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Elliott Lisbon Mystery #2
Whack Job
Listening Length: 8 hours and 2 minutes
When Elliott Lisbon blends her directorship of the Ballantyne Foundation with her PI-in-Training status by planning parties and performing discreet inquiries for charitable patrons. But when the annual Wonderland Tea Party makes everyone go mad as a hatter, Elli gets pulled into a shooting, a swindle, and the hung for a Faberge egg.
From seedy pawn parlors to creepy antique shops, Sea Pine Island’s other half prove to be as wacky as the wealthy. As Elli falls farther down the rabbit hole, she finds a scheming salesman, a possessive paramour, a dead donor–in fact, the only thing missing is a bottle labeled “Drink Me.” As events evolve from curious to crazy, Elli gets lost in the maze and finds herself trapped in a house of cards with a killer.
When Elliott Lisbon blends her directorship of the Ballantyne Foundation with her PI-in-Training status by planning parties and performing discreet inquiries for charitable patrons. But when the annual Wonderland Tea Party makes everyone go mad as a hatter, Elli gets pulled into a shooting, a swindle, and the hung for a Faberge egg.
From seedy pawn parlors to creepy antique shops, Sea Pine Island’s other half prove to be as wacky as the wealthy. As Elli falls farther down the rabbit hole, she finds a scheming salesman, a possessive paramour, a dead donor–in fact, the only thing missing is a bottle labeled “Drink Me.” As events evolve from curious to crazy, Elli gets lost in the maze and finds herself trapped in a house of cards with a killer.
Audible Audio
First published May 8, 2014
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About the author
Kendel Lynn
12 books224 followersKendel Lynn is a Southern California native who now parks her flip-flops in Dallas, Texas. She read her first Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators at the age of seven and has loved mysteries ever since. Her debut novel, Board Stiff, was an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel. It features Elliott Lisbon, a mostly amateur sleuth who has a slight aversion to all things germy and is only five thousand hours away from getting her PI license. Along with writing, she spends her days editing, designing, and figuring out ways to avoid the gym but still eat cupcakes for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 10, 2014
I thought Whack Job would be a light fun read from the cover and blurb when I requested a review copy from Netgalley (in exchange for my honest review), but it was merely an ok read. If I saw another book in the library and didn't have a towering TBR pile, I'd give another one a go, but I can't honestly recommend you search this out.
I hadn't read Board Stiff, but felt Whack Job stood alone quite well. I can't rate this higher because nothing rang true to me, yet it wasn't so absurd that I just went with it. At no point did I find it humorous if it was supposed to be. Elliott is the director of a philanthropic organization, yet spent no time at her job even right before a big fundraising event. We are led to believe that the couple who run the organization are ok with her PI sideline since it helps board members, but I didn't get the feeling that was the case. Elliott constantly has mishaps and looks poor in the eyes of the wealthy (and regular) locals. This would definitely not be an asset to the organization. There's also a weak love triangle. From the lack of effort any of them put into it and the lack of chemistry the triangle doesn't really exist. How people react to the action, expensive boats getting defaced, characters dressing strangely, strange relationships, a client throws you under the bus with the police and it isn't addressed, etc. just isn't realistic, and again misses being humorous to me.
I think the main problem is there is too much going on and not enough time spent on everything. There's the Wonderland Tea, the love triangle, the Faberge egg hunt, the murder, the bad divorce and the connected craziness for her client, the insurance fraud, the poor relationships with other women which derails Elliott occasionally. I think the plot and Elliott need to slow down and focus.
Despite all this, I enjoyed the book enough to finish it. I did not dislike Elliott and any of the other characters, nor did I dislike the story line in general. I think it was just a case of too much and what there was not getting enough attention.
Just an FYI if you've read reviews for Board Stiff: there is zero sex in this book, I don't even recall a kiss. There is some minor(to me)salty language, but not much of it. I would label this a cozy bordering on regular mystery since the heroine is bounced around a bit by the bad guys and for the few S***s Elliott mutters.
I hadn't read Board Stiff, but felt Whack Job stood alone quite well. I can't rate this higher because nothing rang true to me, yet it wasn't so absurd that I just went with it. At no point did I find it humorous if it was supposed to be. Elliott is the director of a philanthropic organization, yet spent no time at her job even right before a big fundraising event. We are led to believe that the couple who run the organization are ok with her PI sideline since it helps board members, but I didn't get the feeling that was the case. Elliott constantly has mishaps and looks poor in the eyes of the wealthy (and regular) locals. This would definitely not be an asset to the organization. There's also a weak love triangle. From the lack of effort any of them put into it and the lack of chemistry the triangle doesn't really exist. How people react to the action, expensive boats getting defaced, characters dressing strangely, strange relationships, a client throws you under the bus with the police and it isn't addressed, etc. just isn't realistic, and again misses being humorous to me.
I think the main problem is there is too much going on and not enough time spent on everything. There's the Wonderland Tea, the love triangle, the Faberge egg hunt, the murder, the bad divorce and the connected craziness for her client, the insurance fraud, the poor relationships with other women which derails Elliott occasionally. I think the plot and Elliott need to slow down and focus.
Despite all this, I enjoyed the book enough to finish it. I did not dislike Elliott and any of the other characters, nor did I dislike the story line in general. I think it was just a case of too much and what there was not getting enough attention.
Just an FYI if you've read reviews for Board Stiff: there is zero sex in this book, I don't even recall a kiss. There is some minor(to me)salty language, but not much of it. I would label this a cozy bordering on regular mystery since the heroine is bounced around a bit by the bad guys and for the few S***s Elliott mutters.
March 31, 2014
The good chickens over at Henery Press kindly sent me an advance reader’s copy of Whack Job in exchange for an honest review. As per usual with this publisher, the pleasure was entirely mine.
Generally speaking, I read more than one book at a time. The obligatory nonfiction and relevant-to-The-Day-Job pick that I make my way through while in my cubicle. The Diana Gabaldon tome from the Outlander series that I tackle one chapter at a time. The book that I started reading on my Kindle app while waiting for some appointment somewhere. And then the “main book.” The book that is next in line in my reading queue for review. Kendel Lynn’s Whack Job knocked all of the other books out of the water and enticed me to pay full attention to it and only it.
Whack Job is the second book by Kendel Lynn featuring Elliott Lisbon. The series is set in South Carolina and is narrated by the immensely likeable Elliott. She’s the director of a charitable foundation and is also working toward earning her Private Investigator’s license – both jobs seem to offer her ample opportunity for adventure and (to the reader, at least) hilarious mishaps.
Whack Job centers around the eccentric Gilbert Goodsen, who is in the middle of a divorce from his wife, Jaime. Both Goodsens want on the board of the foundation where Elliott works – but only one of them will live to be considered. The mystery is fast-paced and filled with a unique cast of characters. I’m not sure if I’m Team Matty or Team Ransom quite yet, though, to be honest, I’m leaning towards Team Ransom. (I need to indulge in the first in this series, Board Stiff, before making further pronouncements.)
Elliott is wonderful. I related to her on so many levels – as a nonprofit employee at The Day Job, as someone with a similar lean towards OCD behavior, and as someone with a quick wit and sharp mind (if I do say so myself). I easily pictured myself alongside her as she prepped for the Wonderland Tea charity event, readily puzzled out the clues as she tried to track down a missing Feberge egg, and gave her a knowing nod and a fist bump when she noted that, “boys suck.” (Right on, sister.)
Easily and by far one of my favorite books of 2014 and certainly a contender for a spot on the ever-more-crowded bookshelf.
Generally speaking, I read more than one book at a time. The obligatory nonfiction and relevant-to-The-Day-Job pick that I make my way through while in my cubicle. The Diana Gabaldon tome from the Outlander series that I tackle one chapter at a time. The book that I started reading on my Kindle app while waiting for some appointment somewhere. And then the “main book.” The book that is next in line in my reading queue for review. Kendel Lynn’s Whack Job knocked all of the other books out of the water and enticed me to pay full attention to it and only it.
Whack Job is the second book by Kendel Lynn featuring Elliott Lisbon. The series is set in South Carolina and is narrated by the immensely likeable Elliott. She’s the director of a charitable foundation and is also working toward earning her Private Investigator’s license – both jobs seem to offer her ample opportunity for adventure and (to the reader, at least) hilarious mishaps.
Whack Job centers around the eccentric Gilbert Goodsen, who is in the middle of a divorce from his wife, Jaime. Both Goodsens want on the board of the foundation where Elliott works – but only one of them will live to be considered. The mystery is fast-paced and filled with a unique cast of characters. I’m not sure if I’m Team Matty or Team Ransom quite yet, though, to be honest, I’m leaning towards Team Ransom. (I need to indulge in the first in this series, Board Stiff, before making further pronouncements.)
Elliott is wonderful. I related to her on so many levels – as a nonprofit employee at The Day Job, as someone with a similar lean towards OCD behavior, and as someone with a quick wit and sharp mind (if I do say so myself). I easily pictured myself alongside her as she prepped for the Wonderland Tea charity event, readily puzzled out the clues as she tried to track down a missing Feberge egg, and gave her a knowing nod and a fist bump when she noted that, “boys suck.” (Right on, sister.)
Easily and by far one of my favorite books of 2014 and certainly a contender for a spot on the ever-more-crowded bookshelf.
August 9, 2016
Whack Job is the second book in this series. It can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book in this series, but I do want to go back and read the first book because I enjoyed this book so much. I love the fact that this book is set in South Carolina, and I happen to live in SC. We have Elliot Lisbon, who works for a charitable foundation but is also working towards her PI license. She does side work for the foundation and its board members, trying to earn enough hours to get her PI license. In Whack Job, she helps Gilbert Goodsen, who is in the middle of a bitter divorce and he believes that his wife Jaime steals his valuable egg. Elliot seems to get into all sorts of mishaps while investigating the missing egg. It doesn't help that Elliot is also OCD which is makes the mishaps even more comical. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. This book kept me entertained from the first page, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. It has humor, mystery, suspense, and great southern charm!
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
May 10, 2014
I love books like this. Whack Job was a fun mystery set in South Carolina. Yes, one more book driving my desire to visit the Charleston area.
Elliott Lisbon works for a non-profit, The Ballantyne Home, but is a wanna be PI. She is on her way to earning her PI license but local law enforcement, the handsome Lt. Ransom, thinks she's stepping on his toes. Apparently, there is a relationship in their past that may not be finished.
This is what I would call a madcap mystery. Some of the things Elliott gets into while trying to find a missing Faberge egg for a client are truly hilarious.
This would be a great beach read. It is the second in a series but I didn't feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book. I highly recommend Whack Job and I do plan to read the first book! :-)
Elliott Lisbon works for a non-profit, The Ballantyne Home, but is a wanna be PI. She is on her way to earning her PI license but local law enforcement, the handsome Lt. Ransom, thinks she's stepping on his toes. Apparently, there is a relationship in their past that may not be finished.
This is what I would call a madcap mystery. Some of the things Elliott gets into while trying to find a missing Faberge egg for a client are truly hilarious.
This would be a great beach read. It is the second in a series but I didn't feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book. I highly recommend Whack Job and I do plan to read the first book! :-)
May 13, 2014
This is the second book in the Elliott Lisbon Mystery series by Kendel Lynn. The first book in the series, “Board Stiff” received a prestigious Agatha Award Nomination for First Novel.
This series features Elliott Lisbon, as the director of the Ballantyne Foundation. As she is often called upon to perform discreet inquiries for the board and its members, she is also a PI-in-Training.
The book opens with hysterical mad cap scene that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the end of the book.
During the adventures, Elliott is planning a Wonderland Tea party for the Foundation. The Tea Party serves as a metaphor for the adventures that Elliott will experience in the book as she, like Alice, seems to be in a topsy turvy world where nothing is as it seems.
For the rest of the review, plus a video go to: http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...
This series features Elliott Lisbon, as the director of the Ballantyne Foundation. As she is often called upon to perform discreet inquiries for the board and its members, she is also a PI-in-Training.
The book opens with hysterical mad cap scene that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the end of the book.
During the adventures, Elliott is planning a Wonderland Tea party for the Foundation. The Tea Party serves as a metaphor for the adventures that Elliott will experience in the book as she, like Alice, seems to be in a topsy turvy world where nothing is as it seems.
For the rest of the review, plus a video go to: http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...
March 29, 2014
A great second book in an excellent series. Really liked it.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/827271...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/827271...
June 14, 2015
Huzzuh! Elliott Lison is back and if you haven’t read the first book in the series, BOARD STIFF, don’t worry because it’s not necessary to have done so in order to enjoy WHACK JOB. While Kendel Lynn does touch upon some events from BOARD STIFF, it’s nothing I would consider a spoiler.
Narrative is first person via Elliott and she’s a trustworthy narrator. You might feel a bit frustrated with the way Elliott is portrayed; some might even classify her as a bit clumsy and one might question what Lynn’s intentions are by portraying Elliott that way. Others might point out that Elliott’s actions are ridiculous and over the top, but I don’t see it that way. In all honesty, I see her more as your average woman who isn’t glamorous, but intelligent and resourceful and yeah things happen. Elliott’s easy to relate to and you’ll find yourself cringing at times, but cheering her on at the same time. I admire her tenaciousness to get to the bottom of things despite the obstacles in her way. That’s why when I see poor Elliott getting into scraps or finding herself covered in fish guts, I want to high-five her for taking one for the team. Can we honestly see some police officer getting into Elliott style situations? As much as I love the officers Elliott talks to, I can’t imagine them getting down and dirty even if it’s all accidental.
Now for those of you who read BOARD STIFF, you might remember the whole Ransom and Matty dilemma. Well…not much has changed other than Ransom still is Ransom. The good thing is Elliott is ready to move on without either men in her life and even though I’m secretly cheering Team Ransom, I’d love for Lynn to throw a curveball and maybe have Elliott wind up with someone totally different. I know some readers are tired of the whole love triangle, but I don’t really see the Elliott / Ransom / Matty relationship as one. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to ruin the story and I know if I touch upon something regarding them, it could very well be seen as a spoiler. I will say this, I really enjoyed reading Elliott’s emotions regarding these two men in her life and really can’t wait to see where Lynn takes us.
What I really enjoyed about Lynn’s WHACK JOB is getting to know Elliott better. In BOARD STIFF Stiff we’re introduced to most of the characters that play a vital role in Elliott’s life, but we get to really know them in WHACK JOB. I adored how Lynn showcased both Elliott’s daytime job (director of the Ballantyne Foundation) while trying to obtain her license as a private investigator. We can easily see where Elliott’s heart lies and while she does enjoy both, Elliott really shines when she’s at the big house (at Foundation headquarters). And as for the overall mystery…let’s just say there were a few surprises. I was a bit worried for a moment that a few things wouldn’t be cleared up, but Lynn doesn’t leave anything unanswered. I had a few ideas regarding apparent culprits and I was proven wrong on all counts!
Overall, Kendel Lynn has written a delightful romp and you’ll never want it to end. I enjoyed BOARD STIFF, but Lynn has shown us that her Elliott Lisbon series is just going to get better and I can’t wait for the next installment.
This review and more are located at Literary, etc.
Narrative is first person via Elliott and she’s a trustworthy narrator. You might feel a bit frustrated with the way Elliott is portrayed; some might even classify her as a bit clumsy and one might question what Lynn’s intentions are by portraying Elliott that way. Others might point out that Elliott’s actions are ridiculous and over the top, but I don’t see it that way. In all honesty, I see her more as your average woman who isn’t glamorous, but intelligent and resourceful and yeah things happen. Elliott’s easy to relate to and you’ll find yourself cringing at times, but cheering her on at the same time. I admire her tenaciousness to get to the bottom of things despite the obstacles in her way. That’s why when I see poor Elliott getting into scraps or finding herself covered in fish guts, I want to high-five her for taking one for the team. Can we honestly see some police officer getting into Elliott style situations? As much as I love the officers Elliott talks to, I can’t imagine them getting down and dirty even if it’s all accidental.
Now for those of you who read BOARD STIFF, you might remember the whole Ransom and Matty dilemma. Well…not much has changed other than Ransom still is Ransom. The good thing is Elliott is ready to move on without either men in her life and even though I’m secretly cheering Team Ransom, I’d love for Lynn to throw a curveball and maybe have Elliott wind up with someone totally different. I know some readers are tired of the whole love triangle, but I don’t really see the Elliott / Ransom / Matty relationship as one. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to ruin the story and I know if I touch upon something regarding them, it could very well be seen as a spoiler. I will say this, I really enjoyed reading Elliott’s emotions regarding these two men in her life and really can’t wait to see where Lynn takes us.
What I really enjoyed about Lynn’s WHACK JOB is getting to know Elliott better. In BOARD STIFF Stiff we’re introduced to most of the characters that play a vital role in Elliott’s life, but we get to really know them in WHACK JOB. I adored how Lynn showcased both Elliott’s daytime job (director of the Ballantyne Foundation) while trying to obtain her license as a private investigator. We can easily see where Elliott’s heart lies and while she does enjoy both, Elliott really shines when she’s at the big house (at Foundation headquarters). And as for the overall mystery…let’s just say there were a few surprises. I was a bit worried for a moment that a few things wouldn’t be cleared up, but Lynn doesn’t leave anything unanswered. I had a few ideas regarding apparent culprits and I was proven wrong on all counts!
Overall, Kendel Lynn has written a delightful romp and you’ll never want it to end. I enjoyed BOARD STIFF, but Lynn has shown us that her Elliott Lisbon series is just going to get better and I can’t wait for the next installment.
This review and more are located at Literary, etc.
May 22, 2014
I received an ARC of **Whack Job** by *Kendel Lynn* from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Elliott Lisbon is very interesting to define. If the situation calls for someone to put together an event called "Wonderland Adventures Tea Party" which will attract roughly 250 people along with their entries to a teapot contest, Elli is the person to call. If someone is needed to find a valuable Faberge Egg that seems to have vanished off the face of the earth and has people prepared to kill for it, Elli will give finding that egg her best shot. And if an individual is needed who won't mind too terribly much if she's coated head to toe in fish guts or dirt, or something else that's either smelly or filthy, Elli is the go-to person for that also. Nothing stops her, not even a former boyfriend now working for the local police department who is highly opposed to a greenhorn private eye invading what he perceives as his territory. And that's what is so endearing about Elli, even when she really should slow down and ease up. Once she's committed to something, it's balls-to-the-wall to the end. I simply HAD to keep reading to find out how she'd manage to solve yet another insurmountable crisis with or without needing 4 more showers to wash away the latest yuck.
The bottom line in this book is that Elli wants to get a PI license, and she's not kidding even a little bit about that. She's very good at her job managing the Ballantyne Foundation, and the husband and wife team who own Ballantyne Foundation depend upon Elli to take care of all matters pertaining to them. The Wonderland Adventures Tea Party is one of the biggest events of the year for Ballantyne, and everyone involved wants it to be a roaring success. So when things start going wrong, Elli has to put her creativity on high because she doesn't' want to disappoint anyone. Elli also has a bit of a problem effectively delegating responsibility, so she often ends up subscribing to the "if you want it done right, do it yourself" theory of business management. That may work for the PI part of what Elli does, but it doesn't always work out for the Ballantyne Foundation. Which is why Elli gets rescued more than once by a loyal group headed by Tod Hayes. There's also Carla Otto, Zibby Archibald, Busy Hinds, and Jane Walcott Hatting.
This is a murder mystery, and in addition to the murder there is a shooting that takes place early in the book and forms the basis for the mysterious behavior Elli observes from more than one character. It was fun to read how Kendall Lynn twists and turns her characters around a crime that keeps everyone wondering why so much is invested in what appears to be a simple case of a divorce getting complicated. Kendel Lynn manages to juggle many aspects of the case without losing the reader at any point, which is not a simple task at all.
This is the second book in the Elliott Gibson mystery series, and it's a winner. Hopefully it won't be too long a wait for the third book so we can enjoy more with Elli and her posse of helpers as well as find out how much closer the PI license is in coming to fruition.
Special thanks to Henery Press for approving me to read this excellent mystery.
Elliott Lisbon is very interesting to define. If the situation calls for someone to put together an event called "Wonderland Adventures Tea Party" which will attract roughly 250 people along with their entries to a teapot contest, Elli is the person to call. If someone is needed to find a valuable Faberge Egg that seems to have vanished off the face of the earth and has people prepared to kill for it, Elli will give finding that egg her best shot. And if an individual is needed who won't mind too terribly much if she's coated head to toe in fish guts or dirt, or something else that's either smelly or filthy, Elli is the go-to person for that also. Nothing stops her, not even a former boyfriend now working for the local police department who is highly opposed to a greenhorn private eye invading what he perceives as his territory. And that's what is so endearing about Elli, even when she really should slow down and ease up. Once she's committed to something, it's balls-to-the-wall to the end. I simply HAD to keep reading to find out how she'd manage to solve yet another insurmountable crisis with or without needing 4 more showers to wash away the latest yuck.
The bottom line in this book is that Elli wants to get a PI license, and she's not kidding even a little bit about that. She's very good at her job managing the Ballantyne Foundation, and the husband and wife team who own Ballantyne Foundation depend upon Elli to take care of all matters pertaining to them. The Wonderland Adventures Tea Party is one of the biggest events of the year for Ballantyne, and everyone involved wants it to be a roaring success. So when things start going wrong, Elli has to put her creativity on high because she doesn't' want to disappoint anyone. Elli also has a bit of a problem effectively delegating responsibility, so she often ends up subscribing to the "if you want it done right, do it yourself" theory of business management. That may work for the PI part of what Elli does, but it doesn't always work out for the Ballantyne Foundation. Which is why Elli gets rescued more than once by a loyal group headed by Tod Hayes. There's also Carla Otto, Zibby Archibald, Busy Hinds, and Jane Walcott Hatting.
This is a murder mystery, and in addition to the murder there is a shooting that takes place early in the book and forms the basis for the mysterious behavior Elli observes from more than one character. It was fun to read how Kendall Lynn twists and turns her characters around a crime that keeps everyone wondering why so much is invested in what appears to be a simple case of a divorce getting complicated. Kendel Lynn manages to juggle many aspects of the case without losing the reader at any point, which is not a simple task at all.
This is the second book in the Elliott Gibson mystery series, and it's a winner. Hopefully it won't be too long a wait for the third book so we can enjoy more with Elli and her posse of helpers as well as find out how much closer the PI license is in coming to fruition.
Special thanks to Henery Press for approving me to read this excellent mystery.
June 30, 2014
WHACK JOB by Kendel Lynn is a mystery novel that follows Elliott Lisbon, a PI in training, as she tries to figure out who stole her client’s Faberge egg. What starts as an egg hunt soon includes 2 attempted murders, a successful murder, and insurance fraud. While trying to figure out the mystery, Elliott also has to balance her life on a prestigious board as they throw their annual Tea party.
WHACK JOB is a true mystery. Most contemporary “mysteries” are really more thrillers than mysteries. You aren’t given any clues and are not expected to figure out who the killer is. The author will do all the heavy lifting for you. However, WHACK JOB gives you the clues if you’re paying attention. It was a refreshing read.
Lisbon as a character is fantastic. She’s clumsy and a bit clueless, but her tenacity and spunk make her a loveable character. She’s also very funny, and the reader will enjoy being in her head. She has a terribly complicated love life that’s only exacerbated by her forgetfulness and social ineptness. You can’t help but cringe at some of the things she says and does, but it doesn’t turn the reader off from her character. She’s definitely one of my favorite characters from a mystery novel.
Fans of true mysteries will love WHACK JOB. It’s a quick, fun read that’s perfect for the summer.
I was given a free electronic copy of this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
WHACK JOB is a true mystery. Most contemporary “mysteries” are really more thrillers than mysteries. You aren’t given any clues and are not expected to figure out who the killer is. The author will do all the heavy lifting for you. However, WHACK JOB gives you the clues if you’re paying attention. It was a refreshing read.
Lisbon as a character is fantastic. She’s clumsy and a bit clueless, but her tenacity and spunk make her a loveable character. She’s also very funny, and the reader will enjoy being in her head. She has a terribly complicated love life that’s only exacerbated by her forgetfulness and social ineptness. You can’t help but cringe at some of the things she says and does, but it doesn’t turn the reader off from her character. She’s definitely one of my favorite characters from a mystery novel.
Fans of true mysteries will love WHACK JOB. It’s a quick, fun read that’s perfect for the summer.
I was given a free electronic copy of this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2014
Whack Job by Kendel Lynn ( An Elliott Lisbon Mystery #2)
4 stars
This is fun mystery that gets really dirty or at least Elliott is always getting into trouble. You never know what will happen next. She starts out to meet a client to find something from him when he gets shot in front of her. The characters are a mixed bunch. Lot of them are rich. Elliott works with them for both jobs. Whack Job is a good title for this crazy story. It is entertaining mystery.
Elliott Lisbon wants to be a PI. She is smart, has a talent for making messes. Her boss wants to have her help a Gilbert Goodsen find his Faberge egg. She is also having a Wonderland Tea Party for sick kids and their doctors. Elliot does not handle blood and germs very well.
Detective Ransom keeps telling her to stay out of his murder case. Back when they were in college he broke Elliott's heart.
Gilbet is a insurance agent. He is going through a messy divorce and thinks his wife stole the egg. He seems to be falling apart.
The setting is Sea Pine Island, South Carolina.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to write honest review of it. Received the ebook from Net Galley and Henery press.
4 stars
This is fun mystery that gets really dirty or at least Elliott is always getting into trouble. You never know what will happen next. She starts out to meet a client to find something from him when he gets shot in front of her. The characters are a mixed bunch. Lot of them are rich. Elliott works with them for both jobs. Whack Job is a good title for this crazy story. It is entertaining mystery.
Elliott Lisbon wants to be a PI. She is smart, has a talent for making messes. Her boss wants to have her help a Gilbert Goodsen find his Faberge egg. She is also having a Wonderland Tea Party for sick kids and their doctors. Elliot does not handle blood and germs very well.
Detective Ransom keeps telling her to stay out of his murder case. Back when they were in college he broke Elliott's heart.
Gilbet is a insurance agent. He is going through a messy divorce and thinks his wife stole the egg. He seems to be falling apart.
The setting is Sea Pine Island, South Carolina.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to write honest review of it. Received the ebook from Net Galley and Henery press.
December 29, 2014
This a first time for this author and the second book in the Elliot Lisbon series. This book surely deserves this title Whack Job as there was plenty of destruction occurring throughout the book. Some of it amusing.
LIS worked as a trouble for the Ballantine Foundation located in Florida. She was to see an important clinic of the foundation who has a problem. She finds herself in the middle of a domestic problem. The husband asked her to find his Faberge Egg. Looking for the egg she finds herself mixed up in a couple of murders. LIS enters,the home of the fighting pair and is almost checked and a demand "bring her back". Lt Nick Ransom orders LIS to stay of the murder investigations. The feuding pair house and boat are whack to pieces. Why is,the egg so important, LIS needs,to find the answer before there are more deaths.
I will read another book by this author.
Full Disclosure:
I received a fee copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I woulds like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
LIS worked as a trouble for the Ballantine Foundation located in Florida. She was to see an important clinic of the foundation who has a problem. She finds herself in the middle of a domestic problem. The husband asked her to find his Faberge Egg. Looking for the egg she finds herself mixed up in a couple of murders. LIS enters,the home of the fighting pair and is almost checked and a demand "bring her back". Lt Nick Ransom orders LIS to stay of the murder investigations. The feuding pair house and boat are whack to pieces. Why is,the egg so important, LIS needs,to find the answer before there are more deaths.
I will read another book by this author.
Full Disclosure:
I received a fee copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I woulds like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
April 11, 2014
Whack Job is the second book in the Elliot Lisbon mystery series. It is a well written and edited novel.
El is tasked with another "discreet Inquiry" through her job as director of the Ballantine foundation. She is supposed to help one of their donors find a Faberge egg that his estranged wife has stolen during a contentious divorce. When that wife shows up dead El finds herself investigating a murder.
This was a fast paced and interesting novel, but there was too much happening at once. At times it felt chaotic.
The love triangle between El, Nick and Matty had sort of pooped out in this novel. Neither man seemed particularly interested in her and there were definitely no sparks flying.
Overall this was a fun read with a HEA. It can be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest reading Board Stiff first.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
El is tasked with another "discreet Inquiry" through her job as director of the Ballantine foundation. She is supposed to help one of their donors find a Faberge egg that his estranged wife has stolen during a contentious divorce. When that wife shows up dead El finds herself investigating a murder.
This was a fast paced and interesting novel, but there was too much happening at once. At times it felt chaotic.
The love triangle between El, Nick and Matty had sort of pooped out in this novel. Neither man seemed particularly interested in her and there were definitely no sparks flying.
Overall this was a fun read with a HEA. It can be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest reading Board Stiff first.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
April 23, 2014
Whack Job was a very entertaining book, I wish I had read the 1st in the series. Elli is eating lunch at a place called Tug Boat Slims, when a man enters carrying a brief case and a banana, he is shot and somehow ends up pinning poor Elli to the floor as he falls. Elli finds herself smack dab in the middle of another shooting incident. Sexy Nick Ransom, new police detective in town, who also was a classmate of Ellis 20 years ago, is named lead detective on the case. Is it possible for Elli and Nick to keep from driving each other crazy, or should they just give in and let nature take it's course? Whack Job was a quick read, perfect for a summer read, (or any other season).
June 3, 2014
You are a PI investigator and in front of you you saw a guy with a satchel full of cash in one hand and a banana in the other asking: "What will you give me for this banana?" What will you do?
This means you have a new client, don't you think so?
This is what Elliot thinks, but it's not only a new client, it's a robbery too!
I enjoyed very much this book, not only for the crime story, but also for how Elli resolves the crime and her problems and try to help everyone and not get killed in the process!
I will be expecting a new case of this amazing PI, it will be notorious, of course!
(I received a free copy of this book, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review)
This means you have a new client, don't you think so?
This is what Elliot thinks, but it's not only a new client, it's a robbery too!
I enjoyed very much this book, not only for the crime story, but also for how Elli resolves the crime and her problems and try to help everyone and not get killed in the process!
I will be expecting a new case of this amazing PI, it will be notorious, of course!
(I received a free copy of this book, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review)
March 20, 2014
I received this book free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a lighthearted romp in a tropical place wherein a PI in training is the main character, Elliott Lisbon. Of course, there is a murder, an attempted murder, several burglaries and an assault. And several cute men thrown in for good measure.
It was well written and very entertaining. I am definitely going to be reading more from this author.
This is the 7th book I've read from Henery Press. If you like light romantic suspense without a lot of sex, check out their books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a lighthearted romp in a tropical place wherein a PI in training is the main character, Elliott Lisbon. Of course, there is a murder, an attempted murder, several burglaries and an assault. And several cute men thrown in for good measure.
It was well written and very entertaining. I am definitely going to be reading more from this author.
This is the 7th book I've read from Henery Press. If you like light romantic suspense without a lot of sex, check out their books.
April 22, 2014
This is book two of the Elliott Lisbon series. I didn't read book one but will be sure to find it and read it soon. I had no problems figuring out the cast of characters in this delightful cozy mystery. Murder, insurance fraud, stolen Russian antiques and Mad Hatter tea parties are all incorporated into this great story. Elliott is a hard working, well liked part of the Sea Pine Island community and it's sure to appeal to readers. I'm looking forward to more books by Kendel Lynn and hope I don't have to wait too long.
June 12, 2014
Once again Kendel Lynn entertains her readers with the adventures (and misadventures) of the unflappable Elliott Lisbon. Lisbon, director of the prestigious Ballantyne foundation/ Private Investigator in training, hunts for a missing Faberge' egg and runs into murder and mayhem along the way. The heroine flirts with danger surrounded by the usual crowd of eccentric characters.
I love the new addition to the modern female private eye scene. I am looking forward to Elliott
Lisbon's next adventure. I can picture her now with hand sanitizer in tow.
I love the new addition to the modern female private eye scene. I am looking forward to Elliott
Lisbon's next adventure. I can picture her now with hand sanitizer in tow.
August 26, 2018
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for scatterbrained and whimsical heroine trying to solve a murder. Elliott is supposed to be a rather competent director of the Ballantyne Foundation while also working on her PI licenses. After reading this book I'd find it hard to believe that Elliott is competent at anything. She continuously ignored her actual job in order to go off on ridiculous searches on half of a rather eccentric and completely irritating client. Her complaints that the police weren't sharing information with her were enough to make me roll my eyes on a regular basis.
July 24, 2016
I love Elliott Lisbon and have so much empathy that my heart hurts for her. She needs to find a wonderful boyfriend who will support her in everything she does and makes her number one. I am not sure that either Ransone or Matty is good enough for her.
This book is so well written, a humorous, cozy mystery with a touch of romance, wonderful. The author makes you feel like you are part of the story not just reading it.
Loved the Alice in Wonderland party, you must read this.
This book is so well written, a humorous, cozy mystery with a touch of romance, wonderful. The author makes you feel like you are part of the story not just reading it.
Loved the Alice in Wonderland party, you must read this.
May 17, 2014
I enjoyed this book as a follow up to Board Stiff. I am liking the character of Elliott more each book, and look forward to reading more of her and Nick in the next installment.
Great mystery, and humour. Look forward to reading more in this series.
Great mystery, and humour. Look forward to reading more in this series.
May 29, 2014
Kendel Lynn has a knack for whack! Her hilariously OCD PI-in-training Elliott winds up in some of the unlikeliest, crazy situations, peppered with unique, funny characters that keep the reader turning pages as fast as she can. A mystery for those who like their murder well seasoned with humor.
May 22, 2016
Hapless Elliot aka Elli is getting a little wiser but still clumsy as she can be. There aren't many areas that she hasn't bruised. Dingbats are not my favorite people and I hope she outgrows this phase.
June 16, 2014
Wacky mystery
this book was better than the first enjoyed the off the wall characters and the story had many twists to keep my interest
this book was better than the first enjoyed the off the wall characters and the story had many twists to keep my interest
July 15, 2014
Loved it!!!
April 5, 2015
Very much a knockoff of Janet Evanovich's book. Lightweight even for beach reading. Won't read this author again.
September 7, 2025
I’ll be honest—romance and I haven’t been vibing lately. Maybe it’s the mood, maybe it’s the season, but I’ve found myself drifting toward cozy mysteries again, and Whack Job by Kendel Lynn felt like the perfect pick-me-up. Published by Henery Press (a house I’ve always trusted for light-hearted crime capers), this one had been quietly waiting on my Kindle since 2014. Yep, over a decade. Oops.
Reading it was like stepping back into a familiar, comforting rhythm—those Hallmark-style murder mysteries where the heroine, despite her best intentions, ends up smack dab in the middle of a crime scene. Elliot Lisbon, our leading lady, is no exception. One minute she’s planning a whimsical tea party with quirky teapots, the next she’s witnessing a shooting and tangled in a divorce spat over a Fabergé egg. Honestly, it gave me flashbacks to my early blogging days when I devoured these kinds of stories like cups of chamomile on a rainy Tauranga afternoon.
Elliot’s charm lies in her relatability. She’s not a hardened detective, just a woman trying to do her job while chaos swirls around her. And of course, there’s the classic flirtation with the local law enforcement—because what’s a cozy mystery without a dash of romantic tension?
If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or those Sunday night Hallmark whodunnits, this series will feel like home. It’s murder, mystery, and mayhem—but without the gore or nightmares. Just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages, and enough warmth to make you want to curl up with a blanket and read the next one.
A nostalgic, breezy read that reminded me why cozy mysteries still hold a special place on my shelf.
Reading it was like stepping back into a familiar, comforting rhythm—those Hallmark-style murder mysteries where the heroine, despite her best intentions, ends up smack dab in the middle of a crime scene. Elliot Lisbon, our leading lady, is no exception. One minute she’s planning a whimsical tea party with quirky teapots, the next she’s witnessing a shooting and tangled in a divorce spat over a Fabergé egg. Honestly, it gave me flashbacks to my early blogging days when I devoured these kinds of stories like cups of chamomile on a rainy Tauranga afternoon.
Elliot’s charm lies in her relatability. She’s not a hardened detective, just a woman trying to do her job while chaos swirls around her. And of course, there’s the classic flirtation with the local law enforcement—because what’s a cozy mystery without a dash of romantic tension?
If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or those Sunday night Hallmark whodunnits, this series will feel like home. It’s murder, mystery, and mayhem—but without the gore or nightmares. Just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages, and enough warmth to make you want to curl up with a blanket and read the next one.
A nostalgic, breezy read that reminded me why cozy mysteries still hold a special place on my shelf.
January 7, 2022
Elliott Lisbon is the director of the Ballantyne Foundation in Sea Pines, South Carolina. She is working to become a PI and often is charged by her boss so solve issues/crimes related to the board or contributors. In this one she's asked to help a couple who is getting divorced. Soon the wife is dead the husband is a suspect. Elliott tries to figure out who is guilty. All the while dodging her ex-boyfriend who is a Lieutenant investigating the case. She also has the distraction of her best friend who wants to be more. This one also includes a Faberge egg which added color and interest to the story. I enjoy Elliott and her friends and coworkers. It is also an interesting glimpse into living in the south.
December 10, 2017
I first started reading Kendel’s book because of Facebook stating she wrote like Janet Evanovich except southern version. It intrigued me so I read her first book and I was hooked and this second book didn’t disappoint.
I Love Ellison she doesn’t let anything get in her way.
Being a germ prob myself I can relate her always having hand sanitizer nearby. I love her best friend Sib helping her through some rough patches .
I was rooting for her and the detective getting together but Matty is starting to win me over to his side for a romance to develop between them.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
I Love Ellison she doesn’t let anything get in her way.
Being a germ prob myself I can relate her always having hand sanitizer nearby. I love her best friend Sib helping her through some rough patches .
I was rooting for her and the detective getting together but Matty is starting to win me over to his side for a romance to develop between them.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
January 3, 2020
I want to love this series, but I hate the protagonist. She is selfish in taking advantage of her co-workers protecting her mistakes and covering for her. She cheats her employer because it seems she spends only a few minutes each day doing her job. A few sentences stating that she spends hours each day prioritizing her job or making her boss' life easier would go a long way to making me like her and the series.
December 26, 2020
A whole lot of fun
Living in Elliott’s world is a lot of fun and bruises. She manages to get into a lot of scrapes but always comes out winning in the end. Her love life is weird and really, I’m not one for Nick a real jerk and blow hard but it’s not bad enough to make me stop reading.
Living in Elliott’s world is a lot of fun and bruises. She manages to get into a lot of scrapes but always comes out winning in the end. Her love life is weird and really, I’m not one for Nick a real jerk and blow hard but it’s not bad enough to make me stop reading.
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