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Eliza Carlisle Mystery #1
Trouble Magnet
Eliza Carlisle has the unwanted talent of attracting trouble, in all its forms. That couldn’t be truer than when she moves into the most bizarre apartment building on the planet. Weekly required dinners with the landlord and assigned chores are bad enough, but the rules don’t end there. Top most on the list of requirements is NO physical violence against the others residents.There have been issues.In the past.The young manager, Sonya, claims that hasn’t been a problem recently, but Eliza comes home from her first day of culinary school to find a dead resident, her next door neighbor looking good for the crime, and a cop that seems more interested in harassing her than solving the case.All Eliza wanted was to escape her past and start over, completely anonymous in a big city. That’s not going to be so easy when the killer thinks she’s made off with a valuable piece of evidence everyone is trying to get their hands on. The ultimatum that she turn it over to save her own life creates a small problem.Eliza has no idea what the killer wants, or where the mysterious object might be. If she can’t uncover a decades old mystery in time, surviving culinary school will be the least of her problems.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2016
153 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
DelSheree Gladden
48 books447 followersDelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 5, 2019
This is a 3.5 star read of a novel length cozy with extra bite!
April 1, 2016
Will Smith might have spoiled this book for me...
I really, really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Eliza and all of the other main characters, though I did find that Eliza and Greenly from “A Crazy Girl’s Handbook seemed to be the same character with a few minor differences... but I loved Greenly too, so it’s all good in terms of characters. I loved the way that the mystery played out with the connection between all of the characters linked to the murder... but certain parts of the “mystery” weren’t much of a mystery to me, thanks to some uncanny similarities between this story and a famous Will Smith movie (which I won’t name, to avoid spoilers). And when I say “uncanny similarities,” I mean, it was pretty much the exact same thing, and I saw it coming from a mile away. Eep. Predictable mysteries aren’t so much fun. But the rest of the book was amazing! A lot of fun! The sweet relationship that Eliza developed was my favorite part!!
I really, really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Eliza and all of the other main characters, though I did find that Eliza and Greenly from “A Crazy Girl’s Handbook seemed to be the same character with a few minor differences... but I loved Greenly too, so it’s all good in terms of characters. I loved the way that the mystery played out with the connection between all of the characters linked to the murder... but certain parts of the “mystery” weren’t much of a mystery to me, thanks to some uncanny similarities between this story and a famous Will Smith movie (which I won’t name, to avoid spoilers). And when I say “uncanny similarities,” I mean, it was pretty much the exact same thing, and I saw it coming from a mile away. Eep. Predictable mysteries aren’t so much fun. But the rest of the book was amazing! A lot of fun! The sweet relationship that Eliza developed was my favorite part!!
March 15, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Let me say that I love all books by DelSheree Gladden. She is one of the few authors I know who can write in the many genres she does, and each time produce a compelling, captivating read that has me turning page after page at top speed trying to soak it all in. Her books are utter bliss, and this one is one again a great hit.
Eliza is a bit of a disaster. She is prone to all types of bad luck, and moves into her sister’s crazy apartment. It has all these strange rules, and strange occupants that makes is one eerie place to live in.
The book starts off with the murder of one of the tenants, and somehow Eliza is caught in the middle of all the chaos. To stay alive and out of harm’s way (as much as that is possible for Eliza), she must solve a 50-year-old crime, and figure out who is after her. She soon finds help from her grumpy, harsh, but very gorgeous neighbor Baxter.
This book was very intriguing. The characters were very unusual, the setting like none I have ever encountered, and the mystery had me eagerly reading to figure it out. Eliza and Baxter had some great chemistry, and I am rooting for some real romance in the future books.
All in all another real winner by DelSheree, and a great kickoff to another promising series!
Let me say that I love all books by DelSheree Gladden. She is one of the few authors I know who can write in the many genres she does, and each time produce a compelling, captivating read that has me turning page after page at top speed trying to soak it all in. Her books are utter bliss, and this one is one again a great hit.
Eliza is a bit of a disaster. She is prone to all types of bad luck, and moves into her sister’s crazy apartment. It has all these strange rules, and strange occupants that makes is one eerie place to live in.
The book starts off with the murder of one of the tenants, and somehow Eliza is caught in the middle of all the chaos. To stay alive and out of harm’s way (as much as that is possible for Eliza), she must solve a 50-year-old crime, and figure out who is after her. She soon finds help from her grumpy, harsh, but very gorgeous neighbor Baxter.
This book was very intriguing. The characters were very unusual, the setting like none I have ever encountered, and the mystery had me eagerly reading to figure it out. Eliza and Baxter had some great chemistry, and I am rooting for some real romance in the future books.
All in all another real winner by DelSheree, and a great kickoff to another promising series!
February 28, 2016
The tile totally suits our main lead Eliza Carlisle. She don't cause them, but all the trouble seems to find her. Which is hilarious but the situation she finds herself in when she moves in the flat where her sister lived has her life in danger.
And poor Baxter has to keep her out of trouble which seems to be in vain. I love him!!! He is grouchy but cute! Am really excited to how their relationship grows or would they always be fighting! Lol! But I love that about them very much.
The mystery and what the murderer wanted and how the whole thing was connected to an old woman who was pain in the back, who got on everyone's nerve and maybe everyone had a grudge against her.
The writing and pace of the story had me hooked that I almost missed my bus stop.
Am looking forward for the series!!
And poor Baxter has to keep her out of trouble which seems to be in vain. I love him!!! He is grouchy but cute! Am really excited to how their relationship grows or would they always be fighting! Lol! But I love that about them very much.
The mystery and what the murderer wanted and how the whole thing was connected to an old woman who was pain in the back, who got on everyone's nerve and maybe everyone had a grudge against her.
The writing and pace of the story had me hooked that I almost missed my bus stop.
Am looking forward for the series!!
September 20, 2019
Realistic yet funny
If you like a quick and quirky cozy mystery that has a more realistic touch than most this is the book for you. The heroine is a young girl trying to work past her past and start a new and better one. Unfortunately for her she moves into a quirky building in New York City and through no fault of her own gets pulled into a murder mystery. This girl doesn’t try to solve the crimes because she feels she’s smarter or braver than the place she just wants to get herself off the list of suspects and go back to her normal life. Though I do love cozies I hate when the main character investigates these crimes because they’re better or smarter. Eliza is very much that anti-hero hero. She like the rest of us when confronting a dead body does not go rushing headfirst to figure out the crime her first instinct is to run away just like the rest of us real people would. I love this series so far because she is the most realistic cozy mystery hero that I have read so far. Give it a try you won’t regret it I promise.
If you like a quick and quirky cozy mystery that has a more realistic touch than most this is the book for you. The heroine is a young girl trying to work past her past and start a new and better one. Unfortunately for her she moves into a quirky building in New York City and through no fault of her own gets pulled into a murder mystery. This girl doesn’t try to solve the crimes because she feels she’s smarter or braver than the place she just wants to get herself off the list of suspects and go back to her normal life. Though I do love cozies I hate when the main character investigates these crimes because they’re better or smarter. Eliza is very much that anti-hero hero. She like the rest of us when confronting a dead body does not go rushing headfirst to figure out the crime her first instinct is to run away just like the rest of us real people would. I love this series so far because she is the most realistic cozy mystery hero that I have read so far. Give it a try you won’t regret it I promise.
July 21, 2019
Take one often opinionated, overbearing male lawyer, add an unsuspecting and somewhat stubborn female culinary student with a need for anonymity and a predilection for attracting mayhem, place this duo (along with others) as tenants in a building with a lease containing an outlandish assortment of personal requirements and rules, throw in a couple of “hot” guys, a cop with attitude, and a killer looking for something that makes murder a viable option and you have the basic ingredients of DelSheree Gladden’s TROUBLE MAGNET.
Settle down for a quick and enjoyable couple hours of reading as protagonist Eliza Carlisle grapples with surviving life in the Big Apple.
Settle down for a quick and enjoyable couple hours of reading as protagonist Eliza Carlisle grapples with surviving life in the Big Apple.
March 10, 2021
I don't even know where to begin!!! This is one GOOD BOOK!
I read it in 2 sittings because I absolutely got 'into' it and would not stop, great characters, enthralling story and mystery, and FAST paced, it's so a KEEPER.
I did actually know who 'did it' but not really:-) Make sense? no, but read the book and you will see what I mean.
I enjoy books that have a good ending and this one did....it also makes you 'want' more....so know that before you read this book and I highly recommend that you do read it....I just know you won't be sorry. It does show you how much you can trust people, and how personalities are deceiving.
Go for it, you will NOT be sorry!
I read it in 2 sittings because I absolutely got 'into' it and would not stop, great characters, enthralling story and mystery, and FAST paced, it's so a KEEPER.
I did actually know who 'did it' but not really:-) Make sense? no, but read the book and you will see what I mean.
I enjoy books that have a good ending and this one did....it also makes you 'want' more....so know that before you read this book and I highly recommend that you do read it....I just know you won't be sorry. It does show you how much you can trust people, and how personalities are deceiving.
Go for it, you will NOT be sorry!
December 13, 2019
Interesting first book
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book when I first started reading it. Baxter was a powder keg of anger, and Eliza was confused, shocked and pissed about her new life in what seems to be a very kooky building.
Yes, there were problems with the characters and I had issues with other aspects, but once the murder mystery aspect kicked in, especially with Officer Williams, the I became hooked and devoured the book. Will definitely be picking up the next book.
3 stars ⭐️
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book when I first started reading it. Baxter was a powder keg of anger, and Eliza was confused, shocked and pissed about her new life in what seems to be a very kooky building.
Yes, there were problems with the characters and I had issues with other aspects, but once the murder mystery aspect kicked in, especially with Officer Williams, the I became hooked and devoured the book. Will definitely be picking up the next book.
3 stars ⭐️
September 6, 2018
I'm an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.. this is the first book in this series... And what a start.. it's has twist and turns.. never would of guessed who the killer was... Everything Elizabeth really did attract trouble... Loved how Baxter took care of her... even from the start of the book... He took her under his wing from the beginning of the book... I will be reading the rest of the series...
January 14, 2019
You know it is going to be a good book, when you get hooked in from the very first couple of pages. This is my first book written by DelSheree. She does a great job introducing you to her characters and developing the storyline in a clear manner. I love Eliza and Baxter. Eliza is strong and independent character that you will truly stand behind and support. (I am team Baxter all the way.) I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 21, 2019
This was a fun book to read. Eliza sure can get into a lot of trouble without even trying. There is a great mystery and some laugh out loud moments. I really like the apartment building with all the crazy characters living there. I am interested to see what happens next and lucky me I don't have to wait!
April 29, 2019
Captured
Once I started this book it did not release me until I finished it a few hours later. Such a thrilling storyline that kept me glued to my screen until I got through it. I slowly figured out bits on my own but that did not take away from the story at all. I live this book and will be continuing the series.
Once I started this book it did not release me until I finished it a few hours later. Such a thrilling storyline that kept me glued to my screen until I got through it. I slowly figured out bits on my own but that did not take away from the story at all. I live this book and will be continuing the series.
November 29, 2018
Solid 3 I think
I can't give a good reason for not rating it higher. Just my overall gut feeling. I've been having some bad days and I'm moody, so it's possible the book was at a bit of a disadvantage. I needed more distraction than it provided.
I can't give a good reason for not rating it higher. Just my overall gut feeling. I've been having some bad days and I'm moody, so it's possible the book was at a bit of a disadvantage. I needed more distraction than it provided.
June 26, 2018
Good read
Eliza does not ask for trouble, it finds her. She always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Eliza does not ask for trouble, it finds her. She always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
June 30, 2018
What a fantastic story, first book I am reading by this Author.. couldn’t put
This down. Great storyline, awesome characters and very entertaining!
This down. Great storyline, awesome characters and very entertaining!
February 26, 2019
Fun little mystery
I would definitely recommend this book as a quick read. Interesting plot and characters. Enough to keep you ingredients to the end.
I would definitely recommend this book as a quick read. Interesting plot and characters. Enough to keep you ingredients to the end.
September 17, 2019
What a fun and interesting story. I loved Eliza and some of the other characters. Couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
May 23, 2021
We all have emotional baggage.... And sometimes that makes us seem different than we are. The characters in this book are no exceptions.
Quaint and likeable.. The book is worth the time.
Quaint and likeable.. The book is worth the time.
June 17, 2021
A fast paced ride with a trainee cook called Eliza! Part comedy part serious, both handled well, however not sure I want to follow the chaotic Eliza on the rest of her journeys through life.
May 21, 2022
A refreshing, entertaining, not-so-cozy mystery with intriguing characters, good humor, and enough room for lots of great stories to come.
December 26, 2022
I enjoyed every second of this book. Even though she was trouble, it was worth the trouble to save her from her own doom if that makes sense.
March 11, 2023
This book was really good. Had everything a cozy needs. Murder a little (well a lot really) humour and a great ending. I can't wait to read more from this author.
January 10, 2017
Title: Trouble Magnet - Eliza Carlisle Mystery Book 1
Author: DelSheree Gladden
Published: 3-15-2016
Publisher: DelSheree Gladden
Pages: 206
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Humor
ISBN: 13: 9781530628773
ASIN: B01CAS0XQ0
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Trouble Magnet" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description from the publisher:
Eliza Carlisle has the unwanted talent of attracting trouble, in all its forms. That couldn’t be truer than when she moves into the most bizarre apartment building on the planet. Weekly required dinners with the landlord and assigned chores are bad enough, but the rules don’t end there. Top most on the list of requirements is NO physical violence against the others residents.
There have been issues.
In the past.
The young manager, Sonya, claims that hasn’t been a problem recently, but Eliza comes home from her first day of culinary school to find a dead resident, her next door neighbor looking good for the crime, and a cop that seems more interested in harassing her than solving the case.
All Eliza wanted was to escape her past and start over, completely anonymous in a big city. That’s not going to be so easy when the killer thinks she’s made off with a valuable piece of evidence everyone is trying to get their hands on. The ultimatum that she turn it over to save her own life creates a small problem. Eliza has no idea what the killer wants, or where the mysterious object might be.
If she can’t uncover a decades old mystery in time, surviving culinary school will be the least of her problems.
My review of "Trouble Magnet":
The cast of characters in the novel are diverse and well developed. Each individual personality had quirks that bring them to life for the reader. Add in DelSheree Gladden's descriptive writing style and you will feel yourself becoming a part of the scenes as you read them. Murder is serious business, but Gladden infuses the story with humor as well.
"Trouble Magnet" is a quick read that will hold you spell bound as you read from the opening paragraphs to the last. A winner for DelSheree Gladden. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book for any lover of humorous light mysteries. I hope you enjoy it.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CAS0XQ0/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/troub...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: DelSheree Gladden
Published: 3-15-2016
Publisher: DelSheree Gladden
Pages: 206
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Humor
ISBN: 13: 9781530628773
ASIN: B01CAS0XQ0
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Trouble Magnet" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description from the publisher:
Eliza Carlisle has the unwanted talent of attracting trouble, in all its forms. That couldn’t be truer than when she moves into the most bizarre apartment building on the planet. Weekly required dinners with the landlord and assigned chores are bad enough, but the rules don’t end there. Top most on the list of requirements is NO physical violence against the others residents.
There have been issues.
In the past.
The young manager, Sonya, claims that hasn’t been a problem recently, but Eliza comes home from her first day of culinary school to find a dead resident, her next door neighbor looking good for the crime, and a cop that seems more interested in harassing her than solving the case.
All Eliza wanted was to escape her past and start over, completely anonymous in a big city. That’s not going to be so easy when the killer thinks she’s made off with a valuable piece of evidence everyone is trying to get their hands on. The ultimatum that she turn it over to save her own life creates a small problem. Eliza has no idea what the killer wants, or where the mysterious object might be.
If she can’t uncover a decades old mystery in time, surviving culinary school will be the least of her problems.
My review of "Trouble Magnet":
The cast of characters in the novel are diverse and well developed. Each individual personality had quirks that bring them to life for the reader. Add in DelSheree Gladden's descriptive writing style and you will feel yourself becoming a part of the scenes as you read them. Murder is serious business, but Gladden infuses the story with humor as well.
"Trouble Magnet" is a quick read that will hold you spell bound as you read from the opening paragraphs to the last. A winner for DelSheree Gladden. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book for any lover of humorous light mysteries. I hope you enjoy it.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CAS0XQ0/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/troub...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
May 9, 2016
I love mysteries, especially cozies (which I think this book fits into that category) and this one was fun and kept me laughing at the quirkiness of the characters and just the whole setting. I loved the concept of the building and that each resident has a job to do to save on a maintenance man...but Eliza doesn't know this when she agrees to take over her sister's lease. I won't reveal what her job was and her experience with doing that job, but it was quite humorous!
There is a somewhat limited cast of characters that could be the guilty party in the murder of one of the residents of this building. I was very surprised who it turned out to be and looking back there were a few clues but not many.
And what book would be complete without some love interests for Eliza...and she has more than 1!
Oh and I would be remiss in not mentioning that Eliza is attending culinary school...would love to see recipes in future books.
Overall the book was intriguing, funny and just a joy to read. I am wondering where Eliza will go next in her book.
There is a somewhat limited cast of characters that could be the guilty party in the murder of one of the residents of this building. I was very surprised who it turned out to be and looking back there were a few clues but not many.
And what book would be complete without some love interests for Eliza...and she has more than 1!
Oh and I would be remiss in not mentioning that Eliza is attending culinary school...would love to see recipes in future books.
Overall the book was intriguing, funny and just a joy to read. I am wondering where Eliza will go next in her book.
January 11, 2017
I quite enjoyed this first in a new series! This is my first book by this author and I want to know when the next is available.
Eliza is a 23 and - after something major happened 5 years ago - is finally ready to start culinary school and be more outgoing. She moves into her absent sister's apartment and only then is informed of the extra requirements to stay a tenant in the low-rent building. The next day an elderly neighbor is murdered and somehow Eliza gets involved and starts sleuthing to save her own hide.
I loved the banter between Eliza and neighbor Baxter. He is handsome but grumpy and helps her out several times. I feel something brewing!
There were several typo's and indeed a lot of eyerolling (lol) but I liked this mystery and the characters in it. Nicely done.
I requested and received a copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
Eliza is a 23 and - after something major happened 5 years ago - is finally ready to start culinary school and be more outgoing. She moves into her absent sister's apartment and only then is informed of the extra requirements to stay a tenant in the low-rent building. The next day an elderly neighbor is murdered and somehow Eliza gets involved and starts sleuthing to save her own hide.
I loved the banter between Eliza and neighbor Baxter. He is handsome but grumpy and helps her out several times. I feel something brewing!
There were several typo's and indeed a lot of eyerolling (lol) but I liked this mystery and the characters in it. Nicely done.
I requested and received a copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
January 15, 2017
Trouble Magnet by DelSheree Gladden is the first book I've read from this author. And it won't be my last! The first book in the Elisa Carlisle Mystery is off to a great start. Fun characters that offer lots of possibilities. Laughs, romance, and mystery will keep you turning the pages. I'm looking forward to more of Eliza's life in her crazy apartment building!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 26, 2016
Fun read. The characters were well developed and the plot was interesting. Eliza is a trouble magnet but in a very endearing way. She is awkward and brave, an odd combination but very appealing. Baxter is a crazy riddle I'd love to unravel...
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 19, 2016
Purchased on a whim and loved it! Crazy characters, lots of laughs, tense moments and plenty of hot guys. The story was exciting and interesting with plenty of subtle clues to help you solve the case. Really need more of Baxter.
March 31, 2016
Great Read
If you like suspense drama action humor this is the book you want to read. It was a wonderful book. I am not giving away any spoilers just read it, you won't be sorry that you did.
If you like suspense drama action humor this is the book you want to read. It was a wonderful book. I am not giving away any spoilers just read it, you won't be sorry that you did.
February 27, 2016
I had so much fun writing this book and I can't wait to share it :) Hopefully all my readers enjoy it and have a good laugh at Eliza's expense!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews