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Kitty James Mystery #2
Everybody Talks
Crestwood’s grapevine, The Beast, is fed through SPArkles Salon, much to owner Daphne Arden’s disgust. Daphne grew up in her grandmother’s beauty-parlor, after her mother Jolie, the Summer Lake wild child, disappeared mysteriously over twenty years ago. The Beast chewed on Jolie and speculated about the true identity of Daphne’s father. After surviving the fallout her entire childhood, in addition to having some crazy relatives with questionable business practices, all Daphne hopes for is quiet respectability, staying well out of the jaws of The Beast.
So much for hope. Susie Mayhew, a local woman who went missing, floats up right behind Daphne’s house, and Susie’s isn’t the only body in Summer Lake, causing the police to find a serial killer’s dumping grounds.
The Beast roars fast and loud, and Kitty James is knocking on Daphne’s door begging for a front row seat the scandal. As if that wasn’t enough? Her old high school crush, the handsome David Mitchell, starts to pursue her determinedly, causing tongues to wag a mile a minute!
As connections between a murdered ex-employee, Jolie’s disappearance, and one of Daphne’s many potential fathers is revealed, a killer will become increasingly nervous about past crimes being resurrected. A killer that will do anything, including silence Kitty and Daphne, to keep everybody from talking about the past.
So much for hope. Susie Mayhew, a local woman who went missing, floats up right behind Daphne’s house, and Susie’s isn’t the only body in Summer Lake, causing the police to find a serial killer’s dumping grounds.
The Beast roars fast and loud, and Kitty James is knocking on Daphne’s door begging for a front row seat the scandal. As if that wasn’t enough? Her old high school crush, the handsome David Mitchell, starts to pursue her determinedly, causing tongues to wag a mile a minute!
As connections between a murdered ex-employee, Jolie’s disappearance, and one of Daphne’s many potential fathers is revealed, a killer will become increasingly nervous about past crimes being resurrected. A killer that will do anything, including silence Kitty and Daphne, to keep everybody from talking about the past.
- GenresMystery
ebook
First published August 15, 2015
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Kitty James
3 books5 followersKitty James is a pseudonym for a murder mystery addict and Alabama native currently living in the Triangle Region of North Carolina. She graduated from UAB with a degree in Mass Communications where she wrote everything from film scripts, radio commercials, speeches, term papers, etc but never went into broadcasting because she was already working in technology. She is a Breast Cancer Survivor and works as a full-time technology consultant. Two cats, husband, gardening, reading, volunteering, and making soap are among her many interest. She is a big fan of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Rex Stout (huge crush on Archie Goodwin), and P.G. Wodehouse (comical genius), but reads lots of modern authors too.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2015
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2015/10/review-...
Daphne Arden has been trying to live down her mother’s wild antics for years but it’s hard when the gossip grapevine, nicknamed the beast, lives and breathes in her very own business, SPAkles Salon. Having been raised by her grandmother after her mother, Jolie, disappeared over 20 years ago, Daphne’s childhood was a mixture of speculation and innuendos. Having survived that gauntlet, all Daphne wants is to lead a quiet, respectable, boring life. But when her eccentric relatives refuse to act sane, dead bodies keep appearing in the pond behind her house, the gossip concerning who her father might be stirs back up, and the town lothario and former crush suddenly starts courting her, Daphne just knows the beast is getting ready to gobble her up for good.
This is my first time reading Kitty James but it won’t be my last. As an aficionado of small town romances, I was instantly encouraged when I was offered this for review. James’s voice rings true and clear as she opens her story with a look into the past at the heroine’s mother; giving readers an eye opener at just how wild this woman was. James then switches to the present to introduce us to our heroine, Daphne Arden, and show us how her mother’s actions from so long ago have affected her life and continue to do so in the present.
“Jolie made sure I was under a microscope my entire childhood…”
Everybody Talks is the second book set in Kitty James’s fictional town of Crestwood, NC. This small town romantic suspense series blends snarky humor, a multi-layered mystery, eccentric characters, and some steamy romance to build an engaging story that flows smoothly and evenly. Though this is the second in the series, I found it was self sustaining for the most part. James gives readers just enough to ensure anyone who has not read book one-Dragonfly-is not lost or confused. The namesake of the series, Kitty James, seems to take more of a supporting role in this installment to Daphne and her multitude of problems.
Heavily character driven, the story stays mainly in the present though it flips back to the past at pivotal moments in order to show the connections. Daphne mother was a real piece of work. A narcissistic, drug addicted, con artist, she used her beauty and body to get what she wanted leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. Daphne was born as a means to an end but lucky for her, her grandmother was there to give her the love and care she needed. After her mother disappeared, Daphne was raised by her grandmother and took over her beauty salon after she passed away. Forced to live in the town that never lets her forget who her mother was and what she did, Daphne goes to the extremes to make sure no one can mistake her for her mother. She is discreet, keeps to herself, dresses conservatively, and never dates the locals.
“I didn’t like to let others know my reactions, preferring to keep my thoughts and emotions to myself. That as a direct result of having my mother, and as a result, my own, personal life subjected to small town gossip throughout my whole childhood.”
Daphne is a character we all like to root for. The underdog. Small towns are breeding grounds for gossip and in this town, Daphne has always been in their sights. Despite all this, she doesn’t let it get her down. She has a thriving business, a few good friends, and plenty of relatives who have her back. Hilarious internal musings had me rolling as she speculates on some cheating neighbors, her uncle’s side business out of the trunk of his car, and her friend Kitty’s unnatural preoccupation with murder.
“I hope I never got called to testify about anything she said, because it would mean I’d have to admit under oath that I had heard her say something like ‘the best way to fake a drowning is to tie a concrete block around the waist,’ or any number of similar things.”
The multi-plotted mystery circles back to Daphne’s mother as we began to piece together what is happening and it’s connection to Daphne. James uses humor to deflect the seriousness of the issues at hand, keeping the story on this right side of lightweight. An eccentric secondary cast has you shaking your head and giggling as small town residents often do. A small but delicious romance only further adds to the humor of the story. Daphne’s high school crush, homicide detective David Mitchell, has suddenly decided to make his interest known but she doesn’t trust him due to an incident from high school. The evolution of their relationship is cute and sweet as he overrides her objections faster than she can voice them.
“He’s awfully pretty isn’t he?”
Yeah, I guess so. If you like that type.”
“You mean single, tall, gorgeous, and employed?”
Everybody Talks does what it set out to do-provides an entertaining who dun it with a flair for comical mayhem. I look forward to seeing what Kitty and the town of Crestwood gets up to next.
RATING: B
Daphne Arden has been trying to live down her mother’s wild antics for years but it’s hard when the gossip grapevine, nicknamed the beast, lives and breathes in her very own business, SPAkles Salon. Having been raised by her grandmother after her mother, Jolie, disappeared over 20 years ago, Daphne’s childhood was a mixture of speculation and innuendos. Having survived that gauntlet, all Daphne wants is to lead a quiet, respectable, boring life. But when her eccentric relatives refuse to act sane, dead bodies keep appearing in the pond behind her house, the gossip concerning who her father might be stirs back up, and the town lothario and former crush suddenly starts courting her, Daphne just knows the beast is getting ready to gobble her up for good.
This is my first time reading Kitty James but it won’t be my last. As an aficionado of small town romances, I was instantly encouraged when I was offered this for review. James’s voice rings true and clear as she opens her story with a look into the past at the heroine’s mother; giving readers an eye opener at just how wild this woman was. James then switches to the present to introduce us to our heroine, Daphne Arden, and show us how her mother’s actions from so long ago have affected her life and continue to do so in the present.
“Jolie made sure I was under a microscope my entire childhood…”
Everybody Talks is the second book set in Kitty James’s fictional town of Crestwood, NC. This small town romantic suspense series blends snarky humor, a multi-layered mystery, eccentric characters, and some steamy romance to build an engaging story that flows smoothly and evenly. Though this is the second in the series, I found it was self sustaining for the most part. James gives readers just enough to ensure anyone who has not read book one-Dragonfly-is not lost or confused. The namesake of the series, Kitty James, seems to take more of a supporting role in this installment to Daphne and her multitude of problems.
Heavily character driven, the story stays mainly in the present though it flips back to the past at pivotal moments in order to show the connections. Daphne mother was a real piece of work. A narcissistic, drug addicted, con artist, she used her beauty and body to get what she wanted leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. Daphne was born as a means to an end but lucky for her, her grandmother was there to give her the love and care she needed. After her mother disappeared, Daphne was raised by her grandmother and took over her beauty salon after she passed away. Forced to live in the town that never lets her forget who her mother was and what she did, Daphne goes to the extremes to make sure no one can mistake her for her mother. She is discreet, keeps to herself, dresses conservatively, and never dates the locals.
“I didn’t like to let others know my reactions, preferring to keep my thoughts and emotions to myself. That as a direct result of having my mother, and as a result, my own, personal life subjected to small town gossip throughout my whole childhood.”
Daphne is a character we all like to root for. The underdog. Small towns are breeding grounds for gossip and in this town, Daphne has always been in their sights. Despite all this, she doesn’t let it get her down. She has a thriving business, a few good friends, and plenty of relatives who have her back. Hilarious internal musings had me rolling as she speculates on some cheating neighbors, her uncle’s side business out of the trunk of his car, and her friend Kitty’s unnatural preoccupation with murder.
“I hope I never got called to testify about anything she said, because it would mean I’d have to admit under oath that I had heard her say something like ‘the best way to fake a drowning is to tie a concrete block around the waist,’ or any number of similar things.”
The multi-plotted mystery circles back to Daphne’s mother as we began to piece together what is happening and it’s connection to Daphne. James uses humor to deflect the seriousness of the issues at hand, keeping the story on this right side of lightweight. An eccentric secondary cast has you shaking your head and giggling as small town residents often do. A small but delicious romance only further adds to the humor of the story. Daphne’s high school crush, homicide detective David Mitchell, has suddenly decided to make his interest known but she doesn’t trust him due to an incident from high school. The evolution of their relationship is cute and sweet as he overrides her objections faster than she can voice them.
“He’s awfully pretty isn’t he?”
Yeah, I guess so. If you like that type.”
“You mean single, tall, gorgeous, and employed?”
Everybody Talks does what it set out to do-provides an entertaining who dun it with a flair for comical mayhem. I look forward to seeing what Kitty and the town of Crestwood gets up to next.
RATING: B
August 15, 2015
A superb follow up to Dragonfly. The Kitty James Mysteries are now firmly on my 'must read' shelf and I eagerly anticipate the next mystery.
I love the author's style of writing. She writes such wonderful, true to life characters. Small town life is captured so well.
The story opens in 1982 with the first killing and after that we are intermittently given glimpses Jolie's into life, her character, her actions, and interactions with the people around her.
The main story is set in the present day where Jolie's daughter, Daphne, is all grown up and trying to live a quiet, gossip free life. Living in a small town and owning a salon means that it is practically impossible to avoid gossip and scandal, especially after dead bodies turn up behind her house.
There are plenty of mysteries to solve. Who was Daphne's father? What really happened to her mother? Who is the killer and will there be more victims?
Kitty takes a back seat in this story and only plays a supporting role in solving the mystery. Daphne is a great character and through her the novel takes a lighter and more humorous tone than Kitty's in Dragonfly. Where Kitty suffers from social anxiety disorder Daphne is outgoing and sassy. She does have her own quirks though. She doesn't date locals because of the gossip mill. When you date a local the whole town has a propensity to weigh in with their opinion. This I can relate to but I'd totally break the rule for a David.
Daphne's internal thoughts about the people around her, especially Kitty, are quite funny. She also fancies the pants off David, whom we met in Dragonfly, but she is so obsessed with avoiding gossip that she doesn't even want to be seen talking to him in public and goes to great lengths to avoid his company. Their developing relationship is cute and funny. I particularly liked the scene where she was in hospital and didn't want David to see her because she looked a scary mess. I wouldn't have to be in hospital to relate to that feeling!
The mystery is well thought out and the characters are all very engaging. I am loving this series!!
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February 12, 2016I received this book for an honest review. The review will be posted on Boundless Book Reviews as soon as it's scheduled. I will be posting a link as soon as it's available. Feel free to check out our website for all the current reviews. AND don't forget to like us! http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
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March 23, 2016
I'm so proud of this one. Hope you agree.
October 16, 2015
This mystery suspense novel brilliantly takes us through two different time periods. While Jolie takes us through her wild days in the 1980’s; her daughter, Daphne introduces us the unique characters of Crestwood, North Carolina in modern day. Both, having grown up in this very tightknit community have everybody talking, despite their very opposite lifestyles. Daphne unsuccessfully tries to stay out of the community’s spotlight, while her mother does everything she can to keep her, and the younger Daphne, the main topic of the town gossip.
In modern day, the gossip proves helpful, while Daphne is attempting to answer big question of her life: Which of her mother’s many lovers, is her father? More mysteries arise when the remains of human bodies are found on Daphne’s family property. Who are they? Who killed them? As they learn that not all of the bodies are from the past, Daphne is put in danger and can’t help but wonder; are the killings from both generations related? If that isn’t enough to keep a reader interested, the investigation surprisingly introduces romance into Daphne’s, currently “very single and happy this way,” life.
