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Nikki Hunter #4
Murder a la Carte
Murder A La Carte is the fourth novel in a mystery series featuring Private Investigator, Nicoli "Nikki" Hunter. Nikki lives aboard a 46-foot sailboat on the California coast and rents a ground floor office in the marina complex where her boat is docked. In Murder A La Carte, an abused nine-year-old boy comes to Nikki's office, and asks her to find out who killed his mom. Meanwhile, Nikki's significant other, Detective Bill Anderson, is investigating the homicide of a registered sex offender. It doesn't take long for Nikki to identify how these cases, and several other local murders, intersect. She's in for a wild ride chasing down a vigilante with a mission to kill as many sexual predators as possible.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2015
287 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Skopin
9 books63 followersAward winning author, Nancy Skopin, is a native of California who currently lives on the Oregon coast with her husband, Max Ferry, and their dog, Turq. An avid student of human nature, Nancy is happiest spending her days imagining the best, and the worst, that we are capable of, and translating those ideas into her Nikki Hunter mystery novels.
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 5, 2020
I liked this one a little more than the others so far. Her interactions with little Scott brought out Nikki's maternal side. It was heartwarming. I think she wanted to solve Scott's mother's murder but at the same time she wasn't truly motivated to stop the murderer who was doing a pretty good job of eliminating some really bad people.
Bill was a bit high handed for my tastes. He made it impossible for her to be truthful to him when he shut her down about the possibility of one of his co-workers being the killer. Turns out she was right, but he never apologized. Nikki did, and he should have.
Bill was a bit high handed for my tastes. He made it impossible for her to be truthful to him when he shut her down about the possibility of one of his co-workers being the killer. Turns out she was right, but he never apologized. Nikki did, and he should have.
Want to read
October 12, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
CHANGE TO DIGITAL
CHANGE TO DIGITAL
October 17, 2018
Pick on someone your own size!
A slightly upsetting storyline if like me you don't really read books concerning the abuse of children. However as we all know it does happen. Plus the change in the dynamics of the relationship she has with her detective is good to see although at one stage it was touch and go.
When a nine years old boy wants to hire her to find out who killed his mother, she agrees. She never expected this to lead her to child traffickers and molesters. Not only that but the boy had been verbally abused by his mother and now his Aunt had taken over but added physical abuse as well. Can she get the boy out of his aunt's clutches and with someone who really wants him? Will her investigation lead to clues about the serial killer that has taken on the role of a one person hit squad? What will happen when she gets closer to the killer, will her detective believe her or will he attempt to downplay her feelings?
A slightly upsetting storyline if like me you don't really read books concerning the abuse of children. However as we all know it does happen. Plus the change in the dynamics of the relationship she has with her detective is good to see although at one stage it was touch and go.
When a nine years old boy wants to hire her to find out who killed his mother, she agrees. She never expected this to lead her to child traffickers and molesters. Not only that but the boy had been verbally abused by his mother and now his Aunt had taken over but added physical abuse as well. Can she get the boy out of his aunt's clutches and with someone who really wants him? Will her investigation lead to clues about the serial killer that has taken on the role of a one person hit squad? What will happen when she gets closer to the killer, will her detective believe her or will he attempt to downplay her feelings?
January 16, 2019
Nina reminded me of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ... This book has got to be the best of the Nikki Hunter series
January 23, 2019
A series to follow
I could not stop reading this. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed seeing how she pursued the case
I could not stop reading this. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed seeing how she pursued the case
March 26, 2016
Different
A very good book wit h heart strings attached. Nikki is very deep and her relationships with her friends and clients make her an interesting character. The ending was different but still justice prevailed
A very good book wit h heart strings attached. Nikki is very deep and her relationships with her friends and clients make her an interesting character. The ending was different but still justice prevailed
November 23, 2018
Murder a la Carte, Nikki Hunter Mysteries, Book #4
by Nancy Skopin
This was the best in the series to this point, with more emotion, more a battle of ethics and moral integrity, more pathos, more action, and definitely more danger. The editing and proofing were perfect, as was the plotting and pacing, and all done with an excellent mix of humor and pathos. My only dislike was the ending. Not exactly a cliff-hanger, as all the issues but one were tied up at the end, but the ending is obviously leading into the next book. Because this book's issues were satisfied at least 95% of the way, and if I had decided to stop reading this novel at this point, I could have walked away without needing further resolution, so I took no stars off for what is usually my biggest complaint about an author's work.
Someone is killing pedophiles, and killing them in a very consistent and recognizable manner. When a verbally abusive woman shows up dead in the middle of the boy's jeans department at a local clothing store, the woman's 9-year old son, who is now an orphan with only a physically abusive aunt to take care of him, scrapes together a few cents and hires Nikki to find the killer. How could she refuse. She researches pedophiles puts together a team to watch them in hopes of catching the killer in the act, all the time wondering if it wouldn't be a better world without them. The killer seems to be working through the list. After a visit to the child's aunt, she is able to get him placed with a foster family, and goes in search of another relative. She finds a great uncle, who lives in Washington state, and arranges for him to meet the child. Will Nikki find the killer? Will the great-uncle and the child get along well enough to give the child the happy family he's never had? Will Nikki and her team be in danger?
This was a quick and fun read, and yes, I'm already starting book 5.
by Nancy Skopin
This was the best in the series to this point, with more emotion, more a battle of ethics and moral integrity, more pathos, more action, and definitely more danger. The editing and proofing were perfect, as was the plotting and pacing, and all done with an excellent mix of humor and pathos. My only dislike was the ending. Not exactly a cliff-hanger, as all the issues but one were tied up at the end, but the ending is obviously leading into the next book. Because this book's issues were satisfied at least 95% of the way, and if I had decided to stop reading this novel at this point, I could have walked away without needing further resolution, so I took no stars off for what is usually my biggest complaint about an author's work.
Someone is killing pedophiles, and killing them in a very consistent and recognizable manner. When a verbally abusive woman shows up dead in the middle of the boy's jeans department at a local clothing store, the woman's 9-year old son, who is now an orphan with only a physically abusive aunt to take care of him, scrapes together a few cents and hires Nikki to find the killer. How could she refuse. She researches pedophiles puts together a team to watch them in hopes of catching the killer in the act, all the time wondering if it wouldn't be a better world without them. The killer seems to be working through the list. After a visit to the child's aunt, she is able to get him placed with a foster family, and goes in search of another relative. She finds a great uncle, who lives in Washington state, and arranges for him to meet the child. Will Nikki find the killer? Will the great-uncle and the child get along well enough to give the child the happy family he's never had? Will Nikki and her team be in danger?
This was a quick and fun read, and yes, I'm already starting book 5.
February 14, 2022
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i love this series.
nikki is investigating the murder of a 9 yr old boys mom in a mervins store. she had been yelling at him in the dressing room. a lady (who had been abused herself) is going around killing people who abuse children and she did this one at the moment, the others were planned. she worked data at the pd
the boy was being raised by his abusive aunt who shoved nikki, who then called the police and the boy was removed from the aunt by cps and sent to foster care. nikki found a great uncle in seattle who came down to meet him. hes a pi and helped in the case
nikki was looking at other molesters and was able to meet the lady at the pd and followed her. she committed more murders but got away and killed more sex traffic people in other countries. she had her appearance altered and came back to sf. she tested positive for hiv from one of the victims.
nikki and her cop boyfriend got in a fight due to her lies to him. they made a deal she would not lie to him again and he wouldnt get mad
love this series, wish i could have read it in order
i love this series.
nikki is investigating the murder of a 9 yr old boys mom in a mervins store. she had been yelling at him in the dressing room. a lady (who had been abused herself) is going around killing people who abuse children and she did this one at the moment, the others were planned. she worked data at the pd
the boy was being raised by his abusive aunt who shoved nikki, who then called the police and the boy was removed from the aunt by cps and sent to foster care. nikki found a great uncle in seattle who came down to meet him. hes a pi and helped in the case
nikki was looking at other molesters and was able to meet the lady at the pd and followed her. she committed more murders but got away and killed more sex traffic people in other countries. she had her appearance altered and came back to sf. she tested positive for hiv from one of the victims.
nikki and her cop boyfriend got in a fight due to her lies to him. they made a deal she would not lie to him again and he wouldnt get mad
love this series, wish i could have read it in order
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
Nikki had a miserable childhood, and.now seeing a young boy in her doorway, about seven or eight. Eye contact, then he asked, to help find out who killed his mom. Two weeks ago, went shopping for new jeans for him, she went to get another size, but didn’t come back. Found her on the floor, and knew she was dead. Living with an aunt who doesn’t want him, and police won’t tell him anything. Finding that his mom was yelling at him, wishing he hadn’t been born, and to hurry up when at the store. A kid who is wise beyond his years, has seen too much. Nikki finally finds someone related to Scott, he was 62,and a PI, agreed to come see the boy. Winning story that will draw you in.
January 18, 2019
An excellent story, that entertains and educates you also! Lots of good information for parents and grandparents about the child predators, that prey on our children. This information was well researched and presented in a way that is very helpful in the story and in real life situations. A fantastic plot involving a beautiful PI, her detective boyfriend, a young client, wonderful and strange friends, and a woman who tries to right a wrong, the wrong way. There is lots of drama, danger, mystery, mayhem, murder, twists and turns, secrets, and issues to overcome. In the end will justice be served? Only you can decide.
March 31, 2020
Good story; a few problems
I came into this series at the fourth book. The relationships would have been easier to follow if read in sequence. Nikki is independent, smart, and highly intuitive in her investigation methods. There were a couple of problems I had with the author's details regarding the young client. No adult would think it appropriate to drive away from a school with a minor child without obtaining permission. No real life school administrator would give permission. The process of adoption was almost magically easy and instantaneous. Not likely. Other than that it was a fun girl PI fantasy read.
I came into this series at the fourth book. The relationships would have been easier to follow if read in sequence. Nikki is independent, smart, and highly intuitive in her investigation methods. There were a couple of problems I had with the author's details regarding the young client. No adult would think it appropriate to drive away from a school with a minor child without obtaining permission. No real life school administrator would give permission. The process of adoption was almost magically easy and instantaneous. Not likely. Other than that it was a fun girl PI fantasy read.
August 13, 2017
Great mystsery
I had a little harder time with the content of this one. I hate reading about child molesters (these books are never graphic though so I could handle it!) so it was easy to root for the killer but then that feels wrong too. I also hate how she leaves the dog in the car all the time and feeds him MacDonalds/McDonalds (spelled both ways in the book) but I guess she makes up for all the people food by giving him organic kibble lol. Whatever. Still a great story for sure!
I had a little harder time with the content of this one. I hate reading about child molesters (these books are never graphic though so I could handle it!) so it was easy to root for the killer but then that feels wrong too. I also hate how she leaves the dog in the car all the time and feeds him MacDonalds/McDonalds (spelled both ways in the book) but I guess she makes up for all the people food by giving him organic kibble lol. Whatever. Still a great story for sure!
September 7, 2018
This book is about an abused woman taking the law into her own hands and becoming a serial killer. It's an easy, fast read. My 2 problems with this book was that everytime Nikki went to the gym, we got a detailed list of everything she did step by step- I just starting skipping all those pages as they repeated themselves over and over. The other problem was the book left the serial killer out there even tho they know who she is - you have to read the next book to finish the story, not cool.
December 2, 2018
I want her day job! (and boyfriend, her dog...)
Love Nikki! I have read several books from this series, not in actual order, but she is great in any order. This book was especially heart-tending with the little boy and the way that Nikki felt torn over feeling sympathy for the killer and little remorse for the victims --predators and child molesters. Boyfriend Bill and assorted friends are cool and her dog is enough to make you want one for yourself!
Love Nikki! I have read several books from this series, not in actual order, but she is great in any order. This book was especially heart-tending with the little boy and the way that Nikki felt torn over feeling sympathy for the killer and little remorse for the victims --predators and child molesters. Boyfriend Bill and assorted friends are cool and her dog is enough to make you want one for yourself!
September 24, 2020
I've read several Nikki Hunter stories and I like her character. Well, mostly I like her. I don't like her expletives or her sex before marriage, however she is committed to one man. She is very independent and in control and she loves dogs. Buddy is her side-kick, protective and loveable.
This is an interesting story but to tell much would spoil it. I wasn't disappointed in the book; good story.
This is an interesting story but to tell much would spoil it. I wasn't disappointed in the book; good story.
Read
April 29, 2021Wow
I love this series. Nikki Hunter and her friends are so adorable. Nikki does an excellent job as a PI. She has been asked to investigate the murder of the mother of a nine year old boy, Scott Freedman. Her clues lead her to suspect Nina Jezek working as a data entry operator in RCPD where her boyfriend Bill Anderson is a detective. Will she be able to apprehend her before it is too late? It's a fast paced thriller. A must read.
I love this series. Nikki Hunter and her friends are so adorable. Nikki does an excellent job as a PI. She has been asked to investigate the murder of the mother of a nine year old boy, Scott Freedman. Her clues lead her to suspect Nina Jezek working as a data entry operator in RCPD where her boyfriend Bill Anderson is a detective. Will she be able to apprehend her before it is too late? It's a fast paced thriller. A must read.
November 4, 2022
This book was at times hard to read. The subject matter is very turbulent and personally I wasn’t sure I wanted the killer to get caught. I know that this is something that happens in real life and I’ve read several books where the authors created stories around this type of action. So to try and back away from my emotional problem with the subject matter I have to say that this author always writes a great story!! And she did the subject matter great respect.
February 2, 2018
Nikki is a hero.
Nikki is a woman who is kind, loyal, feisty and talented. I loved her dog, Buddy, who is a lovable companion for her. Nikki gets a new client who is nine years old and wants her to find out who murdered his mother. Nikki finds herself embroiled in a far reaching hunt for a very clever killer.
This is a very entertain read and I enjoyed it immensely.
Nikki is a woman who is kind, loyal, feisty and talented. I loved her dog, Buddy, who is a lovable companion for her. Nikki gets a new client who is nine years old and wants her to find out who murdered his mother. Nikki finds herself embroiled in a far reaching hunt for a very clever killer.
This is a very entertain read and I enjoyed it immensely.
May 26, 2019
Excellent
This author is quite talented in the way she writes. The introducing of Nikki Buddy and Bill kept the reader unable to put book down. Nikki has two close friends Elizabeth and Jack who add to the storyline. Scott JV add to a excellent story will continue to follow author
This author is quite talented in the way she writes. The introducing of Nikki Buddy and Bill kept the reader unable to put book down. Nikki has two close friends Elizabeth and Jack who add to the storyline. Scott JV add to a excellent story will continue to follow author
June 7, 2018
SAD....HORRIFYING
A SUBJECT THAT GRABS YOU EMOTIONALLY.....THE ONLY THING I HAD A PROBLEM WITH WAS ALL THE FOOD.DESCRIPTIONS. I'M 60 POUNDS OVER WEIGHT. I'M 71, UNTIL TWO YEARS AGO I HAD NEVER WEIGHED OVER 115.. BUT, THE CHARACTERS WERE EXCELLENTLY DESCRIBED ..SAD SUBJECT BUT EXCELLENT READING FOR ADULTS..ESPECIALLY PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
A SUBJECT THAT GRABS YOU EMOTIONALLY.....THE ONLY THING I HAD A PROBLEM WITH WAS ALL THE FOOD.DESCRIPTIONS. I'M 60 POUNDS OVER WEIGHT. I'M 71, UNTIL TWO YEARS AGO I HAD NEVER WEIGHED OVER 115.. BUT, THE CHARACTERS WERE EXCELLENTLY DESCRIBED ..SAD SUBJECT BUT EXCELLENT READING FOR ADULTS..ESPECIALLY PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
September 11, 2018
Excellent!
Whatever you are looking for in a semi cozy mystery, you’ll get here! I say semi cozy because there are some serious issues that are dealt with and Nikki isn’t innocent or sweet as pie but there is nothing over the top either. It’s an excellent series and I love every book!
Whatever you are looking for in a semi cozy mystery, you’ll get here! I say semi cozy because there are some serious issues that are dealt with and Nikki isn’t innocent or sweet as pie but there is nothing over the top either. It’s an excellent series and I love every book!
March 8, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I have the others. It felt a little bit, 'and then she went to the gym...and then she did this...and then she did that...' There were a few two dimensional characters who would have benefited from a little more flesh. It felt a little rushed somehow with not much depth. It's such a shame because I've really enjoyed the others.
September 12, 2017
Book 📖#4 inNikki. Hunter series
These are great stories to read. The characters are fantastic and the plots are so entertaining! Nikki is a PI hired by a nine year old to find the killer of his mother, a lot of twists and turns in the series.. Great reading!
These are great stories to read. The characters are fantastic and the plots are so entertaining! Nikki is a PI hired by a nine year old to find the killer of his mother, a lot of twists and turns in the series.. Great reading!
June 23, 2018
Have you ever cheered for a murderer? In this story you will!!
Nikki takes on a 9 year old client and inadvertently plants the seed for the destruction of her relationship with Bill.
A well written story line that will glue you to the pages and characters that take on a life of their own!
Nikki takes on a 9 year old client and inadvertently plants the seed for the destruction of her relationship with Bill.
A well written story line that will glue you to the pages and characters that take on a life of their own!
October 5, 2018
Scott
Nikki Hunter has a new client, Scott Freedman. The nine-year-old was out shopping with his mother when she was murdered. Come to find out her murder is tied in with the murders of pedophiles and human traffickers. Enjoyed this even-paced novel.
Nikki Hunter has a new client, Scott Freedman. The nine-year-old was out shopping with his mother when she was murdered. Come to find out her murder is tied in with the murders of pedophiles and human traffickers. Enjoyed this even-paced novel.
December 13, 2018
Edge of the seat read. I loved how Nikki handled the boy (her client). If the world is black or white and everything is either right or wrong, you won't like the killer. I had ambivalent feelings. The dead deserved what they got. The story really creeped me out, but I had to keep reading.
April 3, 2019
Nice, easy read
I really like the characters in this series. This is the second one I've read and the characters are real. Human flaws, emotional baggage and good plot. I look forward to the next one.
I really like the characters in this series. This is the second one I've read and the characters are real. Human flaws, emotional baggage and good plot. I look forward to the next one.
September 10, 2019
Great mystery
Loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. Loved the main characters. The killer was really interesting.Can't wait to read the next book and see what happens to all the main characters.
Loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. Loved the main characters. The killer was really interesting.Can't wait to read the next book and see what happens to all the main characters.
March 12, 2020
Another page turner!
Great characters, wonderful plot twists, and fabulous vistas and victuals! Reading about The latest Nikki Hunter case is a great adventure...I am falling in love with her, her friends , her dog and her lover! I will look forward to the next one!
Great characters, wonderful plot twists, and fabulous vistas and victuals! Reading about The latest Nikki Hunter case is a great adventure...I am falling in love with her, her friends , her dog and her lover! I will look forward to the next one!
September 19, 2020
Book four of Series but the first one I have read
Very enjoyable good characters had some twists I will get 1-3 to catch up It ends with more to come so I hope book 5 is out. I like the setting and the main character’s flaws
Very enjoyable good characters had some twists I will get 1-3 to catch up It ends with more to come so I hope book 5 is out. I like the setting and the main character’s flaws
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews