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Misty Newman #1
Teased to Death
It's all fun and dance, until a body turns up.
When Misty Newman returned home to rural Minnesota, the residents of Little Lake were surprised—and not in a good way. Having skipped town ten years before with a scholarship in hand and the shiniest of futures, Misty took a nasty fall from grace when she dropped out of college to become a Hollywood burlesque dancer. Though she didn't hope for a welcome home parade or an invitation to join the Monday night knitting club, Misty never expected to become the number one suspect in a murder case! However when her landlord is found strangled by her fishnet stockings, things don't look good for Misty. To make matters worse, the town sheriff—Misty's ex-almost-fiancé—happens to agree. All Misty wants is to fix up her grandmother's cozy house, revive her struggling dance studio, and rekindle the old friendships she's neglected...but if Misty doesn't find out who's responsible for the death soon, she may just be next on the killer's list!
When Misty Newman returned home to rural Minnesota, the residents of Little Lake were surprised—and not in a good way. Having skipped town ten years before with a scholarship in hand and the shiniest of futures, Misty took a nasty fall from grace when she dropped out of college to become a Hollywood burlesque dancer. Though she didn't hope for a welcome home parade or an invitation to join the Monday night knitting club, Misty never expected to become the number one suspect in a murder case! However when her landlord is found strangled by her fishnet stockings, things don't look good for Misty. To make matters worse, the town sheriff—Misty's ex-almost-fiancé—happens to agree. All Misty wants is to fix up her grandmother's cozy house, revive her struggling dance studio, and rekindle the old friendships she's neglected...but if Misty doesn't find out who's responsible for the death soon, she may just be next on the killer's list!
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
About the author
Gina LaManna
74 books1,483 followersOriginally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 19, 2026
A fun cozy small town murder mystery. After an injury sidelined her dance career creating a change into burlesque dancing, Misty returns to her hometown to claim her inheritance from her deceased grandma & spend time with her little sister. Coming back after being gone since high school graduation brings mixed results. Misty opens a burlesque studio and is reunited with her best friend Donna, her ex fiance Jax (who is now town police), nosy town folk, & kindergarten nemesis Sarah. Misty's landlord turns up dead and she's the prime suspect so she & Donna investigate on their own with hilarious circumstances uncovering secret underground comic stores and their customers along with underlying tension between Misty & Jax. Hopefully there will be more books featuring Misty.
July 8, 2017
A new fun little cozy mystery. Just when you think you know someone, you have to go and get arrested for murder. This small(ish) town setting proves that you never really know people, as Misty finds out while trying to find out who the real murderer is and prove her innocence. Not even the priest is who he appears to be.
This book has all those characters you except to find in a good book. The sleazy landlord, the supportive best friend, the hunky cop, the crazy old lady, the mean girl, the oh too honest youth, and even the slimy cop.
There are some laughs, love, and mystery in this safe for all ages read. (Even if Misty teaches the art of Burlesque.) ;)
This book has all those characters you except to find in a good book. The sleazy landlord, the supportive best friend, the hunky cop, the crazy old lady, the mean girl, the oh too honest youth, and even the slimy cop.
There are some laughs, love, and mystery in this safe for all ages read. (Even if Misty teaches the art of Burlesque.) ;)
November 8, 2021
Misty Newman returns home after 10 years of living in California. First for school, then to be a Burlesque dancer.
Now she's opening a burlesque dance studio in the snooty town of Little Lake.
It's not been going easy, and gets even worse when her landlord is found murdered outside her studio with a pair of her fishnet stockings.
Enter longtime best friend (who's the sister of the Chief of Police) and also doesn't mind breaking a few laws herself when it comes to helping her bestie.
A fun story that's entertaining and has defined charaters.
Now she's opening a burlesque dance studio in the snooty town of Little Lake.
It's not been going easy, and gets even worse when her landlord is found murdered outside her studio with a pair of her fishnet stockings.
Enter longtime best friend (who's the sister of the Chief of Police) and also doesn't mind breaking a few laws herself when it comes to helping her bestie.
A fun story that's entertaining and has defined charaters.
February 14, 2017
This is what I call "fluff" reading. Something to pass the time and make you laugh. Don't misunderstand. I enjoy reading fluff, as well as non fiction, fiction, sci-fi, and anything else I can get my hands on.
Nut there is good entertaining fluff, and there is some that seems like an imitation of the others.....
I felt like this was an imitation and sadly, not even a great effort at that.
Nut there is good entertaining fluff, and there is some that seems like an imitation of the others.....
I felt like this was an imitation and sadly, not even a great effort at that.
November 10, 2021
Fun Start to a Series
Who knew a dance studio could be murder? Misty had returned to her small home town when she inherited her grandmother’s house. She had opened a dance studio and was going to bring some spice to the women and their dance. Then murder strikes and she’s the prime suspect. Fun book.
Who knew a dance studio could be murder? Misty had returned to her small home town when she inherited her grandmother’s house. She had opened a dance studio and was going to bring some spice to the women and their dance. Then murder strikes and she’s the prime suspect. Fun book.
December 20, 2021
Fun Dance Adventure
When Misty comes back to her small town to set up a burlesque studio,who could guess it would lead to her solving a murder and reconnecting with N old boyfriend
When Misty comes back to her small town to set up a burlesque studio,who could guess it would lead to her solving a murder and reconnecting with N old boyfriend
August 6, 2022
Disappointing
Humorous? No. Romantic? No. The mystery was easily solved before the middle of the book. This is more a story involving immature adults who hold childhood grudges. One of whom is the police chief and one is being framed for murder.
Humorous? No. Romantic? No. The mystery was easily solved before the middle of the book. This is more a story involving immature adults who hold childhood grudges. One of whom is the police chief and one is being framed for murder.
January 3, 2020
ok mystery, fairly poorly written
July 25, 2021
Shimmy
Loved the mystery, but I do wish there was a little more from Max's point of view. Really enjoyed the characters of the town...Father Olaf, what a hoot.
Loved the mystery, but I do wish there was a little more from Max's point of view. Really enjoyed the characters of the town...Father Olaf, what a hoot.
July 29, 2021
It was okay.
July 31, 2021
Great book
This was a great storyline and I really enjoyed the characters. I hope there will be more books in this series.
This was a great storyline and I really enjoyed the characters. I hope there will be more books in this series.
May 11, 2022
Exciting
Exciting, thrilling edge of your seat unputdownable❣️
Well worth reading❣️
Looking forward to reading more by Gina LaManna
Next please 🤓
Exciting, thrilling edge of your seat unputdownable❣️
Well worth reading❣️
Looking forward to reading more by Gina LaManna
Next please 🤓
June 5, 2022
nice cozy mystery
I like a good Gina book. Have read her books for years. This one was a fast read. I look forward in seeing where this series is going.
I like a good Gina book. Have read her books for years. This one was a fast read. I look forward in seeing where this series is going.
March 9, 2017
I quite simply love cozies. There are different kinds. The heroines range from professionals (e.g. CIA agent in hiding) to semi-professional (e.g. medical examiner or just avid crime novel reader) to pure amateur (e.g. lingerie sales person). An important aspect of cozies is that she and her partner (love interest, mostly in law enforcement) are well balanced. Instead of showing that all police officers are imbeciles that couldn't even find the toilet without outward help (think some Sherlock Holmes series), the heroine brings something unique to the relationship that perfectly balances out his abilities and thus they solve crime.
Well, that is most certainly not the case in this book. An Ex-Burlesque dancer comes home after some years in Vegas. Her landlord is found in the alley behind her studio strangled with one of her fishnet stockings. She has no motive whatsoever to kill him, but her ex-boyfriend (who she left some years previously to go to college instead of accepting his proposal), the sheriff, never even looks at another suspect, which is why she has to investigate herself.
The actual murderer is pretty clear from the beginning (or as soon as you meet him/her), though it relies heavily on the "I'm a nutcase"trope. If you expect the heroine to find the killer because of smart deduction, interesting investigative techniques or some unique talent of observation, be prepared to be disappointed. She stumbles upon the solution.
Overall a rather mediocre outing.
Well, that is most certainly not the case in this book. An Ex-Burlesque dancer comes home after some years in Vegas. Her landlord is found in the alley behind her studio strangled with one of her fishnet stockings. She has no motive whatsoever to kill him, but her ex-boyfriend (who she left some years previously to go to college instead of accepting his proposal), the sheriff, never even looks at another suspect, which is why she has to investigate herself.
The actual murderer is pretty clear from the beginning (or as soon as you meet him/her), though it relies heavily on the "I'm a nutcase"trope. If you expect the heroine to find the killer because of smart deduction, interesting investigative techniques or some unique talent of observation, be prepared to be disappointed. She stumbles upon the solution.
Overall a rather mediocre outing.
October 27, 2015
Mystery and a little glimmer of romance to come?
"Teased to Death" by Gina LaManna is the beginning of a fun new mystery series about a burlesque dancer (Misty) who comes home to Minnesota to live in her Grandmother's house when an accident prevents her from continuing to dance in LA. She rents a studio and pours all her savings into remodeling it and opening it for lessons in burlesque. The sad fact is, no students show up, and her landlord is murdered in the alley behind her studio. Guess who is #1 suspect for murder?
Misty reconnects with her best friend's brother (Jax) who is her high school boyfriend and almost fiance. After 10 years away she discovers that she still has feelings for him. The re-connection isn't a particularly good one since he is now the sheriff and has come to take her to headquarters to question her about the murder. Fortunately, Misty also reconnects with her best friend Donna (sister to Jax) and Donna steps in to help Misty solve the murder and prove her innocence. What follows is often a lighthearted approach to murder solving, with many unusual situations along the way. Misty's notoriety results in dance students, so some good comes from the murder.
The book made me giggle and guffaw as I read it. Every time Misty and Donna went sleuthing, I almost held my breath until they were safely back at home. This was an unusual topic for a cozy mystery-I don't believe I have ever read about a burlesque dancer. However it was interesting and by the end of the book I was hooked. Now I am waiting for the second book of Misty's adventures in the small town of Little Lake, Minnesota.
"Teased to Death" by Gina LaManna is the beginning of a fun new mystery series about a burlesque dancer (Misty) who comes home to Minnesota to live in her Grandmother's house when an accident prevents her from continuing to dance in LA. She rents a studio and pours all her savings into remodeling it and opening it for lessons in burlesque. The sad fact is, no students show up, and her landlord is murdered in the alley behind her studio. Guess who is #1 suspect for murder?
Misty reconnects with her best friend's brother (Jax) who is her high school boyfriend and almost fiance. After 10 years away she discovers that she still has feelings for him. The re-connection isn't a particularly good one since he is now the sheriff and has come to take her to headquarters to question her about the murder. Fortunately, Misty also reconnects with her best friend Donna (sister to Jax) and Donna steps in to help Misty solve the murder and prove her innocence. What follows is often a lighthearted approach to murder solving, with many unusual situations along the way. Misty's notoriety results in dance students, so some good comes from the murder.
The book made me giggle and guffaw as I read it. Every time Misty and Donna went sleuthing, I almost held my breath until they were safely back at home. This was an unusual topic for a cozy mystery-I don't believe I have ever read about a burlesque dancer. However it was interesting and by the end of the book I was hooked. Now I am waiting for the second book of Misty's adventures in the small town of Little Lake, Minnesota.
August 1, 2025
Burlesque dance moves home and opens a dance studio! Scandalous. Then she's accused of murder by the town sheriff-he ex of course. Fun, fun, fun.
March 28, 2016
oh it was funny, seriously funny.
Misty is back home after more than 10 years away, she is ready to open up her dance studio when a murder occurs and Misty become suspect numero uno.......
Misty is awesome she has a gung ho go get them attitude one minute and a slightly neurotic negative outlook the next, I so love her...lol
Misty maybe back home but she is certainly not feeling the love well only from her little sister and her best friend, but she is home to stay so everyone better get used to it because cyclone Misty has crash landed.
I love how Misty can be in town for such a short time and already be in trouble talk about a trouble magnet...lol now can she use her dance classes to find the real murderer and before she becomes the next victim.....
I really want to read more from this series it was really funny, quirky and the characters are just entertaining to the max.
Misty is back home after more than 10 years away, she is ready to open up her dance studio when a murder occurs and Misty become suspect numero uno.......
Misty is awesome she has a gung ho go get them attitude one minute and a slightly neurotic negative outlook the next, I so love her...lol
Misty maybe back home but she is certainly not feeling the love well only from her little sister and her best friend, but she is home to stay so everyone better get used to it because cyclone Misty has crash landed.
I love how Misty can be in town for such a short time and already be in trouble talk about a trouble magnet...lol now can she use her dance classes to find the real murderer and before she becomes the next victim.....
I really want to read more from this series it was really funny, quirky and the characters are just entertaining to the max.
October 27, 2015
REVIEW TEASED TO DEATH
This is the first book by this author I read and was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it.
We have Misty, returning to her hometown to open a burlesque dance studio, after 10 years of absence. Donna, her sidekick and best friend in school and Jax, the sheriff, who was Misty boyfriend and whom she left 10 years ago and never contacted again.
Misty has put all her savings into the studio and is anxiously looking for a new beginning in her life, when her landlord is found murdered and she becomes the number one suspect.
Though it’s a mystery, it also contains quite a bit of romance and “I love Lucy” kind of humor. A light reading that will entertain you and keep you wanting to read another book with this funny, and loving set of characters.
This is the first book by this author I read and was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it.
We have Misty, returning to her hometown to open a burlesque dance studio, after 10 years of absence. Donna, her sidekick and best friend in school and Jax, the sheriff, who was Misty boyfriend and whom she left 10 years ago and never contacted again.
Misty has put all her savings into the studio and is anxiously looking for a new beginning in her life, when her landlord is found murdered and she becomes the number one suspect.
Though it’s a mystery, it also contains quite a bit of romance and “I love Lucy” kind of humor. A light reading that will entertain you and keep you wanting to read another book with this funny, and loving set of characters.
October 27, 2015
Misty moved back to Little Lake for two reasons. She had inherited her Grandmother's house, and she wanted to spend more time with her little sister Harmony. She has put all her money into opening a studio to teach burlesque. Misty had been a dancer in LA until an accident tore her ACL and stopped her career cold. Her landlord is found dead in the alley behind the studio. He has been strangled with one of her fishnet stockings. Life spirals into chaos after she is accused of killing Anthony.
Every character in this book is someone that anyone can find in their life or past to compare them with. It is small town living at its best and worse. Gossip spreads like lightening and everyone knows you. There is humor, mystery, romance and lots of surprises!
Every character in this book is someone that anyone can find in their life or past to compare them with. It is small town living at its best and worse. Gossip spreads like lightening and everyone knows you. There is humor, mystery, romance and lots of surprises!
January 14, 2016
After inheriting her grandmother's house in rural Minnesota and suffering several hardships in California, Misty moves back home and opens a dance studio to teach the art of burlesque. When her landlord is found murdered with a fishnet stocking, Misty becomes the prime suspect. She must prove she didn't commit the crime - especially to Jax, the town sheriff and former flame.
I found the story to be a very lighthearted and quick read. Towards the end, I found some of the stunts a bit forced and flimsy, but overall it was a fun read.
I found the story to be a very lighthearted and quick read. Towards the end, I found some of the stunts a bit forced and flimsy, but overall it was a fun read.
October 10, 2016
This is my first time reading anything by Gina and I have to say, I enjoyed it!
Misty is a little firecracker (if not a little dense) and Jax sounds like a catch!
I enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship (or lack thereof) One just knew where they were going to end up in the end...but, Good grief!, the journey to get there was something else!
This mystery is quirky, funny, relatable and pulled at my heart strings a time or two.
If you like quirky, funny, little mysteries set in a small town then this book is for you :)
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Misty is a little firecracker (if not a little dense) and Jax sounds like a catch!
I enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship (or lack thereof) One just knew where they were going to end up in the end...but, Good grief!, the journey to get there was something else!
This mystery is quirky, funny, relatable and pulled at my heart strings a time or two.
If you like quirky, funny, little mysteries set in a small town then this book is for you :)
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 28, 2015
I had a little trouble getting into this book when I first started reading it, but it did pull me in eventually.
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was good and it kept me invested. I did figure it out before the ending but it was still really good. I like Misty and I liked the chemistry between her and the sexy cop. I hope they get more time in the next book. It was a delightful read and I think anyone who loves a good cozy mystery should read it.
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was good and it kept me invested. I did figure it out before the ending but it was still really good. I like Misty and I liked the chemistry between her and the sexy cop. I hope they get more time in the next book. It was a delightful read and I think anyone who loves a good cozy mystery should read it.
November 12, 2015
Misty escaped her small town after high school, found that things didn't work as she'd anticipated, and now she's back. She is hoping her new dance studio succeeds but has a setback when her landlord is found murdered in the alley behind the studio and Misty becomes a prime suspect. Interesting characters, quite a few twists, old friends and enemies show their true colors. Light, fun, and quick read that I enjoyed.
November 6, 2015
I am a big fan of the Lacey Luzzi-series of Gina and was surprised to see a new series. This is another winner for me. I liked Misty and her friend Donna. And of course hot chief of police Jax, her ex boyfriend.
There is history there and I hope they will pick up where they left off (wink wink).
Bring on the next!
There is history there and I hope they will pick up where they left off (wink wink).
Bring on the next!
October 30, 2015
Murphy's Law Prevails
Any thing and every thing is going wrong in Misty's life from murder to stalking. And, she didn't do anything to be accused of murder nor did she deserve to be a victim of stalking. To find out what happens next, you must read this book because I'm not telling.
Any thing and every thing is going wrong in Misty's life from murder to stalking. And, she didn't do anything to be accused of murder nor did she deserve to be a victim of stalking. To find out what happens next, you must read this book because I'm not telling.
January 25, 2016
3.5
Misty moved back home and opened a burlesque studio- that was taboo enough in the small town. But when her landlord was murdered using her fishnets, the rumors really started flying. this was a fun book. i'm not sure that i have read any other mystery where the sleuth shared the same career.
Misty moved back home and opened a burlesque studio- that was taboo enough in the small town. But when her landlord was murdered using her fishnets, the rumors really started flying. this was a fun book. i'm not sure that i have read any other mystery where the sleuth shared the same career.
November 11, 2015
Boring
Not the excitement of the Lacey Luzzi books. This is very tame, could have been written by someone else. This is not Gina's style of writing. It's not humorous at all. Not interested in the rest of this series.
Not the excitement of the Lacey Luzzi books. This is very tame, could have been written by someone else. This is not Gina's style of writing. It's not humorous at all. Not interested in the rest of this series.
November 24, 2015
Trite
Thank goodness it was free. I hate to quit on a book and I have the time to waste, being off work recuperating from knee surgery. But couldn't do it. Maybe good for young adults or twenty somethings.
Thank goodness it was free. I hate to quit on a book and I have the time to waste, being off work recuperating from knee surgery. But couldn't do it. Maybe good for young adults or twenty somethings.
December 27, 2015
So good!
Gina LaManna did it again! Her books are heart warming and laugh out loud hilarious! Just enough chemistry between characters to build an incredible story. I appreciate that she finds an incredible balance between romance, comedy, and mystery.
Gina LaManna did it again! Her books are heart warming and laugh out loud hilarious! Just enough chemistry between characters to build an incredible story. I appreciate that she finds an incredible balance between romance, comedy, and mystery.
October 30, 2015
Love, love, love!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews