Fool Me Once

Piper Harris #2

by Deany Ray

Thirtysomething Piper Harris and her grandmother, former members of a motorcycle gang, are struggling to adjust to their new life in Bitter End, Florida, after being relocated there at a retirement complex as part of the witness protection program. Lets just say Gran laundered money so well, she washed away their freedom. Its crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation? Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community. But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money. And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new? Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover? Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Humor, Murder Mystery, Cozy

358 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2023

About the author

https://www.facebook.com/deanyraybooks/

Deany Ray has always wanted to be a writer so she decided to take the plunge and dive into it.
She loves writing cozy mysteries, as this is what she likes to read the most.
Her favorite activities are traveling, going to the movie theatre, meeting up with friends and having cooking sessions with her awesome mom.

Reviews

[Vicki Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume 2 was just as good as volume 1 (Coming in Hot); maybe a little better. I could see myself in one of these retirement communities in the future. I really enjoyed the scenes where the retirees went all out playing paintball.

[Roseann Ilstrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny

The characters in these books are active, interesting, intelligent and most of all funny as all get out. The stories are fun to read. I love getting to know the characters. I look forward to the next book.

[Dawn Steenken korzekwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovin' these...

I don't even know who to compare these ladies to! They're full of sass and brass with just enough courage and confidence to go off investigating things but have enough brains to put the puzzle pieces together or to bring in the big backup. They are a hoot, and I'd love to be in their circle!!! Deany Ray is an amazing writer and gets you completely immersed in the book just as quick as possible! The storyline holds you tight where you don't want to put it down and will stay up past your bedtime, lol. I barely started this one and next thing I knew I was over one hundred pages in and it felt like I had only read for a few minutes!!! I love books like this but they're hard to come across. Deany Ray makes it a point with her books to get you absorbed in the stories and make you feel like you are a character as well. This is a series and most definitely best if you read all of them in order. Although, there's enough details about the past in each book that you wouldn't be lost and could still enjoy the story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ★★★★★ (obsessed)
audio narrated by Jenn Lee

Just when I thought I couldn’t laugh any harder, I started the second book set in Bitter End retirement community! I absolutely love this series and I’m going to spend all year waiting for each audiobook to release because the performance is top notch. These are some of my favorite memorable characters I’ve come across and quickly one of my favorite series. Aside from that, the mystery is super interesting to follow in each book!

[Nancy Ciliax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where's the meat?

I couldn't find any characters I really cared about. Maybe Edie. Too much dialogue that didn't go anywhere. We got told over and over again now much Piper and Granny hate their new life which makes me hate it too. I'm not interested enough to continue with the series.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These aren’t terribly exciting but they are a good steady read that I found myself enjoying. The humor and snark is great and the writing is just good.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a lot of fun.

Love the characters, the setting, the humor. Fun cozy mystery series. Being older myself, also love the setting at a retirement mobile park.

[Jenni St. Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up right where book one leaves off, the story finds the two women finally settling into their new home as part of the Witness Protection Program. Their quiet life doesn’t last long, though, thanks to their intrepid neighbor Edie—instantly recognizable by her bouncy white curls and sweet old-lady charm.
This time, the trouble comes in the form of scam artists who’ve swindled the seniors in their retirement village out of their life savings, only for the scheme to escalate into murder. Chaos ensues as Piper gets pulled into Edie’s bold plan to reclaim the stolen money, while Gran tries—and fails—to stay on the sidelines, forced to carefully navigate WITSEC’s strict rules.
Adding a lighter touch to the mayhem is a small but satisfying step forward in the slow-burn romance between Piper and Ryker, Edie’s hunky grandson, who just happens to be in charge of security at the retirement village.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m fully loving these characters more and more. 4.25⭐️’s

[R Grisham-Whitehouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

simple sweet mystery

What’s better than a crazy grandma? Two crazy grandmas. This is a fun read. It is not high drama but funny and interesting.

[Cannnnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t stop with these, but I do wish Piper would have said yes to Ryker. We know it’s coming, but like I’m ready for them to team up.

[Ed Mazing · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This is a really fun series

[Laura Duffy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun to read

Lots of twists and turns and really fun read. Kept me interested. Looking forward to volume 3 in this series.

[Lynette K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope, Not for me. It was boring, repetitive and I didn’t even care who did it. If this book had an editor it would be about 50 pages - the rest is all the same stuff (flip flops, oh I miss Oregon, crime shows, Ryker’s buffness/tattoo mentions.

The main character (Piper) isn’t even consistent with a through line. It’s like the author can’t keep up with the character established in book one. ‘I never let the cops handle anything in my whole life’ is just one example. Umm, sure, you did. It was mentioned the cops were on the payroll and let her previous enterprise get away with anything. Is the main character supposed to be part of the Scooby gang? I wouldn’t gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids type scenario? Or is the main character somehow morphed from bartender to private eye without us even knowing?

Ryker isn’t any better. He’s handsome, buff, drives a motorcycle and apparently has nothing to do besides check up on his aunt constantly. He is supposed to be either a PI or Security for the old folks but he seems to only show up at odd times and never is actually investigating but somehow appears with the cops for the ending.

I did enjoy the paintball but that was about it.

I didn’t find this book funny enough - not the ‘ample’ humor the author thinks she provided. Sorry to say I don’t think I’d read another from this series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deany Ray always conjures up a fabulously written and excitingly comical cozey mystery and she's done it again in the second mystery cozey to the " Piper Harris Mystery " series Piper and her Nona as well as niebour Charlie are in the thick of things once again after coming across a dead body. The familiar and lovable characters along with their niebourhood seniors and Charlie's nephew are a colorful, vibrant and quirky array of characters and then of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer in the background, these characters will immediately have you captivated and drawn into their drama then you will be enticed further through the intrigue of murder, corruption lies secrets ,car chase's and more mayhem than you can imagine all entwined through a plot that keeps things hopping unexpected turn of events hilarious senior events and a big WOW I didn't see that coming at the end. So grab a snack, a favorite beverage and settle in to be entertained. Acquire " Fool Me Once " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat

[Phyllis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the first one in the series was ok. This one had an ok mystery but too much repetition about missing their old life and repetition about what was going on. I won’t be continuing this series.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bored with the whole WITSEC deceit at every turn thing.

[Karen West · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not t keep me interested, didn't look for the next book

[mark krause · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too girly.

Don’t waste your time.
Just keep scrolling and you’ll find a book worth reading.
Contrived.
The twists and turns are flat.

[Michelle Adamo #EmptyNestReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fool Me Once
Piper Harris Mystery book 2
Deany Ray

Cover: A beach scene with a a closeup of a small, round table on top of which sits an old fashioned telephone, casino chips, a roll of cash, a gun and pair of biker boots.

From biker babe to a geriatric community member and golf cart driver in the blink of an eye. A cleverly written series about a grandmother (Dorothy 55+) and granddaughter (Piper 31) who find themselves living in a senior citizens village in Bitter End, Florida. Their move from Oregon was precipitated by their agreement to disclose information about a biker gang, the Oregon Falcons, that they were members of to the authorities. In exchange, they were placed in the government’s Witness Protection Program - after the IRS took everything they owned - and relocated to Florida where they are expected to hide their past as well as hide from former biker friends who may be intent on revenge, all while maintaining a Florida retiree image to their new friends.

Piper has made friends with the next door neighbor, Edie, an energetic retiree who loves wearing polka dot anything and getting involved in the community. Her hunk of a grandson, Ryker, is a Private Investigator. Theodore, another retiree in the village, has his eyes on Dorothy. Hilarity ensues when Theodore takes Dorothy and Piper to a community paintball fight and the two have difficulty remembering this is for fun, and not like their gang fights back in Oregon.

When Edie learns that her retirement investments have been caught up in an invest scheme she is worried about her lost money and, hell bent on revenge. She is also worried about one of the two investment agents whom she and Piper discovered to be dead, in the office. Edie is determined to catch the remaining “investor” who scammed her out of her money. Piper agrees to help and, drags Dorothy along, because she's appalled that anyone would steal from seniors.

Fool Me Once is book 2 in the Piper Harris Mystery Series. It is fun and funny, with a hint of upcoming romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#EmptyNestReader #FoolMeOnce #PiperHarrisMystery #DeanaRay #readalittlelearna

[Stephanie Lomax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a grandmother and granddaughter and put them in the Witness Protection Program and send them to the retirement community in Bitter End, Florida, and what do you have? A lot of laughs.

In the second book of the second book in the 'Piper Harris Mystery Series,' Piper and Gran (mostly Piper) are tasked with helping solve the mystery of a murdered woman.

Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are good with investing money for the citizens of Bitter End Retirement Community. But when Piper and her next door neighbor Edie go to the office of the Feldman's they find Tammy with a bullet to her head, and Lloyd is no where to be found. This leads to the reality that the Feldman's were not investing the money of the elderly into stocks, bonds, etc., but right into their own pockets. Now it's up to Piper, with a little help from Gran, to solve the mystery of just where Lloyd took off to, and where the money has gone.

But that's not all that is going on at Bitter End Retirement Community. A big outing for the residents is in the planning. They're going to play PAINT BAILL. And the winning team is given spa gift baskets. The whole paint ball scene is funny when one considers it's a game that is suited, for obvious reasons, for someone who isn't one step away from a broken hip. But the teams are out to win.

This series is cote, funny, and full of snark and banter. There's a little bit of poker playing (thank you Gran), some partying, and a murder or two. I highly recommend this series to fans of Janet Evanovich. Piper is Stephanie Plum's alter ego, solving crimes with nothing more than a wing and a prayer. And Gran is Grandma Plum, except Gran is a lot snarkier and can actually shoot a gun.

I gave this 4.25 out of 5 stars.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper and her Gran have been relocated by the witness protection agency to a senior living facility in Florida. They had lived an "active lifestyle" as members of a biker gang but Gran got busted and both are now bored out of their minds in their new location.

Piper agrees to drive her neighbor to deposit more funds into her investment account. When they get there, however, one of the investment advisors has been expertly shot dead. And so starts Piper's 2nd murder investigation. On one hand, she wants to steer clear, but on the other, she loves the intrigue and activity.

Piper and her Gran have been persuaded by a man, who seems to be a potential suitor for Gran, to attend a paint ball event, organized by the senior community. The fierce battle to ensues is a delight to read. In addition to the suitor for Gran, there appear to be some men interested in Piper - and at least one enemy in the making.

This is the second book in the series and it's a must read for people who enjoy Stephanie Plum. I laughed out loud several times.

I was given an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.

[Marion Marchetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Piper Harris and her Gran in book one of this cozy mystery series. This book, Fool Me Once, picks up at the end of book one. Finally settling into their new home (the two ladies are in the Witness Protection Program), they are drawn into another adventure by their intrepid neighbor Edie (bouncy white curls and a sweet old lady vibe). This time they are dealing with a couple of scam artists who have bilked most of the seniors in their retirement village of their life savings before managing to have one of them killed. It’s murder and mayhem as Piper is drawn in to Edie’s scheme to get back her money. Gran tries to stay out of it as well but has to tread the fine line of strict rules about being in WITSEC. And along the way we are treated to a baby step forward in the seedling romance between Piper and Ryker, Edie’s hunky grandson who also happens to run the security at the retirement village.

Lots of action, quirky characters, and the return of Lucretia the Sourpuss make for an enjoyable light read.

[Becky Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)

Fool Me Once (Piper Harris #2) was such a fun, quirky follow-up in this series!

Piper and her grandma are still trying (and failing 😅) to keep a low profile in witness protection… and honestly, that alone makes this book entertaining. A retirement community, a former motorcycle gang past, and a murder investigation? It’s chaotic in the best way.

The storyline with the financial scam and missing money kept things interesting, and I liked how the mystery unfolded. It wasn’t super intense or edge-of-your-seat, but it definitely kept me engaged and wanting to see how everything played out.

Gran continues to steal the show—she’s hands down my favorite part of this series. The humor, the banter, and the ridiculous situations they end up in made this such an easy, enjoyable read.

That said, it’s one of those solid 3.5⭐️ books for me. Not over-the-top amazing, but just a good, entertaining read when you want something light and fun.

If you like cozy mysteries with a little sass and a lot of personality, this series is definitely worth picking up!

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6✨ Piper is growing on me, and again, the supporting cast of characters is brilliant. The scene where the entire retirement community goes to play paintball? Loved it. My primary complaints are the same: Piper occasionally brings out some I’m-not-like-other-girls energy that really gets on my nerves and Gran can really just be a negative Nancy at times. I get that Piper and Gran’s vibes are supposed to be more pessimistic and cynical given their history, but I think that the series could benefit from a bit more balance. That type of development is definitely being seen from Piper, which is why this book has higher ratings than the previous one, but I’m waiting on Gran. Piper can only say “Gran looked like she was miserable but actually had a good time,” so many times before I start wanting to read actual proof of this.

I LOVE Edie and Piper’s dynamic though and if there was a book that purely focused on that I would instantly give it five stars.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series!!

What a fun series featuring Piper Harris and her Grandmother recently placed in the witness protection program. The setting is a retirement community in Florida with a fantastic collection of characters and activities that will keep you laughing. Piper and her Gram testified against a biker gang from Oregon where they were involved heavily in criminal activities until Gran was busted.
We follow Piper and Gran as they try to navigate through a new life completely opposite their former life.

This is the 2nd in the series but can be read as a standalone. The story begins when a financial scam threatens many of the residents of the retirement community’s hard earned money. The wife of the financial scammer is found dead thrusting Piper, her neighbor Eddie and her Gran spiraling back into the life they need to avoid.

I loved all the crazy antics and characters throughout the story. The mystery is really good too.
Enjoy this fantastic series!!

[Maria Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just say Gran laundered money so well, she washed away their freedom.

It’s crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation?

Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community.

But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money.

And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new?

Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover?

Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper just can't seem to keep herself out of the thick of it. If there is something shady going on, she's the first on the scene.

This time its financial managers scamming seniors out of their nest eggs. As soon as pie maven Edie tells Piper about it, of course Piper has to get involved dragging Gran along. Of course Edie's hunk of a grandson PI Ryker tells her to stay out of it. Good luck with that Ryker! There is also a reappearance of Sourpuss and Pineapple.

I preferred Book 1, Coming in Hot, but it was still entertaining and I'd still like Piper and Gran to be my neighbors!

Also, same as Book 1, this is not a mind boggling crime/thriller/mystery but it *IS* a cute cozy mystery mixed with comedy and quirky characters for an easy breezy read/listen.
I listened to the audiobook. Narration by Jenn Lee was fabulous.

[Jo Lynn Bruno-Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series featuring Piper Harris and her Grandmother, Dorothy. They are still in their Florida retirement community as part of the Witness Protection Program and as usual, not able to stay out of trouble.
Their neighbor, Edie, once again has found a body. This time it is a financial planner that has been handling investments for some of the community residents. As the investigation begins it is discovered that the business was a scam and that the residents that invested may be out their money.
As usual, Edie drags Piper into finding the business partner who is on the run. Edie even manages to get Dorothy involved though reluctantly.
There are some funny missteps and glimpses of increasing interest in Ryker, Edie's handsome P.I grandson. While not Stephanie Plum, it is a funny and clever story and made a quick and light Good Read

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

They're at it again!

It just seems that these two cannot stay out of trouble! Or, at least, they can't seem to help themselves stumbling over crimes and setting things to rights.

Piper and Grams may reluctantly reside in Bitter End, but they do everything they can to help out their neighbours. Even when they didn't actually mean to!

This is another rollicking tale, with Piper forever trying to not do the right thing while keeping Grams on track. You'll be intrigued and outraged in equal measure, but you'll laugh yourself silly too.

Don't miss it!

[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely, and are entirely my own.]

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a wild and crazy ride with Piper and her Gran in their new retirement village. That Edie absolutely cracks me up! She makes me think of the awesome Betty White (who better to play Edie if this was movie, right?) and Dorothy aka Gran makes me think of well, the Dorothy character from Golden Girls. I'm sure Piper feels like she's herding cats sometimes. Ha, can you just see Gran owning a cat? It'd either drive her crazy or she'd get it a little biker outfit!

As always Piper went down the rabbit hole with her pal Edie and got into the murder investigation, but she did come up with the answer that resulted in a tense but kinda funny showdown. Luckily Edie had her back so the cavalry got there when needed. I'm glad the next book's coming out soon!