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Geek Girl Mysteries #2
A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic
It's been three months since Jake Archer rolled into town, accused Mia Connors of murder and stole her heart. She hasn't heard from him since. So when a man collapses at the fall Renaissance Faire, she's surprised to see the US marshal arrive on scene. And shocked when he points the finger at her—again. Mia would sooner be able to resurrect the poor fellow than poison him. Jake Archer's career has been rising fast, but it's about to come to a crashing halt. The Ren-Faire victim was in protective custody—Jake's custody—and they were painfully close to nabbing a major crime boss. If Jake doesn't solve the murder soon, he'll be fetching donuts instead of protecting his nation. A difficult enough task without the alluring Mia Connors in the way. Working with Jake to catch the killer might push Mia into crazy-cat-lady territory. But with a murderer on the loose—and Mia's reputation on the line—they'll have to work fast to find the killer before the killer finds them. Book two of the Geek Girl Mysteries
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2016
36 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey
172 books1,461 followersJulie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 25, 2016
Enjoyable. I love how it didn't focus on the romance but on the actual murder ♥
February 7, 2017
Mia Connors is back, and it's Renaissance Faire time again in their hometown. Mia's family is quite invested in the faire circuit as her Grandmother for years has been making holistic, and natural body beauty products and now she has finally reached the point where her beauty products have been picked up by a big company, Mia has brought herself a small condo and is concentrating on her IT Business and her sister Bree has just had a gorgeous baby called Gwen. Things are finally perking up, especially since three months ago Mia was accused of killing her friend Baxter by Detective Jake Archer. Now though it seems trouble is coming to target Mia and her family once again as they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when a close fellow Renaissance Faire friend John is poisoned. With rumors flying that it was their Grandmother's product that killed him, sales take a nosedive and then their booth is burned to the ground. Jake Archer is back on the case, this time with the US Marshalls office. Mia being ever so curious will enlist the help of her friends and family to discover who killed John and clear her family's business before they stand to lose everything that they have worked for. What will happen though as when Mia starts to close in, her family becomes threatened? On the other hand, Mia's best friend Nate is wanting to invest in a company and purchases a computer RPG called Reign. Will this be a bad or good investment for him? As someone who sees themselves a Geek Girl, I loved this book as it brought together my favorite things - Geek Chic Lit and Cozy Mysteries. I am now looking forward to reading the other books in the Geek Girl's Mysteries series.
January 4, 2016
I am not sure there are enough words for me to tell you how much I loved this book. It had everything and more than I expected from Julie Anne Lindsey.
The author has kept the characters moving forward in relationships, trauma from the last book, and you can't help but full in love with Mia's family and their strange and funny connections.
I loved the fact that Mia is human and the author allowed her to still fear her shadow instead of making her super human and not allowing anything to effect her after the last book.
The mystery has twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the end of the book.
A Geek Girls Guide to Arsenic is full of humor, suspense, so many laughs, Jake and Mia and their awkward and humors relationship.
This book is could be read as a stand alone but you will miss out on the humor and mystery of the first book.
If you love Nancy Drew and are looking for an adult style with humor, romance, mystery and suspense this is you book. I can't wait to see what Julie Anne Lindsey has next for Mia and her cast of life like characters that pop off the pages and into your heart.
ARC From NetGalley.
The author has kept the characters moving forward in relationships, trauma from the last book, and you can't help but full in love with Mia's family and their strange and funny connections.
I loved the fact that Mia is human and the author allowed her to still fear her shadow instead of making her super human and not allowing anything to effect her after the last book.
The mystery has twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the end of the book.
A Geek Girls Guide to Arsenic is full of humor, suspense, so many laughs, Jake and Mia and their awkward and humors relationship.
This book is could be read as a stand alone but you will miss out on the humor and mystery of the first book.
If you love Nancy Drew and are looking for an adult style with humor, romance, mystery and suspense this is you book. I can't wait to see what Julie Anne Lindsey has next for Mia and her cast of life like characters that pop off the pages and into your heart.
ARC From NetGalley.
April 21, 2025
An entertaining and lighthearted mystery, featuring amateur sleuth Mia
September 22, 2016
If you like lighthearted mysteries with a slight romantic undertone and a wicked sense of humor, you must pick up A GEEK GIRL'S GUIDE TO ARSENIC!
Mia Connors' family company, Guinevere's Golden Beauty, is always a hit at the Renaissance Faires. As popular with the visitors as with the other participants, their business takes a huge hit when one of their own seems to perish after sampling the products. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jake Archer is on the case yet again, as this time the victim also happens to be in his protective custody. Mia isn't about to let her family's good name get dragged through the mud, so she and her BFF Nate decide to do some of their own sleuthing. But it doesn't take long before someone wants Mia to stop sniffing around. Will she be the next victim?
A GEEK GIRL'S GUIDE TO ARSENIC is the 2nd book in the Geek Girl Mysteries series, and it's even better than the first! Mia can't seem to stay out of trouble, and with trouble comes Jake. She frustrates the hell out of him because she won't stop inserting herself into his investigation! The storyline is so different than what I'm used to, but the Ren Faire setting delighted me so much (and kinda made me want to get my own gown & traipse through Sherwood Forest, real talk). The mystery was quick and sharp and well written, and you'll go back and forth on the suspect until he/she reveals themselves.
