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Madeline Dawkins #2
A High Price to Pay
Madeline’s dual professions as event coordinator and private investigator cross paths during the most lavish affair of her career—a weekend-long fortieth birthday extravaganza for the wife of a famous film director. A simple background check after the disappearance of precious family jewels quickly turns into a murder investigation, and before Madeline and Mike can put the pieces together, another body turns up. As the Santa Barbara police and sheriff’s departments search for clues, the Mad Dog P.I.’s use their own methods to untangle the crimes, discovering some unsavory truths behind the glittering façade of their clients.
Adding to Madeline’s already overflowing plate, the D.A. informs her that Rick Yeoman, one of the men who had abducted her three years earlier, has been prematurely released from prison after cutting a deal with the Feds. Besides fearing reprisals from the man she helped to convict, his parole also triggers the reappearance of soulless Lionel Usherwood, lured out of his hideaway by the call of revenge. When Yeoman’s body surfaces in Lake Cachuma, Usherwood moves on to the next target: Madeline.
A High Price to Pay is the second novel in the Madeline Dawkins series.
Adding to Madeline’s already overflowing plate, the D.A. informs her that Rick Yeoman, one of the men who had abducted her three years earlier, has been prematurely released from prison after cutting a deal with the Feds. Besides fearing reprisals from the man she helped to convict, his parole also triggers the reappearance of soulless Lionel Usherwood, lured out of his hideaway by the call of revenge. When Yeoman’s body surfaces in Lake Cachuma, Usherwood moves on to the next target: Madeline.
A High Price to Pay is the second novel in the Madeline Dawkins series.
282 pages, ebook
First published March 19, 2014
384 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Hamilton
21 books228 followersCynthia Hamilton started writing 2000 as a means of coping with a debilitating illness. Writing gave her lifeline and a way to channel her overly-active imagination. Late-stage Lyme disease turned out to be a blessing in disguise, giving her a career she never imagined for herself, one that constantly inspires her.
Cynthia writes in a variety of genres: mysteries/general fiction/memoir. She is currently working on the 9th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, and is still finding tremendous inspiration from her protagonist.
FINDING RUTH, the book she wrote to understand her mother's life from her POV, was the 1st Place Winner in the Firebird Book Awards in the Women's Fiction and Relationships categories.
Cynthia recently attended a book signing Q & A at Chaucer's Bookstore in Santa Barbara. You can click on the link below to watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEaLu...
During an interview on SPEAK UP TALK RADIO hosted by Pat Rullo, she spoke about her books and the role writing has played in her life:
https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/cynt...
Cynthia lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their extended family. She loves reading, writing, discussing books with other book lovers, and walking for hours, especially on the beach. She considers herself immensely fortunate.
You can also find her at http://cynthiahamiltonbooks.com, Twitter (@AuthorCynthiaH), and Facebook: http://bit.ly/2IDnLcF
Cynthia writes in a variety of genres: mysteries/general fiction/memoir. She is currently working on the 9th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, and is still finding tremendous inspiration from her protagonist.
FINDING RUTH, the book she wrote to understand her mother's life from her POV, was the 1st Place Winner in the Firebird Book Awards in the Women's Fiction and Relationships categories.
Cynthia recently attended a book signing Q & A at Chaucer's Bookstore in Santa Barbara. You can click on the link below to watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEaLu...
During an interview on SPEAK UP TALK RADIO hosted by Pat Rullo, she spoke about her books and the role writing has played in her life:
https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/cynt...
Cynthia lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their extended family. She loves reading, writing, discussing books with other book lovers, and walking for hours, especially on the beach. She considers herself immensely fortunate.
You can also find her at http://cynthiahamiltonbooks.com, Twitter (@AuthorCynthiaH), and Facebook: http://bit.ly/2IDnLcF
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 7, 2019
Madeline Dawkins and her longtime friend, Mike, have moved forward with their very own private investigative firm. However, it takes time to develop clientele and get word out that you're in the P.I. business. To supplement a necessary income, Madeline maintains work as a full-time event planner, and her latest work is a year-long project taking a toll on her nerves.
Her most recent client is wife of a famous movie director, and in her world, everything seems to be centered on her. It takes nearly a year to prep for a birthday party filled with movie stars, paparazzi, expensive chefs, caterers, the works. During this time, the movie director's mother learns of Madeline's side work as private investigator. Turns out the mother, Vivian, is missing expensive jewelry and wants to hire Madeline to find out what happened to it, and if someone on her staff stole it.
Madeline and Mike are ecstatic to have their very first case, which if successful, could launch their firm into the stratosphere. But things are not easy. A man from Madeline's past is back for revenge, and he's out for blood! To make matters worse, people close to the movie director are prime suspects. Madeline will have to juggle her first P.I. case with kid gloves, all the while preparing for one of Santa Barbara's most extravagant parties of the year.
When she and Mike begin eliminating suspects and narrowing the field, the results are astounding. And when they get a surprise message from Madeline's man-with-a-grudge, they both begin to wonder how far they will go to stay in the private investigation business.
This is book two of the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series and I found it to be extremely entertaining. The author has taken great lengths to know her trade and subject material. The characters are so real, the story so gripping and leaves the reader with an I'll-bet-this-has-actually-happened, making the story all the more entertaining. Madeline and Mike are quite the team, and I look forward to book 3 and 4!
Hats off to author Cynthia Hamilton!
Her most recent client is wife of a famous movie director, and in her world, everything seems to be centered on her. It takes nearly a year to prep for a birthday party filled with movie stars, paparazzi, expensive chefs, caterers, the works. During this time, the movie director's mother learns of Madeline's side work as private investigator. Turns out the mother, Vivian, is missing expensive jewelry and wants to hire Madeline to find out what happened to it, and if someone on her staff stole it.
Madeline and Mike are ecstatic to have their very first case, which if successful, could launch their firm into the stratosphere. But things are not easy. A man from Madeline's past is back for revenge, and he's out for blood! To make matters worse, people close to the movie director are prime suspects. Madeline will have to juggle her first P.I. case with kid gloves, all the while preparing for one of Santa Barbara's most extravagant parties of the year.
When she and Mike begin eliminating suspects and narrowing the field, the results are astounding. And when they get a surprise message from Madeline's man-with-a-grudge, they both begin to wonder how far they will go to stay in the private investigation business.
This is book two of the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series and I found it to be extremely entertaining. The author has taken great lengths to know her trade and subject material. The characters are so real, the story so gripping and leaves the reader with an I'll-bet-this-has-actually-happened, making the story all the more entertaining. Madeline and Mike are quite the team, and I look forward to book 3 and 4!
Hats off to author Cynthia Hamilton!
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed the second in the Madeline Dawkins series. Madeline is a little less whiny and spooked in this book; not done away with completely, but much less than in The Spouse Trap. I was pretty sure I had figured out who the killer was before the end, but it was interesting to see how Madeline figured it out. The one issue I had with this book is that I could have done with much less of Madeline and Mike rehashing all the details of the murder and who it could be and how they did it and on and on and on!!! If Ms Hamilton had cut a significant portion of that out, she might would have been able to follow through on the ending. This is one issue I have with her writing style. She gets to a certain point in the story and ends it and then (even though she doesn't designate it as such) she does an epilogue. I want a complete resolution to the stories I read, especially if it's a series. These are people I have invested time into and I want a full disclosure of how Mike reacted, how Cherie reacted (over the top as usual, I'm sure), etc. It could have been so much more satisfying for me. But since that's really the only issue I have with Ms Hamilton, I will definitely be reading Girl Trap and hoping there will be more books in the series.
September 14, 2017
Good story
Even though I figured out who did it immediately; this was a good story.
A lot of unexpected situations came up that were interesting. The two M D's are likeable. Would have enjoyed more discussions over the case in the story.
A lot takes place in less than a week. Hope there is a sequel
Even though I figured out who did it immediately; this was a good story.
A lot of unexpected situations came up that were interesting. The two M D's are likeable. Would have enjoyed more discussions over the case in the story.
A lot takes place in less than a week. Hope there is a sequel
July 28, 2017
I only give it 5stwrs because they dont offer 6
book was well written and the stlory line believable .the fight scene was very well done....I would change the detective agency name to MD squared, since they shared initials. good read. you will enjoy it.mp
book was well written and the stlory line believable .the fight scene was very well done....I would change the detective agency name to MD squared, since they shared initials. good read. you will enjoy it.mp
December 11, 2015
Successful Suspense
I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the antagonist to strike. Just when I thought The book would leave me guessing..........
I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the antagonist to strike. Just when I thought The book would leave me guessing..........
April 1, 2014
A High Price To Pay, the second installment in the Madeline Dawkins mystery series from the talented author Cynthia Hamilton, belies the curse of the sophomore slump. It grips the reader and conveys her/him on a strident pace through Madeline Dawkins’ graduation from her private investigator’s “internship,” as she transitions from her event planning career to fulltime work as a P.I. Her longtime friend, confidant, and occasional lover, Mike Delaney, remains beside her as her partner in the fledgling P.I. firm, but as they embark on their own after gaining their licenses to practice, the sobering reappearance of an old and dangerous adversary blunts their enthusiasm. The release from prison of a psychopath against whom Madeline provided testimony, after he cuts a deal with the Feds to turn state’s evidence against his former boss, puts Madeline and Mike on guard. As Madeline nears completion of a year-long plan for a three-day party for a Hollywood diva, she and Mike keep one eye on the work and another over their shoulders.
The plotting of A High Price To Pay is exquisite. The characters are depicted with rich depth and dimension. As in her other works, Cynthia Hamilton reveals an intelligence in her writing about human nature. There are no cardboard cutouts here to occupy space or meet a superficial need. Every character, however minor or tangential, is fully-drawn and consequential. This is a hallmark of Hamilton’s prose. She is an accomplished and gifted wordsmith. This book far exceeds the expectations of an ordinary whodunit. The characters, through their thoughts and actions, reveal reflections on human nature, insight into emotions and passions we all share. By the time the mystery is solved, we’ve learned far more than the murderer’s identity.
In addition to the first Madeline Dawkins mystery, Spouse Trap, Cynthia Hamilton is the author of three previous novels and a memoir about her triumph over Lyme disease. I admire her talent for analyzing relationships, for weaving a plot around fascinating characters, and for teaching me about myself from what she reveals about us all.
I hope Cynthia Hamilton, with A High Price To Pay, will continue to delight me and other readers with a long career of entertaining and discerning fiction.
The plotting of A High Price To Pay is exquisite. The characters are depicted with rich depth and dimension. As in her other works, Cynthia Hamilton reveals an intelligence in her writing about human nature. There are no cardboard cutouts here to occupy space or meet a superficial need. Every character, however minor or tangential, is fully-drawn and consequential. This is a hallmark of Hamilton’s prose. She is an accomplished and gifted wordsmith. This book far exceeds the expectations of an ordinary whodunit. The characters, through their thoughts and actions, reveal reflections on human nature, insight into emotions and passions we all share. By the time the mystery is solved, we’ve learned far more than the murderer’s identity.
In addition to the first Madeline Dawkins mystery, Spouse Trap, Cynthia Hamilton is the author of three previous novels and a memoir about her triumph over Lyme disease. I admire her talent for analyzing relationships, for weaving a plot around fascinating characters, and for teaching me about myself from what she reveals about us all.
