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Nicki Valentine Mystery #2
Sky High
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her superhot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom — a soon-to-be transplant donor — disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
298 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
About the author
Susan O'Brien
5 books54 followersSusan O’Brien is the Agatha Award-nominated author of the Nicki Valentine mystery series (Finding Sky, Sky High, and Skydive). Her work has been praised by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Mystery Scene Magazine, and Suspense Magazine. When she isn’t typing away, Susan loves cooking (while blasting old school R&B or playing podcasts), photographing nature, volunteering with hospice patients, and studying spirituality. She lives with her family, including her beloved rescue dog, in Northern Virginia, where she is writing her next memoir. She loves to keep up with readers at authorsusanobrien.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 29, 2015
The second book in this outstanding series. Vicky Valentine has open an office for investigation. Her Aunt Liz asked to find her Goddaughter missing groom, Bruce who didn't show up for the wedding. With Dean's help she starts to look into the matter. Dean was her instructor when was learning to be a PI. The Groom's Father, Frank takes over the search for his missing son. The case leads to Florida so Vicky and Dean head there to checked on Bruce's past. Vicky is dealing with personal problems and trying to cup her apron strings to her children and is staring a romance with Dean.
Kenna has her own plans to help Vicky coop. The only negative effect is I I have to wait a year to read more. of Vicky's adventures.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Kenna has her own plans to help Vicky coop. The only negative effect is I I have to wait a year to read more. of Vicky's adventures.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
August 25, 2015
I loved reading this book! This is the first book written by Susan O’Brien that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. I found this to be a heart-warming and realistic whodunit. Ms. O'Brien has written a book with a plausible, well-developed story line and likeable, believable characters. This well written book has a good mix of serious and humorous moments, potential romance, strong friendships, lots of twists and turns, and a murderer who eluded and truly surprised me at the reveal. This is a great story with a lot happening but everything ties together nicely.
The main character, Nicki Valentine, has opened a detective agency. Nicki is a widowed mother of two young children who does her best to care for them and provide everything they need. She is fortunate that she has a good support system in her mother, her aunt, and a loyal, pole-dancing neighbor. Nicki and Dean (her private investigator boyfriend) attend the wedding of Mia and Bruce. Sadly, the groom shocks everyone when he doesn’t make an appearance at the ceremony. It seems the groom has not only walked out on his bride, but on his mother as well. His mother, Lydia, needs a unique donation for a life-threatening illness and Bruce is supposed to be her donor. Bruce's father hires Nicki and Dean to investigate his son’s disappearance but it quickly turns into a murder investigation when Bruce's body is found near the river. The investigation reveals that Bruce may not be the “saint” everyone believes him to be. When the police make an arrest, Nicki is not satisfied that the real murderer is behind bars and continues to investigate. There is romance brewing between Nicki and Dean, a psychic with a message from Nicki’s deceased husband, dangerous situations occurring during the investigation, and so much more!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Nicki Valentine, has opened a detective agency. Nicki is a widowed mother of two young children who does her best to care for them and provide everything they need. She is fortunate that she has a good support system in her mother, her aunt, and a loyal, pole-dancing neighbor. Nicki and Dean (her private investigator boyfriend) attend the wedding of Mia and Bruce. Sadly, the groom shocks everyone when he doesn’t make an appearance at the ceremony. It seems the groom has not only walked out on his bride, but on his mother as well. His mother, Lydia, needs a unique donation for a life-threatening illness and Bruce is supposed to be her donor. Bruce's father hires Nicki and Dean to investigate his son’s disappearance but it quickly turns into a murder investigation when Bruce's body is found near the river. The investigation reveals that Bruce may not be the “saint” everyone believes him to be. When the police make an arrest, Nicki is not satisfied that the real murderer is behind bars and continues to investigate. There is romance brewing between Nicki and Dean, a psychic with a message from Nicki’s deceased husband, dangerous situations occurring during the investigation, and so much more!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. While the main character is learning to become a PI while raising two children seven and five, alone. She has a lot of struggles in her life. Including the guy she met in PI class who she really, really likes.
Don't worry if you don't get the killer in this story, the PI's didn't either. HA! He wasn't even one of the suspects.
The best part is the unknown package that gets delivered to Nicki's house and the bomb squad has to be called to check it out. You will definitely laugh out loud!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I found the book quite entertaining and enjoyable. I highly recommend it or any book from Henery Press. You won't go wrong!
Don't worry if you don't get the killer in this story, the PI's didn't either. HA! He wasn't even one of the suspects.
The best part is the unknown package that gets delivered to Nicki's house and the bomb squad has to be called to check it out. You will definitely laugh out loud!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I found the book quite entertaining and enjoyable. I highly recommend it or any book from Henery Press. You won't go wrong!
November 22, 2019
An easy read with a very good mystery. (It did need a little editing but not too badly.)
It looks like there were only three books in the series, which is a letdown. I already have #3 downloaded, but was hoping for more.
It looks like there were only three books in the series, which is a letdown. I already have #3 downloaded, but was hoping for more.
October 20, 2016
Private investigator Nicki Valentine and her former teacher (and current flame) wait with a church full of people for the appearance of a very important person: the groom. At first, it seems that he's simply running late; but as time continues to pass, the guests, the priest, and the bride give in to their worse fears: Bruce isn't coming to his own wedding. Though missing persons cases are neither Nicki nor Dean's area of expertise, the groom's father hires the pair to figure out what happened to and where his son is.
As Dean and Nicki dig deeper into the case and uncover new leads, they deepen their romance, too. Nicki is a smart, sarcastic, and funny single mom of two, whose husband died a few years earlier. Dean is a striking, handsome, and clever ex-Army officer who, despite her fears to the contrary, is quite taken with his former student. Sky High is a clever contemporary mystery written with warmth and intelligence. The perfect story - and series - for the modern mystery fan.
As Dean and Nicki dig deeper into the case and uncover new leads, they deepen their romance, too. Nicki is a smart, sarcastic, and funny single mom of two, whose husband died a few years earlier. Dean is a striking, handsome, and clever ex-Army officer who, despite her fears to the contrary, is quite taken with his former student. Sky High is a clever contemporary mystery written with warmth and intelligence. The perfect story - and series - for the modern mystery fan.
August 30, 2015
Synopsis:
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her superhot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom — a soon-to-be transplant donor — disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own. (Goodreads)
Review:
Nicki Valentine is a new private investigator who is still getting her feet wet with her career. She really likes her job: she loves having flexible hours (so she can manage to spend time with her children), she met her sorta boyfriend, Dean, when she was going to investigating school and she feels like she makes a difference when she catches the bad guy. But when she attends a wedding with Dean, she is happy to know she will get a break from her job for a little while. Little does she know that instead of seeing a beautiful wedding, she will be hired for the toughest case of her career.
The groom never shows up on his wedding day, and no one can find him. His fiance, family and friends all say that he would not have disappeared voluntarily. Besides being madly in love with his fiance, he is scheduled to be a “donor” for a life saving procedure for his mom. When the groom's father wants to hire Nicki and Dean to find his son, and offers a huge amount of money to ensure they will agree to take it, they do. With only a few clues and little to go on, they have their work cut out for them.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick, easy and fun read. The author is able to expertly combine mystery, suspense, humor, light paranormal and family drama to create a book that is hard to put down. I found myself laughing every few pages reading about Nicki’s thoughts and actions. Two of my favorite scenes are when Nicki is making popcorn in her hotel room and her pole dancing lesson.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Nicki is the perfect protagonist. She is witty, funny, hardworking, dedicated and relentless. She is also an overprotective mother, a great friend and big hearted. She has self doubts about her appearance, her mothering skills and her investigating skills. She has anger towards her late husband who cheated on her before his death. She has both positive and negative traits, which made her seem even more human to me. I like the fact that she is a mother and she is always trying to do the best she can for her children. This is a nice twist on the normal cozy mystery where the heroine is younger and single. This brought an added layer to the story. The secondary characters are all great and the interaction between them all is so realistic. I would love to be able to call them all my friends.
I found the plot unique and the mystery was carried on throughout the entire book. There are enough twists and turns and suspects to keep the reader guessing. I thought I had it figured out a few times but I was wrong.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery with lots of humor and great characters. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next and what crazy thing Nicki would think or say. But I also wanted to stop reading because I did not want this fantastic book to end. I am sad that the book ended because now I have to wait until the next book is written and released. I hope the author is a fast writer.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I can honestly say that I loved this book and if I could I would give it more than five stars. I would like to thank NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her superhot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom — a soon-to-be transplant donor — disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own. (Goodreads)
Review:
Nicki Valentine is a new private investigator who is still getting her feet wet with her career. She really likes her job: she loves having flexible hours (so she can manage to spend time with her children), she met her sorta boyfriend, Dean, when she was going to investigating school and she feels like she makes a difference when she catches the bad guy. But when she attends a wedding with Dean, she is happy to know she will get a break from her job for a little while. Little does she know that instead of seeing a beautiful wedding, she will be hired for the toughest case of her career.
The groom never shows up on his wedding day, and no one can find him. His fiance, family and friends all say that he would not have disappeared voluntarily. Besides being madly in love with his fiance, he is scheduled to be a “donor” for a life saving procedure for his mom. When the groom's father wants to hire Nicki and Dean to find his son, and offers a huge amount of money to ensure they will agree to take it, they do. With only a few clues and little to go on, they have their work cut out for them.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick, easy and fun read. The author is able to expertly combine mystery, suspense, humor, light paranormal and family drama to create a book that is hard to put down. I found myself laughing every few pages reading about Nicki’s thoughts and actions. Two of my favorite scenes are when Nicki is making popcorn in her hotel room and her pole dancing lesson.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Nicki is the perfect protagonist. She is witty, funny, hardworking, dedicated and relentless. She is also an overprotective mother, a great friend and big hearted. She has self doubts about her appearance, her mothering skills and her investigating skills. She has anger towards her late husband who cheated on her before his death. She has both positive and negative traits, which made her seem even more human to me. I like the fact that she is a mother and she is always trying to do the best she can for her children. This is a nice twist on the normal cozy mystery where the heroine is younger and single. This brought an added layer to the story. The secondary characters are all great and the interaction between them all is so realistic. I would love to be able to call them all my friends.
I found the plot unique and the mystery was carried on throughout the entire book. There are enough twists and turns and suspects to keep the reader guessing. I thought I had it figured out a few times but I was wrong.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery with lots of humor and great characters. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next and what crazy thing Nicki would think or say. But I also wanted to stop reading because I did not want this fantastic book to end. I am sad that the book ended because now I have to wait until the next book is written and released. I hope the author is a fast writer.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I can honestly say that I loved this book and if I could I would give it more than five stars. I would like to thank NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 6, 2015
C Difficile where the ‘ick’ factor is the latest cure is a major theme of this book.
CDiff is a very difficult virus to remove from anyone’s system – worse than Norovirus. It is known as a killer in those who are in hospital – a prime place to catch it, and those with compromised immune systems.
Now I am learning about Norovirus from personal experience as it has been with me now for nearly 3 months and is improving but prone to ‘flash backs’. [much longer than the medical tests say it can last but with a compromised system ,like my own..]. So I certainly would not want CDiff but one of the central characters in this story about the Sky Investigative Agency and its owner, does have this disease and the story features much discussion of how it can be cured.
So just what is this ‘ick’ factor? Well it is a poo transplant – yes, you got it, faecal matter is injected into the body from a healthy person.
Our NHAs says: This involves a sample of faeces being taken from a healthy donor and placed into the colon of someone with a C. difficile infection using a catheter. Alternatively, it may be placed using a thin tube through the nose into the small bowel below the stomach.
The donated sample restores the normal balance of bacteria inside your digestive system with that from the healthy donor.
While this may sound unpleasant, the treatment does have very good results, with a success rate of more than 90%, and is probably the best treatment currently available.
Personally, I’ve been treating my norovirus with acidophilus and it does seem to have a similar effect.
Apart from the nicely accurate medical condition which provides a nice background story, I liked the whole book.
It was gentle, it had fun bits and I just loved ‘Super Teddy’ and the photos of him and could just imagine that happening for a fretful child. I also had not heard of a Norwich Terrie, though looking them up I had seen them about and coveted them – such friendly lively dogs..[photo]
I also empathised with the narrator as a vegetarian in the US. Being one myself, I have had some interesting experiences – 1. Where a waiter empathised with me, exclaiming, ‘I so agree! Isn’t chicken wonderful and so much better for you!’; and also 2. at a conference where at the formal dinner I was offered a plate of fruit as my main dish.. I got hungry quite quickly afterwards.
And finally, I am waiting for my gym to offer pole dancing lessons just to see who turns up! And what they wear!
So was the storyline good? I enjoyed it – I liked the style and it kept moving along with some nice twists and turns. It is not a complicated and deep, dark PI story, but one to feel cosy with and to empathise with the narrator as she manages her life as a single mum with 2 kids and a business to run.
CDiff is a very difficult virus to remove from anyone’s system – worse than Norovirus. It is known as a killer in those who are in hospital – a prime place to catch it, and those with compromised immune systems.
Now I am learning about Norovirus from personal experience as it has been with me now for nearly 3 months and is improving but prone to ‘flash backs’. [much longer than the medical tests say it can last but with a compromised system ,like my own..]. So I certainly would not want CDiff but one of the central characters in this story about the Sky Investigative Agency and its owner, does have this disease and the story features much discussion of how it can be cured.
So just what is this ‘ick’ factor? Well it is a poo transplant – yes, you got it, faecal matter is injected into the body from a healthy person.
Our NHAs says: This involves a sample of faeces being taken from a healthy donor and placed into the colon of someone with a C. difficile infection using a catheter. Alternatively, it may be placed using a thin tube through the nose into the small bowel below the stomach.
The donated sample restores the normal balance of bacteria inside your digestive system with that from the healthy donor.
While this may sound unpleasant, the treatment does have very good results, with a success rate of more than 90%, and is probably the best treatment currently available.
Personally, I’ve been treating my norovirus with acidophilus and it does seem to have a similar effect.
Apart from the nicely accurate medical condition which provides a nice background story, I liked the whole book.
It was gentle, it had fun bits and I just loved ‘Super Teddy’ and the photos of him and could just imagine that happening for a fretful child. I also had not heard of a Norwich Terrie, though looking them up I had seen them about and coveted them – such friendly lively dogs..[photo]
I also empathised with the narrator as a vegetarian in the US. Being one myself, I have had some interesting experiences – 1. Where a waiter empathised with me, exclaiming, ‘I so agree! Isn’t chicken wonderful and so much better for you!’; and also 2. at a conference where at the formal dinner I was offered a plate of fruit as my main dish.. I got hungry quite quickly afterwards.
And finally, I am waiting for my gym to offer pole dancing lessons just to see who turns up! And what they wear!
So was the storyline good? I enjoyed it – I liked the style and it kept moving along with some nice twists and turns. It is not a complicated and deep, dark PI story, but one to feel cosy with and to empathise with the narrator as she manages her life as a single mum with 2 kids and a business to run.
Read
April 6, 2016“This breezy second outing (after the Agatha Award–nominated Finding Sky) features an enchanting amateur sleuth with dear friends and family who have her back at all times. If only she can make this PI business work and keep her relationship with Dean on an even keel, her life will be perfect.” – Library Journal
December 30, 2016
Title: Sky High - Nicki Valentine Mystery Book 2
Author: Susan O'Brien
Published: 10-29-2016
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 298
Genre: Mystery; Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Humor; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781941962978
ASIN: B010TS9P08
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25 Stars
I received a copy of "Sky High" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her super hot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom—a soon-to-be transplant donor—disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids—and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
My review:
Nicki Valentine, a rookie PI with a big heart, is attending a wedding with Dean. When the groom disappears they work together to find him and find her may not be who everyone thought he was. With an intricate plot and multidimensional characters that draw readers into the story, Susan O'Brien has created a cozy that stimulates the reader and leaves them wanting more. Thank you Ms. O'Brien for sharing your talents with us and to Henery Press for the ARC they shared with me. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TS9P08/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sky-h...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Susan O'Brien
Published: 10-29-2016
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 298
Genre: Mystery; Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Humor; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781941962978
ASIN: B010TS9P08
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25 Stars
I received a copy of "Sky High" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her super hot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom—a soon-to-be transplant donor—disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids—and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
My review:
Nicki Valentine, a rookie PI with a big heart, is attending a wedding with Dean. When the groom disappears they work together to find him and find her may not be who everyone thought he was. With an intricate plot and multidimensional characters that draw readers into the story, Susan O'Brien has created a cozy that stimulates the reader and leaves them wanting more. Thank you Ms. O'Brien for sharing your talents with us and to Henery Press for the ARC they shared with me. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TS9P08/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sky-h...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
March 24, 2024
Because I read a book between this and the first book in this trilogy, I could read this without feeling burned out or having a propensity to be critically unfair of the author.
Endless books and at least one movie that I recall include tropes about runaway brides. In this book, it’s the groom who is gone, and the weeping bride cancels the wedding while all the guests are waiting for a groom to come back who never does.
The groom’s dad, a loud-mouthed man of money, asks Nicki Valentine and her plus one for the wedding, Dean, to solve the case and figure out where the groom is.
You can read this to determine whether the groom comes back, but watching these two solve a mystery while Nicki juggles two kids and a stripper friend who remained virginal until her marriage vows were complete and who talks to God on a regular basis is rather fun.
The mystery wasn’t super strong, and there's a woo-woo psychic silly element here, but it’s good enough that I’ll finish the trilogy sooner than later—as in perhaps tomorrow.
Endless books and at least one movie that I recall include tropes about runaway brides. In this book, it’s the groom who is gone, and the weeping bride cancels the wedding while all the guests are waiting for a groom to come back who never does.
The groom’s dad, a loud-mouthed man of money, asks Nicki Valentine and her plus one for the wedding, Dean, to solve the case and figure out where the groom is.
You can read this to determine whether the groom comes back, but watching these two solve a mystery while Nicki juggles two kids and a stripper friend who remained virginal until her marriage vows were complete and who talks to God on a regular basis is rather fun.
The mystery wasn’t super strong, and there's a woo-woo psychic silly element here, but it’s good enough that I’ll finish the trilogy sooner than later—as in perhaps tomorrow.
April 30, 2018
A good mystery with several suspects and a twist at the end. This second book in the series develops the MC's relationship with her beau and there are some very funny scenes mixed in to the story, especially one involving a mysterious package. The one drawback for me was the illness of the groom's mother. It was a pointless distraction.
December 30, 2018
Each of the books so far have kept my attention to the mystery, and wanting more.
March 18, 2016
I read Sky High not realizing I also had Finding Sky (book 1). I enjoyed Sky High so much I immediately started reading Finding Sky. I didn't find this series or book "hilarious" as another reviewer, it is a light, occasionally amusing read (and clean as I recall in terms of language and sex). I found it refreshing that Nicki is actually studying to become a PI which gives her actions a bit more sense the the usual cozy where the main character is a busy body (not that I have a problem with that). I also like Dean and Nicki's best friend Kenna, they aren't stereotypes. Nicki's been burned and her slow relationship with Dean is understandable. While Nicki has two kids they aren't a big part of the story, but it's obvious they are a big part of her life and they don't become a barely mentioned note or an obtrusive, precocious presence as sometimes happens. Despite them being quite young, Nicki rather smartly uses them in her investigation once or twice.
I also liked how the first book was a missing person's case (I'm about 60% through it since last night) and this one had a murder. There is a bit of a gross medical condition and a rather unusual, gross cure which seemed a tad out of place given the lack of grossness (murder detail, etc), but as a former hospital worker I found interesting. Maybe it was supposed to be humorous, but I felt for the character and her situation. All the characters handle it with compassion and maturity and there were none of the gross out jokes I expected.
I do think that almost any one could have been the murderer until almost the end and that, in one of my biggest peeves, the murderer basically outs him/her self.
Just an unimportant side note, I understand the use of Sky in the title of the first book, but why the author decided to use it for her series escapes me.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I also liked how the first book was a missing person's case (I'm about 60% through it since last night) and this one had a murder. There is a bit of a gross medical condition and a rather unusual, gross cure which seemed a tad out of place given the lack of grossness (murder detail, etc), but as a former hospital worker I found interesting. Maybe it was supposed to be humorous, but I felt for the character and her situation. All the characters handle it with compassion and maturity and there were none of the gross out jokes I expected.
I do think that almost any one could have been the murderer until almost the end and that, in one of my biggest peeves, the murderer basically outs him/her self.
Just an unimportant side note, I understand the use of Sky in the title of the first book, but why the author decided to use it for her series escapes me.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2015
[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
“You try to make sense of something senseless, you know? And when you love someone, you desperately wish you could have saved them. Changed things."
