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Reality TV Cozy Mysteries #1
Lights, Camera, Murder
Anything can happen on a reality show, though finding a body on set—and live on air—is new.
Melissa McBallister is young, rich, and beautiful but frustrated. She wants nothing more than to be a famous author like her mother. When the opportunity to be on a new reality TV show comes her way, she grabs the chance, hoping to find some inspiration. When a castmate is murdered during a live broadcast and her blood is literally on Melissa’s hands, the young writer gets more than she bargained for—reality TV is much stranger than fiction. Can Melissa prove that she’s innocent?
Ryan Sethi prefers to produce TV commercials. They’re boring and safe. But he can’t pass up the opportunity to produce a show about socialites in Fishcreek Falls, an exclusive ski town high in the Rocky Mountains. But can he keep the show, cast, crew, and especially Melissa safe while a killer is on the loose? Or will a reality TV show gone bad ruin both of their lives?
Melissa McBallister is young, rich, and beautiful but frustrated. She wants nothing more than to be a famous author like her mother. When the opportunity to be on a new reality TV show comes her way, she grabs the chance, hoping to find some inspiration. When a castmate is murdered during a live broadcast and her blood is literally on Melissa’s hands, the young writer gets more than she bargained for—reality TV is much stranger than fiction. Can Melissa prove that she’s innocent?
Ryan Sethi prefers to produce TV commercials. They’re boring and safe. But he can’t pass up the opportunity to produce a show about socialites in Fishcreek Falls, an exclusive ski town high in the Rocky Mountains. But can he keep the show, cast, crew, and especially Melissa safe while a killer is on the loose? Or will a reality TV show gone bad ruin both of their lives?
228 pages, ebook
Published July 13, 2016
274 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Haverstock
48 books211 followersNikki Haverstock is a writer who lives on a cattle ranch high in the Rocky Mountains. She has studied comedy writing at Second City and has published 6 cozy mysteries that are heavy on the humor.
Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.
Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.
Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.
Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 15, 2016
Melissa McBallister doesn't consider herself famous, she's been a ghostwriter on a couple of books but really wants to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a famous author. When her family looks into having their property featured on a new reality television show though the show offers her a spot on the cast and after meeting sexy Ryan Sethi, the producer, Melissa immediately jumps at the opportunity but when a castmate ends up murdered Melissa is the prime suspect and needs to clear her name.
Lights, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock was an enjoyable little cozy mystery. The story is set around a reality television show, the Savvy Socialites of Fishcreek Falls, being filmed in the small ski town where Melissa lives. My best guess is the premise of the show being filmed seems to be similar to the Real Housewives type of reality television but I've never actually watched those myself. The idea though seems to be to get the ladies in the cast together and hope for some drama to happen.
It's a lighthearted type of cozy mystery often having some pretty humorous moments as the story built up to the murder to be solved. But I will say I would have liked to have the actual action and case start a bit sooner. If the official synopsis and the whole idea of a "cozy mystery" didn't hint at a murder I wouldn't even mention it in a review since it doesn't take place until the midway point of the book which is a bit slow getting to the nitty gritty of the story for my taste.
Overall, I found this one an entertaining read and think fans of cozy mysteries would enjoy this one even if it did have a bit slow of a start.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Lights, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock was an enjoyable little cozy mystery. The story is set around a reality television show, the Savvy Socialites of Fishcreek Falls, being filmed in the small ski town where Melissa lives. My best guess is the premise of the show being filmed seems to be similar to the Real Housewives type of reality television but I've never actually watched those myself. The idea though seems to be to get the ladies in the cast together and hope for some drama to happen.
It's a lighthearted type of cozy mystery often having some pretty humorous moments as the story built up to the murder to be solved. But I will say I would have liked to have the actual action and case start a bit sooner. If the official synopsis and the whole idea of a "cozy mystery" didn't hint at a murder I wouldn't even mention it in a review since it doesn't take place until the midway point of the book which is a bit slow getting to the nitty gritty of the story for my taste.
Overall, I found this one an entertaining read and think fans of cozy mysteries would enjoy this one even if it did have a bit slow of a start.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 4, 2022
A hot mess of a writer seizes the opportunity to join a reality show of the Housewives variety, to get her life together, and give her something to write about.
The producer is the usual uptight sort that gravitates towards hot messes in these books.
They start the program, and there's a murder, but the show must go on!
Told in she said/he said style, although most of the book is definitely in she said.
The producer is the usual uptight sort that gravitates towards hot messes in these books.
They start the program, and there's a murder, but the show must go on!
Told in she said/he said style, although most of the book is definitely in she said.
July 25, 2021
Melissa McBallister finds herself coerced into participating in a reality show depicting the young, rich, female professionals in her area. As a writer, she hopes for inspiration to recover from writer's block, but in practice, she actually becomes a suspect in the murder of one of her castmates.
I had trouble getting into this story. From the beginning, I wasn't charmed by the main character nor did I really like her rescue, Bubbles the flatulent dog. Melissa is introduced while she is day-drinking which she later excuses as a method of breaking through the forces causing her creativity to suffer. It all seemed a little too self-indulgent to me. And normally I love an animal in the story, but again, the animal in question was rather selfish - not loving as most dogs are. The love interest was bland and there wasn't a moment where I felt a real connection between the two. He seemed to be more in lust than loving. To be fair, Melissa also reacted almost purely on a physical level to him.
In addition to not feeling sympathy for the characters, I ran into a writing mechanic that jarred. The story uses a revolving narrator as a device. I would have preferred one character to relate the tale or to have an omnipotent narrator taking the reins. There were times when I had to flick back to see who was telling the story when it stopped making sense.
While I wasn't blown away by the main characters there were a couple of memorable ones who deserve credit for their very inclusion in the story. I particularly liked the avant-garde nun as well as the wedged-in new best friend, Magdalena. Oh, would that they had more than cameo appearances.
Lights, Camera, Murder has its moments and will appeal to a younger crowd. I've gone as far as I will with this series.
I had trouble getting into this story. From the beginning, I wasn't charmed by the main character nor did I really like her rescue, Bubbles the flatulent dog. Melissa is introduced while she is day-drinking which she later excuses as a method of breaking through the forces causing her creativity to suffer. It all seemed a little too self-indulgent to me. And normally I love an animal in the story, but again, the animal in question was rather selfish - not loving as most dogs are. The love interest was bland and there wasn't a moment where I felt a real connection between the two. He seemed to be more in lust than loving. To be fair, Melissa also reacted almost purely on a physical level to him.
In addition to not feeling sympathy for the characters, I ran into a writing mechanic that jarred. The story uses a revolving narrator as a device. I would have preferred one character to relate the tale or to have an omnipotent narrator taking the reins. There were times when I had to flick back to see who was telling the story when it stopped making sense.
While I wasn't blown away by the main characters there were a couple of memorable ones who deserve credit for their very inclusion in the story. I particularly liked the avant-garde nun as well as the wedged-in new best friend, Magdalena. Oh, would that they had more than cameo appearances.
Lights, Camera, Murder has its moments and will appeal to a younger crowd. I've gone as far as I will with this series.
April 13, 2020
Interesting book! Melissa is trying to be a serious writer and ends up doing a reality TV show. When one of the women is murdered, one of the other women points the finger at Melissa. With the help of director, Rebecca, Melissa sets out to clear her name.
October 24, 2024
Lot's of excitement
The author has created an unusual and creative plot to go with an interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an unusual and creative plot to go with an interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
October 21, 2018
Of Murders & Mages #1 - I was first introduced to Ella with The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin, which I liked it. This is a well written story full of intrigue, suspense, emotions and humor. There's a bit of sexual tension between Ella and Vincent, although they haven't discovered it in this story nor is it as strong as it was the short story with the exploding pumpkin. I had a lot of fun reading this, especially since it is so better edited than books in this genre; no distractions from the story. There's a good overview, which I appreciate knowing about a story before I read it. Needs very minor editing. 4*
Nikki Haverstock, The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin - My first story by this author. I found it funny, entertaining, but I kept seeing Vin Diesel as the Vincent, and interesting with good sexual tension. I read it in the Witch or Treat paranormal collection. 4*
Lights, Camera, Murder #1 - I don't care for TV since it's full of garbage, and reality TV, including the news, is a lower form of garbage, all scripted regardless of its nomenclature. But I did like this book because of the writing style and humor. The storylines were good, but it's still a cozy. The interest between Ryan and Melissa was well done. Of course, the best actor in the bunch, Bubbles the Toot Machine. Since this book was better than I expected, I read the second book of this two book series since it was in my library. Minor editing needed. 4*
Crossover Murder #2 - Same sentiments as above about TV and company, but this book concentrated more on everything but the filmings, two rTV shows together with their own crews. This book picks up with week five productions, Lights ended with week four. While the characters, the storylines and the love interest were still interesting, I found this book a bit wordy. Along with the minor editing, an editor should have tighten the story, making it a little more fast paced since it did bog down in a few places with the extra wordage. Still interesting reading and the characters have filled out more. 4*
Nikki Haverstock, The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin - My first story by this author. I found it funny, entertaining, but I kept seeing Vin Diesel as the Vincent, and interesting with good sexual tension. I read it in the Witch or Treat paranormal collection. 4*
Lights, Camera, Murder #1 - I don't care for TV since it's full of garbage, and reality TV, including the news, is a lower form of garbage, all scripted regardless of its nomenclature. But I did like this book because of the writing style and humor. The storylines were good, but it's still a cozy. The interest between Ryan and Melissa was well done. Of course, the best actor in the bunch, Bubbles the Toot Machine. Since this book was better than I expected, I read the second book of this two book series since it was in my library. Minor editing needed. 4*
Crossover Murder #2 - Same sentiments as above about TV and company, but this book concentrated more on everything but the filmings, two rTV shows together with their own crews. This book picks up with week five productions, Lights ended with week four. While the characters, the storylines and the love interest were still interesting, I found this book a bit wordy. Along with the minor editing, an editor should have tighten the story, making it a little more fast paced since it did bog down in a few places with the extra wordage. Still interesting reading and the characters have filled out more. 4*
October 26, 2020
Melissa McBallister is a writer in her mid 20's that aspires to be a famous author like her mother. A borderline alcoholic that has written several articles and co-written several memoire's and autobiographies. But she was unsatisfied with life.
Ryan and Rebecca Poole, a brother sister director/producer or the new Sexy Socialites of Fishcreek Falls reality show that will be filmed on Melissa's family ranch.
One of the contestants being the friend of another contestant, gets cut from the program and is replaced by Melissa gives the show all the drama needed to get things started off with a bang.
One murder, and with blackmail being used as leverage. Melissa is being accused of the murder long an loud by one of the contestants, and being targeted at the same time by many of the fans who want to play vigilante, gives Ryan a plateful trying to keep both the show and cast alive.
Although the story took a couple of chapters to really get started. Nikki Haverstock has written a story with well defined characters and a good bunch of humor thrown in. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit. Especially at Bubbles, your have to read it to find out. The only part I didn't care for was the announcements of who was doing the narration at any given time. It reminded me of when I was first learning to read. "See Jack run, run Jack run". Other than that I greatly enjoyed the story.
Ryan and Rebecca Poole, a brother sister director/producer or the new Sexy Socialites of Fishcreek Falls reality show that will be filmed on Melissa's family ranch.
One of the contestants being the friend of another contestant, gets cut from the program and is replaced by Melissa gives the show all the drama needed to get things started off with a bang.
One murder, and with blackmail being used as leverage. Melissa is being accused of the murder long an loud by one of the contestants, and being targeted at the same time by many of the fans who want to play vigilante, gives Ryan a plateful trying to keep both the show and cast alive.
Although the story took a couple of chapters to really get started. Nikki Haverstock has written a story with well defined characters and a good bunch of humor thrown in. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit. Especially at Bubbles, your have to read it to find out. The only part I didn't care for was the announcements of who was doing the narration at any given time. It reminded me of when I was first learning to read. "See Jack run, run Jack run". Other than that I greatly enjoyed the story.
November 25, 2021
Cute and dramatic mystery, with determined FMC
Great story! I kept guessing almost to the end! I had hunches about who might have been the killer but kept changing my mind. I thought the setting was very interesting and wish I could take a weekend to go visit the places described for a weekend trip. Beautiful descriptions without going overboard and didn't get me off track of the story at all. Tension between the characters kept the story moving but also had great supportive characters as well. And the dog!!! Oh my gosh the dog was too cute and definitely became the star of the story. It was written well, chapters weren't too long, which means a lot to me since I hate to take a break from reading without hitting a chapter end. (I read before bed a lot) it was easy to say "just one more chapter" and I loved that there was romance but it wasn't the central theme. The main character had a lot of other things to focus on, like her writing career, family, friends and eventually clearing herself from a murder. Highly recommend!
Great story! I kept guessing almost to the end! I had hunches about who might have been the killer but kept changing my mind. I thought the setting was very interesting and wish I could take a weekend to go visit the places described for a weekend trip. Beautiful descriptions without going overboard and didn't get me off track of the story at all. Tension between the characters kept the story moving but also had great supportive characters as well. And the dog!!! Oh my gosh the dog was too cute and definitely became the star of the story. It was written well, chapters weren't too long, which means a lot to me since I hate to take a break from reading without hitting a chapter end. (I read before bed a lot) it was easy to say "just one more chapter" and I loved that there was romance but it wasn't the central theme. The main character had a lot of other things to focus on, like her writing career, family, friends and eventually clearing herself from a murder. Highly recommend!
July 31, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found it an amusing scenario and somewhat unique. Melissa McBallister is a disgruntled author who is flung into a set of circumstances that she never anticipated. Melissa finds herself an unexpected participant in a Reality TV Show that is being filmed on her family's ranch after another contestant is suddenly and abruptly pulled from the show. Of course, hard feelings ensue and the pulled contestant is found murdered on set while the program is being filmed. Melissa is immediately accused of the murder and the task of finding the real killer begins.
Nikki Haverstock does a fantastic job of weaving an entertaining, humorous, and mysterious narrative that will keep your interest all the while smiling (if not laughing) at some of the antics of the characters. Add a loveable dog and you have the ingredients for a sit-down, all-night read. I enjoyed the story, the characters were well developed and the world-building was right on track. I recommend this book and am looking forward to reading her next installment.
Nikki Haverstock does a fantastic job of weaving an entertaining, humorous, and mysterious narrative that will keep your interest all the while smiling (if not laughing) at some of the antics of the characters. Add a loveable dog and you have the ingredients for a sit-down, all-night read. I enjoyed the story, the characters were well developed and the world-building was right on track. I recommend this book and am looking forward to reading her next installment.
May 9, 2024
I don't watch reality TV, but I found this story very informative. What an ordeal and what a large amount of stress on the participants. At first I thought that was all there was to it, but soon it developed into a major clash that actually had nothing to do with the show.
Many relationships were explored. And when a murder occurred, the focus changed. I was surprised at all the recording that was done outside the parameters of putting on the show. All done to promote the show and create more interest. And since the show was being filmed in a small town, lots of gossip was created. This was foreign to me, but I quickly understood how it worked.
It was surprising how people jumped to conclusions about the murder and the perpetrator, which made for its own story within the story. It's overall a great story, but written in the form where different sections are told by different characters, you have to keep remembering who is talking. Having just encountered this form in another book I read recently, i guess I'm getting used to it. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
Many relationships were explored. And when a murder occurred, the focus changed. I was surprised at all the recording that was done outside the parameters of putting on the show. All done to promote the show and create more interest. And since the show was being filmed in a small town, lots of gossip was created. This was foreign to me, but I quickly understood how it worked.
It was surprising how people jumped to conclusions about the murder and the perpetrator, which made for its own story within the story. It's overall a great story, but written in the form where different sections are told by different characters, you have to keep remembering who is talking. Having just encountered this form in another book I read recently, i guess I'm getting used to it. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
March 31, 2020
General info
Aspiring other Melissa gets asked to take part in a reality show after one of the original cast members has been kicked out of the show. Things don't quite go as planned, and when she is accused of murder things really take a turn for the worse.
Things I liked
This was a quick and light read but there is still a bit of a mystery and some suspense. Melissa also goes through a lot and some important issues are discussed in the book. I like that this book also reminded me that it is important to do things you are passionate about in your life. Don't try to be something you are not.
The supporting characters are also interesting and I especially like Ryan a lot.
I don't think there is much negative to say about this book but my state of mind at the beginning might have affected my early experience with the book and the fact that I found the book to have a bit of a slow start.
* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
Aspiring other Melissa gets asked to take part in a reality show after one of the original cast members has been kicked out of the show. Things don't quite go as planned, and when she is accused of murder things really take a turn for the worse.
Things I liked
This was a quick and light read but there is still a bit of a mystery and some suspense. Melissa also goes through a lot and some important issues are discussed in the book. I like that this book also reminded me that it is important to do things you are passionate about in your life. Don't try to be something you are not.
The supporting characters are also interesting and I especially like Ryan a lot.
I don't think there is much negative to say about this book but my state of mind at the beginning might have affected my early experience with the book and the fact that I found the book to have a bit of a slow start.
* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
July 31, 2021
This was a unique story. None of the move-to-the-small-town-and-open-a-business-and meet-the-hunky-detective pablum. Sure, there's small town, and business, and a hunky producer, but ...
The story doesn't get going, though. Perhaps it's the inconsistent swap in points of view between Melissa and Ryan - a literary technique I seldom find readable - or perhaps it is the world of the "socialite" I never found. Maybe it's the grammatical errors and misnomers, particularly after the protagonist congratulates herself in the first chapter for writing lofty, grammatical prose. The characters mess up last names of Carl and Mike, and at least one instance of "you're" instead of "your" annoyed me, even more so after the self-congratulations.
Got an hour or two to kill at the pool? This book is good for that.
The story doesn't get going, though. Perhaps it's the inconsistent swap in points of view between Melissa and Ryan - a literary technique I seldom find readable - or perhaps it is the world of the "socialite" I never found. Maybe it's the grammatical errors and misnomers, particularly after the protagonist congratulates herself in the first chapter for writing lofty, grammatical prose. The characters mess up last names of Carl and Mike, and at least one instance of "you're" instead of "your" annoyed me, even more so after the self-congratulations.
Got an hour or two to kill at the pool? This book is good for that.
August 1, 2021
A few things bugged me
The beginning was rough. Too much teenaged like angst. The main characters are in their late twenties but their dialogue was too immature. It got better until you ran across things like, "she skipped down the hall." A grown woman does not skip in front of a man.
Outside of that, the story itself was fine, but the relationships fell a tiny hit flat. I liked Maggie and even Melissa, but Melissa's interactions with her family were too childish and her career aspirations were kind of a background after thought. It felt like she was whining about where she wanted to be versus actually trying something new or taking others' advice. She wanted to mimic her mom even as she could see it was not working. However, that conversation with her mom was great.
The beginning was rough. Too much teenaged like angst. The main characters are in their late twenties but their dialogue was too immature. It got better until you ran across things like, "she skipped down the hall." A grown woman does not skip in front of a man.
Outside of that, the story itself was fine, but the relationships fell a tiny hit flat. I liked Maggie and even Melissa, but Melissa's interactions with her family were too childish and her career aspirations were kind of a background after thought. It felt like she was whining about where she wanted to be versus actually trying something new or taking others' advice. She wanted to mimic her mom even as she could see it was not working. However, that conversation with her mom was great.
April 19, 2018
Fun story!
Other than two things, I really enjoyed this book a lot. The first thing I was not thrilled about was the alcohol consumption by the main character, Melanie. She started off as what seemed to be a borderline alcoholic, and I was glad that aspect of her character seemed to resolve by the end of the book. Item #2 was the word "snuck". For some reason that word really leaves me feeling disgusted. I realize it has become common usage now, but it really isn't "proper" to use it and I have never been able to get past the 'icky' feeling it gives me. The proper term is "sneaked". Yeah... I'm the grammar police. Rant over :)
Other than two things, I really enjoyed this book a lot. The first thing I was not thrilled about was the alcohol consumption by the main character, Melanie. She started off as what seemed to be a borderline alcoholic, and I was glad that aspect of her character seemed to resolve by the end of the book. Item #2 was the word "snuck". For some reason that word really leaves me feeling disgusted. I realize it has become common usage now, but it really isn't "proper" to use it and I have never been able to get past the 'icky' feeling it gives me. The proper term is "sneaked". Yeah... I'm the grammar police. Rant over :)
February 27, 2019
A good story but not as good as her Witches stories – plus I didn’t really enjoy how it was written. The beginning of each chapter announced who was talking and you had to figure out which character it was…and, not enjoying reality shows on television probably made me prejudiced against it! I did enjoy the main character and how she adopted a little dog, Bubbles, who was a character all unto himself! Story was a tad slow moving as the set was being developed and a bunch of people were brought in that didn’t seem to have a whole to do with he reality show but, it eventually all got glued together!
November 3, 2020
This was a fun read!
I liked our main character, though I have to admit I liked her a lot more near the end than the beginning, when she wasn't drinking quite so much. I loved how real her struggle with and love of writing felt.
The pacing of the book did feel a little off for me. The beginning has a lot of set up, and I actually forgot I was reading a murder mystery book at one point. The story really started getting interesting for me around the 25% mark, with the murder not happening until about half way through the book.
Despite that, I was kept interested, I think because I liked the characters so much.
I liked our main character, though I have to admit I liked her a lot more near the end than the beginning, when she wasn't drinking quite so much. I loved how real her struggle with and love of writing felt.
The pacing of the book did feel a little off for me. The beginning has a lot of set up, and I actually forgot I was reading a murder mystery book at one point. The story really started getting interesting for me around the 25% mark, with the murder not happening until about half way through the book.
Despite that, I was kept interested, I think because I liked the characters so much.
Read
September 26, 2022Review of this book.
This was more of an in your face murder mystery. The story had a lot of drama mixed in with humor to keep it in line with the cozy murder mysteries. The "raving lunatic" was a brilliant story line to throw the reader off. She was definitely someone that you loved to hate. Sister Mary was priceless. She had a way about her that made you smile and say "good for her". She never broke her vows, but led you in different direction. That was another brilliant piece of writing. A thoroughly enjoyable part of the story. In fact, it played a key role in the mystery. I cannot recommend these 'cozy mysteries" highly enough. They are a delight to read.
This was more of an in your face murder mystery. The story had a lot of drama mixed in with humor to keep it in line with the cozy murder mysteries. The "raving lunatic" was a brilliant story line to throw the reader off. She was definitely someone that you loved to hate. Sister Mary was priceless. She had a way about her that made you smile and say "good for her". She never broke her vows, but led you in different direction. That was another brilliant piece of writing. A thoroughly enjoyable part of the story. In fact, it played a key role in the mystery. I cannot recommend these 'cozy mysteries" highly enough. They are a delight to read.
July 28, 2020
Sometimes Reality Get a Little too Real
Having read and enjoyed Di and Moo's misadventures in Nikki's Target Practice Series I felt safe in taking a chance with this new series. I was not disappointed. Nikki really has a way with including just enough humor in her stories keep you entertained without sidetracked her plots. Her humor is, for the most part, not the laughing outloud kind but rather the smile on your face type. For mystery part she gjves enough clues to figure out who did it if you are paying attention but not enough to make it obvious.
Having read and enjoyed Di and Moo's misadventures in Nikki's Target Practice Series I felt safe in taking a chance with this new series. I was not disappointed. Nikki really has a way with including just enough humor in her stories keep you entertained without sidetracked her plots. Her humor is, for the most part, not the laughing outloud kind but rather the smile on your face type. For mystery part she gjves enough clues to figure out who did it if you are paying attention but not enough to make it obvious.
July 21, 2021
This is the first book that I brought in by this out there but it definitely won't be the last. I felt that the other did a great job keeping the storyline running smoothly and she interjected just the right amount of humor. She created characters that are well developed and the Mystery is solid and interesting to keep the interest of the reader going to the very end. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series. It was a very pleasant light read. Perfect Beach book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
Different Series, Same Great Story Telling
I’ve read books from other series by author Nikki. I’m happy to see that this book continues what I’ve come to expect. Nikki is really good at telling a story. The character development, description of the world, and the plot progression kept me interested and informed.
Murder in a reality TV show doesn’t seem that far fetched, so it’s easy to buy into the plot. Melissa and Ryan are a major focus of the story and there is enticing chemistry between them.
I enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
I’ve read books from other series by author Nikki. I’m happy to see that this book continues what I’ve come to expect. Nikki is really good at telling a story. The character development, description of the world, and the plot progression kept me interested and informed.
Murder in a reality TV show doesn’t seem that far fetched, so it’s easy to buy into the plot. Melissa and Ryan are a major focus of the story and there is enticing chemistry between them.
I enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
March 24, 2017
Fun read
Fun story and kept the mystery of who done it in a satisfying way. The main character was flawed as she struggled to find her own passion. As for the structure of the book, it was confusing and sometimes challenging to keep up with who's voice we were hearing. I would have preferred to have the chapters change with the new voice.
Having said that, I did enjoy reading it and learning about the characters.
Fun story and kept the mystery of who done it in a satisfying way. The main character was flawed as she struggled to find her own passion. As for the structure of the book, it was confusing and sometimes challenging to keep up with who's voice we were hearing. I would have preferred to have the chapters change with the new voice.
Having said that, I did enjoy reading it and learning about the characters.
September 20, 2021
This was nearly a two-star review but Bubbles alone is worth another star. The story was okay, if you like reality television which I do not, and the main character started off as an unlikeable hot mess but seemed to get better as the book went on. But it was the adorable puppy, Bubbles, who once adopted and brought into the story, really added to the cuteness of this cozy mystery. The end was not really a surprise although the reason for the murder seemed contrived.
March 17, 2020
Read while at the beach, it made a perfect beach book.
I generally don't like the multiple first person writing - it's a writing mechanic that is very easy to get wrong and lead to confusion about who "I" is. Nikki handles it well with the name of "I" at the beginning of each section. Still, when dealing with multiple people I prefer 3rd person, not first person.
I generally don't like the multiple first person writing - it's a writing mechanic that is very easy to get wrong and lead to confusion about who "I" is. Nikki handles it well with the name of "I" at the beginning of each section. Still, when dealing with multiple people I prefer 3rd person, not first person.
October 2, 2021
Reality TV is the basis of the story - 5 women living in a ski resort. One of the women is a late entry after the fifth original woman didn't sign the contract. There's lots of tension between the women ... and then one is murdered.
Most cozy stories don't include a gastro bug affecting various characters! haha
I liked the book
Most cozy stories don't include a gastro bug affecting various characters! haha
I liked the book
November 20, 2021
Great Read
I thought this would be a boring read during the first chapter.But as I read on it quickly got interesting and quirky. I liked how the characters got all tangled up in the murder and it wasn’t until the end that everything was quickly unraveled. No time to get bored. Just wish Nikki had resolved her initial career choice.
I thought this would be a boring read during the first chapter.But as I read on it quickly got interesting and quirky. I liked how the characters got all tangled up in the murder and it wasn’t until the end that everything was quickly unraveled. No time to get bored. Just wish Nikki had resolved her initial career choice.
June 5, 2024
This book was so well written and engrossing that I forgot there'd be a murder until it popped up in chapter 7.
I would have loved the story even if it continued without the murder. I'd still be interested to know where it could have gone as a romance only.
Great world and character development. Well worth the read.
I would have loved the story even if it continued without the murder. I'd still be interested to know where it could have gone as a romance only.
Great world and character development. Well worth the read.
September 23, 2017
It was a fun read. A bit slow in the beginning and overall a bit wordy, with a lot of details not so worked out I had the impression. But Bubbles is to die for and other characters are compelling as well.
So it's a good read for a lazy day.
So it's a good read for a lazy day.
March 13, 2018
Low 3
Mystery resolves but it doesn't feel finished because the character arc about her writing is completely ignored towards end so cuts off unresolved. Loses track of character once.
Mystery resolves but it doesn't feel finished because the character arc about her writing is completely ignored towards end so cuts off unresolved. Loses track of character once.
August 18, 2018
Lights, Camera, Murder
A cozy mystery set in Montana where reality tv show is being filmed. Action, family interaction, petty behaviour, romance and some truly laugh-out-loud situations. A good read.
A cozy mystery set in Montana where reality tv show is being filmed. Action, family interaction, petty behaviour, romance and some truly laugh-out-loud situations. A good read.
April 30, 2019
Trials and tribulations of reality TV
A small town, lots of characters, murder and a small dog Bubbles! Add to the mix, putting strong women together in one room! Fireworks'!!!!!!!
A small town, lots of characters, murder and a small dog Bubbles! Add to the mix, putting strong women together in one room! Fireworks'!!!!!!!
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