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Dixie Flynn Mystery #1
Angel With A Bullet
Wisecracking reporter Dixie Flynn thinks fast and talks even faster―it’s the only way to survive the San Francisco crime beat. When she’s assigned to look into the death of her former lover, artist Diego Chino, Dixie’s instincts tell her there’s more behind the apparent suicide than the police are letting on.
Dixie’s canvassing of the Bay Area art district reveals it to be a perfect picture of corruption, with a handsome art dealer and a reclusive patron in the foreground. After a romantic evening in Chinatown ends in a brush with death, Dixie is more determined than ever to expose the truth. But when a fire in her vicinity turns out to be more than just performance art, it’s clear the perpetrators would rather see Dixie dead than let her destroy their criminal masterpiece.
“Dixie Flynn may be the most kick-ass heroine ever created. Kudos to Grant for giving us the ultimate ‘girl power’ thriller!” — Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Silent
Dixie’s canvassing of the Bay Area art district reveals it to be a perfect picture of corruption, with a handsome art dealer and a reclusive patron in the foreground. After a romantic evening in Chinatown ends in a brush with death, Dixie is more determined than ever to expose the truth. But when a fire in her vicinity turns out to be more than just performance art, it’s clear the perpetrators would rather see Dixie dead than let her destroy their criminal masterpiece.
“Dixie Flynn may be the most kick-ass heroine ever created. Kudos to Grant for giving us the ultimate ‘girl power’ thriller!” — Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Silent
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
1041 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Grant
5 books14 followersPen name for author Grant McKenzie.
Grant McKenzie is the internationally-published author of seven edge-of-your-seat thrillers, plus a mystery trilogy set in San Francisco.
Under the pen name, M.C. Grant, he writes the Dixie Flynn series published by Midnight Ink that began with Angel With A Bullet, continued with Devil With A Gun, and became a Shamus Award finalist with Beauty With A Bomb
As a journalist, Grant has worked in virtually every area of the newspaper business from the late-night "Dead Body Beat" at a feisty daily tabloid to senior copy/design editor at two of Canada's largest broadsheets, plus Editor-in-Chief of Monday magazine. He resides in Victoria, B.C., where he works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Grant McKenzie is the internationally-published author of seven edge-of-your-seat thrillers, plus a mystery trilogy set in San Francisco.
Under the pen name, M.C. Grant, he writes the Dixie Flynn series published by Midnight Ink that began with Angel With A Bullet, continued with Devil With A Gun, and became a Shamus Award finalist with Beauty With A Bomb
As a journalist, Grant has worked in virtually every area of the newspaper business from the late-night "Dead Body Beat" at a feisty daily tabloid to senior copy/design editor at two of Canada's largest broadsheets, plus Editor-in-Chief of Monday magazine. He resides in Victoria, B.C., where he works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 30, 2012
A great mix of humor, mystery, action, and suspense. A juggling act that was carried off with ease and panache(did I spell that right?, who knows).Anyway, my ereader was clicking away as this moves fast, furious and with a huge element of fun. I really enjoyed the characters and hope that is a continuing series.
September 10, 2013
I gave the book 3*s for the tale. But I give 5*s to Dixie. The story reminded me of Saturday mornings at the theater for cartoons and Flash Gordon, Rocket Man, et. al., cliff hanger serials. The notable difference being that Flash always escaped unscathed unlike poor Dixie who really takes a beating but keeps coming back ticking.
September 4, 2017
Delightful new detective is on the scene in the guise of an investigative reporter. And what a debut she makes. My kind of read...fast, plot twist after plot twist and a climatic ending. I look forward to the next adventure.
August 9, 2020
2 1/2 stars.
November 19, 2013
I loved this story. It isn't always completely believable, but Dixie Flynn is a relatable, lovable heroine who doesn't realize she is in over her head until it's almost too late, a formula that always grabs my interest.
March 6, 2015
What an enjoyable read. Dixie Flynn is an entertaining heroine in a funny mystery with a dash of sex. This is a series that will be a lot of fun to follow.
August 21, 2019
I absolutely love Dixie and there are an interesting cast of supporting characters, especially Mr French and Kristy, however I wasn’t quite so impressed with the actual story. It’s probably my lack of patience, but I want some sort of progress during the investigation, however little, rather than everything happening at the end. Most of the book was just Dixie working hard to collect information, but she didn’t put any of it together until right at the end.
Overall this was an enjoyable book and I will definitely be trying the next one in the series. If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
Overall this was an enjoyable book and I will definitely be trying the next one in the series. If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
October 13, 2017
I loved this book. I am not sure how many books are in this series but I hope there are many! Dixie Flynn is my new favorite series :-)
September 5, 2017
Angel With A Bullet
I couldn't help it but love Dixie! A gutsy kickass reporter with a heart of gold and a great kick ass wit.
