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Maid for Murder #1
Deadly Business
Maid for Murder: Deadly Business ~Book 1
Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.
As the threads of deceit unravel, the murders begin to break out like a case of Bubonic Plague. Bailey uncovers deception, corruption and a few secrets that may forever change her life.
Bailey is a Christian, struggling to keep on the path she knows is right, fighting the temptation of the hunky Detective Max Wellington, who would like nothing more than to take her into protective custody, for more than just interfering in police business.
Make sure to reserve your copy of Maid for Murder: Deadly Confessions. Bailey isn’t out of trouble yet!
Maid for Murder series
Deadly Business
Deadly Confessions
Deadly Deception
Deadly Vows
Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.
As the threads of deceit unravel, the murders begin to break out like a case of Bubonic Plague. Bailey uncovers deception, corruption and a few secrets that may forever change her life.
Bailey is a Christian, struggling to keep on the path she knows is right, fighting the temptation of the hunky Detective Max Wellington, who would like nothing more than to take her into protective custody, for more than just interfering in police business.
Make sure to reserve your copy of Maid for Murder: Deadly Confessions. Bailey isn’t out of trouble yet!
Maid for Murder series
Deadly Business
Deadly Confessions
Deadly Deception
Deadly Vows
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
46 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Susette Williams
120 books60 followersalso publishes under the name Susette Renee Williams
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 21, 2012
This book had very high customer ratings, so I was really looking forward to it. It was a fun, humorous book, but there was a couple of issues.
The ending was quite odd, not really clearing things up. That may be due to the book going to have a sequel, but I literally kept trying to turn a page (on my Kindle Fire) because it felt like there should be at least another page or two. It felt oddly chopped off.
My BIGGEST issue is the main character. Bailey does a lot of "talking the talk" without much "walking the walk". She talks constantly about how she can't be with Max due to him not being a Christian, but really isn't trying very hard to stay away from him. She knows he's very interested in her sexually which she won't give in to, but then parades herself with him at a casino in a dress that's too tight ("...tonight I'd squeezed my size eight body into a size six dress.") I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. That's like telling an alcoholic it's wrong to drink while waving a bottle of booze under his nose all night. To make it worse, they're at a casino and he wants them to gamble so they can talk to people without them getting suspicious. She refuses to play herself ("I don't gamble.") but has no problem playing the part of his floozy girlfriend, being all over him. That is a hefty double standard, and it really bothered me.
The book overall was fun enough that I will be waiting for the second book. I'm willing to give it a second chance.
The ending was quite odd, not really clearing things up. That may be due to the book going to have a sequel, but I literally kept trying to turn a page (on my Kindle Fire) because it felt like there should be at least another page or two. It felt oddly chopped off.
My BIGGEST issue is the main character. Bailey does a lot of "talking the talk" without much "walking the walk". She talks constantly about how she can't be with Max due to him not being a Christian, but really isn't trying very hard to stay away from him. She knows he's very interested in her sexually which she won't give in to, but then parades herself with him at a casino in a dress that's too tight ("...tonight I'd squeezed my size eight body into a size six dress.") I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. That's like telling an alcoholic it's wrong to drink while waving a bottle of booze under his nose all night. To make it worse, they're at a casino and he wants them to gamble so they can talk to people without them getting suspicious. She refuses to play herself ("I don't gamble.") but has no problem playing the part of his floozy girlfriend, being all over him. That is a hefty double standard, and it really bothered me.
The book overall was fun enough that I will be waiting for the second book. I'm willing to give it a second chance.
March 31, 2025
I give this story 5 stars. Bailey Tucker has inherited a cleaning business from her grandfather. She finds dead bodies and the trouble doesn't end there. This is a fun murder mystery. Bailey is a Christian who is attracted to detective Max Wellington. who isn't one. This is a clean story but Bailey lets us know she wants more than a friendship with Max. I feel that she is struggling to hold on to her faith as Bailey does things she knows she shouldn't and then tells herself that she did it because she was uncover. But I think that is why I liked the story, because Susette Williams made the characters life like and you could believe they were real. The story keeps you turning the page till the end. I can't wait till book 2 comes out as this book leaves us wondering where her grandfather really is.
December 16, 2012
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book. Wonder if the title would be Maid for Marriage or Maid for Mischief, as Bailey seems to find it. Can't wait to see what is to come next.
June 12, 2018
In Deadly Business by Suzette Williams, Bailey Tucker has inherited her grandfather’s cleaning service, Maid for You, determining to learn every facet of the business. One night she leaves her business late, only to find a dark SUV blocking her van. Before she can do more than barely ask the owner to leave, the police pull up and arrest her for the murder of the two people in the car, one of whom is Bailey’s employee
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
January 4, 2015
humor, bodies and romance
Inheriting Maid for You from her grandfather, she keeps finding body parts, bodies and clues. Bailey meets Max, the detective and romance and more bodies and suspects follow. This book is written in installments, four are included in the Collection, with more to follow. The book is written in first person, but this is very well done. I enjoyed the conversations Bailey had with herself and with Max, very funny even with all the serious stuff going on.. She needs to get back into church and Max isn't a Christian, so there is some tension in the story there, but it doesn't get preachy. This was a fun read, and I really enjoy all the twists and turns, that keep you turning pages! Each installment leaves you with a cliff-hanger, and I can't wait to keep reading when the new parts come out!
Inheriting Maid for You from her grandfather, she keeps finding body parts, bodies and clues. Bailey meets Max, the detective and romance and more bodies and suspects follow. This book is written in installments, four are included in the Collection, with more to follow. The book is written in first person, but this is very well done. I enjoyed the conversations Bailey had with herself and with Max, very funny even with all the serious stuff going on.. She needs to get back into church and Max isn't a Christian, so there is some tension in the story there, but it doesn't get preachy. This was a fun read, and I really enjoy all the twists and turns, that keep you turning pages! Each installment leaves you with a cliff-hanger, and I can't wait to keep reading when the new parts come out!
February 19, 2016
Wow-what an incredible ride!!!
I absolutely adored this story. There is so much comedic genius in this. Just the dialogue going on inside the leading ladies head is enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. Then combine that with electricty, not to mention the chemistry and witty repartee between the main love interests - add murder, suspense and intrigue and you have the perfect recipe for this 5 star novel. Great job, very well written, plenty of surprises. Can't wait for the next series to come out, esp. after leaving us with a cliff hanger and unsolved mysteries from this first book.
I absolutely adored this story. There is so much comedic genius in this. Just the dialogue going on inside the leading ladies head is enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. Then combine that with electricty, not to mention the chemistry and witty repartee between the main love interests - add murder, suspense and intrigue and you have the perfect recipe for this 5 star novel. Great job, very well written, plenty of surprises. Can't wait for the next series to come out, esp. after leaving us with a cliff hanger and unsolved mysteries from this first book.
February 1, 2015
This book is very good, enjoyed the adventures of Bailey and Max. Bailey is always trying to solve a couple of murders and Max who is a detective that becomes her friend is always coming to her rescue when she gets herself in difficult situations. I was sent to review by the author for a honest review in four volumes which can be brought on Amazon for one volume at a time. Also Bailey is a Christian and Max is not, they are attracted to each other but Bailey doesn't want it to go far until Max is a Christian also. The book is funny, and has a good mystery to it.
February 22, 2016
This is a GREAT mystery! If I hadn't finished it now I probably wouldn't have any nails left. Only Bailey could get herself into these situations. I laughed so hard I cried through parts. It truly is a good read! The characters are funny and believable and are sure to have you white knuckling the pages or laughing so hard you are crying - Note your family may think you are crazy as you roll around on the floor- ignore them. They're the ones missing out!
Received this book free for my honest review
Received this book free for my honest review
February 14, 2016
I loved Maid for Murder and the crazy antics of the heroine, Bailey Tucker.
She inherits a cleaning business from her grandfather and becomes involved solving murders.
She is attracted to Max Wellington, the handsome detective but he is not a Christian.
Bailey made a promise to her Mother not to be unequally yoked and to save yourself for marriage.she finds these promises hard.
I loved the book, the setting and the characters. I eagerly await the next book.
She inherits a cleaning business from her grandfather and becomes involved solving murders.
She is attracted to Max Wellington, the handsome detective but he is not a Christian.
Bailey made a promise to her Mother not to be unequally yoked and to save yourself for marriage.she finds these promises hard.
I loved the book, the setting and the characters. I eagerly await the next book.
July 18, 2017
I have read some of Ms. Williams’ books but this is the first mystery I have read by her and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had mystery, humor, and some romance. I liked that the main character wasn’t perfect but did her best to stick to her Christian principles (most of the time). I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2015
This is a delightfully funny murder mystery. Short enought for someone without much time to be able to read start to finish. Great for anyone who loves a clean mystery. Susette has a real knack for getting me hooked on her books. Highly recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book by the author for a fair review.
Want to read
July 20, 2023This was a quirky tale of a young woman named Bailey who inherits her grandfather's cleaning business and ends up getting questioned in a murder after happening upon two bodies. She meets a handsome detective who gives her a hard time. She then also discovers a hand. Its an adventure and leaves you with a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what happens in Volume 2!
January 2, 2016
Light hearted clean and entertaining...Bailey is new to owning a business and seems to fall into the wrong place at the wrong time...keeps your attention so you want to know what happens in next Volume...
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2012
Not what I expected, good ending though. Left me wanting more, without being abrupt.
December 22, 2012
Kept my attention, read within 2 days. Very good book if you like crime and romance!
January 3, 2015
Love this story and how it is being done in installments. Love Max and Bailey, they are awesome together.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2015
I had the honor to review this book for the author. This story will have you on the edge of your seat. The things Bailey gets caught up in is amazing.
February 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading this mystery. I love that it is clean, contains humor and realistic characters. I was given a copy of the book to read and provide an honest review.
December 1, 2015
Great book
I enjoyed the book very much. It was great for several laughs. It is also a great mystery story. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book which is number five.
I enjoyed the book very much. It was great for several laughs. It is also a great mystery story. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book which is number five.
February 20, 2016
I love Bailey. My daughter and I revel in sarcastic humor and banter; Bailey is our kind of gal. And I can't wait to see how Max's journey to faith progresses.
June 18, 2016
Fantastic!
Good stuff. Found it hard to put down. I definitely will recommend. Can't wait to read the next book. Hope it is available soon.
Good stuff. Found it hard to put down. I definitely will recommend. Can't wait to read the next book. Hope it is available soon.
March 7, 2017
I really liked this book. It was a little predictable, but with the expected excitement at the end. It was a pretty fast-paced book. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
October 8, 2017
Loved it
Funny, witty, intriguing. I really enjoyed this first book. I hope there are many more. Enjoy the Christian theme also.
Funny, witty, intriguing. I really enjoyed this first book. I hope there are many more. Enjoy the Christian theme also.
August 23, 2022
I really disliked this book and have similar complaints to other readers.
The one thing I liked about this book was Bailey's sarcasm. This was funny and she was stating things I feel I would have been thinking in my head. Other than this, I really do not have anything else positive to say.
The book does not end well. I know there is a sequel, but I there were too many things left not cleared up. I also have issues with the beginning. The first 4 chapters are about a completely different murder than the rest of the book, and this also ends without a lot of clarity. Chapter 5 picks up 2 months later with out so much as a pause and then launches into the convoluted plot of the rest of the book.
I felt the author kept adding more people and then killing more people to keep the story going rather than just focusing on the one murder that needed solved. There were so many cliche's too, from a hitman that randomly enters the story, to creepy morticians. There are hints to a much bigger plot, which I want to know more about, but not enough to make me want to pick up the second book in the series.
I also did not like the way religion was inserted into the story. I have nothing against religion but the way it was thrown around seemed very haphazard and almost offensive. One minute Bailey is quoting proverbs as to why she should stay away from Max, the next she lying and sneaking around, albeit to solve the mystery, but it seemed to be a double standard. It was like she was only religious when it came to hooking up with Max, and it became much more about her family and what they would think versus what she actually wanted. She was also just very flirty in general with all the male characters, Max, his partner, her neighbor, Nate, some random guy in an elevator. It just did not jive with her being described as a "Christian." There seemed to be a general condemnation of marriage throughout the book as well, with multiple characters cheating on their spouses.
The character development also felt skewed. I read several times, too may times, about Max's storm blue eyes, but the one description I remember about Bailey was her size 8 jeans. I do not even think we were told her hair color. She was also continuously described as "country" which I think was supposed to make her charming and naïve, but I kept picturing overalls and straw in her teeth, especially when she talked about roping livestock. For her to be the protagonist, I felt I knew very little about her.
I love cozy mysteries. I rely on them giving me an escape from everyday life without graphic violence or frustration. This was not that. I have so many unanswered questions about the plot and the story, but not enough to outweigh the things I disliked, and definitely not enough to keep reading.
I think I saw as well that this was set up as a possible trilogy as well? With no third book out though, again another reason to not continue reading.
The one thing I liked about this book was Bailey's sarcasm. This was funny and she was stating things I feel I would have been thinking in my head. Other than this, I really do not have anything else positive to say.
The book does not end well. I know there is a sequel, but I there were too many things left not cleared up. I also have issues with the beginning. The first 4 chapters are about a completely different murder than the rest of the book, and this also ends without a lot of clarity. Chapter 5 picks up 2 months later with out so much as a pause and then launches into the convoluted plot of the rest of the book.
I felt the author kept adding more people and then killing more people to keep the story going rather than just focusing on the one murder that needed solved. There were so many cliche's too, from a hitman that randomly enters the story, to creepy morticians. There are hints to a much bigger plot, which I want to know more about, but not enough to make me want to pick up the second book in the series.
I also did not like the way religion was inserted into the story. I have nothing against religion but the way it was thrown around seemed very haphazard and almost offensive. One minute Bailey is quoting proverbs as to why she should stay away from Max, the next she lying and sneaking around, albeit to solve the mystery, but it seemed to be a double standard. It was like she was only religious when it came to hooking up with Max, and it became much more about her family and what they would think versus what she actually wanted. She was also just very flirty in general with all the male characters, Max, his partner, her neighbor, Nate, some random guy in an elevator. It just did not jive with her being described as a "Christian." There seemed to be a general condemnation of marriage throughout the book as well, with multiple characters cheating on their spouses.
The character development also felt skewed. I read several times, too may times, about Max's storm blue eyes, but the one description I remember about Bailey was her size 8 jeans. I do not even think we were told her hair color. She was also continuously described as "country" which I think was supposed to make her charming and naïve, but I kept picturing overalls and straw in her teeth, especially when she talked about roping livestock. For her to be the protagonist, I felt I knew very little about her.
I love cozy mysteries. I rely on them giving me an escape from everyday life without graphic violence or frustration. This was not that. I have so many unanswered questions about the plot and the story, but not enough to outweigh the things I disliked, and definitely not enough to keep reading.
I think I saw as well that this was set up as a possible trilogy as well? With no third book out though, again another reason to not continue reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2018
I listened to the audiobook.
I feel like this author was trying to do a "Christian" version of Janet Evanovich's books. The narrator did an excellent job of conveying the ditzy heroine. Bailey is a girl who claims Christianity but has no sincere faith of her own. She lives barely within a set of rules instilled by her parents, skating as close to the edges as possible while still regarding herself as a good Christian girl. She's full of "I can't do this or that," but she continually and openly (and continually and openly and continually...) raves about the physical attributes of the hero, sharing a bit TMI about her personal physical reactions to him. Lots of kisses that stop barely short of going too far. She strings him along while pushing him away with protestations of her inability to have a relationship with him. He doesn't seem to have much character of his own but drifts along, accepting her behavior. This situation continues through the second book, which is a short story/novella. In that one, she makes a bargain with God - she will start going to church if she survives.
The good part of this is that the author has set the stage for the heroine to be saved, establish her own faith and grow spiritually into her own convictions in the rest of the series. I think that will be good!
The mystery was a little confusing to me and the ending was abrupt.
Overall, it is an entertaining read (listen), and I look forward to seeing the heroine's development in the rest of the series.
I feel like this author was trying to do a "Christian" version of Janet Evanovich's books. The narrator did an excellent job of conveying the ditzy heroine. Bailey is a girl who claims Christianity but has no sincere faith of her own. She lives barely within a set of rules instilled by her parents, skating as close to the edges as possible while still regarding herself as a good Christian girl. She's full of "I can't do this or that," but she continually and openly (and continually and openly and continually...) raves about the physical attributes of the hero, sharing a bit TMI about her personal physical reactions to him. Lots of kisses that stop barely short of going too far. She strings him along while pushing him away with protestations of her inability to have a relationship with him. He doesn't seem to have much character of his own but drifts along, accepting her behavior. This situation continues through the second book, which is a short story/novella. In that one, she makes a bargain with God - she will start going to church if she survives.
The good part of this is that the author has set the stage for the heroine to be saved, establish her own faith and grow spiritually into her own convictions in the rest of the series. I think that will be good!
The mystery was a little confusing to me and the ending was abrupt.
Overall, it is an entertaining read (listen), and I look forward to seeing the heroine's development in the rest of the series.
October 31, 2016
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
GOOD LORD (pun intended) THIS IS TERRIBLE.
I tried to get through this but couldn't make it past ~25% (audiobook). The prose is dreadful, repetitive and cliched. I don't need to be told 15 times in as many minutes that the "dreamy," mysterious," "brooding" detective's eyes are "stormy," and I couldn't manage to deal with the irritating personality of the lead character (Bailey Tucker). Moreover, big parts of the character are lost in the audio version, since Bailey is supposed to be a farm girl from the country but is read in broadcaster, accent-less American English. But, worst of all, it fails to mention in the description that this is very much a Christian novel and barely even tangentially related to a decent mystery.
I knew I was really done when I got to the part where Bailey tosses out the possibility of a relationship with the above noted detective because "A Christian shouldn't marry a non-Christian" and that a disparity of faith is the DIRECT cause of marriage breakdown of her brother and his ex-wife. Do, please, tell my married for 35-years parents (one Christian one Jewish) how that goes. And, please, keep moralizing about how much Better with a Capital B Christians are than the rest of us.
GOOD LORD (pun intended) THIS IS TERRIBLE.
I tried to get through this but couldn't make it past ~25% (audiobook). The prose is dreadful, repetitive and cliched. I don't need to be told 15 times in as many minutes that the "dreamy," mysterious," "brooding" detective's eyes are "stormy," and I couldn't manage to deal with the irritating personality of the lead character (Bailey Tucker). Moreover, big parts of the character are lost in the audio version, since Bailey is supposed to be a farm girl from the country but is read in broadcaster, accent-less American English. But, worst of all, it fails to mention in the description that this is very much a Christian novel and barely even tangentially related to a decent mystery.
I knew I was really done when I got to the part where Bailey tosses out the possibility of a relationship with the above noted detective because "A Christian shouldn't marry a non-Christian" and that a disparity of faith is the DIRECT cause of marriage breakdown of her brother and his ex-wife. Do, please, tell my married for 35-years parents (one Christian one Jewish) how that goes. And, please, keep moralizing about how much Better with a Capital B Christians are than the rest of us.
December 15, 2022
Bailey Tucker, southern belle of Missouri, has inherited here unknown paternal Grandfather’s house and his cleaning company. What she did not count on was finding bodies or body parts.
This book is directed to the young adult. The slant is Christian and romance, not a murder mystery. Don’t look for clues to follow or even for it to make sense.
This book is directed to the young adult. The slant is Christian and romance, not a murder mystery. Don’t look for clues to follow or even for it to make sense.
December 30, 2022
Hilarious. Every single page is filled with humour. The chemistry is off the charts too. Lots of fun to read. I will definitely read the second book in the series after this.
*Warning: this book is part of a series and ends on a cliffhanger. I was unable to find books 3 and 4 on Amazon so, unless you know where to purchase the whole series, don’t bother reading this one as you won’t get the conclusion to the whole story!
*Warning: this book is part of a series and ends on a cliffhanger. I was unable to find books 3 and 4 on Amazon so, unless you know where to purchase the whole series, don’t bother reading this one as you won’t get the conclusion to the whole story!
July 9, 2018
Really enjoyed this one! Great characters/story, great narration, really liked it. I'd definitely recommend it to others for a light, fun, twisty/turny, entertaining read :) I'd definitely be interested in reading more! Enjoy! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 6, 2020
The ending leaves you hanging. Evidently there’s a sequel, but it seems as if the book is missing a page or two. And the main character is too preachy - while not practicing what she’s preaching. Altogether a very unsatisfactory read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews