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A Carol Childs Mystery #3
Without A Doubt
As radio reporter Carol Childs investigates a series of Beverly Hills jewelry heists, she realizes her FBI boyfriend, Eric, is working the same case. Even worse, she may have inadvertently helped the suspect escape. The situation intensifies when the suspect calls the radio station during a live broadcast, baiting Carol deeper into the investigation.
In order for her to uncover the truth, Carol must choose between her job and her personal relationships. What started out as coincidence between Carol and Eric becomes a race for the facts—pitting them against one another—before the thieves can pull off a daring escape, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind, and taking the jewels with them.
In order for her to uncover the truth, Carol must choose between her job and her personal relationships. What started out as coincidence between Carol and Eric becomes a race for the facts—pitting them against one another—before the thieves can pull off a daring escape, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind, and taking the jewels with them.
248 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2016
19 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Cole Silverman
34 books362 followersNancy Cole Silverman spent nearly twenty-five in Los Angeles Talk Radio, beginning her career on the talent side as one of the first female voices on the air. Later, on the business side, she rose through the ranks and became one of two female general managers in the nation’s second-largest radio market. After a successful career in the radio industry, Silverman retired to write fiction. Her crime-focused novels and short stories have attracted readers throughout America. Her Carol Childs Mysteries series features a single mom whose day job as a reporter at a busy Los Angeles radio station often leads to long nights as a crime-solver. Her Misty Dawn Series is centered on an aging Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, who supplements her day-to-day activities as a consultant to the LAPD and the FBI. Silverman’s newest series, The Kat Lawson Mysteries, is centered on a disgraced investigative reporter who finds herself working for an international travel publication as an undercover operative for the FBI. Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband and thoroughly pampered standard poodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 16, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Carol Childs in on assignment when she sees Eric, her FBI boyfriend, leave a jewelry store with another woman on his arm. Seconds later there is an explosion. Carol rushes to the scene to report on the situation for her radio station, KCHC Talk Radio. Her reports draws even more interest as a suspect calls the station during a live broadcast. The type of news has been frowned on my the station’s owners but Carol can’t let the story drop, especially when she learns Eric is working on the case. Their relationship takes a hit as they both dry to catch the criminals.
In this installment we meet the owner’s wife, Bunny, the one that only wants happy news on the station. She even takes over one of the programs. The manager tells Carol to stick right by Bunny’s side but Bunny informs Carol her help is not needed. But Bunny may have bitten off more that she can chew.
Again the author has introduced some interesting characters into Carol’s world. With each story we get to know Carol a little better and I find myself liking her more and more. She is a strong character driven by her job or the job she is striving to get but still takes time when her son needs her. She is smart and savvy and just reckless enough to get herself into trouble. Her relationship with Eric is a little rocky because well the other woman and she wants to know things about the investigation he just can’t reveal.
This was an amazing fast read due the pacing of the plot. Driven by jewel thefts and dead bodies the pages were just flying. The behind the scenes look at the radio station and virtual tours around Beverly Hills added nicely to the story. I read it all in one sitting, I wanted to figure things out almost as much as Carol.
A very entertaining book!
I will be reviewing the next book Room For Doubt soon.
Carol Childs in on assignment when she sees Eric, her FBI boyfriend, leave a jewelry store with another woman on his arm. Seconds later there is an explosion. Carol rushes to the scene to report on the situation for her radio station, KCHC Talk Radio. Her reports draws even more interest as a suspect calls the station during a live broadcast. The type of news has been frowned on my the station’s owners but Carol can’t let the story drop, especially when she learns Eric is working on the case. Their relationship takes a hit as they both dry to catch the criminals.
In this installment we meet the owner’s wife, Bunny, the one that only wants happy news on the station. She even takes over one of the programs. The manager tells Carol to stick right by Bunny’s side but Bunny informs Carol her help is not needed. But Bunny may have bitten off more that she can chew.
Again the author has introduced some interesting characters into Carol’s world. With each story we get to know Carol a little better and I find myself liking her more and more. She is a strong character driven by her job or the job she is striving to get but still takes time when her son needs her. She is smart and savvy and just reckless enough to get herself into trouble. Her relationship with Eric is a little rocky because well the other woman and she wants to know things about the investigation he just can’t reveal.
This was an amazing fast read due the pacing of the plot. Driven by jewel thefts and dead bodies the pages were just flying. The behind the scenes look at the radio station and virtual tours around Beverly Hills added nicely to the story. I read it all in one sitting, I wanted to figure things out almost as much as Carol.
A very entertaining book!
I will be reviewing the next book Room For Doubt soon.
May 17, 2018
Carol Childs is in the right place at the wrong time when she witnesses a jewelry store robbery. Since it is the start of awards season in Los Angeles, the store had plenty of jewels on hand. With Eric, her FBI agent boyfriend, working the case, it creates issues in their relationship. Carol is certain that socialite Carmen Montague is involved in some fashion. Is she correct?