I couldn't help it but love Dixie! A gutsy kickass reporter with a heart of gold and a great kick ass wit.
November 9, 2017
Started slow, but in the end I couldn’t put it down and was looking for the next one. I love Dixie, a strong women with humor.
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December 24, 2020Making a Difference
The author has presented the reader with a new kind of heroine -a tough, smart, irreverent investigative reporter dedicated to making a difference. Looking forward to the next work by this writer!
The author has presented the reader with a new kind of heroine -a tough, smart, irreverent investigative reporter dedicated to making a difference. Looking forward to the next work by this writer!
December 21, 2020
Angel With a Bullet
I struggle with finding new authors to read and am so glad I gave this one a chance. I was looking for a strong female character lead and what I consider strong sometimes differs from an author’s perspective. This did not disappoint. Dixie is quite the character! There was a great mystery, great investigation by Dixie, great characters and an engaging story. The narrator does a great job of bringing this story to life!
I struggle with finding new authors to read and am so glad I gave this one a chance. I was looking for a strong female character lead and what I consider strong sometimes differs from an author’s perspective. This did not disappoint. Dixie is quite the character! There was a great mystery, great investigation by Dixie, great characters and an engaging story. The narrator does a great job of bringing this story to life!
December 22, 2020
An unexpected twist
The author certainly has a creative way with words, which was one reason for me sticking to reading an unusual genre. I have to be honest and admit I saw part of the plot, but wow! the culprit threw me way off.
Excellent! Now for more Dixie Flynn
The author certainly has a creative way with words, which was one reason for me sticking to reading an unusual genre. I have to be honest and admit I saw part of the plot, but wow! the culprit threw me way off.
Excellent! Now for more Dixie Flynn
November 1, 2017
A fun mystery/thriller. Dixie gets in boat loads of trouble, but with a bit of digging, a little luck and some good friends, manages to get more of a story than she bargained for. I will definitely read more.
September 24, 2017
Does it ruin the review if I use the word plucky? I finally get more than I paid for with all the free books I've been reviewing. Truly determined (read: plucky) reporter Dixie investigates the apparent suicide of renowned local artist Diego Chino. She won't stop not matter how many times, and how many different ways her life is threatened. Foreshadowing was gentle so as to not ruin the plot for all except the most detailed reader. Even when you figure it out, you're not too upset to finish the book. Character development is well rounded, even some of the minor characters are fleshed out in little ways to make you appreciate their charms. Might even have to pay for additional books in the series! Definitely worth the time.
March 4, 2021
Full of funny lines
Love the book, such charming wit and laugh out loud quips.
Throughly in joyed it.
Dixie is a lovely though no nonsense girl. Nothing seems to faze her, and even if it does she is such a strong woman she won't let it show.
Love the book, such charming wit and laugh out loud quips.
Throughly in joyed it.
Dixie is a lovely though no nonsense girl. Nothing seems to faze her, and even if it does she is such a strong woman she won't let it show.
September 30, 2017
Exactly what I expected. Fast paced, light humour, decent plot and likable characters.
May 17, 2015
The Northern CA Digital Library has a bunch of mysteries set in San Francisco, and I've been reading a lot of them. This one is a fun read. The author gets SF correctly, which I am a stickler about (see my review ofThe Alchemyst). The story is witty and moves along quickly. I like the characters and the plot was ok.
There are two issues I have. 1) The heterosexual female narrator's description of the sexy woman next door reads like a male heterosexual. The author is a male (presumably heterosexual) (M.C. Grant is an alternate name for Grant McKenzie). He needs to talk to some women about how they interact. 2) The plot barely held together for the first reading, and I'm pretty sure that the 'but wait' thoughts I have on reflection are not covered. (very short spoiler)
Despite these issues I look forward to more stories. I'll even look for the other versions of this author.
There are two issues I have. 1) The heterosexual female narrator's description of the sexy woman next door reads like a male heterosexual. The author is a male (presumably heterosexual) (M.C. Grant is an alternate name for Grant McKenzie). He needs to talk to some women about how they interact. 2) The plot barely held together for the first reading, and I'm pretty sure that the 'but wait' thoughts I have on reflection are not covered. (very short spoiler)
Despite these issues I look forward to more stories. I'll even look for the other versions of this author.
September 17, 2017
A Fun, Fast-Paced Mystery
With one of the best and most creative word smithing creations, Grant keeps the reader guessing while providing delightful humor.
With one of the best and most creative word smithing creations, Grant keeps the reader guessing while providing delightful humor.
January 2, 2021
My kind of gal
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Dixie is my kind of gal, however Sir Roger getting by unscathed, simply is not very satisfying.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Dixie is my kind of gal, however Sir Roger getting by unscathed, simply is not very satisfying.
September 14, 2017
Strange doings in the art world
Unconventional journalist/detective Dixie Flynn dodges buckshot and bullets to solve an art related crime in beautiful San Francisco, with the help of her friends and some interesting acquaintances.
Unconventional journalist/detective Dixie Flynn dodges buckshot and bullets to solve an art related crime in beautiful San Francisco, with the help of her friends and some interesting acquaintances.
September 14, 2017
LOL
Not often that I have an literal out loud moment. Dixie actually DID that!
Not heavy reading.....very entertaining. Laughing is sooo healthy.
Not often that I have an literal out loud moment. Dixie actually DID that!
Not heavy reading.....very entertaining. Laughing is sooo healthy.
September 15, 2017
Very good!
Really enjoyed this story. Good characters, good writing, interesting and entertaining. I will keep reading about Dixie and her escapades
Really enjoyed this story. Good characters, good writing, interesting and entertaining. I will keep reading about Dixie and her escapades
February 9, 2018
Fast, fun reading!
Dixie Flynn is a hard living, hard drinking investigative reporter for a weekly news magazine. She gets a call letting her know that an artist (and her former lover) has been found dead at his home. She goes there and sneaks in on the crime scene. The rest of the novel deals with her investigation (which is fascinating) of the death and the circumstances leading to it. There are lots of twists to the plot and the characters are not only fun, but also interesting. Fast, fun reading! I will read more of the series.
Dixie Flynn is a hard living, hard drinking investigative reporter for a weekly news magazine. She gets a call letting her know that an artist (and her former lover) has been found dead at his home. She goes there and sneaks in on the crime scene. The rest of the novel deals with her investigation (which is fascinating) of the death and the circumstances leading to it. There are lots of twists to the plot and the characters are not only fun, but also interesting. Fast, fun reading! I will read more of the series.
July 27, 2019
Dixie Flynn
Fast paced reading and listening. Dixie is a tough cookie all right. Well I'm sold on Frank. All the characters have an important role, and are brought to life from great narrating. I can't wait to read the entire series. Dramatic and thrilling. Brilliant writing
Fast paced reading and listening. Dixie is a tough cookie all right. Well I'm sold on Frank. All the characters have an important role, and are brought to life from great narrating. I can't wait to read the entire series. Dramatic and thrilling. Brilliant writing
January 7, 2020
The story did appear to work and Dixie was an interesting character. The five stars are given for the English used. It was lovely and flowed well. The English alone made me want to buy book 2 and 3, but the price stopped me purchasing the books.
December 29, 2012
Dixie Flynn is a fun protagonist who reminds me of Kinsey Milhone. Not sure I'd go out of my way to read in this projected series, but it kept my interest.
October 4, 2019
an unusual main character with the story told through her eyes.
February 3, 2018
Dixie Flynn, journalist for NOW magazine, has been sent to the scene of the death of an artist, Diego Chino. They call the death suicide but Dixie doesn’t think so. She and Diego had a personal relationship a year ago and it doesn’t fit her image of him and there is the missing suicide note, the painting under the mattress and his last painting. So she keeps digging!
Noir, Chandler-esque style of writing with heavy-handed characters. Action packed with a touch of romance. A surprisingly twisted ending that I never saw coming
Interesting note: I wanted to find the age of author M.C. Grant (Amazon only has a picture of a pretty red-haired woman on the author website). I went searching for more info and I learned from various sites M.C. Grant is a pen name for Grant McKenzie, HE was born in Glasgow, Scotland but now resides in Victoria, BC Canada and is an award-winning screenwriter, editor, as well as novelist.
Noir, Chandler-esque style of writing with heavy-handed characters. Action packed with a touch of romance. A surprisingly twisted ending that I never saw coming
Interesting note: I wanted to find the age of author M.C. Grant (Amazon only has a picture of a pretty red-haired woman on the author website). I went searching for more info and I learned from various sites M.C. Grant is a pen name for Grant McKenzie, HE was born in Glasgow, Scotland but now resides in Victoria, BC Canada and is an award-winning screenwriter, editor, as well as novelist.
May 17, 2020
This was okay, maybe 3.5 stars. I'm not a fan of the detective genre that centers on smooth talking, wise-cracking "babe" calling characters. (I love detectives with a sense of humor but not the ones that seem they should be in a 50s movie.)
This one bordered that too much for my enjoyment. Just the feeling of it. I had to force myself to pick it up so I could finish it.
I didn't bond with the lead character or any of the other ones, although looking at them in a quick character sketch makes one think they should all be interesting.
Plot line was okay but I just felt like I was watching a B movie.
This is the first book in the series so could just be taking time to warm up. I'll try the next book.
This one bordered that too much for my enjoyment. Just the feeling of it. I had to force myself to pick it up so I could finish it.
I didn't bond with the lead character or any of the other ones, although looking at them in a quick character sketch makes one think they should all be interesting.
Plot line was okay but I just felt like I was watching a B movie.
This is the first book in the series so could just be taking time to warm up. I'll try the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews