certainly enough space in the story to allow for it. At times, I thought it didn't feel like this was the first in a series. At one point, I actually had to look up whether there were earlier books. It didn't diminish my enjoyment, but I had a head-scratching moment a time or two.
I have to say, it was refreshing that the MC is happily married and loves her in laws. It has become such a cozy cliche to have your husband die or leave you destitute and you're left with his bitchy mother and so on and ugh. None of that in here. I really enjoyed that.
Overall, a great first in a new series and I look forward to reading more. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Very enjoyable read; from the picturesque setting, the Southern customs, the humor sprinkled throughout to the pacing that, for the most part, kept the story moving at a good pace. I thought the characters were realistic and likeable, but I thought there could've been a bit more character development. There was certainly enough space in the story to allow for it. At times, I thought it didn't feel like this was the first in a series. At one point, I actually had to look up whether there were earlier books. It didn't diminish my enjoyment, but I had a head-scratching moment a time or two.
I have to say, it was refreshing that the MC is happily married and loves her in laws. It has become such a cozy cliche to have your husband die or leave you destitute and you're left with his bitchy mother and so on and ugh. None of that in here. I really enjoyed that.
Overall, a great first in a new series and I look forward to reading more. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 14, 2015
As someone with experience as an event planner, I completely understand the challenges, the frustrations, and the moments that make you feel like you are going to kill someone. I'm happy to say that I have never actually followed through with the impulse. Neither has Dixie, TN party planner Liv McKay. She has, however, stumbled upon two bodies while planning a fortieth anniversary party of a pair of high maintenance clients. Before you can whistle Dixie, Liv and her best friend Di are looking for clues to who killed a pair of brothers.
Their investigation becomes even more desperate and intense when Liv's father-in-law and husband become suspects pulled in for questioning. In a small town where everybody knows everybody (and their business), Liv and Di need to follow every clue and breadcrumb in order to catch a killer.
Death Crashes the Party is chock full of wry humor and a pair of sly Southern sleuths. The story seems straightforward -- right up until the sharp turn off the path of suspicion that leads Liv and Di to a place no one could have seen coming. A great read!
Their investigation becomes even more desperate and intense when Liv's father-in-law and husband become suspects pulled in for questioning. In a small town where everybody knows everybody (and their business), Liv and Di need to follow every clue and breadcrumb in order to catch a killer.
Death Crashes the Party is chock full of wry humor and a pair of sly Southern sleuths. The story seems straightforward -- right up until the sharp turn off the path of suspicion that leads Liv and Di to a place no one could have seen coming. A great read!
December 20, 2015
This book is the first in a new series by author Vicki Fee. I am an avid reader of cozy mysteries so it is nice to have an opportunity to try a new author to the genre. This was a very enjoyable read for me. The story is set in a charming southern town that is filled with great fun characters. For the first book in a series, I thought the characters were well written. They are written to be quirky with wit and humor. I enjoyed the mystery and found the book to have a nice pace. Overall, I enjoyed the book as a whole and at a few parts of the story found myself laughing out loud at some of the characters and their antics. For me, that is a sign that the author has engaged me as a reader. This is definitely a great start to a new series and I will be looking for more by this author in the future.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
I received an ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an honest review.
Death Crashes the Party by Vickie Fee is the first book in A Liv and Di In Dixie Mystery series. This book is a cozy mystery that is set in Dixie, Tennessee. Liv McKay is a party planner, and Di is her best friend. Liv is happily married, and she even likes her in laws, which is refreshing.
Bodies are discovered in freezers, Civil war memorabilia is being stolen, and someone is out to frame Liv's husband and father in law business. Liv and Di are on the case, they are delightful characters full of humor. This book was an easy read, read it in one day. I love southern cozy, and this one does not disappoint. I look forward to reading the next adventure of Liv and Di in their next book.
Death Crashes the Party by Vickie Fee is the first book in A Liv and Di In Dixie Mystery series. This book is a cozy mystery that is set in Dixie, Tennessee. Liv McKay is a party planner, and Di is her best friend. Liv is happily married, and she even likes her in laws, which is refreshing.
Bodies are discovered in freezers, Civil war memorabilia is being stolen, and someone is out to frame Liv's husband and father in law business. Liv and Di are on the case, they are delightful characters full of humor. This book was an easy read, read it in one day. I love southern cozy, and this one does not disappoint. I look forward to reading the next adventure of Liv and Di in their next book.
January 12, 2016
The last thing Liv McKay, of Liv 4 Fun party planning, needed that day was to discover 2 bodies in a client's freezer. Who knew that visiting the Erdmans, to continue planning their 40th wedding anniversary, would earn Liv a trip to the sheriff's office? Who wanted the Farrell boys dead and why? And why was one of the boys wearing his Civil War re-enactment uniform? Both boys were involved in re-enactments, so a big question was, why was only one wearing his uniform.
If Vickie's future books are as entertaining as this one, she has a new fan.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
If Vickie's future books are as entertaining as this one, she has a new fan.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
June 5, 2016
Liv McKay, owner of Liv4You party planners in Dixie TN, is known for her southern perfections. Liv decides to meet in the home of her most demanding clients to date, to go over last minute details. As their meeting ends, Liv decides to check out the garage freezer, that will be the holding cell for the giant ice sculptor. Much to their surprise, it is entombed with a dead body. As panic ensues, a trash can is knocked to the floor and another body empties onto the garage floor. Needless to say, we have a mystery, murders and the party must go on! As a side note, we are given new ideas to host our own tea party, as well as a great mint julep recipe, with or without, that sounds like a keeper!! A great new series and a thoroughly enjoyable read!!
December 29, 2015
Liv McKay is checking out a large freezer to place ice sculptures in for a party. She is startled to find a man frozen in it. In her dismay to leave she falls on another dead man. It turns out they are brothers and one was working for her husband's trucking firm. This book has many surprises as the characters are fully developed, especially Liv's best friend, Di Souther. They work together to find answers before the trucking firm is destroyed. I am looking forward to the next book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
April 21, 2016
What a fun read! The humour in first few pages was a little .... odd ... I don't know how to describe it, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea. But after that I either got used to it LOL or it changed to something that is more my thing. The story was fast paced and the mystery was great. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
November 16, 2018
Ok
A bit too convoluted for a first in series when characters are being introduced. I didn’t find the murderer to be much of a mystery but story was ok overall
A bit too convoluted for a first in series when characters are being introduced. I didn’t find the murderer to be much of a mystery but story was ok overall
May 8, 2017
There was much about this book to like. Oddly, which speaks more to other cozies than it does to the quality of this book, my favorite part is the main character is in a loving, stable marriage. Kind of rare in this genre when one of the plot points (especially early in a series) isn’t “will she or won’t she” end up with hunky detective, bar owner, fill-in-the-blank of hunk’s occupation. Also main character Liv’s best friend since childhood is Di. The author has given them real jobs that are likely to play a part in future books. Liv’s a party-planner and Di is a mail carrier.
I appreciate that the author gave us enough background to get to know main characters but didn’t lay on so many details as to take away from the story. Some other reviewers felt this left backstory up in the air. I consider it leaving it open for expansion in later books.
The story itself was many layered, almost too many to keep track of without a scorecard. Without going back over it a second time I’m still a little confused who was a Confederate reenactor, who worked at the trucking company, sometimes both. Who worked in bars, who hosted and/or attended parties. The deputies and Liv’s assistant seemed to be throw-away characters. Guessing the author will build on them later. But with so many characters and so little to lead the reader where the story was going, the ending did come a bit abruptly. That small criticism aside, I enjoyed the book and look forward to having a chance to read the 2nd in the series.
I appreciate that the author gave us enough background to get to know main characters but didn’t lay on so many details as to take away from the story. Some other reviewers felt this left backstory up in the air. I consider it leaving it open for expansion in later books.
The story itself was many layered, almost too many to keep track of without a scorecard. Without going back over it a second time I’m still a little confused who was a Confederate reenactor, who worked at the trucking company, sometimes both. Who worked in bars, who hosted and/or attended parties. The deputies and Liv’s assistant seemed to be throw-away characters. Guessing the author will build on them later. But with so many characters and so little to lead the reader where the story was going, the ending did come a bit abruptly. That small criticism aside, I enjoyed the book and look forward to having a chance to read the 2nd in the series.
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