The book starts off quickly, and the pace never lags as the story continues. I was turning pages as quickly as I could to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are strong, which includes the new characters. I would have liked to see a bit more of the series regulars, but that’s a minor complaint overall. There were a few minor editing issues in the book, but again they are minor and didn’t impact the story at all.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book starts off quickly, and the pace never lags as the story continues. I was turning pages as quickly as I could to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are strong, which includes the new characters. I would have liked to see a bit more of the series regulars, but that’s a minor complaint overall. There were a few minor editing issues in the book, but again they are minor and didn’t impact the story at all.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 2, 2016
So, your employer (a radio station) is running a Christmas promotion with local chocolatiers to raise money for charity. As you are walking away from one of your taste tests, you happen to walk by a very famous and expensive jewelry store. Moments later, you see your boyfriend (of the 'with whom you woke up this morning' ilk) leaving the shop with one of those celebs you love to hate, and looking very chummy to boot. Before you have a chance to implode, a bomb explodes in the jewelry store, leaving a store assistant dead.
Just another morning in Beverly Hills? Not quite. And the series of events that ensue would be nearly impossible to predict with any certainty. Carol works for a radio station, so has somewhat of an 'in' with the awards ceremonies crowd, but her bestie and chocolate-tester has even more contacts. They make quite the formidable team, and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.
This is the kind of story we all like to read. The rich and famous get down and dirty. Millions of dollars worth of jewels and jewelry vanish from crowded rooms. I could SO see this filmed in black and white, maybe in dress from the 1940's, but it works equally well in the modern day (and of course, Elizabeth Taylor's signature pieces of jewelry wouldn't make nearly as much hubbub back then). At an awards show after party, Carol and Eric happen to be sent together to a celebrity's (Carmen's) hotel suite to retrieve a diamond ring, and wind up taking a little more time (wink wink) than strictly necessary. When they get back to the party, Carmen is dead.
Another thing that makes Without a Doubt stand out is that it's not the heroine that winds up ticking off the bad guys. The station owner's wife, Bunny (cue rolling the eyes) decides she can do Carol's job better than Carol. Bunny rifles through Carol's desk, steals her research and goes off investigating the recent jewel thefts and a possible connection to Carmen's death. And Bunny winds up twitching her little nose a little too much into other people's business.
Also, there was the 'relationship' between Carol and 'Tomi', the mysterious caller who seems to have something to do with the jewel thefts. Apparently thieves who target jewels around the world have quite the informal competition going on, seeing who can get the biggest or most notorious 'score'. And getting away 'clean' is like the ultimate in extra points. Tomi wants people to know that the jewelry store employee was not supposed to have died. Apparently he's not the go-in-uzis-blazing-damn-the-innocent-bystanders-snatch-and-grab types - thank goodness. Not that this justifies the thefts, but someone more sociopathic could have done a lot more damage outside of Westin's jewelry store.
If I had to pick three words to describe Without a Doubt, I would pick:
*fun
*engrossing
*keeper
It's pretty obvious at the end that the series will continue (hallelujah!). Now I just need to go back and read the first two installments before #4 hits the shelves!
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
Just another morning in Beverly Hills? Not quite. And the series of events that ensue would be nearly impossible to predict with any certainty. Carol works for a radio station, so has somewhat of an 'in' with the awards ceremonies crowd, but her bestie and chocolate-tester has even more contacts. They make quite the formidable team, and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.
This is the kind of story we all like to read. The rich and famous get down and dirty. Millions of dollars worth of jewels and jewelry vanish from crowded rooms. I could SO see this filmed in black and white, maybe in dress from the 1940's, but it works equally well in the modern day (and of course, Elizabeth Taylor's signature pieces of jewelry wouldn't make nearly as much hubbub back then). At an awards show after party, Carol and Eric happen to be sent together to a celebrity's (Carmen's) hotel suite to retrieve a diamond ring, and wind up taking a little more time (wink wink) than strictly necessary. When they get back to the party, Carmen is dead.
Another thing that makes Without a Doubt stand out is that it's not the heroine that winds up ticking off the bad guys. The station owner's wife, Bunny (cue rolling the eyes) decides she can do Carol's job better than Carol. Bunny rifles through Carol's desk, steals her research and goes off investigating the recent jewel thefts and a possible connection to Carmen's death. And Bunny winds up twitching her little nose a little too much into other people's business.
Also, there was the 'relationship' between Carol and 'Tomi', the mysterious caller who seems to have something to do with the jewel thefts. Apparently thieves who target jewels around the world have quite the informal competition going on, seeing who can get the biggest or most notorious 'score'. And getting away 'clean' is like the ultimate in extra points. Tomi wants people to know that the jewelry store employee was not supposed to have died. Apparently he's not the go-in-uzis-blazing-damn-the-innocent-bystanders-snatch-and-grab types - thank goodness. Not that this justifies the thefts, but someone more sociopathic could have done a lot more damage outside of Westin's jewelry store.
If I had to pick three words to describe Without a Doubt, I would pick:
*fun
*engrossing
*keeper
It's pretty obvious at the end that the series will continue (hallelujah!). Now I just need to go back and read the first two installments before #4 hits the shelves!
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
April 27, 2016
This is my first introduction to Nancy Cole Silverman and the Carol Childs series. Even though this is the third book in the series you can read it as a stand-alone. There was enough backstory and character description to be able to embrace the series and not get lost. For those who have read the previous two, there is no feeling like you are rereading the previous books in the series, which I know I appreciate in any series! I would describe this book as more of a crime-caper story than a cozy mystery. But even though my heart lies with cozies, I did truly enjoy this read. I read it quickly and didn't want to put it down! The plot itself is well written and well developed. The elements I found most intriguing were the newsroom politics, international heist troop and the inner workings of the FBI. The ending had a twist and I didn't see it coming and truth be told made me kind of sad, even if I did think it was for the best. Overall, Without a Doubt was a fast-paced read packed with action that made for an enjoyable story line! This was a great read, be sure to go pre-order it!
May 25, 2016
Carol Childs has finished her program for her radio program when she spots Eric, her significant other, leaving jewelry store. Minutes later a bomb goes off. Leaving the site Carol offers to help an elderly woman with her bags as a thank you the woman gives Carol a ruby broach. The station has new format just chick-lit and lighter news. Carol has problems handling the new format. The Bosse's wife wants Carol' s job. Carol realize that Eric is undercover for the FBI. Their relationship clashes,will it survived the stress. If course there are murders both occurring Eric and FBI are present.
I recommend this book highly.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Additional Questions
I recommend this book highly.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Additional Questions
May 3, 2016
enjoyed this book. It was a light read, with an interesting plot. Carol Childs is a reporter, which lent credibility to her ability to track down information. Carol is a likeable and well developed character. Her personal relationship with Eric is strained by her involvement in the case, which made a lot of sense. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the characters felt real – believable – for me, that’s a big plus. The mystery was fairly fast paced, with a lot going on (no spoilers here) and a few unexpected twists along the way. I expect that cozy mystery fans will enjoy this book.
This book is part of a series, however can easily be read as a standalone.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
This book is part of a series, however can easily be read as a standalone.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
May 21, 2016
What do you get when you cross journalism and Hollywood? Probably a whole lot of gossip. Or you could throw in some diamonds and you might be close to someone's dream. Nancy Cole Silverman has written that mystery. It's fast paced. with just the right amount of mystery and intrigue.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
January 5, 2018
Offering a protagonist mirroring today’s woman—intelligent, aggressive, unafraid of going for it—Silverman offers another Carol Child’s Mystery entertaining the reader with jewel thieves, car chases, betrayal, and humor. This is another winner, a great summer read, and an irresistible page turner.
Read
July 18, 2016“A rockin’ thrill ride through the streets of LA and Bev Hills in search of stolen jewels and murderous thieves.” – Paul D. Marks, Shamus Award-Winning Author of White Heat
May 4, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wi...
Without A Doubt
A Carol Childs Mystery, Book #3
Nancy Cole Silverman
ISBN13: 9781635110258
http://www.nancycolesilverman.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
As radio reporter Carol Childs investigates a series of Beverly Hills jewelry heists, she realizes her FBI boyfriend, Eric, is working the same case. Even worse, she may have inadvertently helped the suspect escape. The situation intensifies when the suspect calls the radio station during a live broadcast, baiting Carol deeper into the investigation.
In order for her to uncover the truth, Carol must choose between her job and her personal relationships. What started out as coincidence between Carol and Eric becomes a race for the facts—pitting them against one another—before the thieves can pull off a daring escape, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind, and taking the jewels with them. (Goodreads)
Review:
As Carol is leaving the radio station, she sees her boyfriend leaving a jewelry store, accompanied by a Hollywood celebrity with a questionable reputation. Before she has time to worry about that, a bomb goes off, causing major mayhem. What follows is a wild, crazy, often times funny caper to figure out who planted the bomb and why. At times I felt like I was reading more of a chick lit book instead of a cozy,which was fine with me.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Carol is funny, hardworking and tenacious. She loves her job but does not like that someone is trying to take it away from her. And she does not like the fact that her and her FBI boyfriend are both trying to solve the bombing. Even though she knows that they both want the same thing, she would really like to be the one to solve it. It was funny to read about a little friendly rivalry. At times I felt like there were a few too many characters and I had trouble keeping them straight in my mind. This may be because it is the first book that I have read in this series. If I was current in my reading, this may not have happened. Other readers may not agree with me, it is only my opinion.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching the action taking place around me. The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book and I did not figure it out until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a humorous mystery suspense. I would suggest reading the other two books in the series first, for character development and recognition. I plan on reading the first two myself.
Without A Doubt
A Carol Childs Mystery, Book #3
Nancy Cole Silverman
ISBN13: 9781635110258
http://www.nancycolesilverman.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
As radio reporter Carol Childs investigates a series of Beverly Hills jewelry heists, she realizes her FBI boyfriend, Eric, is working the same case. Even worse, she may have inadvertently helped the suspect escape. The situation intensifies when the suspect calls the radio station during a live broadcast, baiting Carol deeper into the investigation.
In order for her to uncover the truth, Carol must choose between her job and her personal relationships. What started out as coincidence between Carol and Eric becomes a race for the facts—pitting them against one another—before the thieves can pull off a daring escape, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind, and taking the jewels with them. (Goodreads)
Review:
As Carol is leaving the radio station, she sees her boyfriend leaving a jewelry store, accompanied by a Hollywood celebrity with a questionable reputation. Before she has time to worry about that, a bomb goes off, causing major mayhem. What follows is a wild, crazy, often times funny caper to figure out who planted the bomb and why. At times I felt like I was reading more of a chick lit book instead of a cozy,which was fine with me.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Carol is funny, hardworking and tenacious. She loves her job but does not like that someone is trying to take it away from her. And she does not like the fact that her and her FBI boyfriend are both trying to solve the bombing. Even though she knows that they both want the same thing, she would really like to be the one to solve it. It was funny to read about a little friendly rivalry. At times I felt like there were a few too many characters and I had trouble keeping them straight in my mind. This may be because it is the first book that I have read in this series. If I was current in my reading, this may not have happened. Other readers may not agree with me, it is only my opinion.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching the action taking place around me. The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book and I did not figure it out until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a humorous mystery suspense. I would suggest reading the other two books in the series first, for character development and recognition. I plan on reading the first two myself.
June 27, 2017
Title: Without A Doubt - Carol Childs Mystery Book 3
Author: Nancy Cole Silverman
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 4-24-2016
Pages: 258
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Police Procedurals; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781635110258
ASIN: B01C4LEFTE
Reviewed For NetGalley and Henery Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Carol Childs is tasting chocolates with her best friend and looks up to see her boyfriend Eric exiting the Jewelry store with Carmen on his arm. Funny Eric never said anything to Carol when he left their bed that morning. Shortly thereafter the store explodes.
On the following day her radio cohost falls ill and must decide which is of more importance solving the mystery of what Eric is up to, her job and keeping her relationship together.
Filled with suspense and intrigue. Action packed and fast paced . Cast of well developed characters. All come together to form a story that draws readers in with the first lines and keeps them enthralled until the final paragraph. Pick it up and dive into Without A Doubt today.
My rating of "Without A Doubt - Carol Childs Mystery Book 3" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4LEFTE/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/with...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Nancy Cole Silverman
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 4-24-2016
Pages: 258
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Police Procedurals; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781635110258
ASIN: B01C4LEFTE
Reviewed For NetGalley and Henery Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Carol Childs is tasting chocolates with her best friend and looks up to see her boyfriend Eric exiting the Jewelry store with Carmen on his arm. Funny Eric never said anything to Carol when he left their bed that morning. Shortly thereafter the store explodes.
On the following day her radio cohost falls ill and must decide which is of more importance solving the mystery of what Eric is up to, her job and keeping her relationship together.
Filled with suspense and intrigue. Action packed and fast paced . Cast of well developed characters. All come together to form a story that draws readers in with the first lines and keeps them enthralled until the final paragraph. Pick it up and dive into Without A Doubt today.
My rating of "Without A Doubt - Carol Childs Mystery Book 3" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4LEFTE/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/with...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
February 6, 2017
WITHOUT A DOUBT is a fun cozy mystery. It introduces a couple mysteries right from the start, one personal and one criminal. I enjoyed following the heroine on her adventures as she gets dragged into the investigation. The recurring characters are easy to keep track of without having read the other books in this series, but skipping the first couple books might be why I never really warmed up to the heroine's love interest. Even so, the mystery aspect of this story kept me reading and guessing right along with the characters.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
September 5, 2018
*I won this book on Netgalley for my honest opinion*
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. I felt like it drug on and I found myself skimming. I wanted to like it. I wanted more of a romance aspect but I got more of just a “taste” of romance. Without giving away too much about the ending, I was not happy with how it ended. Although, it was more realistic but definitely not the happy ever after.
As for the mystery, sometimes it was hard to keep track of all of the characters. It was an interesting story.
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. I felt like it drug on and I found myself skimming. I wanted to like it. I wanted more of a romance aspect but I got more of just a “taste” of romance. Without giving away too much about the ending, I was not happy with how it ended. Although, it was more realistic but definitely not the happy ever after.
As for the mystery, sometimes it was hard to keep track of all of the characters. It was an interesting story.
May 13, 2018
I loved this book! I got t free from Goodreads his and m so happy I did. I started reading it and could not stop I read it in one sitting. Carol, a radio reporter, and her FBI boyfriend erik, get involved in a series of cases through no shortage of twists. Get this book, you'll love it,too. Nancy is one heck of an author
May 28, 2019
A fast-paced cozy with a cast of relatable characters that has piqued my interest. This is my first book in the series, but it won’t be my last; I’m a fan. Easily read as a stand-alone. Recommend. #NetGalley
December 30, 2018
Enjoy this series. However, the change/events that happen at the end is going to make the readers second guess the storylines. But what a wonderful road trip the next book will bring.
June 2, 2016
Carol Childs is on the street with her microphone and her best friend Sherri, taste testing specialty chocolate shops for charity. Just when they are ready to leave they look across the street and see Carol's FBI boyfriend Eric...with another woman, the socialite Carmen Montague, leaving a high end jewelry store. She knows he's probably undercover, and resolves not to think any more about it, when, right as they're entering the limousine, a bomb goes off in the store. Carol, her reporter's instinct kicking in, heads over to the store to see if she can find out the truth of what's going on.
After interviewing a couple of people and relaying the information to her station manager, Tyler Hunt, she heads back to her jeep, meeting an old woman with shopping bags heading in the same direction. Carol offers to help her, and in return, the old woman presses a gift into her hand and disappears - a lovely, jeweled phoenix brooch.
When Carol returns to the station, she finds that Kari Rhodes, the entertainment reporter, is out ill with chicken pox and Carol will have to do Kari's job until she returns. Which seems easy enough, but all is not what it seems...
Carol soon finds herself mixing with the celebrity crowd, and that means mixing with Carmen Montague and her escort, the now-she's-sure-he's-undercover Eric. And he isn't pleased by the intrusion, even though she assures him that she had no choice in the matter. It also isn't helping that the station owner's wife, Bunny Morganstern, has insinuated herself into the mix and decided she wants to take over for Kari instead. But when Carmen unexpectedly dies at an awards after-party, with dozens of people around, has Carol wondering if she wasn't murdered, and if so, who would want her dead and why? And then there's the little fact that there are high-end jewelry heists going on, and that the old woman may not have been an old woman after all, but a jewel thief - and Carol's suddenly smack-dab in the center of the action.
