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Secrets of the South Mysteries #2
What Happened on Beale Street
What Happened on Beale Street is an exciting addition to the Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These standalone, complex crime dramas follow a private investigator's quest to make the world a better place...solving one case at a time.
A cryptic plea for help from a childhood friend sends cousins Nate and Nicki Price from New Orleans to Memphis, the home of scrumptious barbecue and soulful blues music. When they arrive at Danny Andre's last known address, they discover signs of a struggle and a lifestyle not in keeping with the former choirboy they fondly remember.
Danny's sister, Isabelle, reluctantly accepts their help. She and Nate aren't on the best of terms due to a complicated past, yet they will have to get beyond that if they want to save Danny.
On top of Danny's alarming disappearance and his troubled relationship with Isabelle, Nate also has to rein in his favorite cousin's overzealousness as a new and eager PI. Confronted with a possible murder, mystery, and mayhem in the land of the Delta blues, Nate must rely on his faith and investigative experience to keep one or more of them from getting killed.
A cryptic plea for help from a childhood friend sends cousins Nate and Nicki Price from New Orleans to Memphis, the home of scrumptious barbecue and soulful blues music. When they arrive at Danny Andre's last known address, they discover signs of a struggle and a lifestyle not in keeping with the former choirboy they fondly remember.
Danny's sister, Isabelle, reluctantly accepts their help. She and Nate aren't on the best of terms due to a complicated past, yet they will have to get beyond that if they want to save Danny.
On top of Danny's alarming disappearance and his troubled relationship with Isabelle, Nate also has to rein in his favorite cousin's overzealousness as a new and eager PI. Confronted with a possible murder, mystery, and mayhem in the land of the Delta blues, Nate must rely on his faith and investigative experience to keep one or more of them from getting killed.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2016
87 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellis
36 books271 followersMary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest book is One for the Road from the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. One Hundred Proof Murder releases August 31, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing at Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 2, 2016
What Happened on Beale Street by Mary Ellis is my second foray into the stand alone Secrets of the South Mystery series and I am so happy to embark on another adventure through the southern states of America.
I love familiar locations and mysteries, so when I won the first beautiful book, I was ecstatic and I want to tell you how ‘marvelous’ the continuing journey has been.
A childhood pledge takes impulsive but lovable Nicki and her gang from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee.
Nate, her uptight but competent and loyal cousin and private investigator partner are on the case. It helps to have the wealthy and hunky Hunter to finance their trip and they are on their way in style. I love it. Made me think of Hart to Hart, the crime solving TV duo, only they are married.
The characters are ‘real’, with all their good and bad exposed. They have big hearts and are there for each other.
What do murder, stalking and a scavenger hunt have in common? What Happened on Beale Street.
The mystery is not mind blowing, but the tension and pacing kept my curiosity peaked, turning page after page, until I was done. Not only did I want to know who the murderer was, but I was even more concerned and curious about Isabelle. BUT that’s a mystery you’ll have to find out for yourself.
I thought I knew exactly how it would end, but Mary Ellis seems to be able to surprise me to the very last page. The suspense makes this hard, if not impossible, to stop reading once you start. I see more stories coming with this wonderful cast of characters and I am curious where we will travel to next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of What Happened of Beale Street from Mary Ellis.
I love familiar locations and mysteries, so when I won the first beautiful book, I was ecstatic and I want to tell you how ‘marvelous’ the continuing journey has been.
A childhood pledge takes impulsive but lovable Nicki and her gang from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee.
Nate, her uptight but competent and loyal cousin and private investigator partner are on the case. It helps to have the wealthy and hunky Hunter to finance their trip and they are on their way in style. I love it. Made me think of Hart to Hart, the crime solving TV duo, only they are married.
The characters are ‘real’, with all their good and bad exposed. They have big hearts and are there for each other.
What do murder, stalking and a scavenger hunt have in common? What Happened on Beale Street.
The mystery is not mind blowing, but the tension and pacing kept my curiosity peaked, turning page after page, until I was done. Not only did I want to know who the murderer was, but I was even more concerned and curious about Isabelle. BUT that’s a mystery you’ll have to find out for yourself.
I thought I knew exactly how it would end, but Mary Ellis seems to be able to surprise me to the very last page. The suspense makes this hard, if not impossible, to stop reading once you start. I see more stories coming with this wonderful cast of characters and I am curious where we will travel to next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of What Happened of Beale Street from Mary Ellis.
April 17, 2017
I have not read the previous entry in the series...but, I still enjoyed this one!
May 2, 2016
New Orleans comes to life in this second book in the Secrets of the South Mysteries series. This one reads well has a standalone though it continues the story of the main characters. I haven't read Midnight on the Mississippi and I had no problem following the slight overlap. Mind you, I will definitely be catching up with that first book!
Absolutely love the southern setting. Ellis brings all aspects of Memphis to life and even throws in a little history just for fun. Awesome stuff. And Nicki and Nate are faced with three mysteries to solve as they juggle life-threatening along with the light-hearted. Makes for an interesting mix and a fast paced story that doesn't let up until the final page.
A host of fascinating characters drew me in and kept me reading. Nate, the stalwart pro, Nicki and her rookie 'go in with all guns blazing' enthusiasm and Isabelle trying so hard to hold it all together. Not to mention the secondary characters -- both good and evil -- that flesh out the story into something truly spellbinding.
Murder, mayhem and sweet romance. Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
Absolutely love the southern setting. Ellis brings all aspects of Memphis to life and even throws in a little history just for fun. Awesome stuff. And Nicki and Nate are faced with three mysteries to solve as they juggle life-threatening along with the light-hearted. Makes for an interesting mix and a fast paced story that doesn't let up until the final page.
A host of fascinating characters drew me in and kept me reading. Nate, the stalwart pro, Nicki and her rookie 'go in with all guns blazing' enthusiasm and Isabelle trying so hard to hold it all together. Not to mention the secondary characters -- both good and evil -- that flesh out the story into something truly spellbinding.
Murder, mayhem and sweet romance. Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
March 6, 2016
One of my new favorite PIs, Nicki Price, is back. Midnight on the Mississippi introduced us to the rookie sleuth as she solved her first case and fell in love at the same time. This time around, she’s leaving New Orleans to track down her best friend after a concerning phone call in the town known for blues, barbecue, and Elvis—Memphis.
When Nicki and her cousin Nate arrive in Tennessee, they discover Danny Andre’s lifestyle was nothing they expected. Add to that signs of struggle in his apartment, and Danny’s sister Isabelle wants Nate and Nicki to take the case.
Balancing their investigation with staying out of local law enforcements way proves to be difficult—especially for Nicki whose exuberance and tendency to speak without filtering her thoughts—the Price Investigation team runs into dead end after dead end. Between having to reign his cousin in and navigate the shaky ground with stand-offish Isabelle, Nate has his hands full as he searches for the truth behind what happened to Danny.
What happened on Beale Street is a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing. While Nicki is back and embroiled in her own fun mystery at the hotel where she and her cousin are staying, this is more Nate’s story. Readers will enjoy getting re-acquainted with Nicki and her fiancé, Hunter Galen as well as learning more about her cousin. Nate and Isabelle butt heads at first but as they get to know each other, their relationship develops. Isabelle needs friendships, and Nate and Nicki provide something she longs for.
Mary Ellis’s second Secrets of the South book delivers an entertaining and satisfying story filled with memorable characters and enough action to keep things moving along at the perfect pace.
***Harvest House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Nicki and her cousin Nate arrive in Tennessee, they discover Danny Andre’s lifestyle was nothing they expected. Add to that signs of struggle in his apartment, and Danny’s sister Isabelle wants Nate and Nicki to take the case.
Balancing their investigation with staying out of local law enforcements way proves to be difficult—especially for Nicki whose exuberance and tendency to speak without filtering her thoughts—the Price Investigation team runs into dead end after dead end. Between having to reign his cousin in and navigate the shaky ground with stand-offish Isabelle, Nate has his hands full as he searches for the truth behind what happened to Danny.
What happened on Beale Street is a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing. While Nicki is back and embroiled in her own fun mystery at the hotel where she and her cousin are staying, this is more Nate’s story. Readers will enjoy getting re-acquainted with Nicki and her fiancé, Hunter Galen as well as learning more about her cousin. Nate and Isabelle butt heads at first but as they get to know each other, their relationship develops. Isabelle needs friendships, and Nate and Nicki provide something she longs for.
Mary Ellis’s second Secrets of the South book delivers an entertaining and satisfying story filled with memorable characters and enough action to keep things moving along at the perfect pace.
***Harvest House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2016
When Nicki’s best friend asks for help, she and cousin Nate head to Memphis in time to see his body pulled from a river. Being a blues musician doesn’t seem like a secure way to make a living, and Danny’s apartment is a dump. What had he gotten into?
After Nicki oversteps her boundaries, Nate orders her off the case while he continues to investigate. Danny’s sister Isabelle is an ice queen, but Nate can’t shake the pull toward her he felt in high school.
Isabelle begins to realize Nate really seems like a nice guy, but she’s dealing with her brother’s death and a creepy stalker.
Nicki dives into the mystery of a decades-old scavenger hunt at the posh Carlton Hotel. Wealthy couples hid jewels for their friends to find, and Nicki and the former concierge believe the last hunt’s prize is still hidden. Searching for it lands Nicki in hot water. Or, I should say, cold water.
Danny was murdered, but you’ll never guess who did it. A seamy side of playing in nightclubs comes to light, perhaps better understood for someone who loves the blues. As Danny’s character is revealed, his friend and sister realize they never really knew him.
Isabelle was hard to understand. She does recognize she needs to make changes in her life. She’s being stalked, yet despite a restraining order, she engages the stalker in conversation while pushing away the people who truly care about her.
An enjoyable sequel to Midnight on the Mississippi. I received this book from the publisher, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 3, 2019
I’ve been trying to diversity my reading materials, so I snatched this book up when it was a daily find for Nook earlier this week. I diversified, but not in the way I intended. I thought the book was focused on African American characters, having confused the title with another similar book. Instead, turns out it was an “Inspirational” book with mainly white characters. Hats off to the author for not making the race of any characters that obvious, at least in the beginning. It wasn’t until I was more than half way through the book when I realized my error – it is mentioned that the murder victim stood out because he was white. After that I slowly pieced it all together.
Aside from my confusion, the book itself was fine. The characters all seemed a bit flat. The murder mystery and a secondary mystery about a scavenger hunt unraveled, but nothing remarkable about either tale.
I like the city of Memphis and wished its unique aspects would have played more a role in the story. Yes there were mentions of Beale street, but that was somewhat generic. To make the city more of a character, race probably would have played more of a role because that city is so segregated
As mentioned above, the book would qualify as inspirational. Most of the main characters make a point of saying they go to church and in the second half of the book god is mentioned a few times. It neither added nor subtracted from the story in my view.
The book was fine, but neither the story nor the characters engaged me enough to read the remaining books in the series.
Aside from my confusion, the book itself was fine. The characters all seemed a bit flat. The murder mystery and a secondary mystery about a scavenger hunt unraveled, but nothing remarkable about either tale.
I like the city of Memphis and wished its unique aspects would have played more a role in the story. Yes there were mentions of Beale street, but that was somewhat generic. To make the city more of a character, race probably would have played more of a role because that city is so segregated
As mentioned above, the book would qualify as inspirational. Most of the main characters make a point of saying they go to church and in the second half of the book god is mentioned a few times. It neither added nor subtracted from the story in my view.
The book was fine, but neither the story nor the characters engaged me enough to read the remaining books in the series.
March 15, 2016
When Nicki Price receives a frantic call from her old high school friend Danny Andre, she rather blows him off, but seconds after she hangs up she has regrets and heads from New Orleans to Memphis as fast as she can.
Her employer and cousin Nick also knows Danny, and goes with her, only to find him deceased, he was murdered. We delve into Danny’s life and find him to be nothing like he was in high school, and with regrets Nick decides to find out what happen to this classmate.
We also meet Danny’s sister Isabelle, Nick had a crush on her in high school that was not returned, and meeting her again, he still likes her, but thinks she puts on airs. We are about to discover that first impressions or thoughts are not always how things are, and when the Price’s offer help, reluctantly Izzy accepts.
I loved Nicki, what a vivacious and fun character she is, and really seems to care about people. She takes the concierge’s grandfather under her wing, and a new adventure begins.
I really enjoyed this story, and was surprised at who finally turned up to be the murderer, and guess I should have seen it coming. This is a sad, but filled with adventure mystery, and recommend it as a good read, and one you won’t be able to put back down once you have turned that first page!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Her employer and cousin Nick also knows Danny, and goes with her, only to find him deceased, he was murdered. We delve into Danny’s life and find him to be nothing like he was in high school, and with regrets Nick decides to find out what happen to this classmate.
We also meet Danny’s sister Isabelle, Nick had a crush on her in high school that was not returned, and meeting her again, he still likes her, but thinks she puts on airs. We are about to discover that first impressions or thoughts are not always how things are, and when the Price’s offer help, reluctantly Izzy accepts.
I loved Nicki, what a vivacious and fun character she is, and really seems to care about people. She takes the concierge’s grandfather under her wing, and a new adventure begins.
I really enjoyed this story, and was surprised at who finally turned up to be the murderer, and guess I should have seen it coming. This is a sad, but filled with adventure mystery, and recommend it as a good read, and one you won’t be able to put back down once you have turned that first page!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 3, 2016
WHAT HAPPENED ON BEALE STREET is the second book in Ms. Ellis's Secrets of the South Mysteries series, but it easily stands alone. I didn't read Midnight on the Mississippi, the first book in the series, and didn't get lost in WHAT HAPPENED ON BEALE STREET at all.
Set in Memphis, Tennessee, that is enough to set this country girl's teeth on edge. I am not a Memphis native, but I have been there a grand total of three times in my life (so far) and it is scary enough without reading about the seedier part of town. Add in a murder, druggies, down-and-out individuals, creepy stalkers, and missing jewels and you've got a tale that is sure to please most cozy mystery lovers.
The story is rather slow. It is definitely not edge of your seat, have to keep reading fiction. It is not scary and is easy to put down. Out of the mysteries included I found the missing jewels the most intriguing and the one I most wanted to read about.
Ms. Ellis is talented with Amish, historical, and cozy mystery, and author that apparently can write anything with ease. Fans of her Amish or historical will likely love her contemporary cozy mystery, too. Don't miss WHAT HAPPENED ON BEALE STREET for a taste of Memphis you won't soon forget.
Set in Memphis, Tennessee, that is enough to set this country girl's teeth on edge. I am not a Memphis native, but I have been there a grand total of three times in my life (so far) and it is scary enough without reading about the seedier part of town. Add in a murder, druggies, down-and-out individuals, creepy stalkers, and missing jewels and you've got a tale that is sure to please most cozy mystery lovers.
The story is rather slow. It is definitely not edge of your seat, have to keep reading fiction. It is not scary and is easy to put down. Out of the mysteries included I found the missing jewels the most intriguing and the one I most wanted to read about.
Ms. Ellis is talented with Amish, historical, and cozy mystery, and author that apparently can write anything with ease. Fans of her Amish or historical will likely love her contemporary cozy mystery, too. Don't miss WHAT HAPPENED ON BEALE STREET for a taste of Memphis you won't soon forget.
June 28, 2016
3.5 stars. This was a cute book. It took me a week to read and I just couldn't seem to get into it as much as the first book but all in the same a decent book
So most of these characters were in the first book (which I just adored). Nate and Nicki run a PI firm and when one late night Nicki gets a call from a good friend stating he is in big trouble but as the convo goes on he doesn't want to bother her with his problems and hangs up without stating why he called. So from there Nicki just didn't feel right so her and Nate (her cousin) head to Memphis to see why her good friend, Danny, was in trouble. When they arrive they find out Danny is dead....
This is a cute mystery. I think my favorite parts were about the Carlton hotel mystery!! This would be a great teenage read or a good Christian read. Though not until near the end did I ever even get close to knowing who killed Danny.
Just wish this book didn't have so much "filler". I did enjoy the historic info. Good book
**I received this book as an ARC from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. In return I gave my honest review**
So most of these characters were in the first book (which I just adored). Nate and Nicki run a PI firm and when one late night Nicki gets a call from a good friend stating he is in big trouble but as the convo goes on he doesn't want to bother her with his problems and hangs up without stating why he called. So from there Nicki just didn't feel right so her and Nate (her cousin) head to Memphis to see why her good friend, Danny, was in trouble. When they arrive they find out Danny is dead....
This is a cute mystery. I think my favorite parts were about the Carlton hotel mystery!! This would be a great teenage read or a good Christian read. Though not until near the end did I ever even get close to knowing who killed Danny.
Just wish this book didn't have so much "filler". I did enjoy the historic info. Good book
**I received this book as an ARC from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. In return I gave my honest review**
June 24, 2016
At times humorous and then heart-wrenching, Mary Ellis steps away from her Amish books, which is what I know her for writing, to bring us this romantic suspense. I loved Nicki's go-get-em attitude. She wasn't afraid of plunging in to find out where her friend had disappeared to. Paired with Nick's steady, reliable investigative technique, they find the answers they sought. In the process, we see hearts collide and struggle with the realities of life.
While not in the same vein as her Amish work, Ms. Ellis did an excellent job telling this story and I enjoyed the book.
***I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
While not in the same vein as her Amish work, Ms. Ellis did an excellent job telling this story and I enjoyed the book.
***I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2016
From opening to ending this story has kept action constant . Steady pacing, witty dialogue characterizing personalities, add humour and romance, and Ms Ellis offers a uniquely flavoured Memphis mystery.
A diversionary subplot provided reading refreshment from the intensity of the suspense. Characters involved my attention and care as did the developing relationships.
I'm still catching my breath from some high adrenaline moments!
A diversionary subplot provided reading refreshment from the intensity of the suspense. Characters involved my attention and care as did the developing relationships.
I'm still catching my breath from some high adrenaline moments!
May 29, 2021
I really liked these characters in the first book. Super disappointed in the second. The stories were fun, but come on. A couple in their 20s engaged almost a year and they are hung up about any affection with each other? I realize this is probably supposed to be showing some good Christian values, but it was ridiculous.
November 8, 2019
Frankly I'm surprised at all the high ratings. I thought this book was just okay. I did not read the first book in the series nor did I know it was a book in a series when my friend gave it to me to read.
I did not love the stereotyping of people who live in or near Memphis. I grew up and still live in Bartlett, TN which is described in this book as "an upscale suburb" of Memphis. And one character lives in a "mini-mansion" with a gate that has a guard at her driveway. Um, that would be difficult to find in Bartlett which is actually a middle-class (but nice enough) suburb. Several details about local places bugged me while reading. At one point, Izzy takes Nate to Shelby Farms to spend a fun day. She describes it to Nate as "one of the biggest urban parks in America, and it's right here in Memphis. Forty-five-hundred acres of fishing, paddleboats, hiking, and horseback riding." I thought she sounded more like a commercial than a local taking a friend to the park. The Memphis cliches were excessive, and some of the descriptions of neighborhoods and drives out to "the country" (Tipton County) were ridiculous. People around here do appreciate good barbecue--both shredded pork and ribs--but they don't discuss it constantly or eat it every day.
Nicki's relationship with Hunter was strange. She would complain about how he treated her, then say it was only because he loved her so much--over and over and over. Actually I found all of Nicki's relationships with people (aside from the elderly scavenger hunt people) strange. She acted like an immature brat with the police; she was whiny with the concierge, pushy with the dude at The Commercial Appeal newspaper, and just annoying.
I found multiple typos, and that bugs me. In one paragraph, the author says that "everyone ate too much as they talked and laughed for hours." Same paragraph, two sentences later, "The meal lasted for hours." Also, Danny was the sweetest, greatest, big-hearted person; every musician they heard was the greatest ever; all the food they ate was the most delicious; ad nauseam.
I did enjoy the interactions between Nicki and the old people while she researched the old scavenger hunt. And I was happy with the conclusion. Whenever I ask my son what his favorite part of something (school, a book, a movie) was, he says, "The part where it ended." So what was my favorite part of this book?
The part where it ended.
I did not love the stereotyping of people who live in or near Memphis. I grew up and still live in Bartlett, TN which is described in this book as "an upscale suburb" of Memphis. And one character lives in a "mini-mansion" with a gate that has a guard at her driveway. Um, that would be difficult to find in Bartlett which is actually a middle-class (but nice enough) suburb. Several details about local places bugged me while reading. At one point, Izzy takes Nate to Shelby Farms to spend a fun day. She describes it to Nate as "one of the biggest urban parks in America, and it's right here in Memphis. Forty-five-hundred acres of fishing, paddleboats, hiking, and horseback riding." I thought she sounded more like a commercial than a local taking a friend to the park. The Memphis cliches were excessive, and some of the descriptions of neighborhoods and drives out to "the country" (Tipton County) were ridiculous. People around here do appreciate good barbecue--both shredded pork and ribs--but they don't discuss it constantly or eat it every day.
Nicki's relationship with Hunter was strange. She would complain about how he treated her, then say it was only because he loved her so much--over and over and over. Actually I found all of Nicki's relationships with people (aside from the elderly scavenger hunt people) strange. She acted like an immature brat with the police; she was whiny with the concierge, pushy with the dude at The Commercial Appeal newspaper, and just annoying.
I found multiple typos, and that bugs me. In one paragraph, the author says that "everyone ate too much as they talked and laughed for hours." Same paragraph, two sentences later, "The meal lasted for hours." Also, Danny was the sweetest, greatest, big-hearted person; every musician they heard was the greatest ever; all the food they ate was the most delicious; ad nauseam.
I did enjoy the interactions between Nicki and the old people while she researched the old scavenger hunt. And I was happy with the conclusion. Whenever I ask my son what his favorite part of something (school, a book, a movie) was, he says, "The part where it ended." So what was my favorite part of this book?
The part where it ended.
May 18, 2017
I believe the thing that stands out in my mind about this book is the long-lasting friendship between Nicki and Danny. Friends since childhood, Nicki is the one he calls when he finds himself in deep trouble. Little does she know the direction his life has taken or the dire circumstances he is facing. She simply recognizes that her friend needs her and her cousin to come to Memphis. When she and Nate arrive, they find themselves in a situation far worse than they expected. I always thought of Memphis as a visitor-friendly city with Graceland and so many other sights to see, but Nicki’s fiancé and her cousin insist she needs to stay in the hotel and do her detective work with a computer rather than going out into the city with Nate. As in the first book of this series, she is not content to sit around at a computer all day and soon finds another mystery to solve that involves jewels reportedly missing since 1960. One of the few people who believes they exist is the elderly gentleman who was the bellman at the hotel for 50 years. To add to the drama, Danny’s sister is being stalked. The author has packed this story with suspense, mystery, action, romance, faith, and a bit of whimsy. Several of the characters bring so much fun into the story but others are on the dark side and cause a lot of concern for the lead characters. Nicki has got to be my favorite character because of the situations and predicaments she gets herself into. Nate almost seems to have undergone a personality change from the first book and actually seems to want the assistance Nicki can offer rather than trying to send her back home at every turn. I enjoyed the story and want to know what happens next.
September 1, 2019
I read the first book in this series so I was looking forward to this one, but it was a disappointment. There are three different stories going on. The main one was very anticlimactic, while the most interesting one (the stalker) was resolved too quickly and the other one (mystery jewels) was just to give the other main character something to do.
My main issue with this book was that had I guessed the age of these character I would say 65, before knowing they are in their mid to late 20's. They either don't or barely drink alcohol, are shocked that people smoke cigarettes and drink in bars, they watch Petticoat Junction and don't have social media. Nicki, a strong woman, is reduced to being taken care of by men because she can't possibly do it herself and needs her fiance to take responsibility for her. He's extremely controlling and she just allows it while still trying to act like she's an independent woman.
It's almost disturbing to me that Nicki is basically repulsed by receiving any type of affection from her fiancé, who we are told numerous times is perfect and handsome. I don't believe a man or woman would stay in a relationship if any time they tried to do anything other than kiss on the cheek or hold hands of their significant other they were pushed away. It's weird and not a healthy relationship. 25 year olds stay in the same hotel room and have sex. Even if they don't have sex, they're making out and showing some type of affection! I wish the author would have consulted some actual 20 somethings instead of putting 65 year old attitudes in 20 something bodies.
I really wanted to like this series, but it's way too old fashioned for me.
My main issue with this book was that had I guessed the age of these character I would say 65, before knowing they are in their mid to late 20's. They either don't or barely drink alcohol, are shocked that people smoke cigarettes and drink in bars, they watch Petticoat Junction and don't have social media. Nicki, a strong woman, is reduced to being taken care of by men because she can't possibly do it herself and needs her fiance to take responsibility for her. He's extremely controlling and she just allows it while still trying to act like she's an independent woman.
It's almost disturbing to me that Nicki is basically repulsed by receiving any type of affection from her fiancé, who we are told numerous times is perfect and handsome. I don't believe a man or woman would stay in a relationship if any time they tried to do anything other than kiss on the cheek or hold hands of their significant other they were pushed away. It's weird and not a healthy relationship. 25 year olds stay in the same hotel room and have sex. Even if they don't have sex, they're making out and showing some type of affection! I wish the author would have consulted some actual 20 somethings instead of putting 65 year old attitudes in 20 something bodies.
I really wanted to like this series, but it's way too old fashioned for me.
August 14, 2017
Nicki Price, new comer to Price Investigations, receives a call from a good friend, a call indicating that he is in some type of trouble. When Nicki cannot reach Danny to follow up on his problem, she, with her boss and cousin, Nate head to Memphis to try to help; but, they are too late, Danny’s body is pulled from the river. Nicki and Nate decide to stay to make sure they know for certain what happened to Danny. Unfortunately, Nicki takes her job a bit too seriously and is close to being arrested for harassment. Nate has no alternative, he restricts Nicki’s activities in this investigation.
In the meantime, after feeling that she has lost her grip, Nicki take a tour of the Carlton Hotel, where she learns from a retired bellhop, the hotel where she is staying has a mystery of its own. During the 1960’s five wealthy couples would meet at the Carlton for a few days of relaxation, eventually, the couple began buying expensive trinkets, hiding them and the first couple to locate the trinkets were to purchase, plant and write clues the following year.
A Catastrophic accident costs the lives of one of the couples cancelling the treasure hunt. The retired bellhop is positive the prize is still within the Carlton, as of yet, never found. While Nate searches for Danny’s killer, Nicki partners with the retired bellhop, seeking information that will lead her to the final treasure.
Will Nate find the killer without loosing his own life? Will Nicki find the lost jewels? It’s a fantastic story, one that is sure to keep readers of all genres entertained.
In the meantime, after feeling that she has lost her grip, Nicki take a tour of the Carlton Hotel, where she learns from a retired bellhop, the hotel where she is staying has a mystery of its own. During the 1960’s five wealthy couples would meet at the Carlton for a few days of relaxation, eventually, the couple began buying expensive trinkets, hiding them and the first couple to locate the trinkets were to purchase, plant and write clues the following year.
A Catastrophic accident costs the lives of one of the couples cancelling the treasure hunt. The retired bellhop is positive the prize is still within the Carlton, as of yet, never found. While Nate searches for Danny’s killer, Nicki partners with the retired bellhop, seeking information that will lead her to the final treasure.
Will Nate find the killer without loosing his own life? Will Nicki find the lost jewels? It’s a fantastic story, one that is sure to keep readers of all genres entertained.
September 4, 2017
As much as I liked Midnight on the Mississippi, I found myself a tiny bit disappointed in the second book in the series. This time, Nate Price and his irrepressible cousin Nicki are in Memphis, looking into the death of the latter's long-ago high school friend, Danny. We also get to meet Danny's sister, Isabelle, on whom Nate had a crush in high school.
Nicki's fiancé, Hunter, whom we meet in the first book, is footing the bill for the pair to stay at a snazzy hotel, the Carlton (which feels like it might be based on the Peabody). When Nicki is benched from the murder investigation, she starts looking into a long-ago case involving jewels stashed at the hotel for a scavenger hunt.
The story lines were tightly constructed and entertaining, but I started to feel a little bit preached at as characters talked about how Christians do this and Christians do that. I don't mind a little religion thrown into the mix (I hold three ministerial ordinations, for Pete's sake), but it doesn't need to be front and center all the time. The preachy talk actually cost this book a star.
Nicki's fiancé, Hunter, whom we meet in the first book, is footing the bill for the pair to stay at a snazzy hotel, the Carlton (which feels like it might be based on the Peabody). When Nicki is benched from the murder investigation, she starts looking into a long-ago case involving jewels stashed at the hotel for a scavenger hunt.
The story lines were tightly constructed and entertaining, but I started to feel a little bit preached at as characters talked about how Christians do this and Christians do that. I don't mind a little religion thrown into the mix (I hold three ministerial ordinations, for Pete's sake), but it doesn't need to be front and center all the time. The preachy talk actually cost this book a star.
July 11, 2017
As a lifelong Southern girl who enjoys romantic suspense, I am loving Mary Ellis' Secrets of the South Mysteries. Even better is the fact that "What Happened on Beale Street" mostly takes place in Memphis, the city with which I am most familiar. I have visited many of the places in this book so it was an especially fun read for me.
I can say that Mary Ellis can definitely construct a mystery that is difficult for me to solve ahead of time. She can really drop some red herrings and take her readers through some convoluted twists and turns along the way. The story has just the right blend of suspense, romance, and humor with a subtle touch of faith. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that helped to ease the tension at just the right times. I loved meeting new characters as well as catching up with those from earlier books in the series.
If you are a fan of Southern mysteries, or just a mystery fan, I can almost guarantee you will love "What Happened on Beale Street". Be sure to pick up a copy soon.
I can say that Mary Ellis can definitely construct a mystery that is difficult for me to solve ahead of time. She can really drop some red herrings and take her readers through some convoluted twists and turns along the way. The story has just the right blend of suspense, romance, and humor with a subtle touch of faith. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that helped to ease the tension at just the right times. I loved meeting new characters as well as catching up with those from earlier books in the series.
If you are a fan of Southern mysteries, or just a mystery fan, I can almost guarantee you will love "What Happened on Beale Street". Be sure to pick up a copy soon.
June 17, 2017
Unfortunately since I read the 3rd book first, I knew how the romantic angle of this book would turn out, but the suspense part was still all a mystery to me. This book had a change of scenery from the first one, but brought back the crime solving cousins of the first book. This book was even more gripping and suspenseful than the first, and the author did a great job of keeping the guilty party a secret until the very end of the book. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the blues music and clubs in the book, though that is not a genre' I listen to. I found the scavenger hunt mystery part of the book a bit distracting from the main plot, but still loved the book.
As with book one, there wasn't a lot of Christian content and way too much alcohol flowing. Beer drinking by Christians especially bothers me, and I don't know why the author feels it necessary to include that. I was also bothered by a few instances of "pissed off". It may not be a curse word, but it is out of place in a Christian book.
As with book one, there wasn't a lot of Christian content and way too much alcohol flowing. Beer drinking by Christians especially bothers me, and I don't know why the author feels it necessary to include that. I was also bothered by a few instances of "pissed off". It may not be a curse word, but it is out of place in a Christian book.
November 28, 2019
Love love Mary Ellis!!
This book is awesome!! I loved being on Beale Street where all the action took place!
This book will certainly leave you hopping and eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next!
I think people will love this book just because of who the author is and there's a lot of action that takes place if you love that sort of thing.
This is my first mystery book and I must I rather enjoyed it.
This author has done a super job in writing the plot of this book. It only took me a few hours to finish it.
The characters are delightful. The supporting characters were well done also.
I enjoyed this book too because I felt like I was in the middle of the chaos. I do love it when a book does that for me.
I highly recommend this book. She's truly gifted.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This book is awesome!! I loved being on Beale Street where all the action took place!
This book will certainly leave you hopping and eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next!
I think people will love this book just because of who the author is and there's a lot of action that takes place if you love that sort of thing.
This is my first mystery book and I must I rather enjoyed it.
This author has done a super job in writing the plot of this book. It only took me a few hours to finish it.
The characters are delightful. The supporting characters were well done also.
I enjoyed this book too because I felt like I was in the middle of the chaos. I do love it when a book does that for me.
I highly recommend this book. She's truly gifted.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
June 7, 2017
Fun cozy mystery with an overall serious theme. Nicki Price is back with her cousin Nate investigating a disappearance turned murder in Memphis. The victim is a childhood friend that they both loved but didn't know as much about as they thought.
This book has a secondary plot line that goes into the history of the Carlton Hotel that is interesting and doesn't take away from the main storyline.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading books three and four in the series.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
This book has a secondary plot line that goes into the history of the Carlton Hotel that is interesting and doesn't take away from the main storyline.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading books three and four in the series.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
August 29, 2017
Enjoy a great who-dun-it? This story is for you. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I have grown to love these characters. This book is hard to put down.
April 17, 2018
Southern Stories
So delightful. Keep my interest. Well written . Clean mystery and laughter. Pick your character and enjoy. Mary Ellis has written a great story. You will be astonished when you find the treasure.
So delightful. Keep my interest. Well written . Clean mystery and laughter. Pick your character and enjoy. Mary Ellis has written a great story. You will be astonished when you find the treasure.
July 25, 2021
Enjoyable
Mary Ellis keeps the reader guessing and on their toes trying to solve the mysteries in this book along with the private investigators. Well-written but not overly suspenseful, the journey is worth the read.
I will be reading more of her books in the future.
Mary Ellis keeps the reader guessing and on their toes trying to solve the mysteries in this book along with the private investigators. Well-written but not overly suspenseful, the journey is worth the read.
I will be reading more of her books in the future.
August 13, 2022
Fantastic read! I almost enjoyed this one even better than the first, having gotten to know Nate, Nicki, and Hunter by this point--and fewer characters here than in book 1. Loved getting to learn more about Memphis, as well; I'm ready to visit now!
March 15, 2018
Great Suspense
What have on Beale Street is a very well crafted suspense/romance. I loved the plot, characters and the setting. I highly recommend to readers of suspense
What have on Beale Street is a very well crafted suspense/romance. I loved the plot, characters and the setting. I highly recommend to readers of suspense
March 18, 2018
I liked the other books In this series. This with the mystery of the jewels disrupted the plot of the mystery of Danny. The descriptionof the places and people were good. Over all a good series
June 23, 2018
A light fun read. Three mysteries in one that kept me turning pages.
July 12, 2023
Not always keen on Christian romance/crime but here the faith element was subtle. I really enjoyed the book and I would like to read the rest of the series.
December 11, 2024
This was ok. I read is cause me and my husband were just in Memphis and Beale St. I didn't like how Beale st. Was made out to be for hoodlums, it's not like that at all!
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