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A Liv And Di In Dixie Mystery #2
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To
“Down home and delightful.” —Carolyn Hart
Between a riverboat gambler-theme engagement party and a murder mystery dinner for charity, Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay is far too frenzied to feel festive. Add to the mix her duties at the annual businesswomen’s retreat and the antics of a celebrity ghost-hunting diva, and Liv’s schedule is turning out to be the scariest thing about this Halloween—especially when the ladies stumble across a dead body in a cemetery…
Morgan Robison was a party girl with a penchant for married men and stirring up a cauldron of drama. Any number of scorned wives or frightened philanderers could be behind her death. As Liv and her best friend, Di, set out to dig up the truth, they’ll face the unexpected and find their efforts hampered by a killer with one seriously haunting vendetta…
“Refreshing as a tall glass of sweet tea, Vickie Fee has crafted a series that celebrates the deadly traditions of Southern hospitality.” —Cheryl Hollon, author of Cracked to Death
Between a riverboat gambler-theme engagement party and a murder mystery dinner for charity, Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay is far too frenzied to feel festive. Add to the mix her duties at the annual businesswomen’s retreat and the antics of a celebrity ghost-hunting diva, and Liv’s schedule is turning out to be the scariest thing about this Halloween—especially when the ladies stumble across a dead body in a cemetery…
Morgan Robison was a party girl with a penchant for married men and stirring up a cauldron of drama. Any number of scorned wives or frightened philanderers could be behind her death. As Liv and her best friend, Di, set out to dig up the truth, they’ll face the unexpected and find their efforts hampered by a killer with one seriously haunting vendetta…
“Refreshing as a tall glass of sweet tea, Vickie Fee has crafted a series that celebrates the deadly traditions of Southern hospitality.” —Cheryl Hollon, author of Cracked to Death
337 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2016
50 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
About the author
Vickie Fee
5 books353 followersVickie Fee is the author of the Liv and Di in Dixie mystery series, published by Kensington. The first entry, Death Crashes the Party, releases December 29, 2015. Vickie grew up in Memphis on a steady diet of Nancy Drew, daydreams and sweet tea. She now lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband. If she cranes her neck slightly, she can see Lake Superior from her office/guest room, where she is hard at work on her next novel. Visit her at www.vickiefee.com and www.Facebook.com/VickieFeeAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 13, 2016
Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay is busy planning an engagement party, a murder mystery dinner for charity and getting ready for the annual businesswomen’s retreat. When Morgan Robison asks her to babysit this year's guest, the celebrity ghost hunting diva Lucinda Grable. she wonders how she will get everything done in time.
Along with her best friend Di Souther, and a wacky cast of side characters, they find themselves following Lucinda down to an old graveyard to try and summon the dead. But when one of the retreats guests goes missing, the search is on. Just when the excitement seems to be settling down, Liv stumbles unto the dead body of Morgan...
"Christmas tree lighting and waiting in line in front of the courthouse to share my secret wishes with Santa mean Dixie’s town square will always hold a special place in my heart."
This was an enjoyable little read if I do say so myself. It had a fun festive feel and a small town atmosphere that I really enjoyed. The characters were all interesting and well written. I loved how quirky some of them were. It was well written and the plot flowed nicely. It had some good twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
This is book two in a series, but other than a few mentions of events that took place in book one, you can read this one as a standalone no problem. Overall, just a really great "who done it" cozy mystery...
August 30, 2016
Liv McKay is a party planner with a full plate of activities coming up that need planning. She has not only a riverboat gambler themed engagement party and a murder mystery dinner for charity but has been asked to babysit the local celebrity ghost hunting diva at the annual businesswomen’s retreat.
When one of the older ladies at the retreat go missing everyone pitches in to help find her but unfortunately what they find is the body of Morgan Robison was the local party girl rumored to have a thing for the married men in the town. With no shortage of suspects Liv finds herself jumping in to help follow the clues to who killed Morgan.
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To is a great little cozy mystery set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and their business along with a main character who certainly had an interesting career. The fall/Halloween vibe all throughout the book was also a nice added touch at this time of year.
I really enjoyed reading about this little town full of creative characters all throughout the story. I didn't realize that this is also the second in a series with these characters but for the most part you won't notice that in the story other than a couple of small mentions at past events and it's fine as a standalone novel.
Overall, a lovely little cozy fall mystery with a bit of laughs, some mystery and a whole lot of Halloween small town fun all in one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When one of the older ladies at the retreat go missing everyone pitches in to help find her but unfortunately what they find is the body of Morgan Robison was the local party girl rumored to have a thing for the married men in the town. With no shortage of suspects Liv finds herself jumping in to help follow the clues to who killed Morgan.
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To is a great little cozy mystery set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and their business along with a main character who certainly had an interesting career. The fall/Halloween vibe all throughout the book was also a nice added touch at this time of year.
I really enjoyed reading about this little town full of creative characters all throughout the story. I didn't realize that this is also the second in a series with these characters but for the most part you won't notice that in the story other than a couple of small mentions at past events and it's fine as a standalone novel.
Overall, a lovely little cozy fall mystery with a bit of laughs, some mystery and a whole lot of Halloween small town fun all in one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 25, 2016
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Liv is an event planner in Dixie, Tennessee. While at a retreat for business women, the head of the woman's committee, Morgan, is found murdered. The guest at the retreat is a famous television psychic who grew up in Dixie and was friends with Morgan. Morgan was also known to go after other people's husbands and there were rumors she had slept with the husbands of a few of the business women. With a whole town of suspects, Liv and her best friend, Di, start to poke around, because they don't think the police are on the right trail.
Oh...where to start with this book. I felt like I was reading a log of everything Liv did everyday, rather than a murder mystery. I knew what she ate, where she parked, when she visited the ladies room, etc. I was so bored that I could care less about the mystery. There was just too much other stuff thrown in. It was so boring.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they were not looking for a cozy, but maybe a glimpse into the life of a small town southern gal.
Liv is an event planner in Dixie, Tennessee. While at a retreat for business women, the head of the woman's committee, Morgan, is found murdered. The guest at the retreat is a famous television psychic who grew up in Dixie and was friends with Morgan. Morgan was also known to go after other people's husbands and there were rumors she had slept with the husbands of a few of the business women. With a whole town of suspects, Liv and her best friend, Di, start to poke around, because they don't think the police are on the right trail.
Oh...where to start with this book. I felt like I was reading a log of everything Liv did everyday, rather than a murder mystery. I knew what she ate, where she parked, when she visited the ladies room, etc. I was so bored that I could care less about the mystery. There was just too much other stuff thrown in. It was so boring.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they were not looking for a cozy, but maybe a glimpse into the life of a small town southern gal.
January 18, 2019
Short Review: I enjoyed this book. It's got action, a cool sleuth, and great party planning ideas. However, some aspects of the book were a bit slow for me and I couldn't have cared less to continue reading it or not. It's just not one of those books that leave you eager for more. That said, I will continue the series because I enjoy both Liv and Di, but also because I own the other books and I don't want them to go to waste.
September 28, 2019
It's the perfect time of a year for a Halloween story, and I'm glad that a book club I'm in is discussing this book soon. I had read the first one and was wanting to get back to this series. Liv and Di are fun and crazy best friends, but Liv does have a good head for figuring out mysteries as was shown in the first book. Her mom is such a hoot too. I loved the scene with the snake and then later the fake snake. This series is more than just a mystery, it's about the workings of a small town party planner too, and readers do get a chance to see what Liv does for her real job by the story going into one of the side parties, then the main party was the one connected to the case.
I wasn't really sure about who the killer was, but I really loved the trap that Liv set for the killer. It took the sheriff and deputy's cooperation, and luckily, they agreed with her idea of the killer. How cool and appropriate that the reveal came during a murder mystery fundraiser dinner. The mystery was nicely wrapped up at the end by Dave the sheriff himself and even had a fun and funny family moment for Liv, her mom and sister. Great characters and laughs throughout the book!
I wasn't really sure about who the killer was, but I really loved the trap that Liv set for the killer. It took the sheriff and deputy's cooperation, and luckily, they agreed with her idea of the killer. How cool and appropriate that the reveal came during a murder mystery fundraiser dinner. The mystery was nicely wrapped up at the end by Dave the sheriff himself and even had a fun and funny family moment for Liv, her mom and sister. Great characters and laughs throughout the book!
September 6, 2016
4-1/2 Stars! Happily married Liv McKay owns a party planning business in the small, southern town of Dixie, Tennessee. Her best friend, Di Souther, is a mail carrier who has an on /off relationship with Sheriff Dave Davidson. A local retreat is featuring a hometown celebrity, Lucinda Grable, who claims to be psychic and able to communicate with ghosts. Lucinda appears to summon the long-dead at a nearby cemetary, and Liv and guests find a local busybody, Morgan Robison's corpse in the woods directly thereafter; spooking locals and tourists. Liv and Di begin to scheme and sleuth despite Dave telling them to leave the investigation to him.
Author Vickie Fee writes with wit and charm in this Halloween themed cozy mystery. Her plot ideas are fun and it's entertaining to see what skeleton's Liv and Di can dig up before the killer is upstaged at a sensational murder mystery party.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher/author sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Author Vickie Fee writes with wit and charm in this Halloween themed cozy mystery. Her plot ideas are fun and it's entertaining to see what skeleton's Liv and Di can dig up before the killer is upstaged at a sensational murder mystery party.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher/author sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
March 15, 2018
Fun read! Loved it.
April 12, 2018
Party planner Liv McKay is busy with two parties before Halloween, but she’s making time for a retreat for the women business owners of Dixie, Tennessee. However, the first night, the group’s president is found murdered. Morgan Robison wasn’t well liked around town for multiple reasons, not the least of which is her reputation as a husband stealer. But why did she push someone at the retreat too far?
It was great to be back in Dixie with Liv, her best friend Di, and the rest of the characters I met in book one. They are all fun to be with, and I love their various relationships. The suspects are good, although the mystery gets derailed by party planning at times. Despite the weak pacing, there are some good twists and clues, and Liv picks up on the key clues in to time solve the mystery.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It was great to be back in Dixie with Liv, her best friend Di, and the rest of the characters I met in book one. They are all fun to be with, and I love their various relationships. The suspects are good, although the mystery gets derailed by party planning at times. Despite the weak pacing, there are some good twists and clues, and Liv picks up on the key clues in to time solve the mystery.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 5, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Party planner Liv McKay's skills are in demand. She is planning an engagement party with a riverboat gambler theme and a murder mystery charity dinner this Halloween season. Plus she has a businesswomen’s rustic retreat to attend featuring a celebrity ghost-hunting personality.
The first night of the retreat takes a swift turn when one of the participants goes missing and another is found dead close to the cemetery where they were trying to conjure up a ghost. Morgan Robinson was a domineering woman and happened to like her men married which meant a life filled with drama. And all that drama leads to a large pool of suspects. It isn't long before Liz and her best friend Di are on the case and Sherriff Dave is not liking that one bit.
______
These characters are so much fun. Liv has wonderful party ideas and is a heck of an amateur sleuth too. She is very happily married to Larry Joe who is taking on more responsibility at the family trucking company following his father having some health issues. His father feels like he is being pushed out so it was easy to feel for this man. My father-in-law was a truck driver so I know the work is hard on the body. His health led him out of his truck to a heart transplant and he later died many years too soon. Like my mother-in-law, Larry Joe's mom is devoted to her husband and his health. She is pretty crazy at times too. Liv's best friend Di always has me in stitches. She is dating Sheriff Dave but they are on the outs for most of this story. All of Ms. Fee's characters are realistic and people I would love to hang out with. They would bring out my crazy self that doesn't get to come out much anymore.
The mystery plot runs alongside the party-planning plot and a couple of times I was completely caught up by the mystery and a little frustrated that the party planning took the lead. There is another interesting subplot too but truthfully the twists were very well-placed to get us back to the who-dun-it parts of the story at just the right time. I really had fun traipsing around with Liv and Di. There were some harrowing moments. I must say I really enjoyed the murder mystery charity dinner and how it played into the reveal. It was a clever way to flush out the killer.
Ms. Fee added so much humor to this story. There is an incident between Liv and her mother at the end of Chapter 1. I caught myself quickly going from laughing quietly to laughing out loud. The hilarity continues throughout the story. You never know what is going to happen when Liv and Di get together but it is almost a given that your funny bone will be tickled.
I found this series last year and I am so happy that I did.
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To was another fun read from Vicki Fee. I can't wait to return to Dixie to see what shenanigans Liv and Di get into next. One Fete in the Grave is hollering at me from my Kindle. I will be featuring it on another #FlashbackFriday in the future.
Party planner Liv McKay's skills are in demand. She is planning an engagement party with a riverboat gambler theme and a murder mystery charity dinner this Halloween season. Plus she has a businesswomen’s rustic retreat to attend featuring a celebrity ghost-hunting personality.
The first night of the retreat takes a swift turn when one of the participants goes missing and another is found dead close to the cemetery where they were trying to conjure up a ghost. Morgan Robinson was a domineering woman and happened to like her men married which meant a life filled with drama. And all that drama leads to a large pool of suspects. It isn't long before Liz and her best friend Di are on the case and Sherriff Dave is not liking that one bit.
______
These characters are so much fun. Liv has wonderful party ideas and is a heck of an amateur sleuth too. She is very happily married to Larry Joe who is taking on more responsibility at the family trucking company following his father having some health issues. His father feels like he is being pushed out so it was easy to feel for this man. My father-in-law was a truck driver so I know the work is hard on the body. His health led him out of his truck to a heart transplant and he later died many years too soon. Like my mother-in-law, Larry Joe's mom is devoted to her husband and his health. She is pretty crazy at times too. Liv's best friend Di always has me in stitches. She is dating Sheriff Dave but they are on the outs for most of this story. All of Ms. Fee's characters are realistic and people I would love to hang out with. They would bring out my crazy self that doesn't get to come out much anymore.
The mystery plot runs alongside the party-planning plot and a couple of times I was completely caught up by the mystery and a little frustrated that the party planning took the lead. There is another interesting subplot too but truthfully the twists were very well-placed to get us back to the who-dun-it parts of the story at just the right time. I really had fun traipsing around with Liv and Di. There were some harrowing moments. I must say I really enjoyed the murder mystery charity dinner and how it played into the reveal. It was a clever way to flush out the killer.
Ms. Fee added so much humor to this story. There is an incident between Liv and her mother at the end of Chapter 1. I caught myself quickly going from laughing quietly to laughing out loud. The hilarity continues throughout the story. You never know what is going to happen when Liv and Di get together but it is almost a given that your funny bone will be tickled.
I found this series last year and I am so happy that I did.
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To was another fun read from Vicki Fee. I can't wait to return to Dixie to see what shenanigans Liv and Di get into next. One Fete in the Grave is hollering at me from my Kindle. I will be featuring it on another #FlashbackFriday in the future.
October 22, 2019
A good, easy read. Loved the insights into the party planning, something I've done in past. Though not as a primary occupation, it was always great fun. A couple of items needed editing/changing, but nothing that terribly affected the reading.
Have the third one already downloaded for my July 4th TBR (sounds far away, but, honestly, doesn't time seem to fly? I'll be reading it before you know it...)
Have the third one already downloaded for my July 4th TBR (sounds far away, but, honestly, doesn't time seem to fly? I'll be reading it before you know it...)
May 28, 2017
Liv was quite the busy bee in this installment. Planning a party, attending a retreat, and helping out with the murder mystery fundraiser. I love that it took place during October which made the events fun! Vickie Fee did a great job planning out this book.
March 29, 2017
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee It's Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee is a fast-paced cozy mystery about party planner Liv McKay. It is full of action and kept me guessing. The characters are well drawn and it's entertaining. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149...
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149...
August 4, 2016
I love that this cozy is set in the fall, which Is my favorite time of year and I am so looking forward to it! Sorry if you are a summer person I am very much a jeans and sweater person.
This Southern based small town mystery series was exactly what I needed to read this weekend. The story captures the busy lives of event planner Liv McKay and her mail-lady best friend Di. I felt like a weekend guest and like I belonged with the ladies on their retreat. I quickly felt engaged in the story, like I was right there with them in the thick of it with the events that Liv had exquisitly planned. I began thinking of myself as a valuable member of the reluctant sleuth team of Liv and Di, almost as if we were a team "Liv, Di and Kare!". I loved the creative themes for each event and I did not figure out who did it before the big reveal. I appreciated that this mystery was more then 300 pages, I did not want my time with Liv and Die to be over so soon, I will truly be looking forward to the next one!
This Southern based small town mystery series was exactly what I needed to read this weekend. The story captures the busy lives of event planner Liv McKay and her mail-lady best friend Di. I felt like a weekend guest and like I belonged with the ladies on their retreat. I quickly felt engaged in the story, like I was right there with them in the thick of it with the events that Liv had exquisitly planned. I began thinking of myself as a valuable member of the reluctant sleuth team of Liv and Di, almost as if we were a team "Liv, Di and Kare!". I loved the creative themes for each event and I did not figure out who did it before the big reveal. I appreciated that this mystery was more then 300 pages, I did not want my time with Liv and Die to be over so soon, I will truly be looking forward to the next one!
November 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A cute mystery with likable characters, a fun retreat and a murder mystery dinner party. This was a nice theme for the season and Liv is very personable which makes the story stand out. However, with so many light mystery series out there, this is probably not one I'll continue since this was enough. The party planning aspect may appeal to many other readers though.
A cute mystery with likable characters, a fun retreat and a murder mystery dinner party. This was a nice theme for the season and Liv is very personable which makes the story stand out. However, with so many light mystery series out there, this is probably not one I'll continue since this was enough. The party planning aspect may appeal to many other readers though.
October 14, 2018
A great follow up to the first in the series! I love the humor and Southern charm in these books. The characters are great and the mystery was a puzzler. I loved the first one, but I think I loved this one even more!
August 20, 2016
This is a fun read, it is set in the Fall, around Halloween, which is my favorite time of year, so I knew I would enjoy this book. Party planner Liv is back, but this time she really has her hands full. She is planning a riverboat themed engagement party, a murder mystery dinner, and, getting ready for the annual businesswomen's retreat. Morgan, who is in charge of the retreat, has invited a celebrity ghost hunter to speak. When a body turns up in the local cemetery, Liv and her best friend Di decide to do a little investigating. It was a lot of fun to follow their antics through the story, it is a great mystery, and very well written. I also have to mention the food, I know this isn't a food mystery, but the descriptions of all the different dishes and treats made my mouth water! If you like Halloween stories, give this one a try!
April 4, 2017
Setting: Dixie, Tennessee
Characters:
Liv McKay - party planner, protagonist, narrator
Diane (Di) Souther - Liv's best friend and partner in crime (fighting)
Larry Joe McKay - Liv's husband
Sheriff Dave - Di's significant other
A cast including friends and business owners and a television ghost hunter
Plot: It's fall in Dixie and Liv's schedule is as scary as a gruesome Halloween costume. She's helping to plan a businesswomen's retreat, a charity fundraiser, and an elaborate engagement party, not to mention urging her husband to continue working on their crumbling Victorian and managing the spoiled and meddlesome Morgan Robison. Morgan is the daughter of the town's bank and she's used to getting her way. But she was able to get a celebrity psychic - Morgan's former college roommate - to speak at the women's retreat, so Liv is trying to cut Morgan some slack. At the retreat, Morgan's celebrity guest, Lucinda, leads the ladies to a nearby cemetery so they can witness her channel the dead. When a member of the group wanders away, the women scatter to search for her, ending up back at the lodge where they are staying - and stumbling over Morgan's body, her face morphed into a gruesome death smile. Liv is determined not to get involved with the investigation, but feels pulled into the murder mystery more and more.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I really enjoy the sassy, spunky spirit in Liv and the story she narrates. Plus, as someone who does a bit of event planning, I like the details about the parties and fundraisers she plans.
Hit, Miss, or Draw: Hit
Characters:
Liv McKay - party planner, protagonist, narrator
Diane (Di) Souther - Liv's best friend and partner in crime (fighting)
Larry Joe McKay - Liv's husband
Sheriff Dave - Di's significant other
A cast including friends and business owners and a television ghost hunter
Plot: It's fall in Dixie and Liv's schedule is as scary as a gruesome Halloween costume. She's helping to plan a businesswomen's retreat, a charity fundraiser, and an elaborate engagement party, not to mention urging her husband to continue working on their crumbling Victorian and managing the spoiled and meddlesome Morgan Robison. Morgan is the daughter of the town's bank and she's used to getting her way. But she was able to get a celebrity psychic - Morgan's former college roommate - to speak at the women's retreat, so Liv is trying to cut Morgan some slack. At the retreat, Morgan's celebrity guest, Lucinda, leads the ladies to a nearby cemetery so they can witness her channel the dead. When a member of the group wanders away, the women scatter to search for her, ending up back at the lodge where they are staying - and stumbling over Morgan's body, her face morphed into a gruesome death smile. Liv is determined not to get involved with the investigation, but feels pulled into the murder mystery more and more.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I really enjoy the sassy, spunky spirit in Liv and the story she narrates. Plus, as someone who does a bit of event planning, I like the details about the parties and fundraisers she plans.
Hit, Miss, or Draw: Hit
May 30, 2020
I really enjoy this series. The characters are a lot of fun, and the story always moves along nicely. Good mystery. Looking forward to the next one.
