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Lucky O'Toole #2
Lucky Stiff
Lucky O’Toole—head of Customer Relations at premier megaresort the Babylon—thinks its just another night in Las Vegas. A tractor-trailer has spilled its load of millions of honeybees, blocking not only the Strip but the entrance to her hotel…The district attorney for Clark County—apparently the odd man out of a threesome on the twelfth floor—is hiding in the buff in one of the hotel’s laundry rooms…And Numbers Neidermeyer—one of Las Vegas’s less-than-savory oddsmakers—is throwing some major attitude at Las Vegas’ ace private investigator, the beautiful Jeremy Whitlock.
The next day, Lucky discovers Ms. Neidermeyer had been tossed into the shark tank at the Mandalay Bay Resort as a snack for the Tiger shark. When the police show up with a hastily prepared search warrant, applied for by the district attorney himself, and Jeremy lands in the hot seat, Lucky realizes her previous night was far from routine.
Amid the chaos of fight weekend, the Babylon’s hiring of a new, eccentric French chef, and her madam mother’s scheme to auction off a young woman’s virginity, Lucky is drawn into a deadly game that will end only when she discovers who made fish food out of Numbers Neidermeyer.
Lucky O’Toole and fabulous Las Vegas—life doesn’t get any better.
The next day, Lucky discovers Ms. Neidermeyer had been tossed into the shark tank at the Mandalay Bay Resort as a snack for the Tiger shark. When the police show up with a hastily prepared search warrant, applied for by the district attorney himself, and Jeremy lands in the hot seat, Lucky realizes her previous night was far from routine.
Amid the chaos of fight weekend, the Babylon’s hiring of a new, eccentric French chef, and her madam mother’s scheme to auction off a young woman’s virginity, Lucky is drawn into a deadly game that will end only when she discovers who made fish food out of Numbers Neidermeyer.
Lucky O’Toole and fabulous Las Vegas—life doesn’t get any better.
464 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2011
276 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Coonts
34 books888 followersGet a free bundle of novellas ripped from the headlines of Lucky O'Toole's world: http://deborahcoonts.com/lucky-offer/
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
December 28, 2010
Whoa. I filled out the review space on the last first-read book I won a while back, and right away on the same day, I win my next one. I think filling that empty review space is KEY.
I'm not sure what this book is, now that I read its description. I went on an entering frenzy earlier and probably wasn't choosy enough.
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Mistake. Please take this book back and recharge my first-read status. I wasn't the right reader for this book that the author must've worked very hard on. It takes great determination to find 7,492 slightly different ways of describing how one feels with a "soul mate." There was research done for the fortuituous presence of an entomology (however it's spelled, the -ology about insects) convention and a little history of the city known as Las Vegas. So many names, for brands and people, were sprinkled throughout.
...does anyone remember all those hour-long infomercials in the '90s about seminars that will make you rich for just 20 easy payments of $29.99? And the infomercials had no real information on exactly what was being sold, just testimonials of people claiming to have become wealthy off "the system" and endless footage of expensive cars pulling up to a mansion with models in bikinis acting as butlers? This book is that infomercial! Everyone is rich, everyone is constantly doing something, but when you scratch your head to try to pin down the substance there's nothing.
Maybe I'm unhappy with it because the thought of a casino Public Relations head being detective, trying to talk tough, always seeming to have the last quip and best uplifting word is too much a stretch. Of course, she doesn't feel smart or beautiful but she has all these hot men panting after her. Er, maybe I should've just written that this isn't my cup of tea? It's a very serviceable beachtowel read (if you're still totally wasted from the night before and can't handle thinking just yet). I'm not a regular reader of mystery or romance so take my opinion as just another opinion.
I'm not sure what this book is, now that I read its description. I went on an entering frenzy earlier and probably wasn't choosy enough.
-------
Mistake. Please take this book back and recharge my first-read status. I wasn't the right reader for this book that the author must've worked very hard on. It takes great determination to find 7,492 slightly different ways of describing how one feels with a "soul mate." There was research done for the fortuituous presence of an entomology (however it's spelled, the -ology about insects) convention and a little history of the city known as Las Vegas. So many names, for brands and people, were sprinkled throughout.
...does anyone remember all those hour-long infomercials in the '90s about seminars that will make you rich for just 20 easy payments of $29.99? And the infomercials had no real information on exactly what was being sold, just testimonials of people claiming to have become wealthy off "the system" and endless footage of expensive cars pulling up to a mansion with models in bikinis acting as butlers? This book is that infomercial! Everyone is rich, everyone is constantly doing something, but when you scratch your head to try to pin down the substance there's nothing.
Maybe I'm unhappy with it because the thought of a casino Public Relations head being detective, trying to talk tough, always seeming to have the last quip and best uplifting word is too much a stretch. Of course, she doesn't feel smart or beautiful but she has all these hot men panting after her. Er, maybe I should've just written that this isn't my cup of tea? It's a very serviceable beachtowel read (if you're still totally wasted from the night before and can't handle thinking just yet). I'm not a regular reader of mystery or romance so take my opinion as just another opinion.
October 29, 2023
This series is so very good. The only reason it took me so long to read is being on vacation left me with little time to read. This book is such a great blend of funny, serious, and crazy that I think it would appeal to a lot of people. There is a pretty good mystery wrapped up in all the Las Vegas craziness as well as a great romance that deals with some real issues. I don’t know how Lucky has time for all of this but she is pretty amazing. I love the characters and I can’t wait to check in on them in the next book.
December 22, 2011
Bummer!
Maybe my expectations were too high because I had enjoyed the first book so much ... or maybe this book just fell short. Either way, I had a hard time pushing through to finish the book.
What I loved about WANNA GET LUCKY? (the first book in the series):
1. Lucky O'Toole was in charge of customer relations at a big LV hotel, and she had great adventures solving customer problems.
2. Lucky wasn't involved in an annoying love-triangle. She actually picked a guy.
3. Lucky's boyfriend was a cross-dressing-female-impersonator for a big LV show.
4. Lucky was a self-confident kick-butt kind of gal.
5. The secondary characters were all a hoot.
6. The writing was great, and the plot kept me guessing.
What I hated about LUCKY STIFF (the second book in the series):
1. Lucky acted like she was everything BUT in charge of customer relations. She played the role of general manager, food & beverage manager, boss' daughter, nervous-nelly, and police detective.
2. Guys were panting after Lucky left and right ... why?
3. Lucky's boyfriend exited in the very beginning of the book. What? I wanted to see the whole self-confident-cross-dressing-female-impersonator character more!
4. Lucky whined and whined and whined - about everything imaginable, and when she wasn't whining, she was drowning her sorrows in alcohol. Really? *sigh*
5. The secondary characters ... well ... frankly, I was too annoyed by everything else to notice them much.
6. The writing seemed rushed, contrived, and lacking.
I don't understand why Coonts threw Lucky into the detective role instead of allowing her to be the customer relations expert we came to love in book one. Page 232 Lucky thinks: "There was a reason I wasn't a detective--I sucked at it." I agree. Go back to customer relations.
I'll give book three a try (because I loved book one so much), and then decide if I will continue with the series.
Maybe my expectations were too high because I had enjoyed the first book so much ... or maybe this book just fell short. Either way, I had a hard time pushing through to finish the book.
What I loved about WANNA GET LUCKY? (the first book in the series):
1. Lucky O'Toole was in charge of customer relations at a big LV hotel, and she had great adventures solving customer problems.
2. Lucky wasn't involved in an annoying love-triangle. She actually picked a guy.
3. Lucky's boyfriend was a cross-dressing-female-impersonator for a big LV show.
4. Lucky was a self-confident kick-butt kind of gal.
5. The secondary characters were all a hoot.
6. The writing was great, and the plot kept me guessing.
What I hated about LUCKY STIFF (the second book in the series):
1. Lucky acted like she was everything BUT in charge of customer relations. She played the role of general manager, food & beverage manager, boss' daughter, nervous-nelly, and police detective.
2. Guys were panting after Lucky left and right ... why?
3. Lucky's boyfriend exited in the very beginning of the book. What? I wanted to see the whole self-confident-cross-dressing-female-impersonator character more!
4. Lucky whined and whined and whined - about everything imaginable, and when she wasn't whining, she was drowning her sorrows in alcohol. Really? *sigh*
5. The secondary characters ... well ... frankly, I was too annoyed by everything else to notice them much.
6. The writing seemed rushed, contrived, and lacking.
I don't understand why Coonts threw Lucky into the detective role instead of allowing her to be the customer relations expert we came to love in book one. Page 232 Lucky thinks: "There was a reason I wasn't a detective--I sucked at it." I agree. Go back to customer relations.
I'll give book three a try (because I loved book one so much), and then decide if I will continue with the series.
November 15, 2015
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
Lucky O’Toole is back in book 2 to handle more problems as the head of Customer Relations at the Babylon in Las Vegas. The action starts from page one with Lucky attempting to handle an overturned semi-truck that has not only blocked the entrance to the Babylon but has managed to dump its cargo: a load of bees. The following day, the body of Numbers Neidermeyer, an infamous bookie, is found floating in a shark tank and Lucky’s friend Jeremy Whitlock is the primary suspect. To top off her ‘trending towards fabulous’ week is news that her mother Mona, local brothel owner, will be auctioning off a young woman’s virginity.
One of things I loved in ‘Wanna Get Lucky’ was that the mystery was fun and exciting and Deborah Coonts failed to disappoint in ‘Lucky Stiff’. I was surprised at the final outcome; I certainly failed to see it coming. Lucky was still an enjoyable character that kept me entertained with her snarky sense of humor. The one thing I missed was her strong independence…When Teddie left to jump-start his music career she was constantly fretting about him leaving her, him finding someone new, etc. I found that she balanced her relationship with the rest of her hectic life much better in book one.
These are good as a stand-alone or as a series. The ‘refresher’ that the author gives in each book is enough to bring you sufficiently up to speed. The ending of ‘Lucky Stiff’ didn’t leave off with a cliffhanger but managed to leave me with enough to look forward to the next Lucky O’Toole story.
Lucky O’Toole is back in book 2 to handle more problems as the head of Customer Relations at the Babylon in Las Vegas. The action starts from page one with Lucky attempting to handle an overturned semi-truck that has not only blocked the entrance to the Babylon but has managed to dump its cargo: a load of bees. The following day, the body of Numbers Neidermeyer, an infamous bookie, is found floating in a shark tank and Lucky’s friend Jeremy Whitlock is the primary suspect. To top off her ‘trending towards fabulous’ week is news that her mother Mona, local brothel owner, will be auctioning off a young woman’s virginity.
One of things I loved in ‘Wanna Get Lucky’ was that the mystery was fun and exciting and Deborah Coonts failed to disappoint in ‘Lucky Stiff’. I was surprised at the final outcome; I certainly failed to see it coming. Lucky was still an enjoyable character that kept me entertained with her snarky sense of humor. The one thing I missed was her strong independence…When Teddie left to jump-start his music career she was constantly fretting about him leaving her, him finding someone new, etc. I found that she balanced her relationship with the rest of her hectic life much better in book one.
These are good as a stand-alone or as a series. The ‘refresher’ that the author gives in each book is enough to bring you sufficiently up to speed. The ending of ‘Lucky Stiff’ didn’t leave off with a cliffhanger but managed to leave me with enough to look forward to the next Lucky O’Toole story.
May 28, 2023
Great book, great characters- though Lucky’s outlook on love is starting to grate on me a bit, and I found myself yelling at her several times. Lol.
Once again, I’m loving all things Las Vegas!
Once again, I’m loving all things Las Vegas!
June 8, 2020
A million dollar middleweight fight, a virginity auction, and a murder-by-shark are a few of the things Lucky has to deal with in this entertaining visit to Vegas with Lucky O'Toole, casino customer service manager.
July 2, 2021
I think Lucky being a Vegas casino "fixer" is a different spin for the usual cozy.
I like Lucky and it's an interesting look into what happens with the customer service industry in Vegas.
This time she needs to investigate a bookie's death as one of her friends is the most likely suspect.
Some humor, romance, good characters and complicated story.
I was going to do a binge listen of this series but to be honest, I realized 2 in a row would be too much. (I will continue with it for now, but alternating it in b/w other books.)
I'd recommend this series to those who like Evanovich, Lisa Lutz, Susan Stoker, Harley Jane Kozak, etc...
I like Lucky and it's an interesting look into what happens with the customer service industry in Vegas.
This time she needs to investigate a bookie's death as one of her friends is the most likely suspect.
Some humor, romance, good characters and complicated story.
I was going to do a binge listen of this series but to be honest, I realized 2 in a row would be too much. (I will continue with it for now, but alternating it in b/w other books.)
I'd recommend this series to those who like Evanovich, Lisa Lutz, Susan Stoker, Harley Jane Kozak, etc...
August 8, 2021
Reread
March 10, 2024
This one took me 2-3 attempts to get into. Way too many characters I didn't care about, too many subplots, and lots of extra commentary that really wasn't needed.
February 20, 2019
Love the mystery
Another solid who done it for the series, plus great character development makes this a must read. I going through book at breakneck speed.
Another solid who done it for the series, plus great character development makes this a must read. I going through book at breakneck speed.
November 6, 2019
I am officially hooked on Lucky and have added the entire series to my to read list! If you liked the first book I think you’ll like the second.
June 16, 2011
Lucky O’Toole is back. Who knew that all it took was a truck load of honeybees to shut down Vegas. A truck driver lost control of his truck and yep you guessed it…tons of honey bees come flying out. Remember this is Vegas, so when the police receive the phone call about the accident, they do not bat an eye lash and dispatch someone to come clean up the mess. Because this is Vegas, it isn’t complete without a good murder. When Mrs. Neidermeyer is found as shark food, Lucky is on the case.
Lucky Stiff was like Wanna Get Lucky. While Lucky has grown on me, I just could not really take this book as a serious mystery novel. It might have to do with the way the characters some off as some times cheesy. Also, all the references to Vegas were not necessary. Because Lucky is such a strong, independent woman, it was hard to see her falling for a nice, sweet guy, who all she wanted was to spend time in his arms. Sorry to say that I could not finish this book as much as I tried. Though, if you are looking for crazy characters with your mystery than you might like Lucky O’Toole and this series.
Lucky Stiff was like Wanna Get Lucky. While Lucky has grown on me, I just could not really take this book as a serious mystery novel. It might have to do with the way the characters some off as some times cheesy. Also, all the references to Vegas were not necessary. Because Lucky is such a strong, independent woman, it was hard to see her falling for a nice, sweet guy, who all she wanted was to spend time in his arms. Sorry to say that I could not finish this book as much as I tried. Though, if you are looking for crazy characters with your mystery than you might like Lucky O’Toole and this series.
May 6, 2012
You always wonder if the 2nd book in a series can hold up to close inspection. Well I have to say out loud. Lucky Stiff is funnier and more entertaining then the first. I'm looking forward to some fall down to the floor laughing entertainment in book 3.
September 2, 2014
Not as good as the first Lucky novel, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
May 23, 2020
This is the second book in the Lucky O'Toole series. I borrowed it from a friend and am glad I did. I love a good mystery especially when it is a murder mystery. You will fall for this character and want her as your new best friend. If you are looking for a new series you won't be disappointed with this one!
Everyone Has a Hidden Talent
For Lucky O'Toole it's murder...solving it.
Surviving in Sin City takes cunning, a pair of five-inch heels, and a wiseass attitude. Lucky has mastered them all and has a pair of legs she uses to kick butt and turn heads.
As the Chief Problem Solver for the Babylon, Las Vegas's most over-the-top destination, mischief is in her job description.
She's good at her job.
She's less good at life. But who has time for a life when there's a killer on the loose?
LUCKY STIFF
Someone fed Numbers Neidermeyer to the tiger shark in the tank at Mandalay Bay resort.
Lucky's friend, the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock, is suspect Numero Uno.
Miss P, Jeremy's squeeze and Lucky's partner in crime, is in a tailspin.
A tractor-trailer full of honeybees jackknifes on the Strip in front of the Babylon, spilling its load.
The district attorney--apparently the odd man out in a threesome--is hiding in the buff in a laundry room.
And Lucky's mother decides to auction a young woman's virginity.
Can Lucky get Jeremy out of the hot seat, handle the new hot French chef and her mother...and restore order in her life?
Everyone Has a Hidden Talent
For Lucky O'Toole it's murder...solving it.
Surviving in Sin City takes cunning, a pair of five-inch heels, and a wiseass attitude. Lucky has mastered them all and has a pair of legs she uses to kick butt and turn heads.
As the Chief Problem Solver for the Babylon, Las Vegas's most over-the-top destination, mischief is in her job description.
She's good at her job.
She's less good at life. But who has time for a life when there's a killer on the loose?
LUCKY STIFF
Someone fed Numbers Neidermeyer to the tiger shark in the tank at Mandalay Bay resort.
Lucky's friend, the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock, is suspect Numero Uno.
Miss P, Jeremy's squeeze and Lucky's partner in crime, is in a tailspin.
A tractor-trailer full of honeybees jackknifes on the Strip in front of the Babylon, spilling its load.
The district attorney--apparently the odd man out in a threesome--is hiding in the buff in a laundry room.
And Lucky's mother decides to auction a young woman's virginity.
Can Lucky get Jeremy out of the hot seat, handle the new hot French chef and her mother...and restore order in her life?
June 16, 2019
I won a contest on the author's website when this series was recently rebranded. I received a copy of every book in the series at the time and a wonderful assortment of goodies, including a Babylon robe, champagne glasses and a deck of cards. Jackpot!
I had read and enjoyed the first in the series when it was first released.
I have met the author at mystery cons and enjoyed talking to her.
This series mixes romance with the mystery, which is probably why I did not read further after book one.
After winning copies of the whole series, I decided to read further in the series, and I also shared the books with my reading group.
In this episode the craziness of Las Vegas and Lucky O'Toole continues.
While preparing for the influx of visitors for the big boxing event, Lucky is also dealing with an apiculture meeting and the escape of their bees, the death of a boxing follower suspected of setting the betting line, a young woman's virginity being put up for auction, the secret wedding of a Hollywood personality, the opening of two new venues at the casino and the possible loss of her lover as his music career takes off.
It is always a surprise when Lucky is able to handle the business challenges along with her family matters.
It is a wild ride and an enjoyable one.
I had read and enjoyed the first in the series when it was first released.
I have met the author at mystery cons and enjoyed talking to her.
This series mixes romance with the mystery, which is probably why I did not read further after book one.
After winning copies of the whole series, I decided to read further in the series, and I also shared the books with my reading group.
In this episode the craziness of Las Vegas and Lucky O'Toole continues.
While preparing for the influx of visitors for the big boxing event, Lucky is also dealing with an apiculture meeting and the escape of their bees, the death of a boxing follower suspected of setting the betting line, a young woman's virginity being put up for auction, the secret wedding of a Hollywood personality, the opening of two new venues at the casino and the possible loss of her lover as his music career takes off.
It is always a surprise when Lucky is able to handle the business challenges along with her family matters.
It is a wild ride and an enjoyable one.
Read
May 3, 2019I really enjoyed this book. The behind the scenes look at a working casino is fascinating and with the wonderful characters a must read or listen for every one. It almost makes you want to go and visit Las Vegas, I said almost, there is far to many dead bodies for my liking, although with Lucky on the case nobody gets away with murder.
With fight night in Vegas and a bee convention in town things are pretty busy for the staff of the Babylon. If that was the only problem facing Lucky O'Toole she would be a happy girl but when a close personal friend and the main squeeze of her right hand gal is accused of pushing Numbers Neidermeyed into a tank full of sharks, she once again needs to use her connections to make sure the police don't rush to judgement and arrest the wrong person. She also has to find the time to get her mother Mona out of the hole she has dug for herself in front of the main stream cameras because Mona can't do anything quietly and with the police camped out side her doors It might take some fancy footwork to get out of this mess and I don't mean by the boxers in the ring.
A great story full of fun and mystery and the narrator was sassy enough to give Lucky the attitude she needs to survive a night running one of the biggest casino's in Las Vegas.
With fight night in Vegas and a bee convention in town things are pretty busy for the staff of the Babylon. If that was the only problem facing Lucky O'Toole she would be a happy girl but when a close personal friend and the main squeeze of her right hand gal is accused of pushing Numbers Neidermeyed into a tank full of sharks, she once again needs to use her connections to make sure the police don't rush to judgement and arrest the wrong person. She also has to find the time to get her mother Mona out of the hole she has dug for herself in front of the main stream cameras because Mona can't do anything quietly and with the police camped out side her doors It might take some fancy footwork to get out of this mess and I don't mean by the boxers in the ring.
A great story full of fun and mystery and the narrator was sassy enough to give Lucky the attitude she needs to survive a night running one of the biggest casino's in Las Vegas.
July 30, 2018
I love this series! It is pure, fluffy, unadulterated FUN!
I've never been to Vegas, but based on hearing stories from friends who have, this series really feels like experiencing the real thing, and it's a blast!
Lucky is a great character. She is smart, sassy, likable and resourceful. She handles THE MOST ridiculous goings-on with total aplomb and is completely blase as crazy people lose their shit all around her 24/7. I love how she reacts to insanity with "okay, sure. Let's go with that" and just gets shit done to take care of everything.
The supporting characters in this series are almost as much fun as Lucky is, and I am already attached to all of them.
There is so much humour in this series and I love, love love that!! The author clearly has her tongue firmly tucked into her cheek when she writes, because the situations in these books are just hilarious.
If you are looking for a "sort-of-but-not-quite" cozy murder mystery with fun characters, lots of excitement and the most ludicrously fabulous goings-on ever, then I highly recommend this series to you! It's already a favourite of mine and I'm only on book 2.
I've never been to Vegas, but based on hearing stories from friends who have, this series really feels like experiencing the real thing, and it's a blast!
Lucky is a great character. She is smart, sassy, likable and resourceful. She handles THE MOST ridiculous goings-on with total aplomb and is completely blase as crazy people lose their shit all around her 24/7. I love how she reacts to insanity with "okay, sure. Let's go with that" and just gets shit done to take care of everything.
The supporting characters in this series are almost as much fun as Lucky is, and I am already attached to all of them.
There is so much humour in this series and I love, love love that!! The author clearly has her tongue firmly tucked into her cheek when she writes, because the situations in these books are just hilarious.
If you are looking for a "sort-of-but-not-quite" cozy murder mystery with fun characters, lots of excitement and the most ludicrously fabulous goings-on ever, then I highly recommend this series to you! It's already a favourite of mine and I'm only on book 2.
July 11, 2019
Another fun, engaging mystery from Deborah Coonts. Like book one there are plenty of Vegas hijinks our resident Customer Relations/problem solver has to deal with. Plus in this book we deal with a huge fight, the grand opening of a glitzy club, Teddie’s music career taking off, a virgin auction and a huge movie star about to torpedo his career with Lucky’s help. Oh yeah, and a dead body found in the shark tank at another casino who has ties to The Babylon and Lucky’s friend The Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock.
The author does a great job melding all the storylines and leading us on a chase through clues, various types of heartaches and Lucky jumping into the murder investigation to save her friend Jeremy. The secondary cast from book one are present and accounted for, with a new addition or two. The light tone still allows for the serious business of investigating murder. All kind of strings are pulled together at the end and the as the crisis moments play out the tension ratchets up. It’s a great job by the author keeping all the balls in the air and maintaining the reader’s interest in all of them.
I’ll definitely be reading more in this series.
The author does a great job melding all the storylines and leading us on a chase through clues, various types of heartaches and Lucky jumping into the murder investigation to save her friend Jeremy. The secondary cast from book one are present and accounted for, with a new addition or two. The light tone still allows for the serious business of investigating murder. All kind of strings are pulled together at the end and the as the crisis moments play out the tension ratchets up. It’s a great job by the author keeping all the balls in the air and maintaining the reader’s interest in all of them.
I’ll definitely be reading more in this series.
June 11, 2018
Another great book about the life of Lucky O'Toole as head of Customer Relations at the Las Vegas resort, Babylon. The same cast of characters from Book 1 (Wanna Get Lucky) are back in full force. The night starts out rough - a tractor-trailer has spilled a load of honeybees blocking not only the strip, but the entrance to her hotel, the District Attorney for Clark County is hiding in the hotel laundry room minus his clothes, and Numbers Neidermeyer, one of Las Vegas' less than savory oddsmakers is seen arguing with the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock (a private investigator). Hours later, Numbers Neidermeyer is found in the shark tank and Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock (who is involved with Lucky's personal assistant Ms. Patterson) is the prime suspect in her death. Adding to her stress of finding out who killed Numbers, is her relationship with Teddy, unresolved feelings for Paxton Dane, and dealing with her mom who runs a brothel and is about to auction a virgin. Nonstop action and lots of fun characters.
September 19, 2023
This book is #2 in the Lucky O’Toole series set in Las Vegas. It was so fun to catch up and read more about the characters I loved in another fast paced, never boring, crazy life of a Vegas hotel and it’s guests! I was happy that this storyline picked up right where it left off and also appreciated that it was not redundant in repeating info from the first story. When there was a need to give a reference to something the author (Deborah Coonts) did it quickly and seamlessly. Love. I also really enjoyed that the humor was still here and that the mystery “who done it” element carried over to this novel as well. The reason for one less star on this one is simply because I found myself frustrated while listening a couple of times b/c the main character seemed whiney & insecure - which was Not the vibe she had portrayed up until the middle of this book. It bothered me & got old quick! Will definitely read or listen to the next in the series, but I may take a break with some other books for a bit.
(Audio)
(Audio)
July 24, 2018
Lucky Stiff was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't wowed by the first book in this series but I'm glad I stuck with it. Lucky O'Toole is the new standard. She is a female detective/hotel fixer and her own woman. She does not let her mother, her father or her boyfriend define her. I'd grown tired of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, no growth in the character, and had found Grafton's Kinsey Malone a bit dry. Lucky is neither stagnant nor dry.
A definite recommendation for those looking for a new female detective series. The writing is fast-paced, a bit reminiscent of the noir genre, and chock full of well-rounded characters. No one is flat.
A definite recommendation for those looking for a new female detective series. The writing is fast-paced, a bit reminiscent of the noir genre, and chock full of well-rounded characters. No one is flat.
September 25, 2025
Never in a million years would I have thought the things that go on in Vegas would lead me down a rabbit hole such as this book did.
Lucky has both the worst and best job all in one.
Some of the things that she has to endure are a different story altogether.
She has to deal with the possibility of losing the man of her dreams/best friend, her mother's shenanigans, irate hires that absolutely make stupid look brilliant and unexpected requests that will make your faint. Overall, I can't wait to go back to read the first book in the series as well as the next. That doozy of a bomb that was dropped makes me curious how she is going to handle the situation.
Lucky has both the worst and best job all in one.
Some of the things that she has to endure are a different story altogether.
She has to deal with the possibility of losing the man of her dreams/best friend, her mother's shenanigans, irate hires that absolutely make stupid look brilliant and unexpected requests that will make your faint. Overall, I can't wait to go back to read the first book in the series as well as the next. That doozy of a bomb that was dropped makes me curious how she is going to handle the situation.
July 28, 2017
Series does have a vague Stephanie Plum feel to it, but I found it really hard to connect with the characters most of the time. That in turn made it really hard to over look the 'isn't it SO convenient that 'that' happened just so that 'that' can happen a bit later!'
I thought about continuing the series, because there is the potential of it being better than it is, but quite frankly, it's about $3-4 too much for each book for what this authors offering. I'd be fine paying $1.99, probably $2.99. $3-4ea would be a stretch, and they are actually charging $7ea!?! No.
I thought about continuing the series, because there is the potential of it being better than it is, but quite frankly, it's about $3-4 too much for each book for what this authors offering. I'd be fine paying $1.99, probably $2.99. $3-4ea would be a stretch, and they are actually charging $7ea!?! No.
September 6, 2017
Murder and extra sappy/horny. Teddie is in the beginning of becoming a music superstar and Lucky is already morning the eventual break up as soon as he sets foot on the plane and only stops to try to clear a friend's name of murder, save a virgin from her nutty mother, and to have a bit of sex then immediately goes back to moping and lusting after every guy she sees. I was hoping for humor, but there were maybe 20 good lines in the entire book. If you like romance great, if you want Vegas entertainment, look for a new author.
September 13, 2019
Here we go again. Vegas, murder, romance and Lucky O’Toole. I couldn’t help but enjoy this second book in the series. A truck carrying honey bees crashes on the strip, a dead body in a shark tank and the Clark County DA locked out of his hotel room in the Babylon without his clothes. An enjoyable cast of characters and a great mystery with a twist all rolled into one great read. I really enjoy the Vegas setting and the peek into the running of a casino. Then there’s Lucky’s romance with Teddie with Paxton waiting in the wings. I’m hooked again and ready to read the rest in the series.
September 15, 2017
Taking place in Las Vegas this murder mystery takes you into the world of running a casino from the customer relations end. It starts with a tractor trailer full of bee tipping over, then to a body in pieces found in the shark tank. It continues with love, surprises and twists and confirming that you can't always believe what you hear/read. It is a light read, a step above a cozy mystery and leaves you with wanting more.
August 1, 2024
What a punch on this one!! Lucky continues her struggle to keep the Babylon running smoothly, but when a bookie of ill repute winds up in a shark tank, it becomes an all-out war. Throw in a sale for a med students virginity, Teddie being on the road to fame, a prize fighter coming out for one last bout, and her Mom and Dad getting back together, and this shapes up to be a bumpy ride. A page turner from beginning to end, and then a final punch at the end - keep this series coming!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2018
I love Lucky but I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first. My favorite parts are when she is dealing with crazy guests in the hotel, and in this one she spent more time trying to solve a murder. I was also kind of disappointed that her boyfriend is no longer doing his female impersonator act. I liked that about him. I’ll definitely read more Lucky, though.
March 9, 2018
disappointing second entry in this series. I think Coonts would up too many of the interpersonal subplots that added tension to the first book at the end of the first book. Thus, she's got much less to work with here. Felt really slack to me. Not sure I'd go on. Could get better, but I am skeptical.
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