I hope Cynthia Hamilton, with A High Price To Pay, will continue to delight me and other readers with a long career of entertaining and discerning fiction.
February 14, 2015
This is a thrill ride.
Madeline was assaulted in the past and there is evidence that the person responsible for that assault is now coming after her again. He has already killed a man who gave information to the police. She is next on his list. He is tying up loose ends.
Madeline is a newly licensed Private Investigator and she and her partner, Mike, are vigilant about trying to stay a few steps against the threat.
At the same time Maddie is finishing up her last two giant events – a wedding and a celebrity gala She has been an event planner while she was working on becoming a private investigator. And the two final events are very large parties.
She is asked to investigate a jewel theft. The new client is a woman who is missing some very expensive jewels which were gifts from her late husband. There is monetary value as well as a great deal of sentiment attached to the jewels and it is important that they be found.
Madeline and Mike are well defined characters. Each of them look at things from different perspectives and they complement one another well when they are working to solve a problem. The only thing I find irritating is the fact that Madeline seems to be unwilling at times to talk to someone who evidently cares very deeply for her. Sharing does not seem to be her strong point.
The secondary characters are wonderful at adding texture and depth to the story. Ms Hamilton is an expert at creating atmosphere in a few phrases. The reader is given a picture and drawn into the scene quickly.
There is danger and mystery involved. As the story moves forward, there is the realization that the villain who is after Maddie is waiting in the wings. And the jewel robbery and a couple of murders at a venue only add to the sense of trepidation.
This is a very well written book. If you are a fan of mysteries and thrillers, this is a book you will find difficult to put down.
I received this book from the author in the hope I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Madeline was assaulted in the past and there is evidence that the person responsible for that assault is now coming after her again. He has already killed a man who gave information to the police. She is next on his list. He is tying up loose ends.
Madeline is a newly licensed Private Investigator and she and her partner, Mike, are vigilant about trying to stay a few steps against the threat.
At the same time Maddie is finishing up her last two giant events – a wedding and a celebrity gala She has been an event planner while she was working on becoming a private investigator. And the two final events are very large parties.
She is asked to investigate a jewel theft. The new client is a woman who is missing some very expensive jewels which were gifts from her late husband. There is monetary value as well as a great deal of sentiment attached to the jewels and it is important that they be found.
Madeline and Mike are well defined characters. Each of them look at things from different perspectives and they complement one another well when they are working to solve a problem. The only thing I find irritating is the fact that Madeline seems to be unwilling at times to talk to someone who evidently cares very deeply for her. Sharing does not seem to be her strong point.
The secondary characters are wonderful at adding texture and depth to the story. Ms Hamilton is an expert at creating atmosphere in a few phrases. The reader is given a picture and drawn into the scene quickly.
There is danger and mystery involved. As the story moves forward, there is the realization that the villain who is after Maddie is waiting in the wings. And the jewel robbery and a couple of murders at a venue only add to the sense of trepidation.
This is a very well written book. If you are a fan of mysteries and thrillers, this is a book you will find difficult to put down.
I received this book from the author in the hope I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2015
Cynthia Hamilton does what many other authors do not do and that is she immerses herself into her work to make sure that she givers the readers the most accurate story possible. Hamilton wanted to write detective stories, so she took a detective course. She wanted to write about Guam so she immersed herself in the scenery and culture of Guam. She wanted to have her character take a martial arts class, so she took a martial arts class. You don't see this kind of dedication these days, and I admire that about Cynthia very much. Even Stephen King relied on Rocky Wood to do research The Shining's characters while he was writing Dr. Sleep. This alone should make you want to read Cynthia Hamilton.
As For "A High Price To Pay," It is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins Series and follows up the excellently written "Spouse Trap." it begins with Madeline completing her internship from PI training and moving from an event planner to a full time Private Detective. Madeline still needs to finish off one last event that she has been planning for a full year and things get complicated when a madmen she helped put behind bars is released after striking a plea deal.
Hamilton creates wonderfully developed characters who all have place in the story. There are not people thrown in just to take up space. Every character in the story is there for a reason and helps advance the story line which never slumps and keeps the reader interested the whole way through. if you are a fan of detective fiction with a strong female lead, the Madeline Dawkins series is perfect for you.
As For "A High Price To Pay," It is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins Series and follows up the excellently written "Spouse Trap." it begins with Madeline completing her internship from PI training and moving from an event planner to a full time Private Detective. Madeline still needs to finish off one last event that she has been planning for a full year and things get complicated when a madmen she helped put behind bars is released after striking a plea deal.
Hamilton creates wonderfully developed characters who all have place in the story. There are not people thrown in just to take up space. Every character in the story is there for a reason and helps advance the story line which never slumps and keeps the reader interested the whole way through. if you are a fan of detective fiction with a strong female lead, the Madeline Dawkins series is perfect for you.
August 1, 2014
My real rating is 3-1/2 stars, I rounded up.
I found "A High Price To Pay" to be well-written, with decently believable characters, situations and dialogue. The 'mystery' was well-crafted: I did figure it out, early on, but I doubt most readers would catch all of the subtle clues, and will be surprised to discover who the killer was.
There were two sets of murders. I cannot figure out why Ms. Hamilton thought the first, more thriller-style, to be a necessary part of this story. The book would have been better without it, and it only detracted from the plot.
As the unnecessary murder was a holdover from what I imagine must be the first book in this series the author went into great detail about a previous story - so much detail that now I doubt I could read that book with much enjoyment (I don't plan to try) - and once again, to the detriment of the main storyline.
I will, however, be on the lookout for future books.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads "First Reads" giveaways; the author kindly signed it for me as well!
I found "A High Price To Pay" to be well-written, with decently believable characters, situations and dialogue. The 'mystery' was well-crafted: I did figure it out, early on, but I doubt most readers would catch all of the subtle clues, and will be surprised to discover who the killer was.
There were two sets of murders. I cannot figure out why Ms. Hamilton thought the first, more thriller-style, to be a necessary part of this story. The book would have been better without it, and it only detracted from the plot.
As the unnecessary murder was a holdover from what I imagine must be the first book in this series the author went into great detail about a previous story - so much detail that now I doubt I could read that book with much enjoyment (I don't plan to try) - and once again, to the detriment of the main storyline.
I will, however, be on the lookout for future books.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads "First Reads" giveaways; the author kindly signed it for me as well!
November 22, 2017
I whole-heartedly recommend this thrilling sequel to Spouse Trap by author, Cynthia Hamilton. I was throughly entertained and enthralled by this fast paced and clever tale, which had me guessing to the end. In this second book of the Madeline Dawkins series, Madeline has come into her own and she is on fire! This is an expertly woven story and the amazing cast of characters had me completely engaged. It is witty, intelligent and down-right FUN!
This book truly showcases Ms Hamilton's gift for writing; it is seamless and a total pleasure to read.
This book truly showcases Ms Hamilton's gift for writing; it is seamless and a total pleasure to read.
July 21, 2016
A high price to pay by Cynthia Hamilton is a great "who done it " with several antagonists. The story opens with Maddie and Mike completing a. 3 year apprenticeship as private investigators and Maddie is an event coordinator. From there things go awry rather quickly like missing jewels to 2 murders.
March 25, 2018
I enjoyed the second installment of the Madeline Dawkins series and would be inclined to read more about the characters. The mystery and the solving of it were satisfying; the writing of the emotions was a bit off but that may develop better with time.
August 14, 2014
Easy fun read. Now I am going to get Cynthia Hamiltons other books.
November 4, 2019
This book has two main plots for the P.I. Team of Madeline and Mike. They need to stay one step ahead of the evil man from Madeline’s past out for revenge. At the same time Madeline has her first case to find a jewel thief turned murderer. She is doing this while juggling her side career as an event planner for the extravagant 40th Birthday of a spoiled socialite. Lucky, for Madeline she has Mike as her loyal and trustworthy partner.
I like my suspense/murder mysteries with some romance. There was no romance though Mike did elude to a former sexual relationship with his co-worker.
I was committed to this enthralling storyline but confused, as it felt like there was a missing chapter between 41 and 42 which dropped my rating by half a Star.
I like my suspense/murder mysteries with some romance. There was no romance though Mike did elude to a former sexual relationship with his co-worker.
I was committed to this enthralling storyline but confused, as it felt like there was a missing chapter between 41 and 42 which dropped my rating by half a Star.
May 27, 2020
A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton a feisty four-star read. This is number two in the Madeline Dawkins series and I would say that it is best to read them in order, I did and I enjoyed them that way as I didn’t feel lost at all reading the second story. This is a great whodunnit and it kept me guessing, I did guess right at first but then thought I didn’t and then just got so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t truly care. This has so many strings to the story, but the author does a great job of keeping it all together and plaiting them together to make a story that is easy to follow and really fun to read. If you like a mystery, then this is one for you. I only gave it four as there were a couple of bits that annoyed me but overall, it was very good.
March 17, 2022
I enjoyed book two in this recently discovered series. The characters are developing. The series needs better editing. So much is repetitive and I guessed the perp. I found myself skipping over text. I have seen series improve as they mature, so I’ll give Maddie and Mike another shot.
July 27, 2020
5 Stars
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This is another exciting mystery following Madeline Dawkins sleuthing adventures. This story takes place three years after the ending of book one. With the event planning/private investigation business in full swing- Madeline is caught up in planning a huge shindig for Hollywood elite. A year in the making, Madeline needs everything to go off without a hitch. But Madeline seems to attract trouble. The party turns into a murder investigation when a body is discovered in an upstairs bedroom. And Madeline is on the list of suspects. Added to her troubles is the fact that one of her abductors from the previous book, has cut a deal and is being released early. Will he be gunning for Madeline, since she helped put him away? His release draws out the evil leader of the kidnappers, who is hell bent on revenge. Things turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where Madeline and Mike will need to keep their wits about them and harness all their skills if they are to survive.
This cleverly crafted story has all the elements required to make it riveting. Missing jewels, an FBI investigation, a huge ‘Hollywood’ event, murder, suspense, unravelling three mysteries, betrayal, a reunion, revenge, a game of cat and mouse, a life or death battle for survival, and much more.
I loved all the excitement, emotion, tension, drama, and intrigue that Ms. Hamilton always manages to instil in her stories- I can always count on her for an exciting read.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This is another exciting mystery following Madeline Dawkins sleuthing adventures. This story takes place three years after the ending of book one. With the event planning/private investigation business in full swing- Madeline is caught up in planning a huge shindig for Hollywood elite. A year in the making, Madeline needs everything to go off without a hitch. But Madeline seems to attract trouble. The party turns into a murder investigation when a body is discovered in an upstairs bedroom. And Madeline is on the list of suspects. Added to her troubles is the fact that one of her abductors from the previous book, has cut a deal and is being released early. Will he be gunning for Madeline, since she helped put him away? His release draws out the evil leader of the kidnappers, who is hell bent on revenge. Things turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where Madeline and Mike will need to keep their wits about them and harness all their skills if they are to survive.
This cleverly crafted story has all the elements required to make it riveting. Missing jewels, an FBI investigation, a huge ‘Hollywood’ event, murder, suspense, unravelling three mysteries, betrayal, a reunion, revenge, a game of cat and mouse, a life or death battle for survival, and much more.
I loved all the excitement, emotion, tension, drama, and intrigue that Ms. Hamilton always manages to instil in her stories- I can always count on her for an exciting read.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
May 26, 2018
An Excellent Read
A good mystery. One thing I enjoyed was the author's
wide vocabulary. I even learned a couple of new words.
A good mystery. One thing I enjoyed was the author's
wide vocabulary. I even learned a couple of new words.
May 29, 2020
5 Stars
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This is another exciting mystery following Madeline Dawkins sleuthing adventures. This story takes place three years after the ending of book one. With the event planning/private investigation business in full swing- Madeline is caught up in planning a huge shindig for Hollywood elite. A year in the making, Madeline needs everything to go off without a hitch. But Madeline seems to attract trouble. The party turns into a murder investigation when a body is discovered in an upstairs bedroom. And Madeline is on the list of suspects. Added to her troubles is the fact that one of her abductors from the previous book, has cut a deal and is being released early. Will he be gunning for Madeline, since she helped put him away? His release draws out the evil leader of the kidnappers, who is hell bent on revenge. Things turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where Madeline and Mike will need to keep their wits about them and harness all their skills if they are to survive.
This cleverly crafted story has all the elements required to make it riveting. Missing jewels, an FBI investigation, a huge ‘Hollywood’ event, murder, suspense, unravelling three mysteries, betrayal, a reunion, revenge, a game of cat and mouse, a life or death battle for survival, and much more.
I loved all the excitement, emotion, tension, drama, and intrigue that Ms. Hamilton always manages to instil in her stories- I can always count on her for an exciting read.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This is another exciting mystery following Madeline Dawkins sleuthing adventures. This story takes place three years after the ending of book one. With the event planning/private investigation business in full swing- Madeline is caught up in planning a huge shindig for Hollywood elite. A year in the making, Madeline needs everything to go off without a hitch. But Madeline seems to attract trouble. The party turns into a murder investigation when a body is discovered in an upstairs bedroom. And Madeline is on the list of suspects. Added to her troubles is the fact that one of her abductors from the previous book, has cut a deal and is being released early. Will he be gunning for Madeline, since she helped put him away? His release draws out the evil leader of the kidnappers, who is hell bent on revenge. Things turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where Madeline and Mike will need to keep their wits about them and harness all their skills if they are to survive.
This cleverly crafted story has all the elements required to make it riveting. Missing jewels, an FBI investigation, a huge ‘Hollywood’ event, murder, suspense, unravelling three mysteries, betrayal, a reunion, revenge, a game of cat and mouse, a life or death battle for survival, and much more.
I loved all the excitement, emotion, tension, drama, and intrigue that Ms. Hamilton always manages to instil in her stories- I can always count on her for an exciting read.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
August 13, 2014
A High Price to Pay
I received a free copy of this novel from Goodreads.com
This is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series, after "Spouse Trap," which I liked. This one? Not so much.
I thought the first book had some problems, especially Madeline being all weepy and whiny. But the story was good. It was interesting as hell to see how it would all play out, even if you kind of knew she would ultimately prevail.
I figured in the second novel she might be less invested in the plot – that is, less personally affected – therefore less weepy and whiny. Well, I was wrong. She’s still weepy and whiny. And even worse, so is the character of Cherie. It’s double the weep and whine!
And the mystery – even set up as more of ‘who-done-it’ than the first one - is just less compelling. And the ‘why-done-it’ just doesn’t ring true. The who was just too easy to figure out. And usually with mysteries, I ain’t that smart. Which I actually prefer. The ‘carry-over’ part of the plot wasn’t all that interesting either.
Mike was fleshed out a bit more, but he’s still too over-bearing. He just kind of hovers over her the entire novel. She’s a grown women, with not one but two careers. How many times does she have to prove to you she can take care of herself?
It’s easy reading. I liked the character of Vivian, and I liked the details that went into the party-planning. Unfortunately the Cherie and Ross characters come off as ‘types’ as opposed to flesh and blood beings. Ultimately, I was expecting more from the author of Spouse Trap. But I would read the next installment if there is one.
I received a free copy of this novel from Goodreads.com
This is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series, after "Spouse Trap," which I liked. This one? Not so much.
I thought the first book had some problems, especially Madeline being all weepy and whiny. But the story was good. It was interesting as hell to see how it would all play out, even if you kind of knew she would ultimately prevail.
I figured in the second novel she might be less invested in the plot – that is, less personally affected – therefore less weepy and whiny. Well, I was wrong. She’s still weepy and whiny. And even worse, so is the character of Cherie. It’s double the weep and whine!
And the mystery – even set up as more of ‘who-done-it’ than the first one - is just less compelling. And the ‘why-done-it’ just doesn’t ring true. The who was just too easy to figure out. And usually with mysteries, I ain’t that smart. Which I actually prefer. The ‘carry-over’ part of the plot wasn’t all that interesting either.
Mike was fleshed out a bit more, but he’s still too over-bearing. He just kind of hovers over her the entire novel. She’s a grown women, with not one but two careers. How many times does she have to prove to you she can take care of herself?
It’s easy reading. I liked the character of Vivian, and I liked the details that went into the party-planning. Unfortunately the Cherie and Ross characters come off as ‘types’ as opposed to flesh and blood beings. Ultimately, I was expecting more from the author of Spouse Trap. But I would read the next installment if there is one.
May 11, 2019
In this, the second of the Madeline Dawkins PI mystery novels, author Cynthia Hamilton again mixes up matters to great effect. (If only cocktails were always this good, but I digress.)
Madeline - still partly traumatized by the events of Book One (no spoilers here) – finds herself in the thick of a new murder puzzle, but also under personal threat too. Along with her partner Mike, she must unpick a Gordian knot of truths and half-truths from a birthday celebration gone badly wrong. The body count starts to rise…
Meanwhile a nemesis from Madeline’s past is defying all efforts of the authorities to track him down.
As with her other books in the series, Ms. Hamilton cunningly weaves into the novel threads of the personal and the professional, the everyday and the extraordinary. Sub-plots and mainstream action cross and crisscross. Characters are skillfully drawn, and an element of humour pervades the writing – though it never threatens to diffuse the suspense. There are some memorable one-liners, of both the funny and the deep variety: “For the life of her, she couldn’t remember why she thought being an event coordinator and a private investigator were such good career moves.” and “One should never harbor hate, if for no other reason than it will destroy you from within.”
‘A High Price to Pay’ can be read as a standalone book since the author gives sufficient backstory from ‘Girl Trap’ to bring you up to speed – but I would recommend also dipping into ‘Girl Trap’ if you have the time: it’s well worth it.
Highly recommended for lovers of a good mystery story.
Next, please!
Madeline - still partly traumatized by the events of Book One (no spoilers here) – finds herself in the thick of a new murder puzzle, but also under personal threat too. Along with her partner Mike, she must unpick a Gordian knot of truths and half-truths from a birthday celebration gone badly wrong. The body count starts to rise…
Meanwhile a nemesis from Madeline’s past is defying all efforts of the authorities to track him down.
As with her other books in the series, Ms. Hamilton cunningly weaves into the novel threads of the personal and the professional, the everyday and the extraordinary. Sub-plots and mainstream action cross and crisscross. Characters are skillfully drawn, and an element of humour pervades the writing – though it never threatens to diffuse the suspense. There are some memorable one-liners, of both the funny and the deep variety: “For the life of her, she couldn’t remember why she thought being an event coordinator and a private investigator were such good career moves.” and “One should never harbor hate, if for no other reason than it will destroy you from within.”
‘A High Price to Pay’ can be read as a standalone book since the author gives sufficient backstory from ‘Girl Trap’ to bring you up to speed – but I would recommend also dipping into ‘Girl Trap’ if you have the time: it’s well worth it.
Highly recommended for lovers of a good mystery story.
Next, please!
June 16, 2019
A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins #2) by Cynthia Hamilton was a thrilling, fast pace, exciting read, that had me hooked from start to finish.
The second book in this top shelf series, we are in the hot seat with Madeline as she's told that the man, that hunts her dreams has been cut a deal and is out on the streets again. In saying this, this series follows a continuous timeline and plot, so I highly suggest reading the first book, as you won't get get full effect of Madeline fear, and turmoil without it.
Like the first book the tones are heavy from the start, telling you this isn't going to be a light and fluffy read. As things get heated up, and bodies start rolling in, Madeline once again, has to use her wit, smarts and steel resolve to make it out alive. The book really highlighted her growth as a character, and seeing the progress she has made from that first book was excellent.
I will say that there were some, situations, that pulled me out of this story. There was some over-explaining in parts, and, what got me the most was the, going into too much detail about the murders. That made for weird lulls, and broken continuity. But other than that, this was a pretty solid read. The mystery was compelling, the emotions high, and the plot line itself was smooth.
So overall this book gets my high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
The second book in this top shelf series, we are in the hot seat with Madeline as she's told that the man, that hunts her dreams has been cut a deal and is out on the streets again. In saying this, this series follows a continuous timeline and plot, so I highly suggest reading the first book, as you won't get get full effect of Madeline fear, and turmoil without it.
Like the first book the tones are heavy from the start, telling you this isn't going to be a light and fluffy read. As things get heated up, and bodies start rolling in, Madeline once again, has to use her wit, smarts and steel resolve to make it out alive. The book really highlighted her growth as a character, and seeing the progress she has made from that first book was excellent.
I will say that there were some, situations, that pulled me out of this story. There was some over-explaining in parts, and, what got me the most was the, going into too much detail about the murders. That made for weird lulls, and broken continuity. But other than that, this was a pretty solid read. The mystery was compelling, the emotions high, and the plot line itself was smooth.
So overall this book gets my high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
May 4, 2014
Great
Great
this was story was one that more than one crime occurring during a party.the other crimes were part of criminal crimes in the past.a surprise ending.
Great
this was story was one that more than one crime occurring during a party.the other crimes were part of criminal crimes in the past.a surprise ending.
July 9, 2014
A predictable plot, reasonably well narrated. Some of the non-essential distractions in the first half could have been avoided to ensure even pace, and earn greater appreciation.
August 19, 2019
Typos
The book was very interesting. The thing that kept distracting me was all the typos. Proofreading should have corrected this.
The book was very interesting. The thing that kept distracting me was all the typos. Proofreading should have corrected this.
July 7, 2025
The very first thing I noticed about this novel is Cynthia Hamilton’s acute attention to selecting specific language to assure her readers continued absorption to her complex plot at an all-inclusive olfactory level. Phrases such as “enveloped her like a vapor” and “sting of perspiration” created a sensual imagery, while others such as “wang an early parole” showed Hamilton’s absolute mastery of some of the languages more elusive components. Her level of characterization was also quite impressive, especially considering the length of characters included within the packed setting of the plot. Oddly enough, the settings themselves fell a little bare, with the reader being left with little more than a bunch of city names and fairly vague visual descriptions. This hits as especially peculiar as Hamilton’s novels, are written within the familiar location of her very own residence. However, this bothered me little with the intricate amount of detail put into the characters. In fact, what seemed at first like a cumbersome amount of unnecessary information quickly became one of the sole reasons this murder mystery achieved its complexity, making it hard for the reader to assume a guilty party. Any one of the overladen characters could be put into a position of wrath as they are all realistic in nature and any human has the capacity for violence if given motive and opportunity.
Although the novel kept my intrigue from beginning to end, it did strike me as odd that it didn’t feel like a murder mystery at first. The multifaceted plot points for sure felt like a slow-burn thriller, but the main character's career as a P.I. did not strike me as extremely relevant when she had so much else to handle within her life. However, the reader hits the middle of Hamilton’s story, and all these messy, seemingly detached components come together to form the most riveting tale of cat and mouse.
All in all, Hamilton strikes me as a master weaver of language and storytelling. Madeline’s personality has the flaws to adhere any reader to her in an unavoidable collision of likeness of character, while her strong will, perseverance, and strength have an overwhelming capacity to show her audience that being a flawed, human should not stop us from following our passions while hurtling past obstacles. I would highly recommend this novel and strongly look forward to reading the rest of the series. 5 out of 5 stars, Hamilton. It was truly a pleasure.
Although the novel kept my intrigue from beginning to end, it did strike me as odd that it didn’t feel like a murder mystery at first. The multifaceted plot points for sure felt like a slow-burn thriller, but the main character's career as a P.I. did not strike me as extremely relevant when she had so much else to handle within her life. However, the reader hits the middle of Hamilton’s story, and all these messy, seemingly detached components come together to form the most riveting tale of cat and mouse.
All in all, Hamilton strikes me as a master weaver of language and storytelling. Madeline’s personality has the flaws to adhere any reader to her in an unavoidable collision of likeness of character, while her strong will, perseverance, and strength have an overwhelming capacity to show her audience that being a flawed, human should not stop us from following our passions while hurtling past obstacles. I would highly recommend this novel and strongly look forward to reading the rest of the series. 5 out of 5 stars, Hamilton. It was truly a pleasure.
July 25, 2025
In A High Price to Pay, Cynthia Hamilton blends high society glamour with gritty crime drama, delivering a tightly paced mystery that raises the stakes for her sharp, determined heroine, Madeline Dawkins. This installment in the Madeline Dawkins series is a rollercoaster of suspense, emotional reckoning, and personal danger—proving once again that Madeline’s dual careers as event planner and private investigator are a combustible combination.
The story opens with Madeline managing the most extravagant event of her career: a weekend-long 40th birthday celebration for the wife of a famous film director. Lavish parties in California’s elite circles are nothing new for Madeline, but when precious family heirlooms go missing and a seemingly routine background check turns deadly, the glittering surface quickly gives way to something much darker.
Hamilton deftly weaves Madeline’s professional worlds together, turning the opulent party setting into a hotbed for secrets, lies, and murder. As she and her partner Mike begin investigating, the mystery deepens—and so does the body count. But just as the investigation heats up, Madeline’s past crashes back into her present.
The release of Rick Yeoman, one of the men responsible for Madeline’s abduction three years earlier, reignites old fears—and not without reason. When Yeoman’s body is found floating in Lake Cachuma, it’s clear something sinister is unfolding. Enter Lionel Usherwood, the cold, calculating villain from Madeline’s past, now reemerging with revenge on his mind.
This dual-layered narrative—an upper-crust murder mystery intertwined with a personal vendetta—adds tension and emotional depth. Madeline isn’t just fighting to solve a case; she’s fighting for her safety, her sanity, and the people she loves. The suspense is relentless, and the stakes are real.
Hamilton’s writing is crisp and engaging, with just the right mix of character introspection and procedural momentum. Fans of the series will appreciate the evolution of Madeline’s character—resilient, resourceful, and fiercely loyal, yet still affected by past trauma. New readers can jump in here with minimal confusion, but they’ll likely want to go back to earlier books for the full context
The story opens with Madeline managing the most extravagant event of her career: a weekend-long 40th birthday celebration for the wife of a famous film director. Lavish parties in California’s elite circles are nothing new for Madeline, but when precious family heirlooms go missing and a seemingly routine background check turns deadly, the glittering surface quickly gives way to something much darker.
Hamilton deftly weaves Madeline’s professional worlds together, turning the opulent party setting into a hotbed for secrets, lies, and murder. As she and her partner Mike begin investigating, the mystery deepens—and so does the body count. But just as the investigation heats up, Madeline’s past crashes back into her present.
The release of Rick Yeoman, one of the men responsible for Madeline’s abduction three years earlier, reignites old fears—and not without reason. When Yeoman’s body is found floating in Lake Cachuma, it’s clear something sinister is unfolding. Enter Lionel Usherwood, the cold, calculating villain from Madeline’s past, now reemerging with revenge on his mind.
This dual-layered narrative—an upper-crust murder mystery intertwined with a personal vendetta—adds tension and emotional depth. Madeline isn’t just fighting to solve a case; she’s fighting for her safety, her sanity, and the people she loves. The suspense is relentless, and the stakes are real.
Hamilton’s writing is crisp and engaging, with just the right mix of character introspection and procedural momentum. Fans of the series will appreciate the evolution of Madeline’s character—resilient, resourceful, and fiercely loyal, yet still affected by past trauma. New readers can jump in here with minimal confusion, but they’ll likely want to go back to earlier books for the full context
July 11, 2023
A High Price to Pay, book 2 in The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, was my first read by author Cynthia Hamilton. Two newly licensed PI’s, Madeline Dawkins and Mike Delaney, have a complicated history. Both have suffered a horrific tumble from their privileged lives but have also taken positive steps to become stronger and more independent. Until they are fully established, Madeline is continuing her business as an event planner for the rich and famous, a world she was once a part of. While she is coordinating an elaborate 40th Birthday party for the wife of a Hollywood director, his mother, Vivian, secretly hires Madeline to help find out who stole pieces of her valuable jewelry. It seems like a simple case, but on the night of the big event Vivian is murdered. Now Madeline and Mike are tasked with finding the killer. To add to the intensity of balancing a grand event and a new case, two of the men who kidnapped and terrorized Madeline a few years earlier are now a threat to her safety.
This is not your average murder mystery. It is so much more. I was drawn to the rich history and multi-layers in the relationship between Mike and Madeline. Their dialog and actions are authentic and reflective of the pain and betrayal they have suffered in the past. These are likeable characters I rooted for. The intensity of the looming threat to their safety as they continue to unravel the clues to the murder and theft increasingly adds to the suspense. Ms. Hamilton has a gift for developing unique characters and giving depth to even the minor characters, so the reader has empathy and understands their motivations. Every character adds to the plot in some meaningful way. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night and kept me guessing. I absolutely loved Ms. Hamilton’s writing style. I highly recommend this book and have already downloaded another in the series.
This is not your average murder mystery. It is so much more. I was drawn to the rich history and multi-layers in the relationship between Mike and Madeline. Their dialog and actions are authentic and reflective of the pain and betrayal they have suffered in the past. These are likeable characters I rooted for. The intensity of the looming threat to their safety as they continue to unravel the clues to the murder and theft increasingly adds to the suspense. Ms. Hamilton has a gift for developing unique characters and giving depth to even the minor characters, so the reader has empathy and understands their motivations. Every character adds to the plot in some meaningful way. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night and kept me guessing. I absolutely loved Ms. Hamilton’s writing style. I highly recommend this book and have already downloaded another in the series.
July 26, 2025
Madeline is back and she has finally, after three long years, achieved her goal of becoming a qualified Private Investigator, so, now, the certificates are hung and the website is up and running, and she is both excited and nervous, but she is also still running her event planning business and as much as she would like to celebrate this win, she has a weekend long fortieth birthday extravaganza to attend to.
As Madeline is putting the finishing touches together and making sure that everything is running smoothly for the event, one of the family members pulls her to one side to ask for some help, but it isn't anything to do with the celebrations, instead it is for her PI side because some of the clients family jewels have gone missing.
Madeline decides to take this case on because she wants to help, but she also realises that it is very much a conflict of interest, so she agrees to do a background check on one of the employees and see where to go from there. Meanwhile, she has received news of a different kind, that a dangerous criminal involved in a traumatic event in Madeline's past, Rick Yeoman, has been released from jail early by the Feds because he gave information on his boss, Lionel Usherwood and this is just some extra anxiety for Madeline to deal with.
As the big party dawns, Madeline's background check, of the possible jewel thief reveals falsehoods and possible patterns of behaviour, but she is also informed that the body of Rick Yeoman has been found in Lake Cachuma, which is not too far from her, so although she isn't unhappy, the consequences of this are more dire. Will Madeline be able to hold it together long enough to make sure her event goes without a hitch, or will the investigations and revelations mean danger finally catches up to her? This is a fast paced thriller with a celebratory twist where danger and enemies close in and bodies keep appearing in a race against the clock for survival.
As Madeline is putting the finishing touches together and making sure that everything is running smoothly for the event, one of the family members pulls her to one side to ask for some help, but it isn't anything to do with the celebrations, instead it is for her PI side because some of the clients family jewels have gone missing.
Madeline decides to take this case on because she wants to help, but she also realises that it is very much a conflict of interest, so she agrees to do a background check on one of the employees and see where to go from there. Meanwhile, she has received news of a different kind, that a dangerous criminal involved in a traumatic event in Madeline's past, Rick Yeoman, has been released from jail early by the Feds because he gave information on his boss, Lionel Usherwood and this is just some extra anxiety for Madeline to deal with.
As the big party dawns, Madeline's background check, of the possible jewel thief reveals falsehoods and possible patterns of behaviour, but she is also informed that the body of Rick Yeoman has been found in Lake Cachuma, which is not too far from her, so although she isn't unhappy, the consequences of this are more dire. Will Madeline be able to hold it together long enough to make sure her event goes without a hitch, or will the investigations and revelations mean danger finally catches up to her? This is a fast paced thriller with a celebratory twist where danger and enemies close in and bodies keep appearing in a race against the clock for survival.
June 3, 2019
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2)
By: Cynthia Hamilton
5 out of 5 stars
The story A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is an amazing book to read and had me on the edge of my seat. It is a page-turner that will have you wondering what will happen next. I love how the story is written in such a way that I felt like I was right there with Madeline and her partner Mike every step they took. What starts out as a simple background check because of missing jewels turns into an investigation into murder. Will they find the one who is guilty? There is also a threat that appears from the past. There is an atmosphere of suspense that I felt when reading this book. Madeline is such a wonderful character as she is strong, independent, and has a fierce determination to find the guilty party. She is one that looks at all angles when working a case. I also loved reading about her partner, Mike. He is Madeline’s best friend and business partner. He is also very protective of Madeline and goes to great lengths to make sure she is safe. There is also the character of Lionel Usherwood who has a need for revenge. His has made Madeline his next target. Don’t miss out on a thrilling book that takes you on a ride that doesn’t end until the final page. I would highly recommend reading it.
By: Cynthia Hamilton
5 out of 5 stars
The story A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is an amazing book to read and had me on the edge of my seat. It is a page-turner that will have you wondering what will happen next. I love how the story is written in such a way that I felt like I was right there with Madeline and her partner Mike every step they took. What starts out as a simple background check because of missing jewels turns into an investigation into murder. Will they find the one who is guilty? There is also a threat that appears from the past. There is an atmosphere of suspense that I felt when reading this book. Madeline is such a wonderful character as she is strong, independent, and has a fierce determination to find the guilty party. She is one that looks at all angles when working a case. I also loved reading about her partner, Mike. He is Madeline’s best friend and business partner. He is also very protective of Madeline and goes to great lengths to make sure she is safe. There is also the character of Lionel Usherwood who has a need for revenge. His has made Madeline his next target. Don’t miss out on a thrilling book that takes you on a ride that doesn’t end until the final page. I would highly recommend reading it.
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