Mia's social ineptitude was so ironic, since she was in charge of PR for the family company and dressed as Queen Guinevere, dealing with customers constantly. I love her relationship with Nate, their friendship is both funny and uber tight. But Jake - UGH I want to strangle him for his ineptitude when it comes to Mia! Her lack of knowledge of social cues is one thing, but Jake clearly digs her, so his standoffishness is crazy! The two of them make an incredible team, and have a slow simmering yet potent chemistry that I HOPE Ms. Lindsey explores in future books, because the ending did NOT quench my thirst!!
Bottom Line: I'm in love with this funny whodunit series, and even though I'm sexually frustrated on Mia's behalf, I adore their chemistry so much! I can't wait for the next installment! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Mia Connors' family company, Guinevere's Golden Beauty, is always a hit at the Renaissance Faires. As popular with the visitors as with the other participants, their business takes a huge hit when one of their own seems to perish after sampling the products. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jake Archer is on the case yet again, as this time the victim also happens to be in his protective custody. Mia isn't about to let her family's good name get dragged through the mud, so she and her BFF Nate decide to do some of their own sleuthing. But it doesn't take long before someone wants Mia to stop sniffing around. Will she be the next victim?
A GEEK GIRL'S GUIDE TO ARSENIC is the 2nd book in the Geek Girl Mysteries series, and it's even better than the first! Mia can't seem to stay out of trouble, and with trouble comes Jake. She frustrates the hell out of him because she won't stop inserting herself into his investigation! The storyline is so different than what I'm used to, but the Ren Faire setting delighted me so much (and kinda made me want to get my own gown & traipse through Sherwood Forest, real talk). The mystery was quick and sharp and well written, and you'll go back and forth on the suspect until he/she reveals themselves.
Mia's social ineptitude was so ironic, since she was in charge of PR for the family company and dressed as Queen Guinevere, dealing with customers constantly. I love her relationship with Nate, their friendship is both funny and uber tight. But Jake - UGH I want to strangle him for his ineptitude when it comes to Mia! Her lack of knowledge of social cues is one thing, but Jake clearly digs her, so his standoffishness is crazy! The two of them make an incredible team, and have a slow simmering yet potent chemistry that I HOPE Ms. Lindsey explores in future books, because the ending did NOT quench my thirst!!
Bottom Line: I'm in love with this funny whodunit series, and even though I'm sexually frustrated on Mia's behalf, I adore their chemistry so much! I can't wait for the next installment! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
February 8, 2016
First of all, the cover and title confuse me. The font looks more Greek than geek, and … what is that pile of blue? And … Arsenic? I don't think the poison is ever even mentioned in the book, much less used in a murder. That's just bizarre.
I feel, in a way, that I should give this a higher rating just for being the first novel I've come across that made use of a Renaissance Faire without making rennies out to be freaks or idiots. What there is of the Faire is rendered affectionately; it's supposed to be something Mia (the Geek Girl of the title) loves very much, as well as where her family's business has a home.
Although in all my years involved with Faire, and hanging out on the Wenches Guild website, I don't believe I ever once saw anyone use the word Mia constantly uses: "costume". Not without being corrected, at least. It's "garb", thanks. The, er, costuming in the whole book kind of puzzles me; Mia's sister prances about in clothes that gave me great pause. "Her black satin corset and boots were topped off with a red ruffled miniskirt that opened in the front. The giant scarlet plume in her hair danced happily in the breeze." That's more Tombstone than Camelot, no?
I have to say I wasn't entirely convinced by the "geek" aspect of "Geek Girl". Mia is supposed to be a Rennie, a gamer, fan of all the usual Geek thangs: "I … patted the tabletop blindly in search of my precious." "Adrenaline burned through me like I’d just won a trip to space. On Serenity. With Mal." That's adrenaline. While I don't think I'd want something like that in every paragraph, but … in my life, there are a lot of references. I quote my favorites all the time, whether it's recognized by whoever I'm talking to or not; if nothing else, the connections and references are in my head. For example, Ben Aaronovitch's Peter Grant series is riddled with geek culture – probably a ton I don't even catch – but without it taking over the book. It's a joy. It's what I missed here. And the Renaissance Faire felt like something she put on and took off, rather than anything that lived under her skin.
It's funny, too, that Mia turns out to be an introvert: “'Sounds fun.' For someone who didn’t mind a party or group settings where they knew no one." That right there is one of my worst nightmares (see my review for Quiet) – and I never had that impression of Mia until that line came up. Oh, and she has an eidetic memory. This tidbit is dropped into the middle of a conversation, but has no anchor anywhere in the story.
I'm still trying to work out the idea of Hester Prynne as a sexual deviant.
One more nitpick. The book went from Mia telling her twin sister: "'Your body looks different than mine now because it did a powerful, miraculous thing. You pushed an entire princess from your loins'" to the two of them switching places with no one noticing. It was annoying.
Okay, one more: can you really write straight on a papyrus leaf?
I did enjoy the book, and I am interested in the rest of the series; I like Mia a lot. And I really like that the events of the first book, which I do intend to read, have left a strong mark on her – she's a little shellshocked, and more than a little skittish, and it's much more realistic than most books that could be considered a cozy. And of course I love her best friend Nate. And one of the complaints I usually have with cozies – "what the *@ is this person doing investigating a murder??" – is somewhat addressed here. It actually makes sense in this situation. It's the first time I thought to myself, well, sure; a criminal needs motive, means, and opportunity, and so does the amateur detective. And here it is: "With media coverage, something like this could snowball in days and ruin the company Grandma spent decades creating."
However, Mia also commits the usual blunders of the cozy detective: not doing as she's told even when it's really, really stupid to not do as she's told; sharing information which she is specifically told not to tell anyone, going where she really shouldn't, etc.
But there's a recognition of this which is refreshing:
“Are you so determined to not need help that you’d yell at people who try?”
“Yes,” [Mia's sister] butted in. “That. All day. That.”
As so often happens (and why, I wonder? It doesn't really make sense to me) the wrong homophones were used rather frequently – liable for libel, and so on. Hopefully it'll all get fixed.
I will definitely pick up the first book at some point, and look forward to the series – and the characters, and the author – growing.
I picked up a new phrase, though, which I think I'll be using whether I really want to or not: "On it like a bonnet".
I received this book from Netgalley for review.
I feel, in a way, that I should give this a higher rating just for being the first novel I've come across that made use of a Renaissance Faire without making rennies out to be freaks or idiots. What there is of the Faire is rendered affectionately; it's supposed to be something Mia (the Geek Girl of the title) loves very much, as well as where her family's business has a home.
Although in all my years involved with Faire, and hanging out on the Wenches Guild website, I don't believe I ever once saw anyone use the word Mia constantly uses: "costume". Not without being corrected, at least. It's "garb", thanks. The, er, costuming in the whole book kind of puzzles me; Mia's sister prances about in clothes that gave me great pause. "Her black satin corset and boots were topped off with a red ruffled miniskirt that opened in the front. The giant scarlet plume in her hair danced happily in the breeze." That's more Tombstone than Camelot, no?
I have to say I wasn't entirely convinced by the "geek" aspect of "Geek Girl". Mia is supposed to be a Rennie, a gamer, fan of all the usual Geek thangs: "I … patted the tabletop blindly in search of my precious." "Adrenaline burned through me like I’d just won a trip to space. On Serenity. With Mal." That's adrenaline. While I don't think I'd want something like that in every paragraph, but … in my life, there are a lot of references. I quote my favorites all the time, whether it's recognized by whoever I'm talking to or not; if nothing else, the connections and references are in my head. For example, Ben Aaronovitch's Peter Grant series is riddled with geek culture – probably a ton I don't even catch – but without it taking over the book. It's a joy. It's what I missed here. And the Renaissance Faire felt like something she put on and took off, rather than anything that lived under her skin.
It's funny, too, that Mia turns out to be an introvert: “'Sounds fun.' For someone who didn’t mind a party or group settings where they knew no one." That right there is one of my worst nightmares (see my review for Quiet) – and I never had that impression of Mia until that line came up. Oh, and she has an eidetic memory. This tidbit is dropped into the middle of a conversation, but has no anchor anywhere in the story.
I'm still trying to work out the idea of Hester Prynne as a sexual deviant.
One more nitpick. The book went from Mia telling her twin sister: "'Your body looks different than mine now because it did a powerful, miraculous thing. You pushed an entire princess from your loins'" to the two of them switching places with no one noticing. It was annoying.
Okay, one more: can you really write straight on a papyrus leaf?
I did enjoy the book, and I am interested in the rest of the series; I like Mia a lot. And I really like that the events of the first book, which I do intend to read, have left a strong mark on her – she's a little shellshocked, and more than a little skittish, and it's much more realistic than most books that could be considered a cozy. And of course I love her best friend Nate. And one of the complaints I usually have with cozies – "what the *@ is this person doing investigating a murder??" – is somewhat addressed here. It actually makes sense in this situation. It's the first time I thought to myself, well, sure; a criminal needs motive, means, and opportunity, and so does the amateur detective. And here it is: "With media coverage, something like this could snowball in days and ruin the company Grandma spent decades creating."
However, Mia also commits the usual blunders of the cozy detective: not doing as she's told even when it's really, really stupid to not do as she's told; sharing information which she is specifically told not to tell anyone, going where she really shouldn't, etc.
But there's a recognition of this which is refreshing:
“Are you so determined to not need help that you’d yell at people who try?”
“Yes,” [Mia's sister] butted in. “That. All day. That.”
As so often happens (and why, I wonder? It doesn't really make sense to me) the wrong homophones were used rather frequently – liable for libel, and so on. Hopefully it'll all get fixed.
I will definitely pick up the first book at some point, and look forward to the series – and the characters, and the author – growing.
I picked up a new phrase, though, which I think I'll be using whether I really want to or not: "On it like a bonnet".
I received this book from Netgalley for review.
July 19, 2018
I have thought more than once that this Geek Girl series reminds me of Donna Andrews' books, except without the humour. In this American mystery book we see a Renaissance Fair under way. Visitors are buying goods from a herbal beauty goods stall, owned by the mother of our protagonist geek girl. One man collapses and dies after testing some samples. He turns out to be a protected witness - so what was he doing at a public fair? I don't believe that was properly explained.
The tale is quite involved, our girl promptly Googling the dead man, and with arson as well as other incidents. The author has obviously put a lot of work into the mystery. I would like it more if our protagonist had more of a sense of humour; but it's good to see a woman in a tech role. I also don't like the cover, when the fair could have provided some great images.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
The tale is quite involved, our girl promptly Googling the dead man, and with arson as well as other incidents. The author has obviously put a lot of work into the mystery. I would like it more if our protagonist had more of a sense of humour; but it's good to see a woman in a tech role. I also don't like the cover, when the fair could have provided some great images.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
February 28, 2016
Since reading the first of Julie Anne Lindsey's Geek Girl Mysteries, A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder, in 2015, I have been eagerly awaiting the next book. And now I'm left to even more eagerly await the third book!
It's been three months since the events that changed Mia Connors' life: the murder of one of her best friends, her involvement in the investigation, and the attack by someone she never suspected. Not to mention the day Jake Archer left town with her heart. Mia's a more cautious version of herself, but she is still wonderfully quirky, witty, smart, and vibrant; she is honestly one of my favorite characters in contemporary fiction. While working at her family's business booth at the Renaissance Craft Faire, Mia strikes up a conversation with an acquaintance, John, a talented painter. Just moments later, John collapses and is pronounced dead. Mai is stunned to see Jake Archer on the scene, especially since he is now a Deputy US Marshall and she had no idea he was back in town. Once again, it looks to Jake that Mia is involved in a murder investigation and, no matter how many times or ways he tells her to stay out of it, Mia doesn't listen. What seems to be a federal case with mob family involvement quickly becomes something much more sinister - a plot with Mia squarely in the center.
There is so much to like about this book and this series. I feel a little like a gushing fangirl, but I don't mind! Julie Anne Lindsey writes with insight, humor, wit, passion, and admirable skill. She has constructed a wonderful fictional canvas that I would live in without a moment's doubt if it were possible. Mia and her whole family are wonderfully alive on the page, as is the awkwardly captivating romance between Mia and Jake. Truly, it broke my heart when Jake left at the end of A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder and I felt it skip back to life as soon as he entered the first scene in A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic. I see so much of myself in Mia (truthfully, I wish I were more like her!) so it's easy for me to get completely wrapped up and lost in the story.
A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic is easily one of my favorite books of the year - of any year - and I can't wait for the next story. In the meantime, I'll just be rereading the first two books over and over again until the fall!
It's been three months since the events that changed Mia Connors' life: the murder of one of her best friends, her involvement in the investigation, and the attack by someone she never suspected. Not to mention the day Jake Archer left town with her heart. Mia's a more cautious version of herself, but she is still wonderfully quirky, witty, smart, and vibrant; she is honestly one of my favorite characters in contemporary fiction. While working at her family's business booth at the Renaissance Craft Faire, Mia strikes up a conversation with an acquaintance, John, a talented painter. Just moments later, John collapses and is pronounced dead. Mai is stunned to see Jake Archer on the scene, especially since he is now a Deputy US Marshall and she had no idea he was back in town. Once again, it looks to Jake that Mia is involved in a murder investigation and, no matter how many times or ways he tells her to stay out of it, Mia doesn't listen. What seems to be a federal case with mob family involvement quickly becomes something much more sinister - a plot with Mia squarely in the center.
There is so much to like about this book and this series. I feel a little like a gushing fangirl, but I don't mind! Julie Anne Lindsey writes with insight, humor, wit, passion, and admirable skill. She has constructed a wonderful fictional canvas that I would live in without a moment's doubt if it were possible. Mia and her whole family are wonderfully alive on the page, as is the awkwardly captivating romance between Mia and Jake. Truly, it broke my heart when Jake left at the end of A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder and I felt it skip back to life as soon as he entered the first scene in A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic. I see so much of myself in Mia (truthfully, I wish I were more like her!) so it's easy for me to get completely wrapped up and lost in the story.
A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic is easily one of my favorite books of the year - of any year - and I can't wait for the next story. In the meantime, I'll just be rereading the first two books over and over again until the fall!
April 13, 2016
It's been just over three months since Mia Connors found one of her best friend's murdered body. It has also been 3 months since Mia has seen Jake Archer, the undercover FBI agent who has stolen her heart, after of course accusing her of murder. Now Jake is back in town...after a man is poisoned and dies right in front of Mia at her booth at the Renaissance Fair, and once again he seems to be investigating her for murder.
The Geek Girl Mysteries are a new discovery for me, and what a find they are! This is the second installment in the series and I enjoyed it just as much, maybe more than I did the first book A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder. Full of murder, mystery, a little romance, kooky family members and an ever kookier heroine, I can't get enough of this series.
What I like most about this series, and indeed this book, is the heroine and centre of all mischief Mia Connors. I love an eccentric heroine and she gets top marks in that regard, I also like a socially awkward and intelligent heroine, again top marks, so following along on her adventures in this book was a lot of fun. I admit, that I had guessed the who did it quite early on in the book, however, that didn't stop me from enjoying every word. Especially as it wasn't only the mystery that had me turning the pages.
I am primarily a romance reader, not a mystery reader, so even the smallest hint of a little love? I am all over it. And the continuing saga between Jake and Mia keeps me reading as much as the mystery does. There seems to be progress between them in this book but I still find myself shouting encouragement down my kindle...MAKE A MOVE JAKE, is my most frequently shouted "help", but it is almost enjoyable frustration and I cannot wait to see what happens between them in the next book. And what other mischief Mia can possible find herself in.
This was such a fun read, if you haven't started this series I recommend you give it a try, especially if you are after something light hearted and quirky to chill out with. I now eagerly anticipate the next book in the series!
January 3, 2016
I get a kick out of Mia and her penchant for falling into dangerous situations. She's just so dogged when she gets her teeth into something. Against the advice of EVERYONE, she digs in and ends up right in the thick of things.
Speaking of everyone, Jake sort of confuses me. Based on something he shared with Mia, I kinda get why he's gunshy. At the same time, he's a hard man to read and I just want them to get all kissy-faced already. They're cute together. He (mostly) follows the rules, she's like a chaos bomb trailing confusion and mayhem in her wake. Naw, I'm just kidding. Mia isn't that bad. She's dedicated. She wants to find out the truth. She sometimes puts herself in danger in her quest for that truth.
Which really doesn't sit well with Mr. US Marshall. As you can probably imagine.
So I like Mia (even when she's running headlong into trouble) and I like Jake (when he's not being confusing), but I'm not so keen on Mia's sister. I get that family dynamics can be complicated, but Bree pushes Mia in ways that make me cringe. Mia might admit to being socially awkward, but Bree is just as bad. She barrels into situations with no regard for how her actions are affecting others. It's no wonder Mia has to clench up every time she talks to her. (For the record, I also get that family ties can trump overbearing actions. Sisters stick together, man. I get that.)
Overall, this book is another fun romp in the world of a geeky girl who dives into trouble with gusto and has some potential romance brewing on the horizon.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Speaking of everyone, Jake sort of confuses me. Based on something he shared with Mia, I kinda get why he's gunshy. At the same time, he's a hard man to read and I just want them to get all kissy-faced already. They're cute together. He (mostly) follows the rules, she's like a chaos bomb trailing confusion and mayhem in her wake. Naw, I'm just kidding. Mia isn't that bad. She's dedicated. She wants to find out the truth. She sometimes puts herself in danger in her quest for that truth.
Which really doesn't sit well with Mr. US Marshall. As you can probably imagine.
So I like Mia (even when she's running headlong into trouble) and I like Jake (when he's not being confusing), but I'm not so keen on Mia's sister. I get that family dynamics can be complicated, but Bree pushes Mia in ways that make me cringe. Mia might admit to being socially awkward, but Bree is just as bad. She barrels into situations with no regard for how her actions are affecting others. It's no wonder Mia has to clench up every time she talks to her. (For the record, I also get that family ties can trump overbearing actions. Sisters stick together, man. I get that.)
Overall, this book is another fun romp in the world of a geeky girl who dives into trouble with gusto and has some potential romance brewing on the horizon.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 1, 2016
I just going to say it: this book is a gateway drug to get younger women/girls addicted to cozies! The heroine, Mia, is a geek. She plays online multi-player video games. She joyfully participates in Renaissance Faires (in costume). She attends Comic Con (in costume) and recognizes somewhat obscure movie references. Oh, and Furries (people who dress up as animals) give her the creeps. The storylines aren't what make this series exceptional. It is the characters. Mia is just one of several quirky characters. There is also her sister and brother-in-law you are doing research about sexual attraction and her possible love interest, a US Marshall, who Mia seems to get into very awkward situations with. These well written characters and others make the books great reads and mean that the series will be able to continue to entertain and be unique for quite awhile. These books are good escapes from everyday life!
A preview copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an objective review.
A preview copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an objective review.
February 18, 2016
Wow! This is a great follow up to book 1, A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder. This is smart and funny chick lit that follows Mia, an IT girl, as she struggles to make sense of her friend's death after he drops dead in front of her. As she's still reeling from his death, Jake is suddenly back in her orbit. Mia just doesn't know what to do with Jake - especially after not hearing from him for three months. Despite Jake's orders, Mia begins talking to people about her friend's death in an attempt to learn what happened. What follows is a very entertaining and very funny tale that kept me guessing until the end.
I particularly like that Mia is a smart woman with enough quirkiness to make her endearing. If you enjoy Julie Moffett's Lexi Carmicheal series, you will love this book.
If you enjoy chick lit, you will love this book, and, if you don't, this just might change your mind. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. The author is on my must read authors' list.
I particularly like that Mia is a smart woman with enough quirkiness to make her endearing. If you enjoy Julie Moffett's Lexi Carmicheal series, you will love this book.
If you enjoy chick lit, you will love this book, and, if you don't, this just might change your mind. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. The author is on my must read authors' list.
January 10, 2016
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Julie Anne Lindsey has now been added to my favorite author list. And Geek Girl Mysteries is now one of my favorite series. Can't help but fall in love with Mia and all her gamer awkwardness. She's got a crazy family and life. Lots of laughs and a mystery that kept me guessing. The magic show kept me chuckling for a while. This series keeps getting better. Can't wait to see what's in store for Mia next!
Julie Anne Lindsey has now been added to my favorite author list. And Geek Girl Mysteries is now one of my favorite series. Can't help but fall in love with Mia and all her gamer awkwardness. She's got a crazy family and life. Lots of laughs and a mystery that kept me guessing. The magic show kept me chuckling for a while. This series keeps getting better. Can't wait to see what's in store for Mia next!
February 8, 2016
Best I've read in a long time. The characters are funny, interesting, well thought out, intelligent and th relationships are as well. Never boring, not a wasted word. The author's voice is one I look forward to reading again soon
Netgalley
Netgalley
June 5, 2019
Okay mystery, fun setting, rounded up for screwball comedy, but smart women leads who act like they are dumb do grate on me.
Read
November 30, 2018Miniseries: The Geek Girl Mysteries
April 30, 2025
Girl you need a weirdo radar atp
March 22, 2016
There's nothing better than a book exceeding all your expectations, and that's what Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic did. There's something about the main character, Mia, that makes you absolutely love her. She's fun, a little geeky, smart, and I find her very relate able. To me there's nothing worse when I'm reading a cozy mystery...or any mystery for that matter, than a main character who just makes ridiculous and unwise decisions while trying to solve the mystery. Mia comes across very real and I love her. This may be one of the only mystery series I've read where after her experience being in the middle of a murder investigation in the first book, the main character is visibly affected by it. I mean really, how many times have we read a book where the main character throws herself into all kinds of dangerous situations, solves the mystery, barely escapes with her life, and then does it all over again without a second thought in the next book? Not the case with Mia and I LOVED that. Julie Anne Lindsay did a fantastic job of bringing this character to life and making me fall in love with her!
The mystery in this one was wonderful and kept me guessing until the very end. Along the way we are introduced to an amazingly colorful group of people from the Renaissance Faire. Meeting all these quirky new people adds something great to the experience, it was something I loved about the first book and I'm glad we got to see more of it in this one. Mia's family played a prominent role in this book too, yay!! I love her family and the way they interact with each other, none of the characters fall flat. The mystery makes sense at the end and when the whodunit is revealed your not left wondering..."wait did we even see that character before now?" That is my biggest pet peeve with mysteries! I'm much happier with the reaction I had at the end of Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic which was more like "I TOTALLY SHOULD HAVE SEEN THAT COMING!! I HAD NO IDEA!!" I honestly couldn't come up with a single thing I would change about this.
Last but not least, we have Jake Archer. After the ending of the last book I couldn't wait to see how he would pop up again and what would happen with him and Mia. I just love their relationship. Again, like with all other things in this book it seemed to flow naturally. Their interactions with each other made me smile. I just can't get enough of these two!! I'm already eagerly awaiting the third book in this series and will devour it as soon as I can get my hands on it. A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic is a true 5 star read...I wouldn't change a word!!
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
The mystery in this one was wonderful and kept me guessing until the very end. Along the way we are introduced to an amazingly colorful group of people from the Renaissance Faire. Meeting all these quirky new people adds something great to the experience, it was something I loved about the first book and I'm glad we got to see more of it in this one. Mia's family played a prominent role in this book too, yay!! I love her family and the way they interact with each other, none of the characters fall flat. The mystery makes sense at the end and when the whodunit is revealed your not left wondering..."wait did we even see that character before now?" That is my biggest pet peeve with mysteries! I'm much happier with the reaction I had at the end of Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic which was more like "I TOTALLY SHOULD HAVE SEEN THAT COMING!! I HAD NO IDEA!!" I honestly couldn't come up with a single thing I would change about this.
Last but not least, we have Jake Archer. After the ending of the last book I couldn't wait to see how he would pop up again and what would happen with him and Mia. I just love their relationship. Again, like with all other things in this book it seemed to flow naturally. Their interactions with each other made me smile. I just can't get enough of these two!! I'm already eagerly awaiting the third book in this series and will devour it as soon as I can get my hands on it. A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic is a true 5 star read...I wouldn't change a word!!
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
September 16, 2016
4.5 Stars
I knocked off half a star on this second Geek Girl offering because I felt like the story got a bit slow and confused at about the 3/4th point through the book. I am not saying it was bad, not by any stretch but it dragged and I felt like other people who weren’t as invested as I was wouldn’t stick around the discover the exciting conclusion.
I liked how the author played fair and did introduce us to the ultimate villain of the piece early on. A lot of authors keep that hidden and I usually feel a bit agrivated when i don’t have the opportunity to guess whodunit along with the main character.
This story is still amazing and I still marvel at Jake and how blind he can be to his own feelings. But I guess the back and the forth of will they or won’t they get together is sort of what keeps the story exciting. I don’t want the Moonlighting effect to be cast on my new favorite couple.
This is a definite keeper. You should go out and buy this one quick. And don’t forget to read book one: The Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder. (I gave it 5 stars and my best new series rating)
I am excited about this series and I look forward to book three: Geek Girl’s Guide to Justice.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the author, Julie Anne Lindsey and the publisher Carina Press for allowing me to read this fantastic title.
I knocked off half a star on this second Geek Girl offering because I felt like the story got a bit slow and confused at about the 3/4th point through the book. I am not saying it was bad, not by any stretch but it dragged and I felt like other people who weren’t as invested as I was wouldn’t stick around the discover the exciting conclusion.
I liked how the author played fair and did introduce us to the ultimate villain of the piece early on. A lot of authors keep that hidden and I usually feel a bit agrivated when i don’t have the opportunity to guess whodunit along with the main character.
This story is still amazing and I still marvel at Jake and how blind he can be to his own feelings. But I guess the back and the forth of will they or won’t they get together is sort of what keeps the story exciting. I don’t want the Moonlighting effect to be cast on my new favorite couple.
This is a definite keeper. You should go out and buy this one quick. And don’t forget to read book one: The Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder. (I gave it 5 stars and my best new series rating)
I am excited about this series and I look forward to book three: Geek Girl’s Guide to Justice.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the author, Julie Anne Lindsey and the publisher Carina Press for allowing me to read this fantastic title.
March 16, 2016
Reviewed on Musings and Ramblings.
Cozy mysteries are one of my go to genres for a great read. In my favorites, typically the sleuth is a fiesty female, bound and determined to do things her own way, most usually accompanied by a quirky side kick (or two), and butting heads with the long arm of the law - in some form or fashion. The Geek Girl Mysteries hit all the right buttons, and then top them by focusing on Geek culture. What's a Geek Girl who loves Mysteries to do? Grab this series, that's what.
Several months have passed since the events at the end of book one. Mia has had some issues coping with the death of her best friend and co worker, and the attack that happened in her apartment. Plus she hasn't heard from Jake in all that time. So imagine her surprise when the Archer brothers show up after one of the Ren Faire folks dies from some kind of poisoning while talking to Mia at the Faire.
Mia's not just a possible suspect. The local news films a piece casting suspicion on Guinevere's Golden Beauty products for the death, just as the company is in talks to begin moving their products to actual brick and mortar store shelves. Mia has to find the real killer before Grandma's business is irrevocably destroyed by bad press.
The story was full of geek goodness from Cosplay to Furries and social media to gaming. Mia now lives and works in the Horseshoe Falls community, and we got to experience the joys of Pioneer days right along side her. The best part was learning more about Jake as he tried his best to keep up with Mia. My biggest complaint? The story went by too fast, and now I have to wait for the next book. I had an absolutely lovely time with this story and gave it 5 geeked out stars.
Thanks to Great Escapes Tour, Netgalley and Carina Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Cozy mysteries are one of my go to genres for a great read. In my favorites, typically the sleuth is a fiesty female, bound and determined to do things her own way, most usually accompanied by a quirky side kick (or two), and butting heads with the long arm of the law - in some form or fashion. The Geek Girl Mysteries hit all the right buttons, and then top them by focusing on Geek culture. What's a Geek Girl who loves Mysteries to do? Grab this series, that's what.
Several months have passed since the events at the end of book one. Mia has had some issues coping with the death of her best friend and co worker, and the attack that happened in her apartment. Plus she hasn't heard from Jake in all that time. So imagine her surprise when the Archer brothers show up after one of the Ren Faire folks dies from some kind of poisoning while talking to Mia at the Faire.
Mia's not just a possible suspect. The local news films a piece casting suspicion on Guinevere's Golden Beauty products for the death, just as the company is in talks to begin moving their products to actual brick and mortar store shelves. Mia has to find the real killer before Grandma's business is irrevocably destroyed by bad press.
The story was full of geek goodness from Cosplay to Furries and social media to gaming. Mia now lives and works in the Horseshoe Falls community, and we got to experience the joys of Pioneer days right along side her. The best part was learning more about Jake as he tried his best to keep up with Mia. My biggest complaint? The story went by too fast, and now I have to wait for the next book. I had an absolutely lovely time with this story and gave it 5 geeked out stars.
Thanks to Great Escapes Tour, Netgalley and Carina Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 9, 2016
Mia has not seen Jake, the detective from book 1, for 3 months. He is a marshall now and she meets him again after a death at the faire her family is attending.
This is a nice cozy, where Mia is looking for a murderer, because her family business could be in big trouble after poison allegations. The arsenic in the title is misleading, as no arsenic is used at all?!
I like Mia a lot and her interactions with friend Nate. Mia is a bit introvert and the opposite to her twin Bree. I was sometimes a bit annoyed at pushy Bree!
Jake and Mia are bantering like in book 1. When will they finally kiss!!! What is keeping the hot marshall from going after Mia? Now I will have to wait until the fall...
What I did not like in the book (I keep thinking of it so I want to write it down):
This is a nice cozy, where Mia is looking for a murderer, because her family business could be in big trouble after poison allegations. The arsenic in the title is misleading, as no arsenic is used at all?!
I like Mia a lot and her interactions with friend Nate. Mia is a bit introvert and the opposite to her twin Bree. I was sometimes a bit annoyed at pushy Bree!
Jake and Mia are bantering like in book 1. When will they finally kiss!!! What is keeping the hot marshall from going after Mia? Now I will have to wait until the fall...
What I did not like in the book (I keep thinking of it so I want to write it down):
March 11, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a frothy little mystery with a bit of chick-lit, a bit of cozy, and a bit of geekiness. Most of the geekiness seemed to center around the Renaissance Festival where Mia's grandmother sells her herbal lotions and soaps. Mia is an IT person, and I guess that's the remainder of the geekiness. I found it a bit disappointing that there wasn't more.
Mia doesn't hold the idiot ball in order to further the plot, at least not early in the book ( I ended up skimming). She seems like a real person, not a book character driven by plot from clue to clue. The story did seem to bounce around a lot, though, and maybe if I'd read the first book in the series I'd know more about her family, who seemed placed mostly for comic relief, a bit like the Stephanie Plum series. Mia also has at least two hot guys who adore her, although she seems oblivious to this, and that character development seems to have happened in the first book too.
Read the book if you'd like a light bit of escapism. Be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride where plot is concerned, and reconcile yourself to yet another female protagonist who is clueless about how all the men around her feel, and you'll be good. If you can, start with the first book in the series, "A Geek Girls' Guide to Murder".
This is a frothy little mystery with a bit of chick-lit, a bit of cozy, and a bit of geekiness. Most of the geekiness seemed to center around the Renaissance Festival where Mia's grandmother sells her herbal lotions and soaps. Mia is an IT person, and I guess that's the remainder of the geekiness. I found it a bit disappointing that there wasn't more.
Mia doesn't hold the idiot ball in order to further the plot, at least not early in the book ( I ended up skimming). She seems like a real person, not a book character driven by plot from clue to clue. The story did seem to bounce around a lot, though, and maybe if I'd read the first book in the series I'd know more about her family, who seemed placed mostly for comic relief, a bit like the Stephanie Plum series. Mia also has at least two hot guys who adore her, although she seems oblivious to this, and that character development seems to have happened in the first book too.
Read the book if you'd like a light bit of escapism. Be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride where plot is concerned, and reconcile yourself to yet another female protagonist who is clueless about how all the men around her feel, and you'll be good. If you can, start with the first book in the series, "A Geek Girls' Guide to Murder".
March 13, 2016
Loved this book! I think it is all due to the main character, Mia who is a computer geek and just a bit awkward. Then there is her best friend, Nate, who helps keep her down to earth. Her wacky twin sister & brother in law...well her whole family are a bit off the beaten path. And we can't forget Jake, the hot US Marshal that has his eye on Mia.
There is an addition to the cast of characters in Fifi, the new IT temp to assist Mia. Turns out she will fit right in with this cast of characters.
The mystery was well written because I did not suspect this character at all in being the killer! This person really wasn't even on my radar, but looking back there were a few subtle clues/hints but most people would probably miss those clues.
I always enjoy books that make me laugh out loud, and this book ranks right up there with the humor scattered throughout the book.
There is an addition to the cast of characters in Fifi, the new IT temp to assist Mia. Turns out she will fit right in with this cast of characters.
The mystery was well written because I did not suspect this character at all in being the killer! This person really wasn't even on my radar, but looking back there were a few subtle clues/hints but most people would probably miss those clues.
I always enjoy books that make me laugh out loud, and this book ranks right up there with the humor scattered throughout the book.
May 19, 2016
Very cute. I enjoyed this sequel to "A geek Girl's guide to Murder". This is a fun easy book to read. I loved the continued character development, especially that the consequences from book 1 didn't "magically disappear" as they often do in this style of book. The romance is sweet and believable, and advancing at a rate to keep the reader engaged without being the dreaded "insta-love". I'm looking forward to book 3!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
No one is surprised LOL
Watch the livestream discussion:
https://youtu.be/bjERDv7y8gU
Watch the livestream discussion:
https://youtu.be/bjERDv7y8gU
November 2, 2025
I loved this book. It was a fast read with a lot going on. The characters were all interesting. I was so annoyed at Bree at the end because of blaming her sister for all that was happening and then not apologizing after some other things happened. But that’s how siblings would be I guess. I never suspected who the killer was. I love that! I listened to most of the audiobook and read some too. If you like audiobooks, this one has great narration. I can’t wait to see more banter between Mia and Jake in the next book. This is the first I’ve read, not realizing it was the second book but it didn’t detract from it. You can read it as a stand alone and nothing is spoiled for the first book, which I will read next.
June 5, 2020
Well, Ms. Lindsey did it again! Another adventure down, this time Mia accidentally found herself in a murder investigation. She is at a ren faire with her family and lets just say what she though was an accidental death was anything but. She sees her "lawman" again after 3 or 4 months away and it picked up where it left off. I don't want to spoil the fun. What I like about this author (even in the first book) she keeps you guessing.
October 5, 2018
Another amazing book by Julie Anne Lindsey! I loved picking up in Mia's life with a new case and Jake by her side again! Mia always makes me laugh and think of my own insecurities and absurdities! I adore her, her family and of course Jake! Can not wait to get my hands on the last book in this series!!!
October 12, 2017
Engaging cozy mystery.
April 23, 2018
Excellent mystery with delightful characters! I liked this even more than the first one.
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