Bad Medicine

Lizzie Hart Mysteries #3

by Caroline Fardig

*A Suspense Magazine Best Book of 2015*What do a smokin' hot detective, an evil chiropractor, and a couple of blind dates from hell have in common? Lizzie has to wrangle them all in the third book of THE LIZZIE HART MYSTERIES series!Lizzie Hart is overjoyed that six whole months have passed without a single murder in the sleepy town of Liberty. It's also been six months since Blake Morgan heartlessly dumped her, but she's determined to get over him. She's slimmed down, ready to party, and injury-free, except for a little nagging pain in her ankle. She's also very single, but her friends are doing everything in their power to fix that--including setting her up on one disastrous blind date after another.Lizzie's reprieve is short-lived when an old friend of hers is found dead from an apparent drug overdose. She wants to write it off as bad behavior after having seen the guy cheating on his wife with the new chiropractor in town. However, when she sees that same chiropractor playing doctor with another man who ends up dead, she worries there could be murder afoot.Doing her best to stay on the right side of the law this time, Lizzie decides to go straight to the police with her suspicions. Unfortunately, the only cop available to speak with her is the stern yet hot new detective who has already given her a traffic ticket and a reprimand for public intoxication. Not surprisingly, he brushes her off, leaving her no choice but to begin snooping on her own. Lizzie soon learns she's going to need help to get to the bottom of this mystery, but her best partner in crime solving, Blake, has turned into her worst enemy.Can Lizzie and Blake find a way to work together to catch the killer...or will they kill each other first?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Adult

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

CAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Medicine by Caroline Fardig is a 2015 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When we last touched base with Lizzie Hart, she managed to survive after being drawn into an investigation involving a Wicca coven, and made a few life long friends in the process, but sadly, she lost her boyfriend, Blake, when he discovers she kept vital information from him.

Now, Lizzie is trying to move on with her life as an investigative reporter, in the small town of Liberty, which is hard because she still has to work with Blake, who is kind of hostile towards her now, not to mention the other comical work place issues she has always had to deal with.

But, when she is out with the girls one night, she sees her chiropractor, Lydia, who is new in town, out with Jason, a married man whose wife just had a baby. Not long after that, Jason is found dead, allegedly overdosing on pills. But, Jason's death is only the beginning as it seems any man who rubs elbows with Lydia dies, which is bad enough, but it seems Blake could be the next guy on Lydia's radar. Can Lizzie keep Blake from becoming the next victim?

Caroline Fardig is really hitting her stride now, as each installment in this series has gotten better. She does an outstanding job on this one in particular. Lizzie once more finds herself in a love triangle, as Blake finally opens up about their break up, but a super sexy detective, Brody Callahan, expresses interest in becoming involved with Lizzie on a personal level, all while warning her off the investigation surrounding the mysterious deaths of several men recently, which of course she ignores.

“Wait. What am I doing? My brain finally decides to join the party, and it's not amused. I can't be kissing Brody Callahan! He's mean, and he arrested me. And he took my clothes off without my permission. Maybe if I'm lucky I can get him to do it again. No! I can't think that. Must. Quit. Kissing. Him.”

The mystery isn't exactly a mystery since it's plain from the get go who our culprit is, it's just a matter of proving it, and understanding the motive behind the killings, and preventing more deaths. However, that knowledge does nothing to dampen the suspense level in the story and there are a few stunning big reveals and plot twist before all is said and done, and of course there is plenty of action as well.

The dialogue is super sharp, crisp, witty, and laugh out loud funny at times. Lizzie's character grows and learns with each new installment, but never loses her edge. Blake's character growth really stands out in this one, and while I was super ticked off at him after the way he ended things with Lizzie, he does impress me in this story and I had to grudgingly admit he was a pretty good guy at the end of the day.

I'm not sure, it's just a vibe I picked up on, but this could be the last book in this series or trilogy. If so, I will truly miss Lizzie Hart, and I do hope she will be back to solve more mysteries and prevent more crime in Liberty, but if this is the last one, I can say it ended on solid footing with the knowledge that things may not always be perfect for Lizzie, but the important things in her life are in place and I feel confident her future will be bright.

If you love light romantic comedy, or cozy mysteries, or a combination of the two you really need to check out this series. While the mystery is always compelling, it's Lizzie's personal relationships that draws the reader in, and with that in mind I would strong recommend reading the books in order, so you can fully appreciate the character's growth and feel the satisfaction in seeing things turn out the way the way you hoped.

4.5 stars

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Heather
Book provided by the author

Bad Medicine is by far my favorite book in the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Who doesn’t love a good mystery that involves an incredibly sexy cop?

Lizzie doesn’t want anything to do with the case after her schoolmate, Jason Harris, is found dead in his home. The police do not suspect foul play but Jason’s wife, Kim, and Lizzie’s best friend, Janet, both think that Jason was murdered. Janet guilt trips Lizzie into investigating. As if that isn’t enough, Lizzie and Blake Morgan, her ex, have been fighting for the past 6 months since their nasty break up. Lizzie and Blake must work together in order to figure out who the murderer is despite the tension between them. Now, on to the sexy cop. I’m so glad Fardig through another man into the mix. Brody Callahan definitely spices things up in Lizzie’s life. However, Blake is not too happy about Lizzie’s new love interest.

Fardig is amazing at creating lovable characters and suspense filled events. The events are very well put together and everything falls into place. I cannot wait until another Lizzie Hart Mystery is released. Fardig was a “new to me” author before reviewing the first 3 books in this series. I have definitely found a new author to love! I highly recommend Bad Medicine and the other Lizzie Hart Mysteries to readers.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Lizzie Hart story ever!

I told you at the end of my review for Lizzie Hart Mysteries Book 2 (That Old Black Magic) that we should all write Caroline to hurry up and finish #3, and she did! And it is wonderful! Lizzie is back better than ever-except her ankle still gives her problems from when the crazy lady broke it... You have read books 1 and 2, right? If not you need to get a copy of them and read them in order as quickly as possible. Then read all about life after crazed killers and breaking up with Blake. Anyway, Lizzie is being treated by a new chiropractor in town for her ankle pain. While Dr. Lydia Thomas has the ability to help the pain, she also has the ability to cause pain. But no one believes Lizzie when she claims Dr. Thomas is responsible for a couple of men dying. She never gives up her investigation and manages to bumble into information even the cops don't seem to have. Along the way she gets to know a detective from the police department pretty well, and finally starts mending fences with Blake so they become friends again.
It was nice to see Lizzie learned something from her past sleuthing! She was definitely more careful and planned her next move instead of flying by the seat of her pants. However she still found herself in some remarkable predicaments! There are laugh out loud moments and sweet moments alike in this fun murder mystery. I am a little sad because it doesn't sound like there are going to be any more Lizzie Hart books. I hope I am wrong because this is the best one yet, and I would love to know how she tops herself!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Hart just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Author Caroline Fardig has a way of capturing your attention and holding it until the very last page, leaving you wanting more. In this third Lizzie Hart book, she outdoes herself and once again, I didn’t get much sleep until I finished it. I feel like I know Lizzie and can picture the little town of Liberty where she resides. The characters in this book are well developed, the story line captivating and the ending was totally unexpected. I’ve fallen in love with Lizzie and all the people in her life and I do hope we will see her return at some point.
~ Linda Thompson, host of TheAuthorsShow.com

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Hart is dragged into solving another mystery when she finds an acquaintance inside his home dead. She begins to investigate along with her ex-boyfriend Blake, and with help from her friends. At the same time she endures some blind dates set up by her friend Julia and cousin Becca. She meets Brodie a cop who turns out to be not as bad as she thinks.As things progress more people she knows are murdered. Can she find the culprit in time before she ends up as one of the body count? Will she end up in a relationship with Brodie or will her feelings for Blake complicate things. A well written, fun mystery.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Samantha March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy

I have also read That Old Black Magic from the Lizzie Hart series, and was instantly in love. Good mysteries hold a special spot in my reading love list, and Lizzie Hart has definitely won be over! Of course I thought the mystery aspect was great and all the twists and turns along the way, but I also loved the romance angle. I’m happy to report that really in both aspects – mystery and romance, I wasn’t totally positive how this one was going to play out, which kept me wanting to read just a little bit more every time I was about to put it down. Highly recommend!

[Layla Darnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun filled mystery!

This series has stolen my heart. Lizzie and Blake are back although not on the best terms. Both with new relationship interests and of course more murders to solve. I loved Brody and his aspect in this story also my with his willingness to have Lizzies back after things went bad with Blake. And oh the villains can you say gross and creepy to say the least. Humorous and full of mystery and romance this book is now going to be added to my favorites.

[deeanna sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a new author

I really like Caroline charters in this series they are sharp and witty and the story line never stalls I found I could not put the book down but sad when it ended if u are looking for something refreshing to read then I would recommend the lizzie Hart series

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Actually, I loved the whole series. If you are looking for a good read, you have found it here. While it is a stand alone book, you will enjoy it so much more if you read them all.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series! All the elements that I look for in a book. Funny, fearless female lead, dead bodies, and hot guys! This book kept me turning the pages. Which meant it was over way too quick! I'm ready for more Lizzie & Blake!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read!

Lizzie Hart is an impulsive heroine who gets in and out of trouble trying to catch a murderer with the aid of her former boyfriend, her new boyfriend , and her pregnant friend Julia. This cozy mystery is a fun and humorous read. I recommend it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the series! Unpredictable and funny. I love Lizzie even when she drives me crazy. So glad she can't stay out of trouble.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the woman who was contening to find bodies and get death thrits .the people who worked with her.she kepted working.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good news: After nearly being killed twice and losing the man she swooned over, Lizzie Hart has finally learned something and her third time out sleuthing finds her- wait for it- actually using her common sense and more than a little caution before she jumps into the latest mystery. In fact, one might even say that she has to be dragged into it kicking and screaming.

Bad news: Lizzie is still on the outs with the handsome and charming Blake Morgan...no, wait a minute, maybe that's not so bad. Maybe part of Lizzie's new found maturity includes moving on. At least, that's what her cousin and best friend think, and thus Lizzie finds herself on two of the most awkward blind dates ever. One of them is an unmitigated disaster, and one of them might just lead to the perfect pairing Lizzie fans have been waiting for. Or will it?

This was satisfying end to the series; as you can tell from above, I loved seeing the more mature side of Lizzie, and I loved that she was confident and having fun. (But Lizzie being Lizzie, the most fun she has is in pursuit of an insane serial killer, so there's that.) And while I wanted to strangle some of her friends- seriously, what kind of person fires their employee for living through a traumatic event?- that gave her yet more of an opportunity to stand on her own.

I am sooo sad that this is the end, but hopefully Fardig can be convinced to bring the gang back for a reunion (or to make cameos in something else).

[Lauretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Hart's quiet little hometown Liberty has become murder central, as men start dying suspiciously. Of course Lizzie doesn't agree with the police that they're all accidental and gets involved in finding the person responsible. Lizzie wasn't expecting it, but she also finds herself involved with a hunky new detective in town. Things are still strained between her and Blake, her sleuthing partner, but they agree to team up to try to bring the murderer down. Then of course, their unresolved feelings for each other get mixed up with the new relationship, and soon the reader realizes that one has got to be subtraced from three. When Blake and Lizzie get caught in the murderer's trap, it appears that they both may be goners, but Brody comes to the rescue this time. Near death experiences have a way of clarifying one's feelings, so Lizzie finds herself with a clear choice. The streets of Liberty are free of another killer, and Lizzie's love life seems to finally be on track.

[Lux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

I love Brody! I’m not saying that I don’t love Blake.

I enjoy the reading. I think this time Lizzie was too exaggerated, too intense.

The end of the mystery was enough for me. I didn’t imagine that!

This serie had helped me to forget about my reality for a little bit, Thanks! :)

[Olivia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a pleasure to read!!! It reals you in with the the plot then (like all good things in life) gives you a twist no one would've expected.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Lizzie, just can't catch a break. After breaking up with her boyfriend Blake due to his lack of being totally truthful to her, she still must work with him at the paper. She hurts her ankle and decides a chiropractor is just what should help it. She meets the new chiropractor and really likes her. Then she is set up on a blind date.....while trying to "get out" of the blind date she see's her chiropractor on a date with a married man. This happens more than once, and now Lizzie is wondering what is up with this new doctor. She looks her up, but can't find any past on her. She breaks into her office, and is arrested by the new detective, Brody. Brody keeps popping up all the time. Her friend at the paper sets her up with another blind date....low and behold it is Brody! Soon she and Brody are seeing each other, all the while Lizzie is trying to find out who this new doctor is. After all, every time she goes out with some one they end up dead the next day!!! Does Lizzie figure it out? What about Blake and Brody? Who will she choose, if anyone? Read the book to find out. I received this book for an honest opinion

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first book form this author that I have read. I am so glad I did. Even tho it was book #3 in the series,I was able to still read and understand who is who and things that happened from the previous books. The author just mentions enough from the first 2 books in the parts that need explaining..without re-telling each part over again in too much detail..I like that..The main character surely has some bad luck,getting hurt both emotionally and physically ..but she bounces back.and wow she attracts those dead bodies..lol I like how well the characters are written about...how well the scenes in the book are described and just the whole plot in it self..I am def going to be reading the other books in this series.! "I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review." and this is an honest one !

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I think this the best Lizzie Hart so far. This is #3 in the series, and fortunately I've read the first two, all fun mysteries with a love interest (or two).

Lizzie and Blake are on the outs because Lizzie has failed to tell him something important about her past, so both of them are dating others, Liz in a series of blind dates from hell set up by friends. Of course, there are dead bodies and Liz finds herself in the middle of the police investigation once again and falling for the hunky detective Brady Callahan. But she and Drake are colleagues and, along with Brody, are determined to find evidence to catch the killer.

I am looking forward to reading further episodes in this series.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun book, easy read. It is the first I have read of this series.

Lizzie Hart has a knack for finding herself in trouble. She stumbles over dead bodies, upsets psychopaths, and makes connections between events that might otherwise go overlooked. This time is no different. A pile of murders is occurring in her hometown, and she makes the connection to her chiropractor. Seemingly, no one believes her.

I think if I had read some of the other books in this series I might have connected with one of the characters in this story more, but his portrayal in this novel had me itching at the end.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Hart is an investigative reporter in Liberty a small town. She works with her ex boyfriend Blake who is kind of hostile to her at times. One night while out with her girlfriends she sees Lydia her Chiropractor out with Jason a married man whose wife just had a baby. Soon after Jason is found dead after a supposed pill over dose. But his death is only the beginning it seems any man who dates Lydia dies, which is bad enough but it seems Blake maybe Lydia's next victim. Can Lizzie save Blake from becoming Lydia's next victim? Or will she be to late! A fun light romantic comedy of a cozy mystery read.I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Erinw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best of the Lizzie Hart stories I have read so far. The story was well written, humorous and fast paced with several interesting twists. I was thinking how much I was enjoying the story when....(according to my preference) SHE CHOOSES THE WRONG GUY AT THE END!!!. I have to say I found the ending very unsatisfactory. And when Lizzie does make a choice, she goes all in and very quickly. I probably won't read the novella after this story, but I would definitely read more by this author.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I am becoming addicted to Lizzie Hart Mysteries! As soon as I finish one I have to go and find another!

Yet again another good book. Anyone who has read any of this series will love this and anyone who hasn't is in for a treat.

Will Lizzie and Blake get together again?
What about the new detective? Then we have the chiropractor...... Oh you will just have to read it ! You won't be disappointed.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ebook for an honest review. Lizzie has a way of finding dead bodies and getting into trouble. She is estranged from her boyfriend Blake who also works at the new paper with her.
Along the way, she encounters a sexy detective who distracts her from Blake. Even he cannot keep her out of trouble though. She works part time in the morgue for her cousin but those are not the bodies she usually finds. See how she gets out of her latest problem.

[Susan Borglund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to spend a rainy day

The Lizzie hart series was fun light and very entertaining. Nothing better then a murder mystery and a lovable character not to mention a bit of romance with a very handsome guy. If your looking to enjoy a lazy afternoon jump right into Lizzie hart's interesting life.

[Natalie Bachiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of mysteries and this is by far one of my favorite characters. Lizzie is spunky, smart and a little goofy, which makes for good fun. The characters are real and feel like you know them. Surprising twists come when you least expect them and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this book. I have to see what happens with Lizzie before and after ...

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snark and mystery at its finest!

Lizzie sure is something else and her personal life is a mess but it's so funny that you'll love very word. The interaction between her and Brody was hilarious and oh boy, I didn't know two people could hate and love each other so much as her and Blake! The investigative part was great and once again, Lizzie gets her man or woman!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a great mix of humor, romance and suspense. Lizzie Hart begrudingly agrees to look into a drug overdose and instead ends up trying to stop a serial killer with the help of her ex-boyfriend and an annoying (and hot) police detective. This is book number 3 in A Lizzie Hart Mystery series.

[Amy]

Best of the series

I just loved this book. I love the sarcastic humor with just enough, but not too much, romance. I'm going on Amazon now to see if the next book in the series is available.