This is the second book in the Kitty James Mystery, but can stand alone fine. Kitty James has created a wonderful community. The varieties of characters fill Everybody Talks with comedy, suspense, romance, and mystery, and more comedy. Though it is an awesome read alone, I plan on reading all of James’ mysteries. I can’t wait to learn all the characters stories, as I get to know each one personally.
I give this book 5 stars for “I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more!”...Beth
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In modern day, the gossip proves helpful, while Daphne is attempting to answer big question of her life: Which of her mother’s many lovers, is her father? More mysteries arise when the remains of human bodies are found on Daphne’s family property. Who are they? Who killed them? As they learn that not all of the bodies are from the past, Daphne is put in danger and can’t help but wonder; are the killings from both generations related? If that isn’t enough to keep a reader interested, the investigation surprisingly introduces romance into Daphne’s, currently “very single and happy this way,” life.
This is the second book in the Kitty James Mystery, but can stand alone fine. Kitty James has created a wonderful community. The varieties of characters fill Everybody Talks with comedy, suspense, romance, and mystery, and more comedy. Though it is an awesome read alone, I plan on reading all of James’ mysteries. I can’t wait to learn all the characters stories, as I get to know each one personally.
I give this book 5 stars for “I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more!”...Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
October 20, 2015
I loved this book. I loved the flow - how it went back in time and then present day. I loved the main character but wanted her to let loose and have a little fun - which she ended up doing. Lol.
I loved the quirky characters and Oh (!) the names she gave them! Hilarious! Ms. James obviously has a very witty sense of humor!
This was a great story and leaves me questioning the other characters that were briefly touched on. I hope Ms. James will develop them as she goes because this story leaves you wanting it to go on. The cool way its written leads me to believe this is going to wind up a well-rounded story! Maybe I'm just being hopeful wanting to hear more from Ms. James!
From what I read I believe this is only her second published book-very impressive! I hope she writes many, many more!
I loved the quirky characters and Oh (!) the names she gave them! Hilarious! Ms. James obviously has a very witty sense of humor!
This was a great story and leaves me questioning the other characters that were briefly touched on. I hope Ms. James will develop them as she goes because this story leaves you wanting it to go on. The cool way its written leads me to believe this is going to wind up a well-rounded story! Maybe I'm just being hopeful wanting to hear more from Ms. James!
From what I read I believe this is only her second published book-very impressive! I hope she writes many, many more!
August 24, 2015
1982, Crestwood, NC Jolie Arden looked at her dead husband Larry Arden body.
Randy Mason had shoved Larry & he hit his head on an old tie down.
Fast forward Daphne Arden (narrator) owns a massage parlor.
If you want to know anything about anybody The Beast is the local Crestwood, NC gossip line.
Detective David Mitchell (Crestwood P/D) & Detective Satterfield (Crestwood P/D) were investigating the death.
Denise Sparks owns SPArkles Salon.
What happened to Denise or Susie Mayhew?
What is it with these 2: Daphne Arden & Detective David Mitchell?
Will the killer(s) be brought to justice?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romantic who-dun-it crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you won’t want to put down. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Randy Mason had shoved Larry & he hit his head on an old tie down.
Fast forward Daphne Arden (narrator) owns a massage parlor.
If you want to know anything about anybody The Beast is the local Crestwood, NC gossip line.
Detective David Mitchell (Crestwood P/D) & Detective Satterfield (Crestwood P/D) were investigating the death.
Denise Sparks owns SPArkles Salon.
What happened to Denise or Susie Mayhew?
What is it with these 2: Daphne Arden & Detective David Mitchell?
Will the killer(s) be brought to justice?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romantic who-dun-it crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you won’t want to put down. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 22, 2016
Really good book and l awesome follow
On to dragonfly and l really enjoyed both book
And l found it really easy to get into this book and l love this series and l highly recommend it to anybody and l rated this book 5 out of 5 stars and it was a great read and the author is really nice and l want to thank her for letting me read both of her books
On to dragonfly and l really enjoyed both book
And l found it really easy to get into this book and l love this series and l highly recommend it to anybody and l rated this book 5 out of 5 stars and it was a great read and the author is really nice and l want to thank her for letting me read both of her books
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews