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Trudy Genova #1
Death Unscripted
Trudy Genova has the best job any nurse could want, working on set as a medical consultant for a NY movie studio. No more uniforms, bedpans or emergencies, until the actor whose overtures she's refused dies suddenly while taping a hospital scene--but not before pointing his finger accusingly at Trudy. When detectives view Trudy as a suspect, she sets out on an investigation to clear her name. Then a second death occurs, and Trudy realizes she's put herself in jeopardy.
A new mystery from the award-winning author of the Nora Tierney English Mystery Series, DEATH UNSCRIPTED is based on the authors' real work experience during her nursing career and is the mystery series British Queen of Crime P. D. James insisted she write. A mix of amateur sleuth and police procedural, the story is told in first person from Trudy's point of view, and in third from NYPD Detective Ned O'Malley
Marilyn Chris, Obie and Drama Desk Award-winning actor who played Wanda Wolek on ABC's soap "One Life to Live" notes: "Graff gets behind the scenes of soaps just right, as well she should--she was there!"
Edith Maxell, national bestselling author of multiple mystery series says: "Your blood pressure will soar during M. K. Graff's new Manhattan Mystery, as nurse Trudy Genova takes the pulse of a killer during a soap opera filming in Death Unscripted. You won't even think about changing the channel during this smart, suspenseful mystery."
And Triss Stein, author of the Erica Donato Mysteries, has this to say: "Soap opera drama is as intense on the set as it is on the screen. Sometimes Trudy Genova, consulting nurse, feels like the only sane person in the room. Join her as she copes with huge ego, daily melodrama, an attractive detective, and life in New York . . . plus murder. The city and the studio provide intriguing backgrounds for this entertaining mystery."
Helen Smith, UK author of the The Emily Castle Mysteries, agrees that Death Unscripted is "an engaging story featuring a charming amateur sleuth. A great start to a mystery series."
A new mystery from the award-winning author of the Nora Tierney English Mystery Series, DEATH UNSCRIPTED is based on the authors' real work experience during her nursing career and is the mystery series British Queen of Crime P. D. James insisted she write. A mix of amateur sleuth and police procedural, the story is told in first person from Trudy's point of view, and in third from NYPD Detective Ned O'Malley
Marilyn Chris, Obie and Drama Desk Award-winning actor who played Wanda Wolek on ABC's soap "One Life to Live" notes: "Graff gets behind the scenes of soaps just right, as well she should--she was there!"
Edith Maxell, national bestselling author of multiple mystery series says: "Your blood pressure will soar during M. K. Graff's new Manhattan Mystery, as nurse Trudy Genova takes the pulse of a killer during a soap opera filming in Death Unscripted. You won't even think about changing the channel during this smart, suspenseful mystery."
And Triss Stein, author of the Erica Donato Mysteries, has this to say: "Soap opera drama is as intense on the set as it is on the screen. Sometimes Trudy Genova, consulting nurse, feels like the only sane person in the room. Join her as she copes with huge ego, daily melodrama, an attractive detective, and life in New York . . . plus murder. The city and the studio provide intriguing backgrounds for this entertaining mystery."
Helen Smith, UK author of the The Emily Castle Mysteries, agrees that Death Unscripted is "an engaging story featuring a charming amateur sleuth. A great start to a mystery series."
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2015
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Graff
9 books122 followersMarni Graff is the author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries, and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries, both published by Bridle Path Press (http://www.bridlepathpress.com). She writes the weekly crime review blog Auntie M Writes Crime Review (http://auntiemwrites.com) and is a member of Sisters in Crime, the International Association of Crime Writers, and the NC Writers Network.
A former registered nurse who wrote "on the side," Graff has published articles, interviews, poetry and creative nonfiction. She wrote for seven years for "Mystery Review" magazine and is also the Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press.
Teaching creative writing and participating in writing workshops fill out her days. She lives in rural coastal NC on a river and shares her home with her husband and their AussieDoodles, Seamus and Fiona.
A former registered nurse who wrote "on the side," Graff has published articles, interviews, poetry and creative nonfiction. She wrote for seven years for "Mystery Review" magazine and is also the Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press.
Teaching creative writing and participating in writing workshops fill out her days. She lives in rural coastal NC on a river and shares her home with her husband and their AussieDoodles, Seamus and Fiona.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 21, 2015
Death Unscripted is an amazing book. I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review and honestly…I love mystery and crime. While on the set of a soap opera, the stars are working their magic as Trudy Genova helps from behind the scenes. Her profession is in the medical industry as a nurse; however, she picked up the gig to work behind the scenes due to better pay and less hassle as opposed to working in a hospital. Everything goes smoothly and she is well liked by most; however, there is one Griff Kennedy who just absolutely grates on her nerves. With his status on the set and his annoying advances toward her off of the set, she decides that enough is enough. There are only a few ways that she can tell this guy off. When met in the cafeteria, the only thing in view that can be considered threatening besides words, is the pie that she plops right down on his head before storming out. But later that day, he points to her while on the set, acting out a heart attack. With his words of “YOU” reverberating around the room, he falls over and takes his last breath. Once the detectives swarm the scene and everyone is on high alert for a killer on the set, Trudy is faced with many accusations but only one question lingers in the air…who killed Griff Kennedy?
I really enjoy reading mystery and crime, as previously noted…however, this one was fantastic! My favorite characters are Trudy and Tony. Trudy, being the main character who is feisty and inquisitive. She has her own little investigative properties which are desperately begging to be of assistance to this growing and complex case. Tony is the first-time detective who is learning the ropes with the much more experienced Detective Ned O’Malley. Both are always constantly being distracted which allows the author to throw in some good humor. My least favorite character in this story is the lead…Mrs. Olivier. She has the typical snobbish personality and everything that she does seems fake or rehearsed.
This author’s terminology and creativity is astounding. I was thoroughly interested in the unfolding of this story; everything about the characters and scenes were exciting. I recommend this story if you like mystery or crime novels because it definitely encompasses both aspects in depth. In my opinion, this story does not lean more toward woman nor men. I believe that anyone can find a good story with this one. I rate it with five stars because it really captivated my interests and held my attention. I enjoyed reading about all of the characters since they were all pretty much developed. The pace was quick, which made the book easy to read. I look forward to reading more by the author.
I really enjoy reading mystery and crime, as previously noted…however, this one was fantastic! My favorite characters are Trudy and Tony. Trudy, being the main character who is feisty and inquisitive. She has her own little investigative properties which are desperately begging to be of assistance to this growing and complex case. Tony is the first-time detective who is learning the ropes with the much more experienced Detective Ned O’Malley. Both are always constantly being distracted which allows the author to throw in some good humor. My least favorite character in this story is the lead…Mrs. Olivier. She has the typical snobbish personality and everything that she does seems fake or rehearsed.
This author’s terminology and creativity is astounding. I was thoroughly interested in the unfolding of this story; everything about the characters and scenes were exciting. I recommend this story if you like mystery or crime novels because it definitely encompasses both aspects in depth. In my opinion, this story does not lean more toward woman nor men. I believe that anyone can find a good story with this one. I rate it with five stars because it really captivated my interests and held my attention. I enjoyed reading about all of the characters since they were all pretty much developed. The pace was quick, which made the book easy to read. I look forward to reading more by the author.
October 25, 2015
Death Unscripted is a Trudy Genova Mystery. It is set in Manhattan, New York. Trudy Genova is a Nurse and her current job is a medical consultant on a TV soap opera film set called " Thornfield Place". Trudy must check that any medical matters are authentic on screen.
Her role is behind the scenes, she tries to avoid the actors and actresses who are demanding, but Griff Kennedy is a womaniser and keeps pestering Trudy. When he invades her personal space one lunchtime she dumps pie on his head in a fit of anger. Later that afternoon Trudy must fix Griff up for a hospital bed scene where he will act out a heart attack. With the cameras rolling Griff ad libs, holds his stomach, points a finger at Trudy and then dies rather dramatically.
Detective Ned O'Malley leads the investigation into Griff's death and Trudy finds herself under suspicion. But her nurses training kicks in and she believes Griff was poisoned. Caught sneaking around looking for evidence and with her finger prints all over a cup Griff drank from Trudy gets herself into more hot water with the police.
It takes a second death and an attack on Trudy before the police agree to let her help them with the investigation. I enjoyed the setting for this mystery, there are quite a lot of characters in this story, but the author gives a list of the cast at the front of the book. Several red herrings to keep you guessing and a hint of a possible romance for Trudy to come in the next book of the series.
Her role is behind the scenes, she tries to avoid the actors and actresses who are demanding, but Griff Kennedy is a womaniser and keeps pestering Trudy. When he invades her personal space one lunchtime she dumps pie on his head in a fit of anger. Later that afternoon Trudy must fix Griff up for a hospital bed scene where he will act out a heart attack. With the cameras rolling Griff ad libs, holds his stomach, points a finger at Trudy and then dies rather dramatically.
Detective Ned O'Malley leads the investigation into Griff's death and Trudy finds herself under suspicion. But her nurses training kicks in and she believes Griff was poisoned. Caught sneaking around looking for evidence and with her finger prints all over a cup Griff drank from Trudy gets herself into more hot water with the police.
It takes a second death and an attack on Trudy before the police agree to let her help them with the investigation. I enjoyed the setting for this mystery, there are quite a lot of characters in this story, but the author gives a list of the cast at the front of the book. Several red herrings to keep you guessing and a hint of a possible romance for Trudy to come in the next book of the series.
December 2, 2015
What’s so great about this book, is the fact that it’s a “NOW” situation set in the Big Apple.
Didn’t you always want to know what goes on behind the scenes of those medical
TV shows? Reading M K Graff’s Death Unscripted gives a firsthand peek at how some of it gets done. The fact that Graff knows the medical profession comes through and made this such an interesting read and a seemingly REAL one.
This is a nicely paced cozy with a host of interesting characters, and one of my new personal favorites, Trudy Genova, an amateur sleuth. Graff’s mystery drew me in right from the beginning. The sparks set off between her mail character and the detective, add an interesting subtext. Graff’s settings, dialogue and plot have me begging to read her next installment in this new American series. Brava! I definitely “suspended my disbelief!
November 20, 2015
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
This is my favorite kind of mystery. Even though there’s murder involved, it’s still a fun and quick read.
I like the main character, Trudy. She appears strong and independent but she has some real trust issues when it comes to men. And, of course, she feels like she has to try to help solve this mystery whether the police detectives, O’Malley and Barelli, want her help or not.
This mystery is a good old fashioned whodunit with many suspects since the murder occurred on the set of a soap opera. I like how it all came together and I love how it ended.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes a mystery.
This is my favorite kind of mystery. Even though there’s murder involved, it’s still a fun and quick read.
I like the main character, Trudy. She appears strong and independent but she has some real trust issues when it comes to men. And, of course, she feels like she has to try to help solve this mystery whether the police detectives, O’Malley and Barelli, want her help or not.
This mystery is a good old fashioned whodunit with many suspects since the murder occurred on the set of a soap opera. I like how it all came together and I love how it ended.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes a mystery.
November 16, 2015
I've read and loved Ms. Graff's first series of Nora Tierney books (The Blue Virgin, The Green Remains and The Scarlet Wench) set in the UK. The tone in Death Unscripted is different as it's set in Manhattan, NY and includes some pretty interesting characters. Letting us see some of the workings behind the scenes of a soap opera was fun and interesting. It kept me reading and guessing, never letting me go until the last page. If you enjoy a well told story with quirky and interesting characters Death Unscripted is the one you're looking for.
Katiedid
Katiedid
June 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed spending my Saturday evening and Sunday reading this book. A part police procedural part cozy mystery.
The first in the series introducing Trudy Genova, a qualified nurse, who through her best friend Meg has a job working for a movie studio, her current job is giving medical advice and setting up equipment on a soap opera, compared to previously having to work shift work and dealing with sick people, this job is a dream for Trudy. She enjoys the flexibility if it.
Until during filming a scene where the main male character Griff Kennedy is acting out a scene where he is hooked up to a heart monitor and has to pretend to be having a heart attack, actually does collapse, Trudy rushes over to give CPR but Griff doesn’t make it. The problem is as he was collapsing he pointed in Trudy’s direction. The only thing she had done before he collapsed was put eye drops in his eyes to dilate his pupils. When the autopsy is done it finds he has been poisoned in some way.
Detective Inspector Ned O’Malley is in charge of the case along with his partner Tony Borelli. Trudy feels that Ned thinks she is his prime suspect as the investigation begins. So decides that she is going to start investigating herself, after all she knows everyone who works at the studio, she also reads lots of crime and mystery novels as well as aspiring to write one herself, how hard can it be. With the help of Meg she starts listening in to conversations and generally poking around, much to the annoyance of Ned. Meg finds herself attracted to Tony, and maybe there’s a little spark between Trudy and Ned.
Then another star of the show is killed and it’s Trudy who finds her, so the investigation steps up a bit, as well as this investigation Ned and Tony are looking at another case where three men have been severely beaten and everything points to the perpetrator being the same person in all three cases, but they are struggling to find what the victims have in common.
Is Trudy putting herself in danger as she starts to dig deeper? It’s interesting to learn some of Trudy’s background as you read on her mistrust of men and why, also some insight into Ned’s upbringing and background.
I loved all these characters, the story is fast paced and flows brilliantly. Just how I like a good read to go. Interesting reading of the background workings of a soap set. I highly recommend this book if you want a read you can sit back and read, have a few chuckles at some of Trudy’s antics. I am now diving straight into book 2 in the series.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of books one and two in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. I absolutely loved book one.
The first in the series introducing Trudy Genova, a qualified nurse, who through her best friend Meg has a job working for a movie studio, her current job is giving medical advice and setting up equipment on a soap opera, compared to previously having to work shift work and dealing with sick people, this job is a dream for Trudy. She enjoys the flexibility if it.
Until during filming a scene where the main male character Griff Kennedy is acting out a scene where he is hooked up to a heart monitor and has to pretend to be having a heart attack, actually does collapse, Trudy rushes over to give CPR but Griff doesn’t make it. The problem is as he was collapsing he pointed in Trudy’s direction. The only thing she had done before he collapsed was put eye drops in his eyes to dilate his pupils. When the autopsy is done it finds he has been poisoned in some way.
Detective Inspector Ned O’Malley is in charge of the case along with his partner Tony Borelli. Trudy feels that Ned thinks she is his prime suspect as the investigation begins. So decides that she is going to start investigating herself, after all she knows everyone who works at the studio, she also reads lots of crime and mystery novels as well as aspiring to write one herself, how hard can it be. With the help of Meg she starts listening in to conversations and generally poking around, much to the annoyance of Ned. Meg finds herself attracted to Tony, and maybe there’s a little spark between Trudy and Ned.
Then another star of the show is killed and it’s Trudy who finds her, so the investigation steps up a bit, as well as this investigation Ned and Tony are looking at another case where three men have been severely beaten and everything points to the perpetrator being the same person in all three cases, but they are struggling to find what the victims have in common.
Is Trudy putting herself in danger as she starts to dig deeper? It’s interesting to learn some of Trudy’s background as you read on her mistrust of men and why, also some insight into Ned’s upbringing and background.
I loved all these characters, the story is fast paced and flows brilliantly. Just how I like a good read to go. Interesting reading of the background workings of a soap set. I highly recommend this book if you want a read you can sit back and read, have a few chuckles at some of Trudy’s antics. I am now diving straight into book 2 in the series.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of books one and two in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. I absolutely loved book one.
August 28, 2017
There's a lot to like about this book. A long list of characters that run the gammut of every conceivable personality populate Death Unscripted. Thornfield Place is a soap opera/TV series that is part Scrubs, part Guiding Light. Trudy Genova works as a medical consultant for the series. In short, it's Trudy's job to make sure what's done on camera is what would be done in the real world.
Trudy is well liked and manages to deal with all the melodrama and big egos...with one exception. Griff Kennedy. For Trudy he was sharp nails on a glistening chalkboard. So when he irritated her during lunch that day, she just had to dump that beautiful pie on his head. Yes, it was childish and I'm sure it felt wonderful, right up until the moment Griff mouthed "you," writhed and took his last breath. For real!
Now it doesn't look good for Trudy and she doesn't seem to realize that until the detectives paint the grim picture for her. An armchair detective, Trudy is determined to prove her innocence. But the harder she tries, the more guilty she looks. Sadly, the detectives don't believe her until yet another victim falls prey to the mysterious killer.
Death Unscripted is the first of MK Graff's books that I've had the pleasure of reading. It will Not be the last. The characters are developed and presented well, it is fast paced and I didn't know (for sure) whodunnit until the end. Not to mention it was entertaining from this first chapter right til the end.
If you like mysteries that have personality and are just down-right fun, Death Unscripted is for you!
A Fun read!
Happy Reading,
RJ
Trudy is well liked and manages to deal with all the melodrama and big egos...with one exception. Griff Kennedy. For Trudy he was sharp nails on a glistening chalkboard. So when he irritated her during lunch that day, she just had to dump that beautiful pie on his head. Yes, it was childish and I'm sure it felt wonderful, right up until the moment Griff mouthed "you," writhed and took his last breath. For real!
Now it doesn't look good for Trudy and she doesn't seem to realize that until the detectives paint the grim picture for her. An armchair detective, Trudy is determined to prove her innocence. But the harder she tries, the more guilty she looks. Sadly, the detectives don't believe her until yet another victim falls prey to the mysterious killer.
Death Unscripted is the first of MK Graff's books that I've had the pleasure of reading. It will Not be the last. The characters are developed and presented well, it is fast paced and I didn't know (for sure) whodunnit until the end. Not to mention it was entertaining from this first chapter right til the end.
If you like mysteries that have personality and are just down-right fun, Death Unscripted is for you!
A Fun read!
Happy Reading,
RJ
February 22, 2017
There’s nothing I like better than finding a new author, a new mystery series, and new characters that I fall in love with and “Death Unscripted” by M.K. Graff, fits the bill to a tee.
In this terrific novel I met Trudy Genova who works as a nurse consultant behind the scenes at a soap opera in New York City. Who would think that a soap opera needed a behind the scenes nurse on call while filming? Not me, never even occurred to me but that’s Trudy’s job and it sounds pretty terrific. Her hours aren’t all that bad, she meets lots of famous soap opera stars, gets to eat good food catered for them, and her best friend, Meg Pitman, works at the studio with her. The perfect job I would say and so would Trudy. That is until the lead actor in the soap opera, Griff Kennedy, is poisoned and dies on the set. With Griff’s last breath he points at Trudy and says, “you, you.” Just as Griff dies Trudy thinks, “me, me?”
Now all the cast members and everyone working on the show thinks Trudy had something to do with the actor’s demise. But Trudy never did anything to Griff. Well, there was that time she wasted a perfectly good pie when she she dumped it on Griff’s head in the cafeteria but, hey, he deserved it. Always hitting on Trudy and making lewd advances. Who needs that? But other than the pie incident she didn’t do anything to the womanizing actor, but someone certainly did.
The lead actress in the soap is, Nikki Olivier, was married to Griff at one point, then divorced him, then married him again, then divorced him again, and the two were still playing footsies. Some people just never learn. Maybe Nikki found out that her on again off again husband was two-timing her with other young actresses and every other woman around, and she slipped him some poison. Trudy thinks she better investigate because the police think that she killed Griff since he pointed to her as he died.
Trudy doesn’t much trust the police because of what happened to her father years ago but she does kind of admit that there is something interesting about lead Detective Ned O’Malley and his able assistant, Detective Tony Borelli. Best friend Meg thinks that Borelli is interesting too because as soon as they meet each other Cupid grabbed his little arrow and pierced the two of them. And Cupid is hovering around Trudy and O’Malley who find themselves looking at each other a little more than they should.
Oh, forget love, forget Cupid, there’s a murderer to be found and Trudy, Meg, O’Malley, and lovesick Borelli will find the culprit even if it kills Trudy.
I haven’t watched a soap opera since Luke and Laura from “General Hospital” fell in love some 40 years ago and it was fun to get the inside scoop of backstage life.
“Death Unscripted” is a fine murder mystery/cozy type of novel. I say it’s a cozy because there is that cozy-factor involved; a woman who has no police training except for reading all those mystery books sets out to solve a murder while falling for some good looking strong man while doing so. But in this book it’s kind of good because Trudy and O’Malley are more grown up than the usual cozy characters and each have pretty complicated back stories which author M.K. Graff lets her readers know about as the story proceeds.
I also like that the novel is told from different perspectives. You see what Trudy is doing in one chapter and then in another you see what’s going on through O’Malley’s eyes as he investigates. This gives the reader an interesting and different take on the investigation.
Like all Detectives O'Malley and Borelli have more than just one case to solve. All things do not revolve around the death of the actor and the two have to divide up their time. Not as easy as it sounds what with someone stalking Trudy and breaking into her apartment. O’Malley has his hands full keeping an eye on her.
Since this is series I’m not giving anything away by saying that eventually the murderer is discovered but it isn’t as simple as the killer admitting to the deed. The story is detailed and complicated and the reason for the murder is very different than what readers suspect. I liked that twist a lot.
“Death Unscripted” is the first in the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mystery series and now I have to open up my purse, let the moths fly out, and buy the rest of the series to gorge on. Shelling out a few bucks for a really good novel is well worth the price.
Find all my reviews at https://sharonreadsblog.wordpress.com/
In this terrific novel I met Trudy Genova who works as a nurse consultant behind the scenes at a soap opera in New York City. Who would think that a soap opera needed a behind the scenes nurse on call while filming? Not me, never even occurred to me but that’s Trudy’s job and it sounds pretty terrific. Her hours aren’t all that bad, she meets lots of famous soap opera stars, gets to eat good food catered for them, and her best friend, Meg Pitman, works at the studio with her. The perfect job I would say and so would Trudy. That is until the lead actor in the soap opera, Griff Kennedy, is poisoned and dies on the set. With Griff’s last breath he points at Trudy and says, “you, you.” Just as Griff dies Trudy thinks, “me, me?”
Now all the cast members and everyone working on the show thinks Trudy had something to do with the actor’s demise. But Trudy never did anything to Griff. Well, there was that time she wasted a perfectly good pie when she she dumped it on Griff’s head in the cafeteria but, hey, he deserved it. Always hitting on Trudy and making lewd advances. Who needs that? But other than the pie incident she didn’t do anything to the womanizing actor, but someone certainly did.
The lead actress in the soap is, Nikki Olivier, was married to Griff at one point, then divorced him, then married him again, then divorced him again, and the two were still playing footsies. Some people just never learn. Maybe Nikki found out that her on again off again husband was two-timing her with other young actresses and every other woman around, and she slipped him some poison. Trudy thinks she better investigate because the police think that she killed Griff since he pointed to her as he died.
Trudy doesn’t much trust the police because of what happened to her father years ago but she does kind of admit that there is something interesting about lead Detective Ned O’Malley and his able assistant, Detective Tony Borelli. Best friend Meg thinks that Borelli is interesting too because as soon as they meet each other Cupid grabbed his little arrow and pierced the two of them. And Cupid is hovering around Trudy and O’Malley who find themselves looking at each other a little more than they should.
Oh, forget love, forget Cupid, there’s a murderer to be found and Trudy, Meg, O’Malley, and lovesick Borelli will find the culprit even if it kills Trudy.
I haven’t watched a soap opera since Luke and Laura from “General Hospital” fell in love some 40 years ago and it was fun to get the inside scoop of backstage life.
“Death Unscripted” is a fine murder mystery/cozy type of novel. I say it’s a cozy because there is that cozy-factor involved; a woman who has no police training except for reading all those mystery books sets out to solve a murder while falling for some good looking strong man while doing so. But in this book it’s kind of good because Trudy and O’Malley are more grown up than the usual cozy characters and each have pretty complicated back stories which author M.K. Graff lets her readers know about as the story proceeds.
I also like that the novel is told from different perspectives. You see what Trudy is doing in one chapter and then in another you see what’s going on through O’Malley’s eyes as he investigates. This gives the reader an interesting and different take on the investigation.
Like all Detectives O'Malley and Borelli have more than just one case to solve. All things do not revolve around the death of the actor and the two have to divide up their time. Not as easy as it sounds what with someone stalking Trudy and breaking into her apartment. O’Malley has his hands full keeping an eye on her.
Since this is series I’m not giving anything away by saying that eventually the murderer is discovered but it isn’t as simple as the killer admitting to the deed. The story is detailed and complicated and the reason for the murder is very different than what readers suspect. I liked that twist a lot.
“Death Unscripted” is the first in the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mystery series and now I have to open up my purse, let the moths fly out, and buy the rest of the series to gorge on. Shelling out a few bucks for a really good novel is well worth the price.
Find all my reviews at https://sharonreadsblog.wordpress.com/
June 25, 2018
This creative page turning novel kept my interest from page one until the ending, which was splendid.
A RN nurse was given the opportunity to work as a consultant for the film/television industry in New York City. Trudy Genova was happy to leave the intensity of the emergency room and act as a script adviser and child wrangler, as well as acting coach for this busy industry. The whole idea is to make the productions more reality based. She loved her job, that is until one day on a soap opera, the resident womanizer was killed and made Trudy the main suspect.
Enter the NYPD Homicide Detectives. A duo both competent and personable. Trudy does not get easily intimidated and decides she will find out who the killer is and doesn't hide that fact from the Detectives. As the police try to solve this crime and keep Trudy safe, another murder occurs.
Our feisty Trudy is now endangered. Can they solve this together or will the studio need to hire a new consultant?
I was so interested in the behind the scenes of Trudy's life. The crimes were committed in unique styles. The dialog had me smiling and yes, at the end, I looked for the next installment of Trudy's life.
Give this book a read and let me know what you think. I think 5 stars.
A RN nurse was given the opportunity to work as a consultant for the film/television industry in New York City. Trudy Genova was happy to leave the intensity of the emergency room and act as a script adviser and child wrangler, as well as acting coach for this busy industry. The whole idea is to make the productions more reality based. She loved her job, that is until one day on a soap opera, the resident womanizer was killed and made Trudy the main suspect.
Enter the NYPD Homicide Detectives. A duo both competent and personable. Trudy does not get easily intimidated and decides she will find out who the killer is and doesn't hide that fact from the Detectives. As the police try to solve this crime and keep Trudy safe, another murder occurs.
Our feisty Trudy is now endangered. Can they solve this together or will the studio need to hire a new consultant?
I was so interested in the behind the scenes of Trudy's life. The crimes were committed in unique styles. The dialog had me smiling and yes, at the end, I looked for the next installment of Trudy's life.
Give this book a read and let me know what you think. I think 5 stars.
August 9, 2019
This book is the type I am always looking for - a book that hooks you and you don't want to stop reading and stay up till 2 in the morning to finish.
I think the key here is two things - we have a great main character in Trudy. She is smart and likable - we are really with her as she unravels the clues to this mystery. And, unlike some "amatuer" detectives who think they know better than the police - she actually has a point in that she has insights into the unique culture of the cast of the Soap Opera that serves as the backdrop here. The fact that she is a nurse also lends her additional credibility and insights into the murder mystery at hand.
The second key is the cast of suspects. I grew up watching soap operas, and I was a drama major in college. The author has created a fascinating, quirky, and credible cast that rings true.
I also really liked the hints we got of Trudy's back story and can't wait for the next book in the series (which I hope will be coming soon!)
So many first books in a series are not that strong - but this one is incredibly strong and engaging, which I think bodes well for the series as it continues. I highly recommend this book to people who love mystery series and are looking for a great new voice.
I think the key here is two things - we have a great main character in Trudy. She is smart and likable - we are really with her as she unravels the clues to this mystery. And, unlike some "amatuer" detectives who think they know better than the police - she actually has a point in that she has insights into the unique culture of the cast of the Soap Opera that serves as the backdrop here. The fact that she is a nurse also lends her additional credibility and insights into the murder mystery at hand.
The second key is the cast of suspects. I grew up watching soap operas, and I was a drama major in college. The author has created a fascinating, quirky, and credible cast that rings true.
I also really liked the hints we got of Trudy's back story and can't wait for the next book in the series (which I hope will be coming soon!)
So many first books in a series are not that strong - but this one is incredibly strong and engaging, which I think bodes well for the series as it continues. I highly recommend this book to people who love mystery series and are looking for a great new voice.
September 2, 2019
Mystery Not Easily Solved Here
I enjoyed this mystery with its two budding romances. It took me a bit to warm up to Trudy, but I began to like her the more I read. The author created a character with a lot of sass and wit which she used to cover some insecurities. I enjoyed the other characters also, and the insight to the production world of soap operas. Great plot...The who-dunit was not easy to figure out.
I enjoyed this mystery with its two budding romances. It took me a bit to warm up to Trudy, but I began to like her the more I read. The author created a character with a lot of sass and wit which she used to cover some insecurities. I enjoyed the other characters also, and the insight to the production world of soap operas. Great plot...The who-dunit was not easy to figure out.
December 12, 2018
4 of 5 stars
Tags: Murder/Mystery, Minor Romance, Modern Day NY
Blurb: The on-set nurse for a soap opera is accused by a dying victim via finger-point of the murder. After questioning by detectives and a second death, she sets out to find the real killer.
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REVIEW:
COMING SOON
Tags: Murder/Mystery, Minor Romance, Modern Day NY
Blurb: The on-set nurse for a soap opera is accused by a dying victim via finger-point of the murder. After questioning by detectives and a second death, she sets out to find the real killer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
REVIEW:
COMING SOON
September 13, 2025
I was already quite familiar with M.K. Graff's series set in the U.K., and admit to still slightly preferring them (my fault, not M.K.'s, due to Anglophiliac issues), but the world that Trudy Genova inhabits in this novel is a new and eye-opening place in addition to the traditional murder mystery expectations being nicely met. I need to move on to the next stories in the series!
June 10, 2019
Mystery and romance combined, yeah. Kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the back stage look at producing a Soap Opera. I also enjoyed the main character bring a nurse working in a non-traditional setting. I could have done without the foul language, but it could have been much worse.
March 15, 2016
One of my favorite things about being a book blogger, is that I am invited to participate in book tours of just about every genre. I was excited to sign up for this tour because it has been a while since I read a modern mystery, and I had a feeling I would really like this one. I was right.
The main character, Trudy, is a nurse with one sweet job: she helps the entertainment industry "get it right" when they portray illness, hospital scenes, medical equipment, etc. She consults on various movies and TV shows, but her steady gig is on a soap opera, Thornfield Place. She is also an avid reader of mystery novels. When there is foul play on set, she launches her own investigation to clear her name.
There are several aspects of the novel that I really enjoyed. Much of the novel takes place behind the scenes of a popular soap opera, and I found the interactions between cast and crew very entertaining. The book is in both First Person (when Trudy narrates) and Third Person (when scenes are focused on the detectives working the case). Despite being a murder mystery, there is no graphic violence or gore. The book takes place in New York City. Trudy is very short ("petite"), Detective O'Malley is very tall, and both are very observant.
The mystery is a good one, and you will find yourself reading as much and as fast as you can to keep up with the action. There are many names to keep up with, but it does not take long for the cast of characters to become familiar. I am adding Marni Graff's other mysteries to my TBR list, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
The main character, Trudy, is a nurse with one sweet job: she helps the entertainment industry "get it right" when they portray illness, hospital scenes, medical equipment, etc. She consults on various movies and TV shows, but her steady gig is on a soap opera, Thornfield Place. She is also an avid reader of mystery novels. When there is foul play on set, she launches her own investigation to clear her name.
There are several aspects of the novel that I really enjoyed. Much of the novel takes place behind the scenes of a popular soap opera, and I found the interactions between cast and crew very entertaining. The book is in both First Person (when Trudy narrates) and Third Person (when scenes are focused on the detectives working the case). Despite being a murder mystery, there is no graphic violence or gore. The book takes place in New York City. Trudy is very short ("petite"), Detective O'Malley is very tall, and both are very observant.
The mystery is a good one, and you will find yourself reading as much and as fast as you can to keep up with the action. There are many names to keep up with, but it does not take long for the cast of characters to become familiar. I am adding Marni Graff's other mysteries to my TBR list, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
January 24, 2016
Such a fast and good read! What’s so wonderful about this book, is the fact that it’s a “NOW” situation set in the Big Apple.
Didn’t you always want to know what goes on behind the scenes of those medical
TV shows? Reading M K Graff’s Death Unscripted gives a firsthand peek at how some of it gets done. The fact that Graff knows the medical profession comes through and she also knows the world of TV soap operas which made this such an interesting read and a seemingly REAL one.
This is a nicely paced cozy with a host of interesting characters, and one of my new personal favorites, Trudy Genova, an amateur sleuth. Graff’s mystery drew me in right from the beginning. The sparks set off between her mail character and the detective, add an interesting subtext. Graff’s settings, dialogue and plot have me begging to read her next installment in this new American series. Brava! I definitely “suspended my disbelief!" and would willingly do it again to read another M.K. Graff novel!
Didn’t you always want to know what goes on behind the scenes of those medical
TV shows? Reading M K Graff’s Death Unscripted gives a firsthand peek at how some of it gets done. The fact that Graff knows the medical profession comes through and she also knows the world of TV soap operas which made this such an interesting read and a seemingly REAL one.
This is a nicely paced cozy with a host of interesting characters, and one of my new personal favorites, Trudy Genova, an amateur sleuth. Graff’s mystery drew me in right from the beginning. The sparks set off between her mail character and the detective, add an interesting subtext. Graff’s settings, dialogue and plot have me begging to read her next installment in this new American series. Brava! I definitely “suspended my disbelief!" and would willingly do it again to read another M.K. Graff novel!
August 4, 2016
This book introduces you to Trudy Genova, a nurse working as a medical consultant for a movie studio; a great job despite some stars' antics - until someone mysteriously dies.
With Death Unscripted, Marni Graff has created a wonderful cosy mystery. It is a highly enjoyable and compelling read, drawing you in as you learn more about Trudy and her life. Marni Graff paints a clear picture of Trudy’s mind while the story evolves; I was drawn very close to Trudy, trying to solve the mystery with her. The characters are complex, believable with their flaws and virtues. The story is expertly woven and has a wonderful flow; it was easy to get hooked.
This is a book for you if you like cosy mysteries, amateur sleuths, stubborn protagonists, believable and often very likeable characters.
The very promising first book in the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries series! A book to read again.
Highly recommended!
With Death Unscripted, Marni Graff has created a wonderful cosy mystery. It is a highly enjoyable and compelling read, drawing you in as you learn more about Trudy and her life. Marni Graff paints a clear picture of Trudy’s mind while the story evolves; I was drawn very close to Trudy, trying to solve the mystery with her. The characters are complex, believable with their flaws and virtues. The story is expertly woven and has a wonderful flow; it was easy to get hooked.
This is a book for you if you like cosy mysteries, amateur sleuths, stubborn protagonists, believable and often very likeable characters.
The very promising first book in the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries series! A book to read again.
Highly recommended!
October 13, 2016
Trudy is a nurse who checks tv shows and movies to make sure the medical scenes are accurate. While working on the set of a soap opera one of the stars dies while filming a scene where he has a heart attack. In the last moments before he collapses he points at Trudy. This makes Trudy a prime suspect in the eyes of Detective O'Malley. While Trudy is busy trying to prove her innocence another member of the cast is murdered and Trudy is the one to find the body. Sparks are flying between Trudy and Detective O'Malley, and the not all the sparks are necessarily bad. Will Trudy prove her innocence or will she learn to live in a jail cell?
I received this book for free from AudioBlast in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free from AudioBlast in exchange for my honest review.
April 9, 2016
A great mash-up of mysteries and behind-the-scenes study of the set of a soap opera. A former DOL fan, I enjoyed every minuscule detail of what it's like to work on a set of a TV series, plus Trudy Genova was a fun and bright amateur detective to root for! Light, sometimes funny and fun reading.
October 19, 2015
Funny with great characters and an intriguing mystery. The setting, a consultant on a TV series, adds an extra dimension. I am already looking forward to the next in this series.
January 16, 2017
Of course I know the author so I really enjoyed this book. I was guessing until the end as to who the culprit was. Wholesome book with low on violence.
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