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Deadlines Mysteries #1
Deadlines
From the world of the bestselling Lexi Graves Mysteries…
Shayne Winter thinks she has everything she ever wanted: a job as chief reporter at The LA Chronicle, a swish, new apartment in a fabulous neighborhood, and a California-cool lifestyle. But on the very first day, it all goes horribly wrong. The apartment is less “young professional” and more “young offender,” as the only furnishing is a handsome squatter with roving eyes. Even worse, Ben Kosina, her predecessor at The Chronicle, has returned to claim his former job, leaving Shayne nothing but the obituary column and a simple choice: take it or leave it.
Her first assignment should be easy: eulogizing the accidental death of washed-up former child-star, Chucky Barnard, and filing her column. Yet when Shayne interviews the people closest to Chucky, his sister claims Chucky had everything to live for, suggesting his untimely death could only be murder.
Convinced this could be the perfect headline to put her life back on track, Shayne vows to find the truth, persuade a reticent homicide detective to investigate, and bring a killer to justice, all before Ben grabs her story and the killer makes Shayne his or her personal deadline.
Shayne Winter thinks she has everything she ever wanted: a job as chief reporter at The LA Chronicle, a swish, new apartment in a fabulous neighborhood, and a California-cool lifestyle. But on the very first day, it all goes horribly wrong. The apartment is less “young professional” and more “young offender,” as the only furnishing is a handsome squatter with roving eyes. Even worse, Ben Kosina, her predecessor at The Chronicle, has returned to claim his former job, leaving Shayne nothing but the obituary column and a simple choice: take it or leave it.
Her first assignment should be easy: eulogizing the accidental death of washed-up former child-star, Chucky Barnard, and filing her column. Yet when Shayne interviews the people closest to Chucky, his sister claims Chucky had everything to live for, suggesting his untimely death could only be murder.
Convinced this could be the perfect headline to put her life back on track, Shayne vows to find the truth, persuade a reticent homicide detective to investigate, and bring a killer to justice, all before Ben grabs her story and the killer makes Shayne his or her personal deadline.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2016
584 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Chafer
52 books748 followersCamilla Chafer is a USA Today bestselling author. Her novels include the Lexi Graves Mysteries, the spinoff trilogy Deadlines Mysteries, the Calendar Cozy Murder Mysteries, and supernatural/urban fantasy Stella Mayweather series.
She has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites globally, and also written and edited several non-fiction books.
Follow Camilla on BookBub for new releases and special offers https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camil... or on Facebook for behind the scenes content.
She has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites globally, and also written and edited several non-fiction books.
Follow Camilla on BookBub for new releases and special offers https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camil... or on Facebook for behind the scenes content.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 17, 2016
This book moves away from Montgomery to LA as Shayne Winters, the journalist with the Montgomery Gazette moves to take a job with the LA Chronicle. When she gets there she finds the job is less reporter more writer, specifically writing obituaries and an entertainment column. The promised luxury apartment is anything but, and she feels a bit annoyed with the whole situation.
She is tasked with writing an obituary for a child star, one that she remembers from her childhood, but things aren't what they seem and she finds herself sleuthing for answers.
Between sleuthing she meets men via a dating site, visits a show being filmed, gets wined and dined, and has a love/hate relationship with someone in her apartment block, which is very funny.
The book made me smile when Lexi Graves was referenced. It is written in a similar style to the Lexi novels, so it's well paced, easy to follow, and the characters have depth.
A thoroughly good read, can't wait for more of Shayne's adventures.
She is tasked with writing an obituary for a child star, one that she remembers from her childhood, but things aren't what they seem and she finds herself sleuthing for answers.
Between sleuthing she meets men via a dating site, visits a show being filmed, gets wined and dined, and has a love/hate relationship with someone in her apartment block, which is very funny.
The book made me smile when Lexi Graves was referenced. It is written in a similar style to the Lexi novels, so it's well paced, easy to follow, and the characters have depth.
A thoroughly good read, can't wait for more of Shayne's adventures.
June 29, 2016
I am a big fan of Camilla Chafers writing so I was sure that I would love the first in her newest series, Deadlines and I was right. It is always great getting to know new friends and in Deadlines, I met a whole new group that I am already dying to spend time with again. The mystery was a good cozy and I enjoyed Shayne's charge ahead style of investigating and the humor that ran throughout. I always buy in to CC's characters so the emotional touches hit me right in the heart, but that is one of the strengths of her writing, making me care. As I mentioned, I am already anxious for the next book!
June 19, 2016
I knew, just knew.. like all of the other books I've read by Ms. Chafer - I wouldn't be able to put the book down without reading it in one sitting. I really enjoyed all of the characters - some quirky, some sweet and some funny ones.
There's never a good stopping point - the story just flows, and you just can't help but find yourself completely immersed in the plot.
Really looking forward to reading more in this new series!
There's never a good stopping point - the story just flows, and you just can't help but find yourself completely immersed in the plot.
Really looking forward to reading more in this new series!
January 29, 2018
2.5 stars
The series has potential, but Shane’s multiple TSTL moments and her occasional unwarranted bitchiness detracted from the story. The culprit also was painfully obvious early on. I may check out the next book, but it’s not a sure bet.
The series has potential, but Shane’s multiple TSTL moments and her occasional unwarranted bitchiness detracted from the story. The culprit also was painfully obvious early on. I may check out the next book, but it’s not a sure bet.
August 29, 2018
This isn't my normal genre but I loved Camilla Chafer's Lexi series so I tried this too.
It is a good story. Rather than talk about the plot, I am going to say that it is a good book.
Shayne is a strong female character who also shows some vulnerability. It's a mystery book as she is writing an article but gets involved in a suspicious death.
There are some funny moments, some touching moments and a good group of supporting secondary characters.
The mystery isn't all that hard to work out but the journey to get there is entertaining.
A good start to a new series.
It is a good story. Rather than talk about the plot, I am going to say that it is a good book.
Shayne is a strong female character who also shows some vulnerability. It's a mystery book as she is writing an article but gets involved in a suspicious death.
There are some funny moments, some touching moments and a good group of supporting secondary characters.
The mystery isn't all that hard to work out but the journey to get there is entertaining.
A good start to a new series.
June 16, 2016
I loved this book! In it, Shayne moves across the country to LA to a job as a reporter. Once she arrives, her job is gone and she is only able to stay on doing obits and entertainment. Dissatisfied with her assignment, she decides to do a bit of research on the subject of an obit she is assigned to write. What she finds leads her into danger and has her meeting some of the local police more often than she'd like.
This is fast paced and witty with plenty of humor and a few poignant moments. If you enjoy chick lit/romantic suspense, you will love this book. This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see where the author takes it. She has long been on my must read authors' list. If you haven't read a book by her, you are really missing something special.
This is fast paced and witty with plenty of humor and a few poignant moments. If you enjoy chick lit/romantic suspense, you will love this book. This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see where the author takes it. She has long been on my must read authors' list. If you haven't read a book by her, you are really missing something special.
February 9, 2018
Fast-Paced Fun!
Loved this story and really enjoyed the premise. Great characters and witty banter. I’ll be reading more from Ms. Chafer!
Loved this story and really enjoyed the premise. Great characters and witty banter. I’ll be reading more from Ms. Chafer!
June 14, 2017
As with her Lexi Graves books, this story is rather silly and very predictable, and the editing it terrible, but I think I actually preferred it to the Lexi Graves series. Interested to see how she develops this into a series.
June 17, 2016
Camilla Chafer does not disappoint! Likeable characters and a good storyline. I can't wait for book 2!
September 8, 2016
Nice, fun easy read. Just a little to predictable.
September 19, 2017
2.5 telegraphed killer wayyy to early.
January 24, 2018
When Shayne Winter takes a risk and moves to LA, nothing is what she expected. Her job at the newspaper is reduced from chief reporter to obituaries and entertainment. Her apartment, leased for a year, was arranged by the paper and is nothing like advertised. In short, her life is a disaster, and yet when she is told to write the obit of a former child movie star, her integrity thrusts her into proving a suicide was actually a murder. The only thing you can be sure of in this book is there is a lot of sunshine and lots of traffic!
Ms Chafer has written an interesting look at the struggle of a new person moving to LA. She is not in show biz and does not have the shallow selfishness that many of the people she meets share. Instead she works hard and makes the best of any situation that she is in. Her snarkiness towards some people makes her contrite. She tries to give people second chances. She has good instincts and somehow manages to avoid serious trouble...almost.
Interesting characters and a good plot make this well written mystery fun to read. I liked it so much that I read the book in one sitting and ordered the second book before I shut off my kindle.
Ms Chafer has written an interesting look at the struggle of a new person moving to LA. She is not in show biz and does not have the shallow selfishness that many of the people she meets share. Instead she works hard and makes the best of any situation that she is in. Her snarkiness towards some people makes her contrite. She tries to give people second chances. She has good instincts and somehow manages to avoid serious trouble...almost.
Interesting characters and a good plot make this well written mystery fun to read. I liked it so much that I read the book in one sitting and ordered the second book before I shut off my kindle.
May 2, 2020
This seemed promising but fell flat. The heroine, Shayne Winter, is the definition of annoying. Her bitchy banter is clearly meant to be amusing, but it just makes her sound smug and rather mean-spirited. The sort of person who thinks she’s smart but is actually quite stupid. Within two days of moving to LA, she’s complaining that she hasn’t got any friends, not like back home in Montgomery. Well, duh!
For some reason, two gorgeous men fall over themselves to offer help, and in return she showers them with contempt while ungraciously snatching whatever assistance she deems useful.
As a whodunnit, it is rather poor. The action drags badly in the middle, and the culprit is very obvious from early on. The romantic interest is also easy to guess, although it’s not clear why such a great guy should fall for a woman who treats him so badly. They have zero chemistry, and suddenly they’re a couple. Possibly the most cringe-making scene is when Shayne tries to sassy-talk her way out of becoming the killer’s next victim. In addition, the book is badly in need of editing and proofreading.
For some reason, two gorgeous men fall over themselves to offer help, and in return she showers them with contempt while ungraciously snatching whatever assistance she deems useful.
As a whodunnit, it is rather poor. The action drags badly in the middle, and the culprit is very obvious from early on. The romantic interest is also easy to guess, although it’s not clear why such a great guy should fall for a woman who treats him so badly. They have zero chemistry, and suddenly they’re a couple. Possibly the most cringe-making scene is when Shayne tries to sassy-talk her way out of becoming the killer’s next victim. In addition, the book is badly in need of editing and proofreading.
August 6, 2017
I have read all of the Lexi Graves books and enjoyed them immensely. I was excited about the Shayne Winter series. I felt like she was a dynamic character waiting to be explored. I wasn't disappointed.
The beginning starts with Shayne moving to LA to work on the Chronicle. Shayne finds she is an obits writer instead of chief reporter, as expected. Through the obits, she finds a murder. The story follows Shayne as she dates, meets with suspects, Hollywood stars, and figures out the murderer.
I didn't particularly care for Shayne at the beginning of the story. She was rude and judgmental. However, by the end of the story, her character evolved and I was pleasantly surprised.
I am looking forward to reading the next book (which is already downloaded and waiting for me). I am also curious to see if Shayne and Ben's relationship continues.
The beginning starts with Shayne moving to LA to work on the Chronicle. Shayne finds she is an obits writer instead of chief reporter, as expected. Through the obits, she finds a murder. The story follows Shayne as she dates, meets with suspects, Hollywood stars, and figures out the murderer.
I didn't particularly care for Shayne at the beginning of the story. She was rude and judgmental. However, by the end of the story, her character evolved and I was pleasantly surprised.
I am looking forward to reading the next book (which is already downloaded and waiting for me). I am also curious to see if Shayne and Ben's relationship continues.
January 16, 2020
It takes a lot for me to write a review either I hate the story or I absolutely love it. Well I don’t love this story. I think ChickLit is synonymous with stupid chicks. Don’t get me wrong there were some good parts in the story and one or two good characters but the main character started off great and then slid right into dumb ass territory. What kind of ace reporter walks in the stupid situations you would think this person being an ace reporter would be smart enough to figure some things out. Also a reporter is not there to make assumptions they’re there to get the facts straight and so many times I felt like she glossed over what she needed to check to make the story. Why do people make dumb ass female characters? A lot of times I think it’s just lazy writing whatever fills in the gap.
Would I recommend this book no, I would not. Nor would I move on to the next in the series
Would I recommend this book no, I would not. Nor would I move on to the next in the series
February 2, 2018
This is the first in a new series by one of my favorite Authors. I love getting to know the new characters Shayne is so excited about her new job in LA. Promised an great new job with a wonderful apartment she moves only to find that the person who originally had her job returned and they now want her to write entertainment and obits. The fantastic apartment is not what was advertized but she is stuck. She tries to make the best of it and tries to find stories to get her noticed. She runs into quite the mysteries and adventure. I really like the book. I am a Lexie fan and she is still my favorite but this is an excellent read.
June 25, 2018
For a "cozy" mystery there was a lot of negativity in this book -- Shayne leaves messages everyday on her dead grandmother's voice mail, Ben has returned to work after taking a sabbatical to care for his dying mother, Mikes grandfather dies, Detective Stevens has just returned to work after her husband was killed in the line of duty. Shayne's bad dates are not amusing. She is very quick to pass judgement on Mike because he sleeps around and doesn't have a job.
I identified the killer right away and the motive because I recognized the plot from TV shows and other books. This book should have been called "The Misfits". And of course there were lots of typos, so annoying😡
I identified the killer right away and the motive because I recognized the plot from TV shows and other books. This book should have been called "The Misfits". And of course there were lots of typos, so annoying😡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Stop the presses!
Suicide/murder. Give a reporter a little whiff of something not quite up to snuff and off you go on a news hunt. Stuck on obituaries at the new paper she works at, Shayne finds one of her obits puzzling. She begins to investigate as a good investigating reporter should. Clues appear as she tries to fit in with the Hollywood crowd. Follow along while she discovers who did it and makes a bunch of friends along the way. This story definitely needs to be followed up with another book.
Suicide/murder. Give a reporter a little whiff of something not quite up to snuff and off you go on a news hunt. Stuck on obituaries at the new paper she works at, Shayne finds one of her obits puzzling. She begins to investigate as a good investigating reporter should. Clues appear as she tries to fit in with the Hollywood crowd. Follow along while she discovers who did it and makes a bunch of friends along the way. This story definitely needs to be followed up with another book.
January 21, 2018
Death Has A Deadline
I enjoyed this book because it was different. There has been a plethora of murder and mystery books that were set in cafes, bakeries and food trucks, but this about a reporter. Shayne is covering the obituaries and wants a great story to help her career. Following her intuition she investigates Chuck's apparent suicide. She gets to meet two guys, Mike and Ben, and gets into lots of scrapes before the culprit is revealed. I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book because it was different. There has been a plethora of murder and mystery books that were set in cafes, bakeries and food trucks, but this about a reporter. Shayne is covering the obituaries and wants a great story to help her career. Following her intuition she investigates Chuck's apparent suicide. She gets to meet two guys, Mike and Ben, and gets into lots of scrapes before the culprit is revealed. I was given this book in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2018
This book left me with a mix of emotions. Very annoyed and irritated was a big one. Mainly because this "mystery" was so blatantly clear from the get go and it drove me crazy to have the main character dumbed-down so she couldn't figure out the obvious. I also felt amused. There was some fun dialogue and banter. Thumbs up for that. I did like a lot of the characters. Definitely a light read. I don't recollect any swearing and there are a few sexual innuendos. This was probably a 2.5 for me.
June 5, 2017
I love Lexi Graves so I was thrilled to see a new story by Camilla.
I gave this book a 4 because I can't give it a 3 1/2. I found the story to be predictable and poorly edited. I had a hard time connecting with the main character but felt like she redeemed herself late in the book. I did like the detail that was put into the different characters and would read a second in the series.
I gave this book a 4 because I can't give it a 3 1/2. I found the story to be predictable and poorly edited. I had a hard time connecting with the main character but felt like she redeemed herself late in the book. I did like the detail that was put into the different characters and would read a second in the series.
August 21, 2017
I absolutely love Camilla Chafer's Lexi Graves series as well as her Stella Mayweather series, so I was very excited to read the Deadlines book! I have to admit I struggled a bit in the beginning as it took me a little longer to get into this book, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! The characters are wonderfully developed and I loved the cross references to the Lexi Graves series. I can't wait to read the next book!
January 25, 2018
Deadlines (Deadlines Mysteries Book 1)
Really enjoyed reading as she researched the death of Chucky and got involved in his life and tried to form a new life for herself. Was a surprise when you found out her gran had passed away after she had been leaving all the messages for her. Sad too. Interesting relationship between her and the Detective as she tried to make her way and form new friends
Really enjoyed reading as she researched the death of Chucky and got involved in his life and tried to form a new life for herself. Was a surprise when you found out her gran had passed away after she had been leaving all the messages for her. Sad too. Interesting relationship between her and the Detective as she tried to make her way and form new friends
April 13, 2018
This book was good. It had a lot of lose ends which made seeing the sequel coming easy which I find to be a little annoying (I just love to be shocked and thrilled and hate seeing a plot line looming). In saying that I picked the killer straight away. I still really enjoyed the book though and will read he sequel. Looking forward to a few other characters plot lines expanding and developing into more.
May 2, 2018
Mysteriously hot
I’ve got to say this book got better and better the further along the book went. At first, it was bit boring but then it just got amazingly interesting and I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were great, and a little bit complicated and the guys were hot. Add a little bit of mystery and what else could you ask for. I’m looking forward to reading the next mystery in the series!
I’ve got to say this book got better and better the further along the book went. At first, it was bit boring but then it just got amazingly interesting and I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were great, and a little bit complicated and the guys were hot. Add a little bit of mystery and what else could you ask for. I’m looking forward to reading the next mystery in the series!
June 5, 2018
fun characters and story
This was a fun story with interesting characters and an engaging story. It`s a nice addition to Chafer`s other series. Unlike those, however, I figured out who the bad guy was fairly early on, which did diminish my interest in the story a bit. Still, it finished strong and my fears about the protagonist`s love life seem to be ill-founded so I`m excited to read the next book in the series.
This was a fun story with interesting characters and an engaging story. It`s a nice addition to Chafer`s other series. Unlike those, however, I figured out who the bad guy was fairly early on, which did diminish my interest in the story a bit. Still, it finished strong and my fears about the protagonist`s love life seem to be ill-founded so I`m excited to read the next book in the series.
May 8, 2020
Easy read
This is the first in the series and not a bad start. The story is complete, no cliffhangers. Reporter Shayne is a pleasant character, as are the other characters that will continue with the series. The story is passable but predictable. I figured out whodunit early in the story. Shayne should have, too. The writing and editing are competent. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
This is the first in the series and not a bad start. The story is complete, no cliffhangers. Reporter Shayne is a pleasant character, as are the other characters that will continue with the series. The story is passable but predictable. I figured out whodunit early in the story. Shayne should have, too. The writing and editing are competent. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
November 4, 2022
I love Camilla Chafer's writing. It's easy to read and the plot always moves along at a good pace. She is able to introduce quite a number of characters but I never have any problems remembering who is who or how they fit into the story.
Although it was pretty obvious who the baddie was early on in Deadlines, there were still a few little red herrings thrown in along the way that made it believable why it took till the end for everyone in the book to work out who the culprit was.
Although it was pretty obvious who the baddie was early on in Deadlines, there were still a few little red herrings thrown in along the way that made it believable why it took till the end for everyone in the book to work out who the culprit was.
January 21, 2018
Lighthearted murder
Four stars for this whacky murder investigation! Finding that her new top reporter role has been filched from under her noise our heroine turns sleuth to uncover a murder that had been written off as a suicide. Lots of fun and wisecracks, very little blood and gore......perfect for a rainy weekend when you don't want nightmares
Four stars for this whacky murder investigation! Finding that her new top reporter role has been filched from under her noise our heroine turns sleuth to uncover a murder that had been written off as a suicide. Lots of fun and wisecracks, very little blood and gore......perfect for a rainy weekend when you don't want nightmares
January 22, 2018
First in a series and a fun read with many plot twists although the "guilty one" was apparent to me sooner than to the lead character. But the reporter setting was enjoyable as well an the fact of introducing the main character to life in Los Angeles. Delightful characters and I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews