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Amber Reed Mystery #1.5
On Trial
Amber Reed is 'On Trial' for her dream job with the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA).
Whisked away to a luxury hotel, tucked into the hills of the Lake District, where the rich and famous are frequent guests, she's dropped (literally!) into the middle of a celebrity wedding which has become a nightmare.
The bride has vanished and Amber needs to find out what's happened to her - fast!
An exciting new life, career and the chance to work alongside her CCIA special agent boyfriend Charlie are all tantalizingly close…but can Amber manage to remember everything she’s learnt in training? Will she find the bride alive? Can she keep calm and solve the case?
A cozy mystery series with oodles of fun and romance with the special agents from the CCIA - otherwise known as the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency.
Whisked away to a luxury hotel, tucked into the hills of the Lake District, where the rich and famous are frequent guests, she's dropped (literally!) into the middle of a celebrity wedding which has become a nightmare.
The bride has vanished and Amber needs to find out what's happened to her - fast!
An exciting new life, career and the chance to work alongside her CCIA special agent boyfriend Charlie are all tantalizingly close…but can Amber manage to remember everything she’s learnt in training? Will she find the bride alive? Can she keep calm and solve the case?
A cozy mystery series with oodles of fun and romance with the special agents from the CCIA - otherwise known as the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
103 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Zanna Mackenzie
40 books153 followersZanna Mackenzie lives in the UK with her husband, 3 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 24, 2018
This story is part of the Amber Reed Mystery series, listed as #1.5 is is a fairly short read. Amber is on the last test before being hired at CCIA (Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency) and working full time with Charlie. If you didn't read book 1 don't worry you'll be able to figure out what's happening. This book is a fun read that develop you own detective skills as Amber and her team attempt to solve the "kidnapping" of a bride from a very posh resort. Not violence or heavy sex, relies on a good mystery and flirting. Great for teens to older readers.
May 19, 2019
An entertaining read with all kinds of characters. I haven't read book 1 but I could follow this pretty easily. The vulnerability of Amber made her more relatable and real as a narrator.
It neither too emotional nor too bland, the balance was almost right when it came to the narration.
I think I'm going to read other books in this series.
It neither too emotional nor too bland, the balance was almost right when it came to the narration.
I think I'm going to read other books in this series.
March 10, 2019
2,5/5
December 15, 2015
I will say this as a plus: I've never seen another series about a celebrity crimes investigative agency, so it's original.
This novella is Amber's trial run for a chance to get a job offer from the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA), where she's been training for months. The agency sets up a fake kidnapping that she and another intern must solve within 24 hours in order to be eligible for a job offer. To help (or maybe hinder) them along, the interns get a lightly seasoned agent as their "boss" on this one. And Amber's boyfriend, who is a higher ranking agent shows up, triggering Amber's suspicion that he may be there the throw a wrench in the mix.
Maybe I'll give it another chance, but Amber seems a bit ditsy to be an investigator. She's here and there, all over the place, and she has the attention span of a goldfish.
This novella is Amber's trial run for a chance to get a job offer from the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA), where she's been training for months. The agency sets up a fake kidnapping that she and another intern must solve within 24 hours in order to be eligible for a job offer. To help (or maybe hinder) them along, the interns get a lightly seasoned agent as their "boss" on this one. And Amber's boyfriend, who is a higher ranking agent shows up, triggering Amber's suspicion that he may be there the throw a wrench in the mix.
Maybe I'll give it another chance, but Amber seems a bit ditsy to be an investigator. She's here and there, all over the place, and she has the attention span of a goldfish.
February 13, 2019
A short light read, that follows on from In the Stars. Amber is on her final test, to become a CCIA support and this is the story of that test. During the course of the 24 hour test, Amber is tested in other ways too, things that make her question herself and Charlie.
This is really light and frothy, and in truth not much happens. It's not terrible, but it's not great either. There are moments of lightness and some intrigue and it did hold my interest throughout. There are a lot worse ways to spend a couple of hours.
This is really light and frothy, and in truth not much happens. It's not terrible, but it's not great either. There are moments of lightness and some intrigue and it did hold my interest throughout. There are a lot worse ways to spend a couple of hours.
June 25, 2018
The story of Amber's final test before becoming an official assistant is very straightforward, but not all that exciting. Hopefully we will see more of the characters introduced in subsequent episodes.
October 11, 2022
I was given this book for free in return for an honest review and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. This is a cozy mystery that documents the start of the career of Amber Reed as she is in the final stages of her training to become an agent in the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA).
The storyline follows the “pretend” mystery of a kidnapped bride of a famous rockstar. This mystery is the final component of Amber’s training and requires her to solve the mystery correctly within a specific timeframe in order to be offered a position.
It was a fun idea for a cozy mystery and doesn’t fail to deliver. Even though this is the second book in the series I had no trouble following the story and enjoying this fun cozy mystery. I would rate this an easy 3.5 and maybe even higher as I think about my enjoyment and desire to read more in the series.
The storyline follows the “pretend” mystery of a kidnapped bride of a famous rockstar. This mystery is the final component of Amber’s training and requires her to solve the mystery correctly within a specific timeframe in order to be offered a position.
It was a fun idea for a cozy mystery and doesn’t fail to deliver. Even though this is the second book in the series I had no trouble following the story and enjoying this fun cozy mystery. I would rate this an easy 3.5 and maybe even higher as I think about my enjoyment and desire to read more in the series.
July 23, 2018
4 stars
I receives a free copy of the novel Amber Reed Mysteries: On Trial book 1.5 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely. Set in the UK and written in UK English.
Standing between Amber and her chance at getting her dream job with the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) is one last assignment, to locate a kidnapped bride.
Amber uses her people skills and powers of observation to question staff, to remain a team player despite her team leader , deal with Charlie's sudden appearance, find Poppy, and solve who kidnapped Poppy all within twenty four hours. Suspenseful, full of drama, and hints of romance.
I receives a free copy of the novel Amber Reed Mysteries: On Trial book 1.5 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely. Set in the UK and written in UK English.
Standing between Amber and her chance at getting her dream job with the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) is one last assignment, to locate a kidnapped bride.
Amber uses her people skills and powers of observation to question staff, to remain a team player despite her team leader , deal with Charlie's sudden appearance, find Poppy, and solve who kidnapped Poppy all within twenty four hours. Suspenseful, full of drama, and hints of romance.
April 12, 2020
Let your imagination run wild!
A cute and fun little cozy! I ran across this gem of a story perusing book covers in a cozy mystery authors’ joint promotion. I am so glad this book cover caught my eye. It is definitely an entertaining story, even if not very believable. It just goes to prove this author has a very vivid imagination. There is a little romance woven into the story that I appreciate as well. Forget reality. Bring on the fiction.
This is a clean, easy and fun read recommended to all those looking for a good cozy mystery story. I am please to find out that the Amber Reed series of mystery books is available in Amazon KU. It is time for some binge reading!
A cute and fun little cozy! I ran across this gem of a story perusing book covers in a cozy mystery authors’ joint promotion. I am so glad this book cover caught my eye. It is definitely an entertaining story, even if not very believable. It just goes to prove this author has a very vivid imagination. There is a little romance woven into the story that I appreciate as well. Forget reality. Bring on the fiction.
This is a clean, easy and fun read recommended to all those looking for a good cozy mystery story. I am please to find out that the Amber Reed series of mystery books is available in Amazon KU. It is time for some binge reading!
June 16, 2017
Original, good fun and well-paced. This mystery moves swiftly as the 'agents' have a strict deadline to meet. Failure will harm - possibly even destroy - their job prospects, so the stakes are high.
The case of a kidnapped bride has a rich supply of suspects and the trio of investigators are challenged by both frustrating, bureaucratic obstacles and a reticent team leader , all of which hamper their actions and raise the tension between them.
An enjoyable, quick read that bodes well for a fun-packed series of adventures.
The case of a kidnapped bride has a rich supply of suspects and the trio of investigators are challenged by both frustrating, bureaucratic obstacles and a reticent team leader , all of which hamper their actions and raise the tension between them.
An enjoyable, quick read that bodes well for a fun-packed series of adventures.
January 2, 2020
I have to admit that I've been binge reading the Amber Reed books. They are so funny and easy to read. it's really easy to like Amber as she's relatable and not what you imagine when you think of a secret agent.
In this "episode" Amber and a few of her peers from the CCIA were assigned a fake mystery as a way for them to be assessed. Amber met a like minded sole in Esme and an insufferable bore in Mitch, but she came through and solved the mystery.
Oh, and she got to spend a little "face time" with Charlie as well.
In this "episode" Amber and a few of her peers from the CCIA were assigned a fake mystery as a way for them to be assessed. Amber met a like minded sole in Esme and an insufferable bore in Mitch, but she came through and solved the mystery.
Oh, and she got to spend a little "face time" with Charlie as well.
January 16, 2018
10 minutes, one last assignment ,on the plane she meets the crew, where are they going. A pretend wedding, a murder, or what is it, 24 hours to solve of what happened, will she pass. Her boyfriend has been in this CCIA group, could they do things together, if she didn’t pass then what. A good plot,keep one on their toes when reading, trying to figure out what happened. Liked the format of how she wrote this story.
February 7, 2019
Amber Reed has been working for six months hoping to become a Support person in the CCIA. This is her final test. She and two other trainees need to solve the disappearance of the bride jut before her wedding. They are given 24 hours sto solve this fake crime.
Read the book to find out if they succeeded and what they went through to solve this mystery. It is a very good book and well written.
Read the book to find out if they succeeded and what they went through to solve this mystery. It is a very good book and well written.
May 31, 2019
On Trial is a nice little cozy mystery. The protagonist is Amber who is smart and nice. She is a little insecure, and usually that is an attractive trait in a sleuth-to-be, for whatever reason I found it a little annoying in this book. I liked it enough to read the next in the series and I hope she gains confidence in that one. The peripheral characters were interesting as was the plot (fake kidnapping as a test to become an agent...very creative). It is worth the read.
May 4, 2019
I like the idea behind the series. This is a good sit down with a cup of coffee read. I found it hard to follow the actual mystery as things were all over the place. It did make it difficult if you wanted to try and determine the culprit. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the read. I will try the next in the series.
April 25, 2022
Fun cosy mystery featuring Amber Reed, in training for a job with the CCIA Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency, the only thing standing between Amber and her dream job is a missing bride. Amber, along with trainee Esme and trainee Leader Mitch, will have to figure out where the bride is and why, in a zany adventure around a classy hotel all while resisting her agent boyfriend Charlie.
October 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading the introduction to Amber Reed’s mystery series.
One thing I especially liked is Zanna Mackenzie’s thoughtful way of writing a good mystery with romance and suspense without using filler ‘trash talk’ and foul language, proof that it can be done.
I’m looking forward to reading the next installment!
One thing I especially liked is Zanna Mackenzie’s thoughtful way of writing a good mystery with romance and suspense without using filler ‘trash talk’ and foul language, proof that it can be done.
I’m looking forward to reading the next installment!
June 26, 2017
Quirky characters, interesting situations, and the trials of what amounts to auditioning for a new job makes for a fun mystery. Light hearted, but with suspense and an unusual basic premise. Caught me and insisted that I finish it promptly!
October 19, 2017
Sketchy and shallow but a lot of fun. The ending was a bit strange. Everything was revealed matter-of-factly, without much drama. It was very simple to read, however, and I'll probably try another in the series at some point, just for the hell of it.
August 29, 2020
Amber has only 24 hours to get her answer. She also has to figure out who to trust. I had to do that when I worked and it is not an easy task, I wish that I had Amber to help me. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
July 3, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book so thought I'd take a look at this one. A short, quick read. I like the lead character though the writing could be a little more polished.
August 6, 2017
A light-hearted read with romance, BUT with a solid mystery and clues to follow along. The characters are solid (not caricatures) set into a theme of celebrity investigations. Fun! Fast!
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September 2, 2017
Fun cute read!
November 21, 2017
Amber Reed is on trial for a job with the CCIA. A light hearted story with plenty of suspense and Romance .
March 6, 2018
I got this book free from one of the many free e-book sites. It was fun and it isn't really necessary to have read #1 first but I think it would have been better if I had.
April 20, 2018
Received it for free for a review. A short, fun, entertaining and enjoyable read. Will be reading more of this series.
August 8, 2018
A fake mystery is the conceit of this intriguing installation of this series. The fake mystery is the test for our heroine as she hopes to make investigations her full time work. Well plotted!
January 6, 2019
Recieved free for review:
A quick fun read. Makes me want to read more by this author.
A quick fun read. Makes me want to read more by this author.
January 31, 2019
I enjoyed reading this Mystery / Romance. It is so nice to find authors that write clean stories. I cannot wait to read the next book.
February 8, 2019
I enjoyed this story. Amber wasn’t too bad in this story. I liked her working with the other recruits and that she figured out the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews