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PI Assistant Extraordinaire #1
Ghost in the Net
***This book has been professionally edited and polished, and will be re-released as "Ghostly Murder--PI Assistant Extraordinaire Book 1"
Before the events in The Catcher in the Eye, Kelly and Archangel were summoned to solve another impossible case...
Archangel vs. a Murder in a locked room?!
Working for Michael Archangel was always an adventure, one that keeps Kelly Kinki on her toes - and near the tabloids. As the consulting detective for the busy Washing D.C. Police Department and FBI, Archangel took the confusing or unsolvable situations and spun a Sherlock hue over them, finding answers amongst the clues and closing cases even the most skilled law enforcement agents found confounding. Working as both his assistant and sounding board, Kelly had an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Archangel's amazing mind, and of his fabulous closet. Not only is he a Detective Savant, he is also a towering specimen of a man with an appetite for women's high fashion that could put a runway model to shame - a fact that leaves his dowdy, and far less fashionable assistant, flummoxed, and slightly jealous.
Their most recent case sends the mismatched duo to a wooded area of Arlington where a locked tennis court serves as the final resting place of one Thomas Weitzman, a well-known man who was found stabbed, with no weapon in sight in a sealed court that was locked from the inside. How and why did the victim ended up dead in the locked room?
Before the events in The Catcher in the Eye, Kelly and Archangel were summoned to solve another impossible case...
Archangel vs. a Murder in a locked room?!
Working for Michael Archangel was always an adventure, one that keeps Kelly Kinki on her toes - and near the tabloids. As the consulting detective for the busy Washing D.C. Police Department and FBI, Archangel took the confusing or unsolvable situations and spun a Sherlock hue over them, finding answers amongst the clues and closing cases even the most skilled law enforcement agents found confounding. Working as both his assistant and sounding board, Kelly had an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Archangel's amazing mind, and of his fabulous closet. Not only is he a Detective Savant, he is also a towering specimen of a man with an appetite for women's high fashion that could put a runway model to shame - a fact that leaves his dowdy, and far less fashionable assistant, flummoxed, and slightly jealous.
Their most recent case sends the mismatched duo to a wooded area of Arlington where a locked tennis court serves as the final resting place of one Thomas Weitzman, a well-known man who was found stabbed, with no weapon in sight in a sealed court that was locked from the inside. How and why did the victim ended up dead in the locked room?
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2015
226 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 16, 2021
A murder in a locked room…
The faceless ghost…
Throw in a cross-dressing detective plus his assistant extraordinaire in this new mystery series
For Kelly Kinki, working as Archangel’s personal assistant was always an adventure, one that keeps her on her toes. As the resident consulting detective for the busy Washington D.C. Police Department and the FBI, Archangel took the confusing or unsolvable situations and spun a Sherlock hue over them, finding answers amongst the clues and closing cases even the most skilled law enforcement agents found confounding. Working as both his assistant and sounding board, Kelly has an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Archangel’s deduction, and of his fabulous closet. Not only is he a detective savant, he is also a towering specimen of a man with an appetite for women’s high fashion that could put a runway model to shame – a fact that leaves his less-fashionable assistant flummoxed, and slightly jealous.
This one’s a case for the record books—a high-profile victim murdered in a sealed tennis court that was locked from the inside. This kind of strange is right up Archangel’s alley, and Kelly is certain his eccentricities will only bring him closer to the killer… but that means she will have to get close, too. Unlike her employer, she doesn’t run so well in heels…
It’s a classic ‘who-done-it’ with a not so classic answer.
Heather's Notes
I must say I am glad I read book 3 first. I didn't really care for this story. I liked the mystery, but I did not like the way Archangel treated Kelly or that Kelly just took it. It her a bit of a doormat. Still she wasn't that way in the other book I read so I will probably keep reading.
The faceless ghost…
Throw in a cross-dressing detective plus his assistant extraordinaire in this new mystery series
For Kelly Kinki, working as Archangel’s personal assistant was always an adventure, one that keeps her on her toes. As the resident consulting detective for the busy Washington D.C. Police Department and the FBI, Archangel took the confusing or unsolvable situations and spun a Sherlock hue over them, finding answers amongst the clues and closing cases even the most skilled law enforcement agents found confounding. Working as both his assistant and sounding board, Kelly has an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Archangel’s deduction, and of his fabulous closet. Not only is he a detective savant, he is also a towering specimen of a man with an appetite for women’s high fashion that could put a runway model to shame – a fact that leaves his less-fashionable assistant flummoxed, and slightly jealous.
This one’s a case for the record books—a high-profile victim murdered in a sealed tennis court that was locked from the inside. This kind of strange is right up Archangel’s alley, and Kelly is certain his eccentricities will only bring him closer to the killer… but that means she will have to get close, too. Unlike her employer, she doesn’t run so well in heels…
It’s a classic ‘who-done-it’ with a not so classic answer.
Heather's Notes
I must say I am glad I read book 3 first. I didn't really care for this story. I liked the mystery, but I did not like the way Archangel treated Kelly or that Kelly just took it. It her a bit of a doormat. Still she wasn't that way in the other book I read so I will probably keep reading.
October 20, 2018
The first installment in the "PI Assistant Extraordinaire" series, which features Kelly Kinki, who works for PI Michael Archangel, a brilliant transvestite. Think Sherlock Holmes in drag.
Archangel has been called in by the FBI (his former employer) to consult on a puzzling case. A high-profile victim has been found murdered in a locked tennis court. Considering the amount of blood at the scene, investigators are perplexed that there is no sign of ingress or egress to the court. Archangel puts his keen mind to the conundrum, but first he sends Kelly into the nearby woods, in search of either a ski mask, a pair of nylons, or a pair of granny panties. Kelly thinks he's insane, and she's nervous to be in the woods, because a serial rapist has been stalking his victims in the vicinity.
Kelly is recalled when one of the local cops finds a ski mask, and that clue enables Archangel to solve the crime. The story was cute and light, if a bit too short to really get into it. I learned more about Archangel than I did about Kelly, even though the story is in her pov. However, it was just zany enough that I will look for more in the series.
Archangel has been called in by the FBI (his former employer) to consult on a puzzling case. A high-profile victim has been found murdered in a locked tennis court. Considering the amount of blood at the scene, investigators are perplexed that there is no sign of ingress or egress to the court. Archangel puts his keen mind to the conundrum, but first he sends Kelly into the nearby woods, in search of either a ski mask, a pair of nylons, or a pair of granny panties. Kelly thinks he's insane, and she's nervous to be in the woods, because a serial rapist has been stalking his victims in the vicinity.
Kelly is recalled when one of the local cops finds a ski mask, and that clue enables Archangel to solve the crime. The story was cute and light, if a bit too short to really get into it. I learned more about Archangel than I did about Kelly, even though the story is in her pov. However, it was just zany enough that I will look for more in the series.
July 22, 2020
Supposedly the first of a cozy mystery series, this book is really just a quick sketch of some characters and a one-and-a-half scene "locked room" mystery. At 8000 words or so it's a quick read novelette rather than an actual novel. I felt that it could have spent more time developing the characters and a bit less on continually repeating the details of the crime. While this repetition might make sense in the slower pace o a full novel (or even a novella) what we get here is more a sense of some actors laboriously moving about a scene and saying their lines. The crime itself is mildly interesting, with a reasonably clever bit of foreshadowing of the final resolution, but it does hinge somewhat on an obscure bit of tennis terminology for the punchline.
Although billed as book 1, really it is more of a taster prequel. It appears that book 2 is much more substantial at 80000 words or so. Maybe later.
Although billed as book 1, really it is more of a taster prequel. It appears that book 2 is much more substantial at 80000 words or so. Maybe later.
May 27, 2025
This could’ve been a good mystery—had the setup, had the vibes, had the potential. But whew, it felt like the story was sprinting to the finish line without giving anything time to settle.
Welp, if someone’s walking through a creepy forest, you already know something’s about to go left👀 And of course her boss sends her out there like, “Good luck!” Not sure if he wanted answers or just needed a human sacrifice.
Also, not him saying she’s too annoying to ever be in danger. Sir??? That’s not the comforting reassurance you think it is.
It had a few interesting moments (tennis court, I see you), but the pacing was off and the humor didn’t always land—especially in spots that probably needed more tension, not jokes. Finished it because it was short, but definitely not rushing to recommend it.
Welp, if someone’s walking through a creepy forest, you already know something’s about to go left👀 And of course her boss sends her out there like, “Good luck!” Not sure if he wanted answers or just needed a human sacrifice.
Also, not him saying she’s too annoying to ever be in danger. Sir??? That’s not the comforting reassurance you think it is.
It had a few interesting moments (tennis court, I see you), but the pacing was off and the humor didn’t always land—especially in spots that probably needed more tension, not jokes. Finished it because it was short, but definitely not rushing to recommend it.
February 13, 2025
The story is the first in the PI Assistant Extraordinaire series. This story features Kelly Kinki who works for PI Michael Archangel.
Archangel has been called in by his former employer ( the FBI) to try to solve a very puzzling case. A high-profile victim has been found inside a locked tennis court and everyone is confused as their is no signs of entry or someone leaving. Archangel puts his mind to the task and sends Kelly into the woods in search of specific items to help him solve the case. This leaves Kelly on edge due to their being a serial rapist on the loose close to the area.
Kelly is recalled from her search when one of the other local police officers find a ski mask which enables Archangel to solve the crime. The story was light and sadly I think a bit too short if anything to be able to get into it but I learnt enough. I learned a lot about Archangel more than Kelly, even though the story was from Kelly’s POV. There was just enough in the story to keep me hooked and wanting to read more.
Archangel has been called in by his former employer ( the FBI) to try to solve a very puzzling case. A high-profile victim has been found inside a locked tennis court and everyone is confused as their is no signs of entry or someone leaving. Archangel puts his mind to the task and sends Kelly into the woods in search of specific items to help him solve the case. This leaves Kelly on edge due to their being a serial rapist on the loose close to the area.
Kelly is recalled from her search when one of the other local police officers find a ski mask which enables Archangel to solve the crime. The story was light and sadly I think a bit too short if anything to be able to get into it but I learnt enough. I learned a lot about Archangel more than Kelly, even though the story was from Kelly’s POV. There was just enough in the story to keep me hooked and wanting to read more.
March 9, 2019
Quick, Different, Quirky
A quick read featuring some very quirky characters, private investigator Michael Archangel and his assistant Kelly Kinki. Archangel is a former FBI agent whose wardrobe is not standard issue. Ms Kinki is a sassy, put upon, divorced, 29 year old with dubious skills which may include the ability to breathe fire. See...quirky! For me, this is the "Monk" they probably wouldn't put on TV. Don't get me wrong. I've watched every "Monk" episode more than once and I intend to read every one of these books. You should, too.
A quick read featuring some very quirky characters, private investigator Michael Archangel and his assistant Kelly Kinki. Archangel is a former FBI agent whose wardrobe is not standard issue. Ms Kinki is a sassy, put upon, divorced, 29 year old with dubious skills which may include the ability to breathe fire. See...quirky! For me, this is the "Monk" they probably wouldn't put on TV. Don't get me wrong. I've watched every "Monk" episode more than once and I intend to read every one of these books. You should, too.
January 5, 2021
Well if you’re looking for weird... A PI assistant called Kelly Kinki, a transvestite 6 foot 3 PI called Michael Archangel, a “locked room” murder in a tennis court...
This little novella was not as funny as they’ve implied but it help pass 1/2 hour without anything memorable happening.
It was free so at least I didn’t spend money on this.
This little novella was not as funny as they’ve implied but it help pass 1/2 hour without anything memorable happening.
It was free so at least I didn’t spend money on this.
July 6, 2025
Unmitigated tosh, terrible characters, just a clever denoument plonked in a sea of drivel. It reads like someone had a bright idea for a how-it-worked mystery, wrote it down, added a few 'this is a few ideas for the story if you want me to write it', then published the notes as though it was a fully written book.
June 26, 2018
I'm not very fond of short stories , because they always leave me wanting to know what happens next. However I do enjoy cozy mysteries. I'm looking forward to reading more from Lotta Smith. keep up the good work. 😊
January 12, 2020
A transvestite boss and snarky assistant
The book really was a fun read I did enjoy it. The only bad thing was is there really was no solving a crime. But the snarky humor and the description of the characters was enjoyable.
The book really was a fun read I did enjoy it. The only bad thing was is there really was no solving a crime. But the snarky humor and the description of the characters was enjoyable.
December 4, 2020
This book is horrible. It's extremely difficult to read a book so angry at all the characters.No one has any redeeming qualities nor did I care that I deleted it completely from my kindle library. 1 star only because I can't write a review without one
February 8, 2021
Archangel and Kelly are out to solve another murder.
The number one detective Michael Archange and his assistant Kelly Kinki are at it again, visiting the morgue to solve another murder.
The number one detective Michael Archange and his assistant Kelly Kinki are at it again, visiting the morgue to solve another murder.
June 1, 2021
The locked room Murder
Kelly and her PI boss Michael Archangel are on the case. Who killed the famous sushi chef? How was the crime committed? Her cross dressing boss has it all figured out, but how does he do it. Lots of fun and an easy read.
Kelly and her PI boss Michael Archangel are on the case. Who killed the famous sushi chef? How was the crime committed? Her cross dressing boss has it all figured out, but how does he do it. Lots of fun and an easy read.
October 5, 2023
Quick read
Not hilariously funny but a cute and quick read. Kelly Kinki is assistant to a PI and her favorite part about her job is the two bedroom apartment she gets for only 100 bucks a month.
Not hilariously funny but a cute and quick read. Kelly Kinki is assistant to a PI and her favorite part about her job is the two bedroom apartment she gets for only 100 bucks a month.
April 30, 2018
Odd
Way to short.I was just starting to figure out what was going on when it came to an end.I really don't like short stories.
Way to short.I was just starting to figure out what was going on when it came to an end.I really don't like short stories.
September 27, 2018
this was actually terrible. i got the trilogy on kindle unlimited, and managed to finish the first story but have no intentions of continuing the series. Completely uninteresting.
April 6, 2020
Very interesting!
I enjoyed it very much!
Short and bizarre in a great fashion.
Loved the descriptions of characters and the back story!
I enjoyed it very much!
Short and bizarre in a great fashion.
Loved the descriptions of characters and the back story!
April 17, 2020
This is a very funny, if short, story...
October 1, 2020
Not what I was expecting
Nothing supernatural or ghostly about this book. The crime was mediocre. The majority of the book was the two main characters insulting each other. IMO
Nothing supernatural or ghostly about this book. The crime was mediocre. The majority of the book was the two main characters insulting each other. IMO
September 23, 2023
Very quick read
October 31, 2024
Cute novella start to a series. The characters are interesting and you are definitely left wanting to know more about them. It was enough to keep me reading and I grabbed the second book on KU.
November 8, 2021
This short story was funny, and I enjoyed it very much.
Read
December 18, 2016Cool characters and quick read. Like this series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews