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Private Investigator Claire DeNardo reluctantly takes on a case presented by her part-time employee, Ed. Ed’s cousin, Merle, is searching for his former girlfriend, a topless dancer who ran with a rough crowd. But it’s too late. The woman has been killed and Merle, who is now Claire’s client, is arrested. When Claire digs into the victim’s past, she uncovers a thriving illegal drug trade. Her fears about this case double when she learns about the mobster who is behind the unlawful business. All this while dodging Police Detective Brian Corrigan’s determined efforts to get her off the case and into his arms.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2016

175 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Carole Fowkes

19 books79 followers
Carole is the author of the new cozy mystery series, The Terrified Detective. She has also written a number of stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul and other similar anthologies. She's published several book of short stories. She currently lives in Dallas, Tx.

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5 stars
117 (51%)
4 stars
72 (31%)
3 stars
32 (14%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen Baldwin.
Author 19 books895 followers
December 1, 2017
Much to my delight, I bought this book at a gourmet chocolate shop during a jazz concert. How appropriate, considering the heroine's aunt runs a pastry shop. You can tell how much this author loves desserts. I practically drool over some of her descriptions, and wish there were recipes for all of Aunt Lena's delicacies. :-) I was privileged to hear the author give a reading at that chocolatiers, and thoroughly enjoyed both the chocolate and her reading.
So here I am writing a review to share the fun of this author's work with others.What I think I like most about this author's work is that she's not predictable. I love the twists and turns in the puzzles, coupled with her witty prose. If you like a cozy mystery but a puzzle that will keep you on your toes, this is for you.
There's no overt violence and the romance is very tame - fun but tame.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,975 reviews45 followers
August 7, 2019
Another fun book in the Terrified Detective series.Once again Claire has followed through even when danger was nipping on her heels. And she does it in a way that Keeps impressing me with her commitment to clients and her family. I enjoy these books because I never feel tricked (by the author leaving out key details) or let down in any way. I rush to the end and feel satisfied...and ready for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
608 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2018
And it comes with a recipe!

After starting this book, I realized that I had already read a previous book in the series. There is a lot going on in this book but Claire believes her client is innocent. She is afraid of danger but always ends up in danger for the sake of proving her client innocent. It's fast paced and full of adventure, well written and full of great characters. And just a hint of romance. Plus a delicious sounding pesto recipe. I liked this book a lot.
27 reviews
January 17, 2020
entertaining read...our PI is an innocent trying to find all the answers, she has a keen mind and seems to follow the clues without realizing it...she stumbles over all the dead bodies or they just seem attracted to her. She has this ongoing yes/no relationship with the local police investigator...he does his job, she finds the clues...invariably she is the one who ends up in danger....read on...nice ending
Profile Image for Marci Delaney.
86 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2018
Whoa...who done it!

Fun and fast-paced tale of deceit, mystery and murder. Claire just can't seem to stay out of trouble with her handsome police officer admirer, Carrigan. He asks her to sit right. He pleads with her to leave things alone. He demands she keep her nose out of things. But...Nooooo....Not gonna happen.
7,800 reviews51 followers
April 8, 2019
Ed wants Clare to take a case for him, his cousin Merle girlfriend has left.
She was a dancer, and left four months ago. Just find out if she is okay.
She has been strangled, and now her client is the main suspect. The deceased had a lucrative drug business, and what other secrets.
Good plot and .i like the witty dialog ,good cozy mystery
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
September 3, 2019
A great mystery

Claire is back and this time, she’s busy solving a case for her coworker and it ends up way more than she expected, like usual. She’s also dealing g with her up and down relationship with officer Corrigan. That is a land mine and a head ache all rolled into one. The book was great, Claire is gaining her experience and growing up so it makes for a great read.
Profile Image for Lindsay Peurifoy.
57 reviews
February 9, 2021
Love it

I have no negatives about this book and author I always have good positive about this book and author. I love her books I believe she did awesome job on it! I want to thanks to author for take her time write awesome mystery books! I would give book and author more than five stars for rate and yes I would tell everyone read her books 😊💜💛💙💚
24 reviews
March 27, 2018
Lousy

I devour books. This one took me longer to read than any book I’ve read recently. It’s so boring and seems to be written fir a five year old mentality. Sorely disappointing lacking a decent plot totally. Characters are sketchy at best I’m deleting this from my kindle
29 reviews
September 14, 2019
Carole Fowkes has the most relatable characters in This series. I can relate with Claire and her life. Would love to help out in hers aunts bakery but I think I have enough curves too. Add this series to your library. You will be glad you did
Profile Image for Brenda.
247 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2020
Bake me a murder

Another great story. Keeps your attention. Especially to see what kind of meds Claire can get into. Like her relationship with Corrigan too. Don't have to start with book one but it helps
Profile Image for Jean Taylor.
46 reviews
March 24, 2018
Liked the whole book

This is a different mystery. Lots of twists read it to see who is the murderer. Keeps you guessing even at the end
682 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2018
Enjoyable story

First one read by author and found it to be well done. Keeps the reader wanting more. Look forward to more by author
Profile Image for George Floyd.
205 reviews
April 2, 2018
Terrified P. I.

This is a story of a terrified p. I. Who does good things even though it may kill her. Fast and furious action.
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
April 7, 2018
This fast-moving story involves a young woman PI, a handsome detective, lots of "shady" characters and murder victims. An intricate plot that will keep you reading.
Profile Image for Jennie Ersari.
410 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2018
Another great mystery.

Claire gets involved trying to clear Ed's cousin of a murder charge. Once again the mafia is behind it and her life is threatened again.
9 reviews
May 20, 2019
Great Characters!

Loved the book - so much excitement in every chapter. Never a dull moment, hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
September 5, 2019
Enjoyed

I am looking forward for the next book and I enjoyed the characters and the story line with a little humor.
4,417 reviews42 followers
September 7, 2022
Who killed Coco and why??? Claire will figure things out – IF she stays alive long enough!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book
Profile Image for Toni Simpson.
354 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2023
Great Mystery

Lots of players in this book, keeps you busy trying to figure out who the bad guy or guys are. Love the main characters.
Profile Image for Emme.
415 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2018
Another fun read in the series. Despite being a terrified Private Investigator, Claire DeNardo once again has to find the courage to solve the case, yet not upset her police officer love interest. Throw in a date with the local mobsters nephew to make it even more interesting. This time Claire is tasked with helping Merle, her part time helper Ed's cousin prove he is innocent of murder. Just when you think you've figured out who the killer is, something throws a wrench in your theory. I enjoy this series as it is refreshing to have a character that fights between doing what is right for her client over what can keep her out of trouble. Plus I enjoy the relationship between Claire and her father and Aunt Lena.
16 reviews
September 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. Clair is a very determined character and her interactions with others makes for interesting situations. I recommend this book and author.
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 170 books134 followers
December 12, 2016
Claire is at it again!

The third book in the series is absolutely wonderful. I first read the book that preceded this one, Killer Cannoli, and I love Claire. She's a great character, and I find it interesting how she tries to solve the crime at hand, and yet, keep Corrigan's advances at arms length. This book is very entertaining and I really love the premise of the pastry shop owner slash detective. Claire is growing as a character, and I love the humor and adventures that Fowkes writes for her. This book definitely made this reader smile, just wish Claire was better with a gun than she is, but otherwise this book is wonderfully fun.
1,444 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2016
Good

It was full of surprises and also some scary scenes. This book had more details than the others. Claire is getting tougher and more cynical.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews