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Three Blonde Mice
The New York Times -bestselling author of Princess Charming returns with “a hilarious culinary comedy dripping with both romance and suspense” (Ciji Ware, New York Times bestselling author of That Winter in Venice ).
Elaine Zimmerman and her best friends, Jackie and Pat, are venturing to a farm in Litchfield, Connecticut. It’s been over a year since their last trip together, a Caribbean cruise aboard the Princess Charming —and after dealing with a murderous ex and his hit man, they’re yearning for a no-drama vacation. During their Cultivate Our Bounty Week, they and eight other guests will learn how to cook farm-to-table meals with artisan-in-residence Chef Jason Hill.
But amid milking a cow, making cheese, and managing the surprise appearance of an ex-boyfriend, Elaine discovers that one of their classmates is a little too keen on practicing knife technique. Is the killer one of the freakishly fit Manhattan couple who take their devotion to organic, hormone-free, non-GMO food to the point of obsession? The grandmother from Wisconsin who’s a groupie of the celebrity chef and follows him to every event? The mother and son from Palm Beach who bicker over whether he should give up his law practice to open his own restaurant? Three Blonde Mice serves up a crackling romance, a twisty whodunit involving a screwball cast of suspects, and a satire of food fads and the chefs who perpetuate them.
“A real treat.”—Eileen Goudge, New York Times-bestselling author of The Diary
“A hilarious send-up of foodies and the farm-to-table movement…a delicious read―and there are no calories.”―Elaine Viets, author of the Dead-End Job Mysteries
Elaine Zimmerman and her best friends, Jackie and Pat, are venturing to a farm in Litchfield, Connecticut. It’s been over a year since their last trip together, a Caribbean cruise aboard the Princess Charming —and after dealing with a murderous ex and his hit man, they’re yearning for a no-drama vacation. During their Cultivate Our Bounty Week, they and eight other guests will learn how to cook farm-to-table meals with artisan-in-residence Chef Jason Hill.
But amid milking a cow, making cheese, and managing the surprise appearance of an ex-boyfriend, Elaine discovers that one of their classmates is a little too keen on practicing knife technique. Is the killer one of the freakishly fit Manhattan couple who take their devotion to organic, hormone-free, non-GMO food to the point of obsession? The grandmother from Wisconsin who’s a groupie of the celebrity chef and follows him to every event? The mother and son from Palm Beach who bicker over whether he should give up his law practice to open his own restaurant? Three Blonde Mice serves up a crackling romance, a twisty whodunit involving a screwball cast of suspects, and a satire of food fads and the chefs who perpetuate them.
“A real treat.”—Eileen Goudge, New York Times-bestselling author of The Diary
“A hilarious send-up of foodies and the farm-to-table movement…a delicious read―and there are no calories.”―Elaine Viets, author of the Dead-End Job Mysteries
268 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2016
33 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Jane Heller
36 books121 followersJane Heller, a New York native who recently moved from Santa Barbara, CA to New Preston, CT, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 13 novels of romantic comedy, including "Name Dropping," "Lucky Stars," and "Best Enemies." Nine of Heller's novels have been optioned for film or television, and all of them have been translated in countries around the world. Her first book of nonfiction, "Confessions of a She-Fan: The Course of True Love with the New York Yankees," is a humorous look at her passion for baseball. Her book about caregiving, "You'd Better Not Die or I'll Kill You: A Caregiver's Survival Guide to Keeping You in Good Health and Good Spirits," combines Heller's personal essays about being the wife of a man with Crohn's disease and the daughter of a mother with dementia, plus interviews with other caregivers who deal with everything from autism to Alzheimer's and advice/tips from experts. "You'd Better Not Die" is upbeat and inspirational - a cheerful companion to the over 60 million caregivers in America. Heller's new novel, "Three Blonde Mice," a spinoff of her bestselling novel "Princess Charming," was published on August 2, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 20, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Three Blonde Mice is a lighthearted mystery set on a farm in Connecticut. It stars three blonde women (the "blonde mice") as well as a group of foodies, one of whom wants to kill the chef leading cooking lessons for the weeklong getaway they've all signed up for.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing. I didn't know exactly who the killer would be until the end, when the author revealed it. Some of the potential suspects had over-the-top personalities and potential motives, but this didn't detract too much from the story.
What did detract from the story, in my opinion, were the frequent use of the term "three blonde mice" (we get it, no one calls themselves or their groups this constantly), the unnecessary relationship between the main character and one of the guests, and the sloppy-drunk women who are the MC's best friends. There were a few other character issues, including among others.
I gave this book three stars because it's a light, quick read perfect for the beach (I finished in just two short reading sessions) with a mystery that will keep you guessing. That said, it's a bit light on both great characters and great plot, so while it was fun enough, it's not something I'd rush out to buy.
Three Blonde Mice is a lighthearted mystery set on a farm in Connecticut. It stars three blonde women (the "blonde mice") as well as a group of foodies, one of whom wants to kill the chef leading cooking lessons for the weeklong getaway they've all signed up for.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing. I didn't know exactly who the killer would be until the end, when the author revealed it. Some of the potential suspects had over-the-top personalities and potential motives, but this didn't detract too much from the story.
What did detract from the story, in my opinion, were the frequent use of the term "three blonde mice" (we get it, no one calls themselves or their groups this constantly), the unnecessary relationship between the main character and one of the guests, and the sloppy-drunk women who are the MC's best friends. There were a few other character issues, including among others.
I gave this book three stars because it's a light, quick read perfect for the beach (I finished in just two short reading sessions) with a mystery that will keep you guessing. That said, it's a bit light on both great characters and great plot, so while it was fun enough, it's not something I'd rush out to buy.
August 23, 2016
I used to read Jane Heller years ago, so I was very intrigued when I saw a new book by her.
But this book didn't really work for me. It's not that I hated it, however, I didn't find the characters or plot that engaging. It is a book that is easy to put down.
One reason is there is a lot of chatter about thing--other characters, other situations--which really doesn't add to the plot or characterization.
I have to admit I expected more humor -- that is what I remember from Heller's other books, but I didn't find this book especially funny.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book via NetGalley for a review.
But this book didn't really work for me. It's not that I hated it, however, I didn't find the characters or plot that engaging. It is a book that is easy to put down.
One reason is there is a lot of chatter about thing--other characters, other situations--which really doesn't add to the plot or characterization.
I have to admit I expected more humor -- that is what I remember from Heller's other books, but I didn't find this book especially funny.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book via NetGalley for a review.
May 27, 2017
"Such traits could be amusing if you were a friend and irritating if you weren't"
That's how Elaine describes herself on page 18. And she's right. It was irritating.
Elaine is a middle aged divorcee who is disrespectful to everyone, mocks her friends and others, is rude, and genuinely unfunny. She reminds me of a so called 'popular' high school mean girl. Why go on an agritourism vacation if you find it ridiculous? And why not let others enjoy their vacation? She's insanely immature (teats, pork tenderloin are phallic?). Her encounter with her ex husband sounds like a couple of middle-schooler's bickering. Her boyfriend Simon is unbearable. Her friends are totally one dimensional (Boozy, slutty Jackie and lovable, round Pat). Not only are the characters lame, but so is the mystery. It takes 100 pages to even get to it in the first place.
The other thing that annoyed me was the dates of when the women met up, and how long they've been friends, etc doesn't add up. Especially when you factor in details from the other book about them that is previewed at the back of the book.
That's how Elaine describes herself on page 18. And she's right. It was irritating.
Elaine is a middle aged divorcee who is disrespectful to everyone, mocks her friends and others, is rude, and genuinely unfunny. She reminds me of a so called 'popular' high school mean girl. Why go on an agritourism vacation if you find it ridiculous? And why not let others enjoy their vacation? She's insanely immature (teats, pork tenderloin are phallic?). Her encounter with her ex husband sounds like a couple of middle-schooler's bickering. Her boyfriend Simon is unbearable. Her friends are totally one dimensional (Boozy, slutty Jackie and lovable, round Pat). Not only are the characters lame, but so is the mystery. It takes 100 pages to even get to it in the first place.
The other thing that annoyed me was the dates of when the women met up, and how long they've been friends, etc doesn't add up. Especially when you factor in details from the other book about them that is previewed at the back of the book.
December 5, 2024
what a surprise! Found this book on vacation in the hotel library and didn’t expect that much.( the German version also got a pretty trashy cover) But it was a really really fun and also thrilling holiday read and finished it within a few pool-tanning sessions. 3 women, 1 cruise ship and many suspicious men …
October 3, 2017
I absolutely loved her early books. I don’t know if my taste have changed or her writing has, but this book just seemed silly to me.
February 4, 2018
again, i tried but i couldn't get into it.
too busy.
too busy.
March 22, 2018
I started this and it wasn't as engaging as her other books so I stopped, sadly, as I've always loved these books!
August 21, 2019
Not sure why I could not get into this book...usually a Jane Heller is s funny, engaging read.
October 17, 2021
Can't believe I read this a 2nd time.
December 19, 2022
I love Jane Heller so deeply. I wanted this to be good.
October 5, 2023
Divorcees, farm-fresh, chef
July 31, 2016
Three Blonde Mice is a tongue in cheek self proclaimed nickname for friends Elaine, Jackie and Pat. They met each other as each of them were going through a divorce, and have become fast friends. We were introduced to these characters in Jane Heller's Princess Charming, when they went on their first group vacation, a cruise. This novel follows them on their second vacation to Connecticut for Cultivate Your Bounty week, and farm to table festival where They will join some food enthusiasts for private cooking lessons from celebrity chef Jason Hill. They get a little more than they bargained for when they find out that one of their classmates may want more from their chef than lessons, they may want him dead.
We quickly catch up with our three main characters. Elaine, who found love on the high seas, is disillusioned with her boyfriend, Simon, and has broken up with him because of his lack of commitment. Jackie and Pat, to me were pretty interchangeable, one got back together with her husband and the other is wallowing in low self esteem and seems to have a slight drinking problem. These two are merely sidekicks to the more alpha, Elaine, who enlists their inebriated help, to try to discover the culprit. I quite liked Elaine, who doesn't let a surprise appearance by her ex, Simon stop her from trying out her femme fatale moves on classmate, Jonathon, to determine whether he is guilty or innocent.
The mystery was pretty good, but the reason why a sequel was written, in my opinion, was because of the friendship of the three ladies. They met each other and found common ground through divorce, and that support has continued as each finds their legs. Each of them are in different places in their lives, but their friendship remains solid, even as they once again find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
Jane Heller's writing is loose and funny and not your typical tightly wound mystery. You do not need to read the first novel to enjoy Three Blonde Mice, this can be read as a stand alone novel. I received a copy of this book from he publisher, Diversion Books, through NetGalley, for my honest review.
We quickly catch up with our three main characters. Elaine, who found love on the high seas, is disillusioned with her boyfriend, Simon, and has broken up with him because of his lack of commitment. Jackie and Pat, to me were pretty interchangeable, one got back together with her husband and the other is wallowing in low self esteem and seems to have a slight drinking problem. These two are merely sidekicks to the more alpha, Elaine, who enlists their inebriated help, to try to discover the culprit. I quite liked Elaine, who doesn't let a surprise appearance by her ex, Simon stop her from trying out her femme fatale moves on classmate, Jonathon, to determine whether he is guilty or innocent.
The mystery was pretty good, but the reason why a sequel was written, in my opinion, was because of the friendship of the three ladies. They met each other and found common ground through divorce, and that support has continued as each finds their legs. Each of them are in different places in their lives, but their friendship remains solid, even as they once again find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
Jane Heller's writing is loose and funny and not your typical tightly wound mystery. You do not need to read the first novel to enjoy Three Blonde Mice, this can be read as a stand alone novel. I received a copy of this book from he publisher, Diversion Books, through NetGalley, for my honest review.
June 15, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley.com for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Jane Heller….. I have read every single one of her books and have loved them for over 20 years now and am excited that she’s moved back in to the world of fiction with a series of some terrific characters. Elaine is a hoot and I’m glad to see the characters of Princess Charming on yet another adventure. Its set up for at least one more book with these characters and I’m already looking forward to it.
What I loved: I was so excited to have the premier recipe in the back of the novel! Even though I know I will never make it – it’s always a treat; especially if I can convince someone else to make it for me. I also loved the plot twist at the end with someone from Elaine’s past coming in. Watching Elaine have to think quickly on her feet was a delight.
What I didn’t love: Can we get a little more on the sidekicks? Perhaps a book with one of them as the focal point instead of Elaine? While Elaine is probably the funniest of the three with her sarcasm and quick thinking, I think both Jackie and Pat may have some things to share as well. The other thing that bugged me was that the e-book version I received had the story end about 80% of the book and then I got a detailed preview of Princess Charming. Kind of a bummer when I read that years ago….
What I learned: Farm to Table has a bunch of whackadoodles, but overall it’s a great movement.
Overall Grade: B
January 21, 2017
Elaine and her best friends Jackie and Pat decide to take a week's vacation at a cooking retreat. It's a retreat about farm to table cooking, something that doesn't appeal much to Elaine and after she meets the other people in the group, she is really not happy with the subject. Much to her dismay, the boyfriend that she just broke up with, shows up at the retreat to try to win her back. After a few days, Elaine finds out that someone plans to murder the celebrity chef who is leading the retreat. The police don't give her any help so she and her two friends make plans to stop the murder before it happens.
This is a perfect romantic comedy for the not so young. I enjoyed it - especially Elaine who had a great snarky side to her personality.
This is a sequel to Princess Charming but you can read it as a standalone without any confusion. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a perfect romantic comedy for the not so young. I enjoyed it - especially Elaine who had a great snarky side to her personality.
This is a sequel to Princess Charming but you can read it as a standalone without any confusion. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 23, 2016
Not my kind of story. I didn't like the main character--kind of a modern, snarky, with-it-woman. She's with her two best friends on a agritourist holiday (I enjoyed the interesting details about food-to-table cooking), when they discover a plot to murder the guest chef. I enjoyed the foodie details and the reminder that the best food only happens when you use really fresh foods, but I didn't much like the people (except for the friend who always got her cliches just a little wrong) nor did I think the mystery was a fair puzzle. Lots of colorful red herrings abound but as a reader we didn't have enough clues to solve the mystery. I probably should have stopped reading it since I was not that entertained and did not enjoy the sex-saturated focus.
August 3, 2016
I received a review copy
Between the cover, catchy title and intriguing synopsis, I was quite looking forward to this one! A few chapters in I started to worry because I simply wasn’t retaining the story. The characters were a bit muddled to me and I just wasn’t interested. I kept going though because I enjoy mystery, and while there were some fun tongue-in-cheek moments, laugh out loud scenes and suspenseful times, I just couldn’t get my vibe on with this story. I haven’t read anything Princess Charming so maybe that is reason the sequel fell flat for me, but I’m truly bummed I didn’t enjoy this one.
Between the cover, catchy title and intriguing synopsis, I was quite looking forward to this one! A few chapters in I started to worry because I simply wasn’t retaining the story. The characters were a bit muddled to me and I just wasn’t interested. I kept going though because I enjoy mystery, and while there were some fun tongue-in-cheek moments, laugh out loud scenes and suspenseful times, I just couldn’t get my vibe on with this story. I haven’t read anything Princess Charming so maybe that is reason the sequel fell flat for me, but I’m truly bummed I didn’t enjoy this one.
August 24, 2016
After ten years with no new novels, I was afraid that Jane Heller had stopped writing her light romantic mysteries. Three Blonde Mice is a sequel that is supposed to take place one year after Princess Charming (which was published in 1997). This is a stand alone novel that is a perfect summer read!
July 1, 2016
I love Jane Hellers book .They always have a mystery&laughter.This one is a yummy addition takes place on a farm cooking lessons handsome chef a hilarious but take on the concept of farm to table food throw in a murder&you will be racing through the pages,
July 18, 2016
I didn't find the characters, plot or writing to my liking. It bored me and didn't seem to go anywhere.
September 14, 2016
Meh not much substance.
September 20, 2016
This was a quick read. It took me about 25 pages to want to continue. I'd say this is a mystery/romance book and I'm not into the romance genre.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews