Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Avery Shaw #7

Headlines & Deadlines

Rate this book
Listening Length: 8 hours and 20 minutes

Avery Shaw is back on the story, and she's better - or maybe more bitter - than ever.

After a brief (but not brief enough, by her estimation) sojourn into sports, Avery finds herself back in the news department. She's got one thing on her mind: bringing perennial nemesis Tad Ludington to his knees.

Unfortunately for her, another story pops up, and Avery has to divide her limited attention span to accomplish multiple goals.

When a local woman goes missing and is later found dead, Avery finds a tangled web of sex, lies, and... well... just overall freaky people to focus on. One man is identified by witnesses, but another may be guilty: the woman's husband.

When Avery starts investigating, she finds the husband is involved in an underground scene that involves bondage-and-submission sex clubs - something that goes against one intrepid reporter's very nature. Avery convinces Eliot to take her to a club, and the new world is full of mystery, danger, and a lot of baby oil.

Between hiding a source, grappling with her family, and an imminent Valentine's Day that has her stomach in knots, Avery has her hands full.

When things come to a head, Avery's life is in danger. Again. Can Eliot and Jake keep her safe? And can Eliot manage to keep his surprise holiday plans under wraps and really give Avery something to remember when the big day finally arrives?

Only time will tell, and Avery may be running out of it.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2015

533 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

305 books2,906 followers
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,041 (65%)
4 stars
445 (27%)
3 stars
102 (6%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
866 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2021
I hate to say it, but I just couldn't finish. I've long thought that Avery was my very least favorite of this author's "heroines". I habitually read each book that is released in most of her other series. I find that I simply cannot like Avery. She has zero redeeming qualities. She's not snarky with a heart of gold...she's just snarky. She's not persistent for any other reason than a need to punish others. There is simply nothing to like. Yet...somehow...she's the heart's-desire for not one for TWO hot, seemingly-sane guys (only one of them a lawman, and, for a wonder, he's not her hook-up). I cave. I'm not a quitter in general, but I'm just saying "NO!" to any further Avery Shaw books.
10 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2015
5 star series

I read all 7 bookd in this series, and the last was just as good as the first. Avery is someone I wished was my best friend or relative. In most books you have an interesting main character and the rest put you to sleep. Every character in these book, be they regulars or villians just grab you. I was so afraid that she would dump Eliot for Sam along the line, but again, her loyalty stays intact. I like what they did with the relationship between Avery, Eliot and Sam. Her characters evolve, but keep their personalities. I can't say enough good about this series, and hope there are many more to come. They make you laugh out loud, and feel her joy of life, and love of family and friends.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
157 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2015
This is another awesome book in the Avery Shaw series. Once again Avery is going after Tad for his new project that she calls TOOL. The name itself practically sends Tad over the edge. Then in the midst of this there is another murder that Avery finds herself wanting to solve.

With the help of her love, Elliot, and her cousin Lexie she begins to piece together what happened to the murdered woman.

Uncovering all kinds of twists and turns until the very end when the true killer is finally identified.

Another great read and a win by Amanda M Lee.

Looking forward to the next in the series and hoping that it will possibly have a proposal from Elliot to Avery.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 19, 2018
Valentine's Day is coming and Eliot is going to surprise Avery, but she has no idea what to get him for the holiday. And when she has a new story that comes up along with trying to take down her nemesis Tad, things get complicated.

Jake and Eliot have their hands full trying to keep her safe, and she's making it difficult with her determination to the stories she is working on.

This book was another good addition to the series. I'm totally addicted, and I enjoy it so much. Eliot was awesome in this one, and he had a great surprise for Avery. And Avery was her usual self, but it was awesome to see how she is changing, yet staying the same. I adored it, and I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
November 12, 2021
I want to say I enjoyed this book and for the most parts I did but Avery just got annoying the way she turned everything into a fight and to be honest I did listen to other audio books before finishing this one entirely. I have been with this series from the start and over the last couple of books I thought Avery was becoming more likeable but with this one she is like she was in the first book, rude and lots of sexual references or arguments that was just not needed in my opinion. I liked her stay in jail and her on going fight with Tad, which added some humour to the story. The mystery was well worked but it's not one of my favourites.
Tad Ludington is trying to get back in to politics or at least a position in charge and Avery is once again on a mission to take him down. Unfortunately A missing woman who then turns up dead gets in the way and as a reporter Avery must cover the story but Avery being Avery she can't help but try to do the police's job for them, even if it means going to jail. The marriage wasn't a happy one and the husband looked for enjoyment in other places, leading Avery to some interesting places but will it lead her to another headliner winning article? Can she also stop Tad in his tracks? If anyone can course him to self destruct Avery can!
I am not sure the narrator helped with this story as she has a very whiny sounding voice to begin with and then added to Avery's sarcasm and it was a lot of shouting.
I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,047 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2021
“Maybe he’s trying to throw the cops off by acting like a victim,” Eliot suggested. “That’s what I plan to do when you go missing.”
Funniest line of the book, in my opinion. I scoffed for sure. I truly enjoy Eliot and Avery’s bantering.

Lee has a way of writing that always has me questioning who the killer really is. I just never know until it’s all said and done. She adds in a few suspicious characters, so it is difficult to decipher who the culprit is. In this book I thought maybe it would be Seth (even though he was only mentioned once) or maybe Leo (well, I was half correct) but I didn’t know until the person was at Avery’s car window and Avery internally thought something about how she was going to get out of this situation to which I yelled at the book, “GAS IT, DUMBASS!!!!” Lol.

So we got a few surprises in this read, one was from Carly and an awesome one from Eliot.

Next book is #8, Misprints & Mistakes. See you in my next review on that one…
6,222 reviews41 followers
September 25, 2025
One of the reasons I like this series so much is the character of Avery. She's brilliant, nasty at times, she does everything necessary to get the news that is needed and she manages to do this despite having a lot of reporters where she works not being up to her quality at all.

In this story you have the usual murder but you also have a bondage/discipline place, Ted threatening her, Lexie and her yoga place, and a lot of other stuff going on. At times it almost seems like a television series about a totally dysfunctional newspaper news room.
338 reviews
November 21, 2022
Star Wars

Avery is obsessed with Star Wars, she wears t-shirts with all kinds of offensive quotes. She sis good at her job and taking down her nemesis Tad is just icing on the cake. She is on the trail of a killer and Valentine's day is a approaching what is she going to get Eliott. I am really enjoyong this series, iwas afraid I wouldn't without the paranormal element, Ms. Lee has always given exceptional stories. On to the next book in the series.💙💚
Profile Image for Ashley Kelley.
Author 3 books12 followers
June 2, 2020
Good character growth

I enjoy how this series progresses. Each one is better than the last, written well and the characters develop in a surprisingly complex way. Avery is a good anti-hero in the beginning of the series and as it goes on not only do you see growth, you see a some backsliding too--which is refreshingly realistic
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,640 reviews25 followers
October 2, 2019
Love Avery

I am glad to be reading the series again. I love Avery. She is so snarky and determined. Her romantic life is going great and her goals at work are coming true too. She just needs to avoid all her enemies.
Profile Image for lourdes loera.
112 reviews
February 2, 2020
Amazing!

I loved this book. It is comedic mystery drama extravaganza!! And who doesn't want to bring down Tad. Avery does it again and is in the crosshairs of another killer. A must read!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2025
Headlines and Deadlines

Love this series. Catching more thongs on the reread then first go around. Definitely recommend series. Lots of snark and sleuthing. Better if read in order, but not mandatory. Some spice.
138 reviews
July 6, 2018
I really didn’t want to like Avery, but find these books compelling.
285 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2018
Love this book

I love this book as much as the 6 other books. Can’t wait to read more of Avery’s adventures. Good Book!
475 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2018
REAL NEWS!!!

Her brief sojourn into high school sports is extreme punishment. She can't wait to get back to real news. She uncovered a scadal to end all scandals.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,366 reviews70 followers
March 9, 2019
This one was super fun.
207 reviews
August 11, 2019
Great book

She gets into more trouble then anyone should I’m glad she has her man to take care of her. Love the books
Profile Image for Denise Keef.
517 reviews11 followers
December 14, 2019
You seriously can't go wrong with this series! With laugh out loud scenes, great characters and a mystery to boot, it's better entertainment than Netflix!
Profile Image for Brenda Allen.
1,551 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2021
This book was hard to put down. Amanda M. Lee has a way with making me laugh. I love to read books that get my emotions involved. I can't wait to read more of the books.
12 reviews
July 16, 2021
Although I find Avery witty at times, she is hard to like. So childish at the point of ridiculous. I do however love the writer. Wish the writer would have made Avery human.
39 reviews
October 16, 2021
A very Shaw mystery

I have read previous books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them all, looking forward to the next one, highly recommended
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,808 reviews
April 18, 2022
This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
768 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2022
Another good one!

I love this series! It's full of murder and mystery, love and laughter, and a whole bunch of snark from Avery.
Profile Image for Mary Corso.
1,146 reviews
May 26, 2024
I didn’t like the ending

I didn’t like the ending. I thought it was too much, and very overdone. The story was good, however. The end.
720 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2024
exciting

A good book in the series with plenty of humor, danger, action,adventure, mystery, suspense, drama, violence, and romance. Eager for the next book.
6 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2017
Gotta love Avery

I love the Avery Shaw mysteries. She's my kind of woman! The stories are well put together and the comic relief is fun and I always end the book with a smile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.