Nicki Valentine's fledgling Sky Detective Agency has been primarily, until now, doing background searches vetting employees. It's a safe, quiet life doing this and raising two young children without her late husband. And it doesn't help that her former instructor at the PI Academy has returned to town to settle down, and to see how things might progress in a budding relationship with Nicki.
She and Dean attend a wedding and become involved in a "runaway groom" situation after being hired by Bruce's father to find out what happened. Technology, sports, jealousy are all motivating factors as Nicki and Dean track down the answers to questions that nobody asked and everybody wants to know.
This is a real down to earth, mother, widow, and a darn good investigator. As she explains to her clients the priority is her children, whether the client likes it or not. She likes music and dances to relieve stress, tries ti feed her kids and herself well, has a next-door-neighbor she loves and trusts, and a mom who picks up the slack. That's what I like about Nicki's story....she's everyone you know, which is why she's getting the answers no one else is. Great book. Highly readable. The cover art rocks too.
“You try to make sense of something senseless, you know? And when you love someone, you desperately wish you could have saved them. Changed things."
Nicki Valentine's fledgling Sky Detective Agency has been primarily, until now, doing background searches vetting employees. It's a safe, quiet life doing this and raising two young children without her late husband. And it doesn't help that her former instructor at the PI Academy has returned to town to settle down, and to see how things might progress in a budding relationship with Nicki.
She and Dean attend a wedding and become involved in a "runaway groom" situation after being hired by Bruce's father to find out what happened. Technology, sports, jealousy are all motivating factors as Nicki and Dean track down the answers to questions that nobody asked and everybody wants to know.
This is a real down to earth, mother, widow, and a darn good investigator. As she explains to her clients the priority is her children, whether the client likes it or not. She likes music and dances to relieve stress, tries ti feed her kids and herself well, has a next-door-neighbor she loves and trusts, and a mom who picks up the slack. That's what I like about Nicki's story....she's everyone you know, which is why she's getting the answers no one else is. Great book. Highly readable. The cover art rocks too.
August 21, 2015
While this book sounded promising, the characters didn't intrigue me enough or pull me into the mystery that was being solved.
I also felt like the conclusion was rather random. While the solution to the mystery made a lot of sense, it simply didn't feel like all of the work they had done led to this point. I normally don't mind when I can't solve mysteries with the clues given by the book as I enjoy hearing the detective's progress, but I felt like this was random--I could barely even remember the role the culprit had played.
The novel relied at points on a psychic medium to communicate sentiments from the deceased. This detracted from the work that Nicki and Dean were doing in solving the mystery; although the medium was unrelated, it added a supernatural element that wasn't necessary.
Nicki's kids seemed at points an afterthought or a trope, and though Nicki seemed like she should be very devoted to them, this didn't quite feel real to me. I wanted to enjoy their presence, but instead they kept feeling like a nuisance and an excuse to talk about how Nicki's friends could babysit.
I was a bit confused about Nicki's relationship with Dean. They were supposedly in a relationship but unlike consenting adults they acted like schoolkids who were trying not to show that they had crushes on each other.
Some moments were enjoyable. The pole dancing trope especially caused for some amusing moments.
Overall, there was just nothing about this book that captivated me or drew me in, and I didn't feel compelled to care about the characters at all.
I received a free advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also felt like the conclusion was rather random. While the solution to the mystery made a lot of sense, it simply didn't feel like all of the work they had done led to this point. I normally don't mind when I can't solve mysteries with the clues given by the book as I enjoy hearing the detective's progress, but I felt like this was random--I could barely even remember the role the culprit had played.
The novel relied at points on a psychic medium to communicate sentiments from the deceased. This detracted from the work that Nicki and Dean were doing in solving the mystery; although the medium was unrelated, it added a supernatural element that wasn't necessary.
Nicki's kids seemed at points an afterthought or a trope, and though Nicki seemed like she should be very devoted to them, this didn't quite feel real to me. I wanted to enjoy their presence, but instead they kept feeling like a nuisance and an excuse to talk about how Nicki's friends could babysit.
I was a bit confused about Nicki's relationship with Dean. They were supposedly in a relationship but unlike consenting adults they acted like schoolkids who were trying not to show that they had crushes on each other.
Some moments were enjoyable. The pole dancing trope especially caused for some amusing moments.
Overall, there was just nothing about this book that captivated me or drew me in, and I didn't feel compelled to care about the characters at all.
I received a free advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
The sparks were flying when Nicki and Dean separated for an overseas assignment. So when Dean returns and they attend a wedding on their first date, anything could happen. The absence of the groom is not what they expected.
Thanks to Nicki's connection to the bride and their joint skills as PI's, the groom's father hires them to find out what happened to his son. Even after his body is found and someone is arrested for the murder, they continue to search for the truth. And the truth is the groom was not a very nice man and there were lots of people with good reasons to want him gone.
The continuing characters, NIcki and Dean, her family and friends are delightful. There is just enough quirk to make them interesting but not so over the top to make them "jokes".
The fact that Nicki has some pretty serious ghosts she needs to exorcise before she can settle into a meaningful relationship complicates things. As they investigate the case and each other nothing seems forced or unnatural although NIcki will avoid popcorn in the future for sure.
It was a good mystery with enough red herrings to cloud up the clues. There are a lot of people who come together in an end that makes the conclusion even more satisfying.
But bottom line is the reader cannot help but like Nicki and Dean. They do what they are trained to do and do it well. They are not rank amateurs blundering their way through crime scenes. I like that little touch of realism in my cozies. I look forward to seeing how things progress for the two of them. A sky high recommendation.
Thanks to Nicki's connection to the bride and their joint skills as PI's, the groom's father hires them to find out what happened to his son. Even after his body is found and someone is arrested for the murder, they continue to search for the truth. And the truth is the groom was not a very nice man and there were lots of people with good reasons to want him gone.
The continuing characters, NIcki and Dean, her family and friends are delightful. There is just enough quirk to make them interesting but not so over the top to make them "jokes".
The fact that Nicki has some pretty serious ghosts she needs to exorcise before she can settle into a meaningful relationship complicates things. As they investigate the case and each other nothing seems forced or unnatural although NIcki will avoid popcorn in the future for sure.
It was a good mystery with enough red herrings to cloud up the clues. There are a lot of people who come together in an end that makes the conclusion even more satisfying.
But bottom line is the reader cannot help but like Nicki and Dean. They do what they are trained to do and do it well. They are not rank amateurs blundering their way through crime scenes. I like that little touch of realism in my cozies. I look forward to seeing how things progress for the two of them. A sky high recommendation.
August 20, 2015
Nicki Valentine, a single mother of two young children, has opened her own P.I. firm called Sky High Investigations. Her teacher and new boyfriend Dean are attending the wedding of her "cousin" Mia. Something is amiss and Nicki goes to talk to her Aunt to find out what is going on. Bruce, the groom has not shown up. Bruce's father hires Nicki and Dean to investigate his disappearance. A couple of days later Bruce's body washes up on the river and Nicki and Dean are no closer to finding out the truth. They head off to Florida to question the father of a girl who accused Bruce of rape several years earlier. Several suspects are questioned, but when the police make an arrest Nicki is not satisfied and continues to investigate. While all this is going on there is a romance brewing, her neighbour wants to teach her to pole dance, Bruce's mother is sick and needs a fecal donation and is also a psychic who gives Nicki imformation about her deceased husband and Nicki is trying to determine if Dean already has a relationship with someone else. This is a great story with a lot happening but it all ties together nicely. There are some laughs as well as serious sections. A cozy with romantic overtones and NO cooking or recipes. I will definitely look for the first book in this series and any more that come along.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest reveiw.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest reveiw.
September 29, 2015
Sky High is the second book in the Nicki Valentine mystery series. It is a nicely written, full length novel.
Nicki has been a self employed private detective for a year with a home based business doing background checks. She has two small, school aged children and a budding romance with, Dean, one of her past instructors from the PI school. Nicki's character has been fleshed out in this novel, with more information on her past and her philandering late husband. She was a much more well rounded character and I enjoyed her interactions with her best friend.
The Dean character wasn't my favorite. Nicki seems to have well founded reservations about him, but she never openly communicates her concerns. As a result I didn't relate to their relationship.
The runaway groom/murder victim plot was fun and fast paced. The culprit wasn't evident until the end of the book. I like to be kept guessing.
One big problem I had was with a contradiction in the plot. We are told that the woman Nicki's late husband was having an affair with thought that he was separated and didn't know about the children. But toward the end of the book Nicki finds a letter that indicates that she did know about Nicki and the kids. It blows one of the big plot devices out of the water.
Overall, this is a decent read, a good mystery with a so so romance. It ends with a HFN.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
Nicki has been a self employed private detective for a year with a home based business doing background checks. She has two small, school aged children and a budding romance with, Dean, one of her past instructors from the PI school. Nicki's character has been fleshed out in this novel, with more information on her past and her philandering late husband. She was a much more well rounded character and I enjoyed her interactions with her best friend.
The Dean character wasn't my favorite. Nicki seems to have well founded reservations about him, but she never openly communicates her concerns. As a result I didn't relate to their relationship.
The runaway groom/murder victim plot was fun and fast paced. The culprit wasn't evident until the end of the book. I like to be kept guessing.
One big problem I had was with a contradiction in the plot. We are told that the woman Nicki's late husband was having an affair with thought that he was separated and didn't know about the children. But toward the end of the book Nicki finds a letter that indicates that she did know about Nicki and the kids. It blows one of the big plot devices out of the water.
Overall, this is a decent read, a good mystery with a so so romance. It ends with a HFN.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
Sky High, by Susan O'Brien, is the second installment in her Nicki Valentine Mystery series. Nicki Valentine, widowed suburbanite mom and newly trained PI, is drawn into the investigation of the missing bridegroom, Bruce, who was set to marry Mia, goddaughter of Nicki's beloved aunt, the Reverend Liz Minter. Wealthy Frank, Bruce's dad, employs Nicki and her hunky mentor and love interest, Dean Summers, to privately investigate Bruce's disappearance in association with the local police.
The course of their investigation takes them on a fact finding trip to Florida, a narrow escape from a watery grave, and a pole dancing confrontation with the guilty party. Nicki follows her instincts as the case develops and, clue by clue, is learning to trust them.
As with the first story in this series, the tale is a twisty-turny adventure into intrigue, missing persons, and determining guilt. In addition, this tale takes careful focus on the needs of transplant donors and athletic game changing innovation, as well as exploration into the difficult subject of date rape.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good mystery, especially one that is short on violence and long on deductive reasoning. Kudos to Ms. O'Brien for a very good second venture for the Nicki Valentine series.
The course of their investigation takes them on a fact finding trip to Florida, a narrow escape from a watery grave, and a pole dancing confrontation with the guilty party. Nicki follows her instincts as the case develops and, clue by clue, is learning to trust them.
As with the first story in this series, the tale is a twisty-turny adventure into intrigue, missing persons, and determining guilt. In addition, this tale takes careful focus on the needs of transplant donors and athletic game changing innovation, as well as exploration into the difficult subject of date rape.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good mystery, especially one that is short on violence and long on deductive reasoning. Kudos to Ms. O'Brien for a very good second venture for the Nicki Valentine series.
February 25, 2016
Looking at the synopsis to help me write this review has made me laugh. I loved this book! It's refreshing to have the character as a single mother, and be new to helping others solve their mysteries. Minus a scattering of scenes which weren't 100% for me, I adore Nicki's life. Her work and home life clash, in good ways and in ways that had me holdng my breath. Her best friend is quite a character, providing entertainment that made me giggle and blush, adding lots of humour to tough situations.
There were constant plot twists – not for a million years would I have guessed what the groom was donoring. That involved some googling to check out the reality of that kind of donation (it's real, random, yet real). It's not a kidney, or a lung. Or anything you'd guess within 10 or 20 tries. Trust me. The way that Nicki finally apprehends the culprit is also inventive. Nicki is definitely a think on her feet kind of girl!
This is read for the rainy days in your life, when you want some peril, lots of surprises and laughter. So long as you're open minded about a lot of issues you'll love Nicki's life. I'm looking forward to reading more of her crazy life!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
There were constant plot twists – not for a million years would I have guessed what the groom was donoring. That involved some googling to check out the reality of that kind of donation (it's real, random, yet real). It's not a kidney, or a lung. Or anything you'd guess within 10 or 20 tries. Trust me. The way that Nicki finally apprehends the culprit is also inventive. Nicki is definitely a think on her feet kind of girl!
This is read for the rainy days in your life, when you want some peril, lots of surprises and laughter. So long as you're open minded about a lot of issues you'll love Nicki's life. I'm looking forward to reading more of her crazy life!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
September 29, 2015
ARC review for Henery Press via Netgalley.
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her superhot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom — a soon-to-be transplant donor — disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
I enjoyed the book, it had a good storyline and well constructed characters.
If you like the review and would like to see and read more reviews on books the Final Chapter Reading Group and I have read this year. Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... like and follow.
Single mom and rookie P.I. Nicki Valentine rarely gets time off, so attending a wedding with her superhot colleague Dean sounds dreamy. But things turn nightmarish when the groom — a soon-to-be transplant donor — disappears, and Nicki and Dean commit to a partnership they never planned.
Together, they examine the groom’s unfulfilled promises, including one to his mom, a psychic medium with an unusual health need. As family secrets emerge, Nicki must face questions about her late husband, whose long-ago betrayal still threatens to cloud her judgment.
With support from her pole-dancing best friend, her always-on-call family, and the loves of her life (her two kids — and possibly Dean), Nicki must uncover the groom’s demons while conquering her own.
I enjoyed the book, it had a good storyline and well constructed characters.
If you like the review and would like to see and read more reviews on books the Final Chapter Reading Group and I have read this year. Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... like and follow.
December 2, 2015
It's easy to see why Susan O'Brien's first book, Finding Sky, was an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel. Sky High is the second Nicki Valentine mystery, and equally well written. Characters are introduced carefully, and the reader is not overwhelmed. The mystery / plot is crafted well, and the surprise ending was very gratifying. Nicki is an over-protective single mother, who together with boyfriend Dean, investigates the disappearance of a groom on his wedding day. She has a fantastic friend in neighbor Kenna, who is eager to teach Nicki pole dancing. Dean is back in town, and ready to start a relationship, and Nicki is willing to give it a try, while trying to deal with the betrayal of her deceased husband. Throw in Aunt Liz, minister, and a wonderfully supportive mother, and Nicki is ready to attack this problem of the missing groom. Now, add in all the wedding party, the groom's quirky parents, and start peeling back the layers. It's an enjoyable read. In full disclosure, I won the chance to review this book here at Goodreads, but the review is honest, and my enjoyment of the book is the basis for the review and rating.
February 5, 2017
I would rate Sky High closer to 3.5 stars, but the beginning annoyed me enough to round it down instead of up. I like the mystery in Nicki Valentine enough, I like its motives, it deals with some serious issues. I also like Nicki herself, when she's not thinking of Dean. And therein lies the problem. Dean can do everything. And he's such a dreamboat that he derails Nicki's thought process - by the time I finished 20 pages, I'd figured that I could easily skip 2 paragraphs after Dean was mentioned, because it contained nothing productive. I don't mind romance, I just don't like that much drooling. Also, Brad Pitt looks like death warmed over at this point, so Nicki beware.
The end of this book was a bit wonky too - I couldn't understand why the killer came over to Nicki's house, because there seemed to be no point. He/she accidentally confesses, until then neither Dean nor Nicki have thought of this person at all. Which they should have. It's not the first time they're blindsided by something in the book. To be honest, they don't seem very competent. But it's a quick read, and I like Nicki's personal growth unrelated to Dean. I also like Kenna.
The end of this book was a bit wonky too - I couldn't understand why the killer came over to Nicki's house, because there seemed to be no point. He/she accidentally confesses, until then neither Dean nor Nicki have thought of this person at all. Which they should have. It's not the first time they're blindsided by something in the book. To be honest, they don't seem very competent. But it's a quick read, and I like Nicki's personal growth unrelated to Dean. I also like Kenna.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2015
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. While the main character is learning to become a PI while raising two children seven and five, alone. She has a lot of struggles in her life. Including the guy she met in PI class who she really, really likes.
Don't worry if you don't get the killer in this story, the PI's didn't either. HA! He wasn't even one of the suspects.
The best part is the unknown package that gets delivered to Nicki's house and the bomb squad has to be called to check it out. You will definitely laugh out loud!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I found the book quite entertaining and enjoyable. I highly recommend it or any book from Henery Press. You won't go wrong!
I really enjoyed this book. While the main character is learning to become a PI while raising two children seven and five, alone. She has a lot of struggles in her life. Including the guy she met in PI class who she really, really likes.
Don't worry if you don't get the killer in this story, the PI's didn't either. HA! He wasn't even one of the suspects.
The best part is the unknown package that gets delivered to Nicki's house and the bomb squad has to be called to check it out. You will definitely laugh out loud!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I found the book quite entertaining and enjoyable. I highly recommend it or any book from Henery Press. You won't go wrong!
September 15, 2015
Widowed mom of 2 and new P.I. Nicki Valentine is back in Susan's 2nd "Sky" book. I had mush trouble putting this book down, in fact I think there was one very long night spent on it. You can tell that Susan loves her characters, she makes the reader consider them as friends. I love the fact that this book, like most cozies was without violence and sex, was very important to me. Give me a book with heart, a little intrigue, humor, and every day life and I'll probably read everything you write.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
August 1, 2016
One-of-a-kind mystery
Sky High, the second is Susan O'Brien's Nicki Valentine series, finds Nicki in a unique position. Her first assignment as a PI involves murder and pairs her with her former instructor Dean. As they race to solve the case, they find themselves turning in every direction to catch the killer before they're caught. This series is completely different and enthralling because Nicki is not only a PI, she's a single mom of two young children. O'Brien combines mystery, humor, and heart-tugging scenes in a novel that will stay with you long after the last page. I highly recommend it!
Sky High, the second is Susan O'Brien's Nicki Valentine series, finds Nicki in a unique position. Her first assignment as a PI involves murder and pairs her with her former instructor Dean. As they race to solve the case, they find themselves turning in every direction to catch the killer before they're caught. This series is completely different and enthralling because Nicki is not only a PI, she's a single mom of two young children. O'Brien combines mystery, humor, and heart-tugging scenes in a novel that will stay with you long after the last page. I highly recommend it!
August 7, 2015
I received this book as an ARC. It a mystery book, but also a romance book. When Nicki and Dean had attended a wedding that went all wrong, since the groom was a no show, never knew how things would turn out. They were asked to help find the groom. The author keeps you guessing what could of happened.
The groom not only walked out on his bride, but also his very sick Mother that he was scheduled to be a donor for. It leaves us all wondering what could of gone wrong.
Enjoyed very much and think others will also.
The groom not only walked out on his bride, but also his very sick Mother that he was scheduled to be a donor for. It leaves us all wondering what could of gone wrong.
Enjoyed very much and think others will also.
August 10, 2015
This story follows Nicki Valentine and her boyfriend Dean Summers as they attempt to locate an errant groom. After he is found dead and the investigation shifts to trying to solve his murder. Nicki took PI classes from Dean after her husband was killed and opened her own company, Sky Investigations. Set in both Virginia and Florida, they must determine the true past of the errant groom that is very disturbing. I never saw the end coming and was truly surprised. Highly recommend to anyone that loves cozy mysteries.
September 20, 2015
Warm-hearted “mysteromance” featuring stressed-out, widowed, mother-of-two-come-PI, Nicki Valentine (the second in the Nicki Valentine Mystery series).
Down-to-earth novice sleuth Nicki is now searching for a groom-to-be who unaccountably vanishes on the very day of his wedding. Unsurprisingly, the disappearance touches off a nosedive into the rotten mess surrounding the missing man’s past.
The story is gentle, a good choice for those who enjoy cozy American mysteries featuring a dash of romance and a sensible investigating woman.
**eARC netgalley**
Down-to-earth novice sleuth Nicki is now searching for a groom-to-be who unaccountably vanishes on the very day of his wedding. Unsurprisingly, the disappearance touches off a nosedive into the rotten mess surrounding the missing man’s past.
The story is gentle, a good choice for those who enjoy cozy American mysteries featuring a dash of romance and a sensible investigating woman.
**eARC netgalley**
August 22, 2015
Nicki Valentine is back for book 2 in this cozy mystery series. This book has them solving the murder of a groom the night before his wedding. As she and Dean investigate, they find the groom isn't what everyone thought. There are some laugh aloud moments as they eliminate the various suspects. A very enjoyable read with a Nicki shining as a PI, a mom, and a widow who is getting messages through a medium from her dead husband who died with his mistress in a boating accident.
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