Carol, her reporter's instinct always on, is determined to find who murdered Carmen while trying to stay out of what is obviously an FBI investigation. But she finds it's not so easy when the FBI knows the jewel thief has suddenly decided to make her the person they'd most like to speak with instead...
What we have is another lively book by Ms. Silverman that is filled with intrigue, action, and more than one person who isn't what they appear to be. She has a true talent for filling the pages with engaging dialogue, interesting characters, and a plot that is taut, well-written, and draws you into the tale right from the beginning. When we reach the climax, there is both completion and a promise of what is to come, leaving the reader with a feeling of bittersweet satisfaction and sanguine expectations.
I truly enjoyed this book and it kept me riveted from beginning to end. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but it in no way influenced my decision.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
After interviewing a couple of people and relaying the information to her station manager, Tyler Hunt, she heads back to her jeep, meeting an old woman with shopping bags heading in the same direction. Carol offers to help her, and in return, the old woman presses a gift into her hand and disappears - a lovely, jeweled phoenix brooch.
When Carol returns to the station, she finds that Kari Rhodes, the entertainment reporter, is out ill with chicken pox and Carol will have to do Kari's job until she returns. Which seems easy enough, but all is not what it seems...
Carol soon finds herself mixing with the celebrity crowd, and that means mixing with Carmen Montague and her escort, the now-she's-sure-he's-undercover Eric. And he isn't pleased by the intrusion, even though she assures him that she had no choice in the matter. It also isn't helping that the station owner's wife, Bunny Morganstern, has insinuated herself into the mix and decided she wants to take over for Kari instead. But when Carmen unexpectedly dies at an awards after-party, with dozens of people around, has Carol wondering if she wasn't murdered, and if so, who would want her dead and why? And then there's the little fact that there are high-end jewelry heists going on, and that the old woman may not have been an old woman after all, but a jewel thief - and Carol's suddenly smack-dab in the center of the action.
Carol, her reporter's instinct always on, is determined to find who murdered Carmen while trying to stay out of what is obviously an FBI investigation. But she finds it's not so easy when the FBI knows the jewel thief has suddenly decided to make her the person they'd most like to speak with instead...
What we have is another lively book by Ms. Silverman that is filled with intrigue, action, and more than one person who isn't what they appear to be. She has a true talent for filling the pages with engaging dialogue, interesting characters, and a plot that is taut, well-written, and draws you into the tale right from the beginning. When we reach the climax, there is both completion and a promise of what is to come, leaving the reader with a feeling of bittersweet satisfaction and sanguine expectations.
I truly enjoyed this book and it kept me riveted from beginning to end. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but it in no way influenced my decision.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2016
[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
“Accidentally? Carol, how does one accidentally escort a thief from the scene of a crime?... You can’t be both a reporter and a material witness for the FBI. You’re one side or the other, not both."
Carol Childs, radio news reporter for KCHC Talk Radio, is busy trying to balance her work with being a single mom and her relationship with FBI agent Eric Langdon, whose job often "spills over" into their personal lives. And having seen Eric undercover makes her realize that the bomb that just exploded may have been a cover for the theft of rather expensive jewelry from Henry Westin on Rodeo Drive, fallout of which affects Carol and the people she reports on when the radio station allows it to interfer with the "chick-lite" format recently institued by the new owner's wife. How is supposed to do her job when the news doesn't "fit" Bunny Morganstern's ideas which,by the way, are making the station the laughing stock of LA?
Carol just keeps doing her job, tries to keep away from exposing the FBI and when the well- known well-heeled Carmen Montague dies, exposing the theives are the least of her worries.
Told in typical Nancy Cole Silverman style, we get to see the backstory of the 90210 crowd as well as the daily grind of radio news. Silverman's books are un-put-downable and very well written. Another stellar outing!
“Accidentally? Carol, how does one accidentally escort a thief from the scene of a crime?... You can’t be both a reporter and a material witness for the FBI. You’re one side or the other, not both."
Carol Childs, radio news reporter for KCHC Talk Radio, is busy trying to balance her work with being a single mom and her relationship with FBI agent Eric Langdon, whose job often "spills over" into their personal lives. And having seen Eric undercover makes her realize that the bomb that just exploded may have been a cover for the theft of rather expensive jewelry from Henry Westin on Rodeo Drive, fallout of which affects Carol and the people she reports on when the radio station allows it to interfer with the "chick-lite" format recently institued by the new owner's wife. How is supposed to do her job when the news doesn't "fit" Bunny Morganstern's ideas which,by the way, are making the station the laughing stock of LA?
Carol just keeps doing her job, tries to keep away from exposing the FBI and when the well- known well-heeled Carmen Montague dies, exposing the theives are the least of her worries.
Told in typical Nancy Cole Silverman style, we get to see the backstory of the 90210 crowd as well as the daily grind of radio news. Silverman's books are un-put-downable and very well written. Another stellar outing!
May 9, 2016
This cozy mystery has a red-carpet twist, but it so often felt delightfully more like an old-Hollywood mystery movie. Liz Taylor’s jewelry and diamond thieves and a radio reporter drawn unwittingly into the mix. Carol’s swoon-worthy FBI agent beau and her chocolate-loving BFF added some bits of swoon and sass to the script as well.
The ideal weekend read, Without a Doubt is packed with lots of great crime-solving and intrigue. The mystery started out with a bang (the pun worked) and didn’t suffer from any real lag time throughout the story. The characters were believable and likable, Carol’s job as a reporter lending her a good deal of credibility as an amateur investigator rather than say a shop owner or some such. Most of the FBI scenes felt realistic and well-paced to enable the reader to feel the tension right along with the characters, and Eric’s (the boyfriend) relationship with Carol added a whole new sort of tension (the romantical kind).
Bottom Line: This was my first time meeting Carol Childs or her creator Nancy Cole Silverman, but it won’t be my last. In fact, I plan to go back and play catch up with the rest of the series before the next one comes out! Fans of the Stephanie Plum books will enjoy Carol Childs too, as will readers who prefer a bit more mystery and a bit less cozy. Newsroom politics, international intrigue, Hollywood gossip, and law enforcement red tape – all of these elements combine to give Without a Doubt a unique and well-written place in the spotlight.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
The ideal weekend read, Without a Doubt is packed with lots of great crime-solving and intrigue. The mystery started out with a bang (the pun worked) and didn’t suffer from any real lag time throughout the story. The characters were believable and likable, Carol’s job as a reporter lending her a good deal of credibility as an amateur investigator rather than say a shop owner or some such. Most of the FBI scenes felt realistic and well-paced to enable the reader to feel the tension right along with the characters, and Eric’s (the boyfriend) relationship with Carol added a whole new sort of tension (the romantical kind).
Bottom Line: This was my first time meeting Carol Childs or her creator Nancy Cole Silverman, but it won’t be my last. In fact, I plan to go back and play catch up with the rest of the series before the next one comes out! Fans of the Stephanie Plum books will enjoy Carol Childs too, as will readers who prefer a bit more mystery and a bit less cozy. Newsroom politics, international intrigue, Hollywood gossip, and law enforcement red tape – all of these elements combine to give Without a Doubt a unique and well-written place in the spotlight.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 11, 2016
This cozy mystery is really compelling: set in the world of Hollywood and of journalism with a international traffic of jewelry to be unmasked and a difficult choice between sense of duty and love, it's really hard not to be captivated by this story.
Carol is a very good journalist, her radio is usually concerned with pleasing and leisure topics. While she is playing a service about holiday and enjoying with her friend the various chocolate treats of the best pastry shops, assists to two shocking events. First, she sees her fiancé Eric get out of a jewelry store together with a famous woman of dubious reputation. After a bomb explodes, just in that jewelery. It doesn't seem a terrorist attack but a gang of jewel thieves who made many similar robberies. Carol can't help but investigate and interferes with the work of Eric, that is carrying out undercover.
Carol is a charming character, cute, smart, is a pleasure to be in her company. She tries to reconcile the requirements of her boss, who wants only light services, with her curiosity and desire to investigate and deal with most interesting topics. She is able to be a present mother. It's difficult, however, to maintain a relationship with an FBI agent: policeman and journalist is not an easy relationship to make working.
I have read only the second book in this series, each book can be read as a standalone, but once you have known Carol is hard not to want to spend more time with her. I look forward to her new adventure.
The plot is well developed, smooth and intriguing. The pace is fast, flowing. All the characters are believable and engaging.
I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
Carol is a very good journalist, her radio is usually concerned with pleasing and leisure topics. While she is playing a service about holiday and enjoying with her friend the various chocolate treats of the best pastry shops, assists to two shocking events. First, she sees her fiancé Eric get out of a jewelry store together with a famous woman of dubious reputation. After a bomb explodes, just in that jewelery. It doesn't seem a terrorist attack but a gang of jewel thieves who made many similar robberies. Carol can't help but investigate and interferes with the work of Eric, that is carrying out undercover.
Carol is a charming character, cute, smart, is a pleasure to be in her company. She tries to reconcile the requirements of her boss, who wants only light services, with her curiosity and desire to investigate and deal with most interesting topics. She is able to be a present mother. It's difficult, however, to maintain a relationship with an FBI agent: policeman and journalist is not an easy relationship to make working.
I have read only the second book in this series, each book can be read as a standalone, but once you have known Carol is hard not to want to spend more time with her. I look forward to her new adventure.
The plot is well developed, smooth and intriguing. The pace is fast, flowing. All the characters are believable and engaging.
I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
November 25, 2016
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
If there is one thing I really love about Nancy's books it is that each of them can be read as a stand alone book. In this book we find our main character at an event where she is taste testing chocolates. As she is leaving a shop, she sees her boyfriend Eric coming out of a jewelry store with one of Hollywood's socialites. She figures he is undercover. Shortly after they leave, the store they had just left explodes. What a way to set up the story. Carol finds herself involved in trying to solve a series of jewelry heists. She has become the target of one of the thieves who wants to share information only with her. This puts her in a bad position.
The radio station she works for has changed their format to chick-lite. The station owner's wife is after Carol's job. This adds another layer of tension as we see that Bunny, the station owner's wife, really doesn't know what she is doing. Like usual, the author has done an excellent job with her characters. They are layered and very believable. She also does an excellent job showing what goes on behind the scenes of a radio station. As I read this third book I was taken back to my younger years. I dated a guy who worked for a radio station, worked for an engineer of one of the radio stations and was involved in volunteering there for over three years. I believe the author's previous experience in this field is what makes her stories so believable and alive. The station politics that play out in her books are spot on. I am hoping there will be a fourth book forthcoming. I am really enjoying this series.
If there is one thing I really love about Nancy's books it is that each of them can be read as a stand alone book. In this book we find our main character at an event where she is taste testing chocolates. As she is leaving a shop, she sees her boyfriend Eric coming out of a jewelry store with one of Hollywood's socialites. She figures he is undercover. Shortly after they leave, the store they had just left explodes. What a way to set up the story. Carol finds herself involved in trying to solve a series of jewelry heists. She has become the target of one of the thieves who wants to share information only with her. This puts her in a bad position.
The radio station she works for has changed their format to chick-lite. The station owner's wife is after Carol's job. This adds another layer of tension as we see that Bunny, the station owner's wife, really doesn't know what she is doing. Like usual, the author has done an excellent job with her characters. They are layered and very believable. She also does an excellent job showing what goes on behind the scenes of a radio station. As I read this third book I was taken back to my younger years. I dated a guy who worked for a radio station, worked for an engineer of one of the radio stations and was involved in volunteering there for over three years. I believe the author's previous experience in this field is what makes her stories so believable and alive. The station politics that play out in her books are spot on. I am hoping there will be a fourth book forthcoming. I am really enjoying this series.
February 9, 2017
I really get a kick out of lead character Carol Childs and the ups and downs of life in the world of radio news. Without a Doubt continues the series nicely and this time with a jewelry heist at the center of the story. The plotting is well-paced. You get just the right amount of information, plus plenty of action without it being forced or contrived. But the most fun is the look behind the scenes at the radio station where Childs works. Plus all the wonderful descriptions of Los Angeles. I will definitely have to try the chocolate tour described in the book. Another fun and relaxing (though not boring) read.
April 15, 2016
A mixture of jewel heists and the polo set, murder and chocolate, what more can investigative reporter Carol Childs ask for – except KCHC has gone chick-lite news thanks to the owner’s new wife, Bunny and Carol can’t report hard news.
When Carol and her BFF, Sheri, are leaving their last taste session at a Beverly Hills chocolatier’s, they spot Carol’s FBI agent boyfriend, Eric, on the arm of socialite beauty Carmen Montague coming out of an high end jewelry store. Seconds after the limo leaves, the jewelry store doors blow open from a bomb blast.
Helpful Carol finds herself with a brooch that ties her to the thief and suddenly Carol and Eric are on opposite sides of the story making for a very strained relationship. When Bunny muscles in on the case Carol is suddenly involved in another murder investigation.
Great plot where humor and intrigue keeps Carol dancing a fine line at work and with Eric. At least everyone agrees, they LOVE chocolate.
I was given a copy of this novel through Net Galley in return for an honest review. This has been a very good series to read. Thank you Henery Press.
When Carol and her BFF, Sheri, are leaving their last taste session at a Beverly Hills chocolatier’s, they spot Carol’s FBI agent boyfriend, Eric, on the arm of socialite beauty Carmen Montague coming out of an high end jewelry store. Seconds after the limo leaves, the jewelry store doors blow open from a bomb blast.
Helpful Carol finds herself with a brooch that ties her to the thief and suddenly Carol and Eric are on opposite sides of the story making for a very strained relationship. When Bunny muscles in on the case Carol is suddenly involved in another murder investigation.
Great plot where humor and intrigue keeps Carol dancing a fine line at work and with Eric. At least everyone agrees, they LOVE chocolate.
I was given a copy of this novel through Net Galley in return for an honest review. This has been a very good series to read. Thank you Henery Press.
June 11, 2016
DOUBT (#2)
What I thought:
I loved this!! I love a good laugh out loud mystery and "without a doubt" this book was definitely that. Upon reading Without a Doubt, I had not read any of the Carol Childs mysteries, or anything by Nancy Cole Silverman. This book read well as a stand alone, although it was book 3 in a series. However, after reading this one, I would love to go back and read the other books in this series.
Carol Childs is a radio reporter who investigates crime as a hobby. She was a great female protagonist, and a humorous one at that. What was really funny to me though, was how she discovered the crime and how she kept "accidentally" ending up in the middle of the investigation. She really wasn't trying to be in the way. She just had the kind of luck that kept placing her in the middle. I have a feeling that would be me, haha. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed it so much.
It was a very well written book, and the suspense definitely held. I had suspicions but didn't really figure out the mystery until it was revealed. I definitely want to read more stories featuring Carol Childs. Highly recommend this one. 4.5 stars.
What I thought:
I loved this!! I love a good laugh out loud mystery and "without a doubt" this book was definitely that. Upon reading Without a Doubt, I had not read any of the Carol Childs mysteries, or anything by Nancy Cole Silverman. This book read well as a stand alone, although it was book 3 in a series. However, after reading this one, I would love to go back and read the other books in this series.
Carol Childs is a radio reporter who investigates crime as a hobby. She was a great female protagonist, and a humorous one at that. What was really funny to me though, was how she discovered the crime and how she kept "accidentally" ending up in the middle of the investigation. She really wasn't trying to be in the way. She just had the kind of luck that kept placing her in the middle. I have a feeling that would be me, haha. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed it so much.
It was a very well written book, and the suspense definitely held. I had suspicions but didn't really figure out the mystery until it was revealed. I definitely want to read more stories featuring Carol Childs. Highly recommend this one. 4.5 stars.
April 26, 2016
Carol Childs is a clever, hardworking woman, but in order to become perfectly happy, she is still searching. Will it be her relationship with Eric, or will it be a better job at the radio station? In Without a Doubt, it can go either way. Carol is torn between solving the mystery around the stolen jewels and the deaths of several people, or just have Eric solve it all and read the news. Something Bunny, wife of the station owner, would love her to do - although Bunny herself hasn't got a clue about how to make a success of the station.
Without a doubt is a nice read because the author is really good in creating interesting characters. The story is fast-paced and interesting enough to keep reading. For me, the only small problem was that there are so many people that come and go in the story, that it is sometimes hard to remember who was who. I like books with a little less characters, interesting as they may be.
Without a doubt is a nice read because the author is really good in creating interesting characters. The story is fast-paced and interesting enough to keep reading. For me, the only small problem was that there are so many people that come and go in the story, that it is sometimes hard to remember who was who. I like books with a little less characters, interesting as they may be.
May 12, 2016
I selected this book because the protagonist was a Los Angeles radio reporter; L.A. is the closest big city to my small desert town and I thought it would be fun to read a contemporary detective novel set in the same environment that Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler featured.
Silverman's book had so little sense of place it could have taken place in Anycity, USA.
Her "gal reporter" just didn't grab me in her personal relationships with her friends or her professional behavior at the radio station.
Her romance had no sizzle.
And, the crime itself didn't engage me.
I have rarely been so bored by a book that I expected to effortlessly entertain me.
So sorry, NetGalley. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I rarely feel so dismissive of a book that I know has no pretensions to be great literature, but I didn't find any merit in this mystery at all.
Silverman's book had so little sense of place it could have taken place in Anycity, USA.
Her "gal reporter" just didn't grab me in her personal relationships with her friends or her professional behavior at the radio station.
Her romance had no sizzle.
And, the crime itself didn't engage me.
I have rarely been so bored by a book that I expected to effortlessly entertain me.
So sorry, NetGalley. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I rarely feel so dismissive of a book that I know has no pretensions to be great literature, but I didn't find any merit in this mystery at all.
May 4, 2016
Within all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, someone is stealing expensive jewels and getting away with it. So far.
This was a really great cozy which I found very entertaining and which I could not put down. The sneakiness of the jewelry heists had so many steps involved that I was totally mesmerized by the complexity.
I really like the main character, Carol, as well. She seems to have her head on straight and thinks before she acts. This is a great series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozies. While there is a boyfriend in the picture, her every thought isn't about him. Bunny reminded me of the neighbor in Two Broke Girls, Jennifer Coolidge, not really all there, but looks good. Ha!!
Thanks to Henery Press for approving me for another great title and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really great cozy which I found very entertaining and which I could not put down. The sneakiness of the jewelry heists had so many steps involved that I was totally mesmerized by the complexity.
I really like the main character, Carol, as well. She seems to have her head on straight and thinks before she acts. This is a great series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozies. While there is a boyfriend in the picture, her every thought isn't about him. Bunny reminded me of the neighbor in Two Broke Girls, Jennifer Coolidge, not really all there, but looks good. Ha!!
Thanks to Henery Press for approving me for another great title and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2016
Without a Doubt is the third book in the Carol Child's mystery series. It is a smartly written and professionally edited full length novel.
While doing a chocolate tour for the new chick lite format her radio station is trying Carol inadvertently witnesses a jewel robbery. She also sees her FBI agent boyfriend with another woman. Soon Carol and the FBI are investigating a rash of robberies by an international team of jewel thieves. Throw in polo, two murders and money hungry celebrities and you get a complicated, but intriguing mystery.
I enjoyed the main characters, but in this book the mystery was the focus. I felt a distance between myself and the main characters.
Overall, this is a fun series and this book positions us for a possible conflict between the bad guy and Carol.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
While doing a chocolate tour for the new chick lite format her radio station is trying Carol inadvertently witnesses a jewel robbery. She also sees her FBI agent boyfriend with another woman. Soon Carol and the FBI are investigating a rash of robberies by an international team of jewel thieves. Throw in polo, two murders and money hungry celebrities and you get a complicated, but intriguing mystery.
I enjoyed the main characters, but in this book the mystery was the focus. I felt a distance between myself and the main characters.
Overall, this is a fun series and this book positions us for a possible conflict between the bad guy and Carol.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
June 23, 2016
3.5 stars. Carol Childs, reporter for a radio station, is doing a story on chocolates in Beverly Hills when she witnesses an explosion in a jewelry shop. She's able to report live on this serious crime even though the radio station prefers entertainment and lite stories. Carol wants to follow up on the robbery and murder of an employee even though it seems her FBI boyfriend is somehow involved in the case too.
The book was easy to read and the story was easy to follow. I like the premise of a radio reporter and I liked all the mentions of chocolate in the book. I felt that Carol's romance with FBI agent Eric was rather blah but maybe the spark is there and I missed out on something because I came into this series at the third book.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
The book was easy to read and the story was easy to follow. I like the premise of a radio reporter and I liked all the mentions of chocolate in the book. I felt that Carol's romance with FBI agent Eric was rather blah but maybe the spark is there and I missed out on something because I came into this series at the third book.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
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