August 14, 2020
Liv takes time out from party planning a huge fundraising event for charity to do a small retreat for the local professional women's group. Unfortunately, Morgan, the bank vice-president (bless her heart, her Daddy is the bank's owner) is killed at the event, and a local herbalist is arrested. With the help of her best friend Di, the sheriff's main squeeze, Liv pokes into the murder investigation. She and many other locals would like the culprit to be a visiting tv star of a show claiming she's a psychic.
She's also Morgan's one-time college roommate and romantic rival. The ending seems rushed and contrived.
She's also Morgan's one-time college roommate and romantic rival. The ending seems rushed and contrived.
September 24, 2016
Nothing says woman’s business retreat like a ghost hunt, pagans dancing naked around the fire and the dead body of a community member whose had an affair with just about every man in town. Dang Vickie! What was in your tea when you were writing this? It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To is a non-stop trip of having your mouth hanging open and I loved it!
Small towns are amazing because there is always something going on and everyone knows about it. Dixie Tennessee is just like any other small southern town except a lot more scandalous. Liv McKay, a party planner and her friend, Di Souther, the local mail carrier are in the perfect professions to know everyone’s business in a more intimate way. And can I just say the names, Liv and Di for murder mystery characters are brilliant! I love that to the moon and back.
During the Professional Women’s Alliance of Dixie retreat (PWAD), one of their members who “gets around town”, if you catch my drift, ends up dead with a look on her face that would turn ones blood cold. All this happens during a ghost hunt and the homecoming of Dixie’s very own celebrity ghost hunter, Lucinda Grable. With this twist in the retreat, no one is allowed to leave and everyone starts pointing fingers at each other. Between Liv and Di, they come up with a plan to ensnare the killer at the Halloween fundraiser during a stage performance of “Clue” after Di notes several clues of her own along the way.
These characters were sassy and not afraid to show their crazy at all. When that happens, the reader can’t tell who is naturally crazy and who is mentally crazy and needs to be put in a mental ward. Between the bickering, joking, unusual alliances and backstabbing, I just couldn’t keep up. Have I met these people before? Nah…..okay, maybe.
The ending was just as climatic as my first Clue game. My mouth was hanging open; I was fidgeting and really nervous as the plot was revealed. It was exciting, the dialogue that occurred between them all as the guilty parties were outed.
The details that Vicki uses throughout the book to describe the scenes are what make the book really come to life. I felt like I was at the parties. I could envision everything around me, smell the food and felt like I was right in with Liv and Holly doing the decorating and mingling. I was anxious with them as they were preparing each location for the big night. I learned about a new poison I had never heard about and that fascinated me. How Agatha Christie is that? She didn’t just tell a story that was entertaining, she kept me informed, involved me as a reader and even educated me.
This story went above and beyond just a story. Yes, it was a cozy mystery, but it has so many layers. It was like watching a movie in my head more so than some of the books I read. I love detail and love it when writers use it to help me along. I am not in their head when they are writing so it helps me understand their vision. So, if you don’t like a lot of description and detail, this wouldn’t be the book for you. But if you do, Vickie Fee is your author. It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To needs to be on your shelf come its September release.
Small towns are amazing because there is always something going on and everyone knows about it. Dixie Tennessee is just like any other small southern town except a lot more scandalous. Liv McKay, a party planner and her friend, Di Souther, the local mail carrier are in the perfect professions to know everyone’s business in a more intimate way. And can I just say the names, Liv and Di for murder mystery characters are brilliant! I love that to the moon and back.
During the Professional Women’s Alliance of Dixie retreat (PWAD), one of their members who “gets around town”, if you catch my drift, ends up dead with a look on her face that would turn ones blood cold. All this happens during a ghost hunt and the homecoming of Dixie’s very own celebrity ghost hunter, Lucinda Grable. With this twist in the retreat, no one is allowed to leave and everyone starts pointing fingers at each other. Between Liv and Di, they come up with a plan to ensnare the killer at the Halloween fundraiser during a stage performance of “Clue” after Di notes several clues of her own along the way.
These characters were sassy and not afraid to show their crazy at all. When that happens, the reader can’t tell who is naturally crazy and who is mentally crazy and needs to be put in a mental ward. Between the bickering, joking, unusual alliances and backstabbing, I just couldn’t keep up. Have I met these people before? Nah…..okay, maybe.
The ending was just as climatic as my first Clue game. My mouth was hanging open; I was fidgeting and really nervous as the plot was revealed. It was exciting, the dialogue that occurred between them all as the guilty parties were outed.
The details that Vicki uses throughout the book to describe the scenes are what make the book really come to life. I felt like I was at the parties. I could envision everything around me, smell the food and felt like I was right in with Liv and Holly doing the decorating and mingling. I was anxious with them as they were preparing each location for the big night. I learned about a new poison I had never heard about and that fascinated me. How Agatha Christie is that? She didn’t just tell a story that was entertaining, she kept me informed, involved me as a reader and even educated me.
This story went above and beyond just a story. Yes, it was a cozy mystery, but it has so many layers. It was like watching a movie in my head more so than some of the books I read. I love detail and love it when writers use it to help me along. I am not in their head when they are writing so it helps me understand their vision. So, if you don’t like a lot of description and detail, this wouldn’t be the book for you. But if you do, Vickie Fee is your author. It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To needs to be on your shelf come its September release.
September 29, 2016
A review of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and while I suspected I knew who did it (and was partially right) I wasn't so sure how which was nice.
This is the first book I've read in the series, but I believe it's actually the second in the series. The reader doesn't suffer for not having read the first in the series, but should I go back to read book 1, I have enough information to know who did it.
I like the town and the characters and would absolutely read more of this series. Overall it's well written, but sometimes we get a little too in-depth in the main character's day to day activities.
I enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and while I suspected I knew who did it (and was partially right) I wasn't so sure how which was nice.
This is the first book I've read in the series, but I believe it's actually the second in the series. The reader doesn't suffer for not having read the first in the series, but should I go back to read book 1, I have enough information to know who did it.
I like the town and the characters and would absolutely read more of this series. Overall it's well written, but sometimes we get a little too in-depth in the main character's day to day activities.
August 5, 2016
I was given this book via Netgalley for a fair and honest review.I waited impatiently for the second book in this series and I was not disappointed! Once again I find myself traveling through the daily life of Liv as she navigates the small town life in Dixie. Work, meetings, friends, and not friends are introduced again.
We quickly start off with Liv, yet again, seemingly immersing herself with too many tasks yet handling it beautifully.Trying to get an engagement party off the ground, a community fundraiser and being tapped to be a celebrity speaker's glorified chauffeur by none other than Morgan, the woman every one in town loves to hate.
Liv and company go to a retreat for a the Professional Women's Alliance of Dixie featuring guest celebrity speaker Lucinda Grable. Liv can't make it twenty four hours without encountering a murder. Morgan, the woman everyone loves to hate, being found dead and Liv's friends the main suspects.
We are taken through all the twists and turns as Liv and her best friend Di attempt not to get involved with the investigation then resigning to the fact that they have no choice.
I am a huge fan of this author and once again it was so easy to be transported to Dixie and see what the characters are seeing and feel what they are feeling. I love the tidbits the author dangles in front of the reader without giving away what happens next. Every page is a surprise, every chapter a beautifully depicted adventure. If you are looking for a fun loving page turner, look no further!
We quickly start off with Liv, yet again, seemingly immersing herself with too many tasks yet handling it beautifully.Trying to get an engagement party off the ground, a community fundraiser and being tapped to be a celebrity speaker's glorified chauffeur by none other than Morgan, the woman every one in town loves to hate.
Liv and company go to a retreat for a the Professional Women's Alliance of Dixie featuring guest celebrity speaker Lucinda Grable. Liv can't make it twenty four hours without encountering a murder. Morgan, the woman everyone loves to hate, being found dead and Liv's friends the main suspects.
We are taken through all the twists and turns as Liv and her best friend Di attempt not to get involved with the investigation then resigning to the fact that they have no choice.
I am a huge fan of this author and once again it was so easy to be transported to Dixie and see what the characters are seeing and feel what they are feeling. I love the tidbits the author dangles in front of the reader without giving away what happens next. Every page is a surprise, every chapter a beautifully depicted adventure. If you are looking for a fun loving page turner, look no further!
August 19, 2016
See my full review on my blog Mystereity Reviews
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To is the second book in the Liv and Di in Dixie series. Liv is a (very talented) party planner with a lot on her plate; a riverboat gambling engagement party and a Clue themed Halloween costume party fundraiser (note: Clue is my favorite movie of all time so this was a big hit with me!) But before the parties get underway, Liv has to help out at the annual retreat of the Professional Women's Alliance of Dixe (PWAD), and her duties include chauffeuring celebrity paranormal TV star Lucinda Grable. When a member of PWAD is found murdered and a friend is arrested, its up to Liv and best friend Di to clear her name and catch a killer.
With a rich plot that kept me turning pages, I found it hard to put down. The pacing was just right; fast enough to keep the story moving but with enough detail to give it dimension. Add in a sprinkling of humor, quirky characters and a section at the the end of the book with tips on how you can create your own murder mystery party, this was a solid read and very recommended for cozy mystery fans looking for a great book to put them in the Halloween mood.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To is the second book in the Liv and Di in Dixie series. Liv is a (very talented) party planner with a lot on her plate; a riverboat gambling engagement party and a Clue themed Halloween costume party fundraiser (note: Clue is my favorite movie of all time so this was a big hit with me!) But before the parties get underway, Liv has to help out at the annual retreat of the Professional Women's Alliance of Dixe (PWAD), and her duties include chauffeuring celebrity paranormal TV star Lucinda Grable. When a member of PWAD is found murdered and a friend is arrested, its up to Liv and best friend Di to clear her name and catch a killer.
With a rich plot that kept me turning pages, I found it hard to put down. The pacing was just right; fast enough to keep the story moving but with enough detail to give it dimension. Add in a sprinkling of humor, quirky characters and a section at the the end of the book with tips on how you can create your own murder mystery party, this was a solid read and very recommended for cozy mystery fans looking for a great book to put them in the Halloween mood.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2016
Vickie Fee is a wonderful storyteller and I would love to be a guest at one of Liv McKay's parties.
The cover of the book is fun and colorful and since Halloween is my favorite holiday, I was excited to see what these funny ladies were up to again.
Liv is busy organizing a riverboat themed engagement party and a Halloween charity event complete with a murder mystery dinner party.
Before these parties take place, Liv is at a business women's retreat and when a dead body is discovered, Liv and Di put on their investigator hats to find the murderer. It seems that the victim had a reputation for liking married men and Liv and Di soon uncover some marital secrets best left covered up.
I absolutely love this series. Liv and Di are a great pair of friends and I can't help but smile ear to ear when I read about their shenanigans.
The author has created a believable world in which the reader becomes part of the story.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves an action packed plot.
It was an honor to receive an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The cover of the book is fun and colorful and since Halloween is my favorite holiday, I was excited to see what these funny ladies were up to again.
Liv is busy organizing a riverboat themed engagement party and a Halloween charity event complete with a murder mystery dinner party.
Before these parties take place, Liv is at a business women's retreat and when a dead body is discovered, Liv and Di put on their investigator hats to find the murderer. It seems that the victim had a reputation for liking married men and Liv and Di soon uncover some marital secrets best left covered up.
I absolutely love this series. Liv and Di are a great pair of friends and I can't help but smile ear to ear when I read about their shenanigans.
The author has created a believable world in which the reader becomes part of the story.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves an action packed plot.
It was an honor to receive an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
October 4, 2016
A delightful second installment to this wonderful series!
Author Vickie Fee had me laughing out loud only a few pages into, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO. She must have an outstanding sense of humor in real life, because it certainly shines through in her characters!
This second book in the Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series has everything book one had and oh so much more! This fantastic story flowed at a great pace. Author Fee added just the right amounts of humor and intrigue at the most perfect plot points.
The mystery element of the story was cleverly written, keeping my mind busy trying to piece together clues even as new twists were introduced. When I finally read whodunit, I couldn’t believe it! I was so sure I had it figured out, only to find Ms. Fee had way outwitted me.
If you were a fan of book one, DEATH CRASHES THE PARTY, you’re going to love, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO. If you haven’t read the first book, well, read it! You’ll love it too!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for tips on hosting a murder mystery dinner!
Author Vickie Fee had me laughing out loud only a few pages into, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO. She must have an outstanding sense of humor in real life, because it certainly shines through in her characters!
This second book in the Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series has everything book one had and oh so much more! This fantastic story flowed at a great pace. Author Fee added just the right amounts of humor and intrigue at the most perfect plot points.
The mystery element of the story was cleverly written, keeping my mind busy trying to piece together clues even as new twists were introduced. When I finally read whodunit, I couldn’t believe it! I was so sure I had it figured out, only to find Ms. Fee had way outwitted me.
If you were a fan of book one, DEATH CRASHES THE PARTY, you’re going to love, IT’S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO. If you haven’t read the first book, well, read it! You’ll love it too!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for tips on hosting a murder mystery dinner!
September 22, 2016
It was a pleasure to read this book, mainly because the protagonists did not do anything silly to put themselves in danger. They worked with the sheriff even when they disagreed with him. I found a normal life depicted of the main character with mysterious happenings. Liv McKay, a party planer and her best friend Di who has close ties with the sheriff. Vic is planning three events an engagement party, a major fund-raiser based around Halloween. There are several parts to this party several that are scarier than the murder. The book opens with a retreat of a woman's group. There is a special guest a TV star who hosts a paranormal show. On the retreat the group finds a body of one of their members. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 16, 2016
It's Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee is the 2nd book in A Liv and Di In Dixie Mystery series. This book is a cozy mystery that is set in Dixie, Tennessee. Liv McKay is a party planner, who is happily married and Di is her best friend. Di Souther, is the local mail carrier who dates Sheriff Dave Davidson on and off. At a business-women’s retreat that Liv helped with, a local women gets murdered, so Liv and Di set out to solve the case.
Liv and Di are delightful characters full of humor. This book was an easy read, read it in one day. The book has a well developed plot and mystery. I love southern cozy mysteries and Halloween themed books, and this one does not disappoint. I look forward to reading the next adventure of Liv and Di in their next book. I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Liv and Di are delightful characters full of humor. This book was an easy read, read it in one day. The book has a well developed plot and mystery. I love southern cozy mysteries and Halloween themed books, and this one does not disappoint. I look forward to reading the next adventure of Liv and Di in their next book. I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 9, 2016
**I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
Loved it! I really can't put my finger on what exactly I loved about it, but there is just something about it. There are a wide variety of characters, and plenty of quirkiness. There was a nice, cozy southerness to the setting that makes me want to move there. The mystery was a typical “which of the many people that hated the victim killed her” types, but the whodunit was a bit more interesting than most, and I adored the reveal.
Loved it! I really can't put my finger on what exactly I loved about it, but there is just something about it. There are a wide variety of characters, and plenty of quirkiness. There was a nice, cozy southerness to the setting that makes me want to move there. The mystery was a typical “which of the many people that hated the victim killed her” types, but the whodunit was a bit more interesting than most, and I adored the reveal.
July 24, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
October 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it
I enjoyed the first book well enough and decided to give the second book a try as well. Actually I was on the fence about continuing this series but the cover for the second book and the Halloween theme enticed me to give it a try. I am glad I picked up the second book, but at the same time felt like I ran into some of the same issues I had with book 1. it was a fun read, but it was lacking something to fully pull me into the story. Lots of small things that didn't fully work for me or annoyed me.
Calling it a cozy mystery almost seems wrong, at times the book reads more like a slice of life or contemporary book. there is a lot fo focus on Liv her daily life, we get to experience what she does each day and I am glad we got more of a view into her party planning business. I am pretty sure the party planning business is one of my favorite parts of the book. I am a planner myself and there was something satisfying reading about Liv planning these parties and seeing it all come together. There were two parties in this book, an engagement party and a mystery dinner at the end. both were fun to read.
With all the focus on Liv on her daily life it feels at times like the mystery doesn't get enough attention. Also the mystery itself just fell kinda flat for me. There are a lot of suspects but at the same time there is almost no evidence or clues or hints. And everyone, except for the police, seems convinced there is this one person who is the culprit and I still don't get why. It just annoyed me everyone seemed so convinced she was the culprit. There is no evidence pointing in her direction or at least no more than in anyone else their direction and still everyone seems to be convinced she is the murderer. Except for the police who actually arrest someone else and everyone else is convinced she is innocent.
The mystery just kinda wobbled along without fully pulling me in. Then at the end Liv realizes who the murderer is, but the reader doesn't get to know it until the last possible moment when it's revealed to the other characters as well. I rather had known who Liv suspected when she pieced the pieces together and set up her plan. And then there is the police which never seems to get much further into the investigation, in fact it feels like the investigation and mystery mostly stands still until the end.
I do think it's rather original that this book has Liv actually being in a marriage. In many cozy mysteries there is a bit of a romance element, but it's usually it's a couple falling in love, so reading about a married couple was a nice change. I did like them a bit more in this book, they just seem so normal? Which is nice and on the other hand I almost wished for some quirks or to feel their romance a bit more, but these two were so normal it was almost weird. The author does a good job of conveying a bit of the southern feel of this city, not sure if it's realistic, but it felt realistic to me.
There are a lot of side characters and only a few of them really have a clear personality, so I had some trouble at first remembering who was who. It did get a bit better as the book progressed, but I still find it hard to remember all the characters. Which is also why the reveal fo the murderer fell a bit flat for me as it took me a while before I remembered who the character was. The Halloween theme was a nice touch and I am glad I read it this book around Halloween.
To summarize: while I did enjoy this book, I never felt fully invested in the story or the characters. I did like Liv her party planning business and we get to see a bit more of that in this book with two fun themed parties she pulls off. I also liked the slight Halloween theme of the book. The murder mystery fell a bit flat for me and I never felt particularly invested in it. There aren't enough clues and hints to figure things out for yourself, the characters seem convinced a certain character was the murderer which just made me hope they were wrong as it was a bit much with everyone convinced she was the murderer. And when Liv figures out who the murderer is the reader doesn't get her thoughts and only find out some time later who the murderer is. The book has a bit of a slice of life feel with how we get a good feel for Liv her daily life. It was nice, although it felt like the mystery did get less space because of that. It was interesting to read about a married couple for a change, although they almost felt too normal at times. It was a nice Halloween themed read, but some things didn't fully work for me.
I enjoyed the first book well enough and decided to give the second book a try as well. Actually I was on the fence about continuing this series but the cover for the second book and the Halloween theme enticed me to give it a try. I am glad I picked up the second book, but at the same time felt like I ran into some of the same issues I had with book 1. it was a fun read, but it was lacking something to fully pull me into the story. Lots of small things that didn't fully work for me or annoyed me.
Calling it a cozy mystery almost seems wrong, at times the book reads more like a slice of life or contemporary book. there is a lot fo focus on Liv her daily life, we get to experience what she does each day and I am glad we got more of a view into her party planning business. I am pretty sure the party planning business is one of my favorite parts of the book. I am a planner myself and there was something satisfying reading about Liv planning these parties and seeing it all come together. There were two parties in this book, an engagement party and a mystery dinner at the end. both were fun to read.
With all the focus on Liv on her daily life it feels at times like the mystery doesn't get enough attention. Also the mystery itself just fell kinda flat for me. There are a lot of suspects but at the same time there is almost no evidence or clues or hints. And everyone, except for the police, seems convinced there is this one person who is the culprit and I still don't get why. It just annoyed me everyone seemed so convinced she was the culprit. There is no evidence pointing in her direction or at least no more than in anyone else their direction and still everyone seems to be convinced she is the murderer. Except for the police who actually arrest someone else and everyone else is convinced she is innocent.
The mystery just kinda wobbled along without fully pulling me in. Then at the end Liv realizes who the murderer is, but the reader doesn't get to know it until the last possible moment when it's revealed to the other characters as well. I rather had known who Liv suspected when she pieced the pieces together and set up her plan. And then there is the police which never seems to get much further into the investigation, in fact it feels like the investigation and mystery mostly stands still until the end.
I do think it's rather original that this book has Liv actually being in a marriage. In many cozy mysteries there is a bit of a romance element, but it's usually it's a couple falling in love, so reading about a married couple was a nice change. I did like them a bit more in this book, they just seem so normal? Which is nice and on the other hand I almost wished for some quirks or to feel their romance a bit more, but these two were so normal it was almost weird. The author does a good job of conveying a bit of the southern feel of this city, not sure if it's realistic, but it felt realistic to me.
There are a lot of side characters and only a few of them really have a clear personality, so I had some trouble at first remembering who was who. It did get a bit better as the book progressed, but I still find it hard to remember all the characters. Which is also why the reveal fo the murderer fell a bit flat for me as it took me a while before I remembered who the character was. The Halloween theme was a nice touch and I am glad I read it this book around Halloween.
To summarize: while I did enjoy this book, I never felt fully invested in the story or the characters. I did like Liv her party planning business and we get to see a bit more of that in this book with two fun themed parties she pulls off. I also liked the slight Halloween theme of the book. The murder mystery fell a bit flat for me and I never felt particularly invested in it. There aren't enough clues and hints to figure things out for yourself, the characters seem convinced a certain character was the murderer which just made me hope they were wrong as it was a bit much with everyone convinced she was the murderer. And when Liv figures out who the murderer is the reader doesn't get her thoughts and only find out some time later who the murderer is. The book has a bit of a slice of life feel with how we get a good feel for Liv her daily life. It was nice, although it felt like the mystery did get less space because of that. It was interesting to read about a married couple for a change, although they almost felt too normal at times. It was a nice Halloween themed read, but some things didn't fully work for me.
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