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The Alvarez Family #5
The CEO Came DOA
Global Gold Medal, Best Mystery Fiction 2017
Dan Poynter Legacy Award, Best Fiction 2017
Someone is trying to sabotage the Initial Public Offering of 'Read-Out', a small Silicon Valley start-up, and Lee Alvarez has been hired to find the culprit. Meanwhile, the first Alvarez grandchild is about to be born while Lee is planning her very own Christmas wedding; or rather letting her mother plan it. When Lee finds the CEO hanging by the neck in his boardroom wearing nothing but baby blue boxer shorts, she has to ask herself, was it suicide? Or was it murder? If so, was the saboteur responsible, one of his business partners, or even his famous rock star ex-wife? There are too many suspects and the bodies start piling up just in time for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho
Dan Poynter Legacy Award, Best Fiction 2017
Someone is trying to sabotage the Initial Public Offering of 'Read-Out', a small Silicon Valley start-up, and Lee Alvarez has been hired to find the culprit. Meanwhile, the first Alvarez grandchild is about to be born while Lee is planning her very own Christmas wedding; or rather letting her mother plan it. When Lee finds the CEO hanging by the neck in his boardroom wearing nothing but baby blue boxer shorts, she has to ask herself, was it suicide? Or was it murder? If so, was the saboteur responsible, one of his business partners, or even his famous rock star ex-wife? There are too many suspects and the bodies start piling up just in time for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2016
247 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Heather Haven
31 books152 followersIn her varied career, Heather has written short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and had two one-act plays well-received in Manhattan. Once she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time. Heather’s first paying job was writing a love story for Moments of Love, published by Bantam Books. But it was her stint at New York City’s No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy – that helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 1, 2022
This has become one of my favourite series...
February 26, 2022
Entertaining!
Great writing style, fab characterization, quirky characters, lots of dead bodies!
Great writing style, fab characterization, quirky characters, lots of dead bodies!
March 7, 2017
This fifth book in the Alvarez Family series should come with stock options for readers to get in on the ground floor. The previous Alvarez novels are top notch woman sleuth reads and I've enjoyed every one of them.
How is The "The CEO Came DOA" better than the rest? It's a matter of the series' style increasingly getting better with each book. It's clear that Ms. Haven is pretty much taking on the Lee Alvarez persona in both narrative and dialogue. Practice makes perfect.
I particularly enjoyed this one with its Silicon Valley setting. I'm familiar with the area and history of the high tech breeding grounds. Even though I haven't been there for many years, the book rings true to what I do know. I love when a book sounds like the author actually knows what they're talking about. That's the feel I have here. Lee is less than a computer genius, relying on her techie brother for that sort of thing, but she knows enough to figure out the whodunnit and why.
There's some excellent action in here as well. A scene on a sailboat in the middle of the night tensed my muscles as Lee Alvarez fought for her life. The feisty PI could have stayed ashore, but just couldn't let it alone.
I can not only highly recommend "The CEO Came DOA," but also give the overall series my highest rating. Not many books hit my 5-star mark. Ms. Haven has earned top marks by consistently producing book after book in a really fun and exciting series. Her characters are engaging and the plots suitably diverse to keep a reader's interest.
My general complaint about the Alvarez series has been too much focus on haute couture. There's still a little more than this blue jeans gal likes, but I've even gotten over my completely adverse reaction to high fashion. Hey, it's just part of the Alvarez family mystique. Wear those Pradas with pride, Lee. You know when to kick them off to run down the bad guys.
Highly recommended.
I was given an advance release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How is The "The CEO Came DOA" better than the rest? It's a matter of the series' style increasingly getting better with each book. It's clear that Ms. Haven is pretty much taking on the Lee Alvarez persona in both narrative and dialogue. Practice makes perfect.
I particularly enjoyed this one with its Silicon Valley setting. I'm familiar with the area and history of the high tech breeding grounds. Even though I haven't been there for many years, the book rings true to what I do know. I love when a book sounds like the author actually knows what they're talking about. That's the feel I have here. Lee is less than a computer genius, relying on her techie brother for that sort of thing, but she knows enough to figure out the whodunnit and why.
There's some excellent action in here as well. A scene on a sailboat in the middle of the night tensed my muscles as Lee Alvarez fought for her life. The feisty PI could have stayed ashore, but just couldn't let it alone.
I can not only highly recommend "The CEO Came DOA," but also give the overall series my highest rating. Not many books hit my 5-star mark. Ms. Haven has earned top marks by consistently producing book after book in a really fun and exciting series. Her characters are engaging and the plots suitably diverse to keep a reader's interest.
My general complaint about the Alvarez series has been too much focus on haute couture. There's still a little more than this blue jeans gal likes, but I've even gotten over my completely adverse reaction to high fashion. Hey, it's just part of the Alvarez family mystique. Wear those Pradas with pride, Lee. You know when to kick them off to run down the bad guys.
Highly recommended.
I was given an advance release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2016
THE CEO CAME DOA is a well written, well plotted story! I love Lee and her sassy, humorous attitude (which her mother doesn’t approve of) and the author captures that voice perfectly. Lee isn’t afraid of much and is willing to charge in and find the truth. She also has a soft spot for the “underdog” which I found very appealing. Each chapter starts with a quote about Silicon Valley and I enjoyed reading each and every one of them. One of the components of Heather’s book is based on the scariest drug in the world, Devil’s Breath. It’s obvious Heather has done her research and she has expertly woven it into the plot making for a thrilling read. This story kept me turning pages late into the night and wondering when book six is coming next!
February 5, 2026
4.5⭐
Liana is (finally) undercover in her real job as a PI for a computer company because of intellectual property espionage, and what happens? She finds a ☠️ man 🙈
But that's not all. There is also Liana and Gurn's wedding in just a few DAYS 😯 And it's not easy to plan a wedding when you have so much trouble with your job 🙈
I definitely had to laugh about a lot of things when it came to this wedding. Why? Because it reminded me of my own wedding 🤣 OK, I don't come from a lot of money, and I didn't just found a ☠️ man. My soon to be husband wasn't away for a job either. But still, there were quite a few similar "catastrophes" that happened at my wedding as well. So I think it's a good omen, because my husband and I are still married and that for almost 25 years 🩷
I'm sure everyone who knows me knows not to expect too book-specific reviews from me. If you see a review, the book will be at least 4* and with that, you can be sure I recommend this book 😁
Liana is (finally) undercover in her real job as a PI for a computer company because of intellectual property espionage, and what happens? She finds a ☠️ man 🙈
But that's not all. There is also Liana and Gurn's wedding in just a few DAYS 😯 And it's not easy to plan a wedding when you have so much trouble with your job 🙈
I definitely had to laugh about a lot of things when it came to this wedding. Why? Because it reminded me of my own wedding 🤣 OK, I don't come from a lot of money, and I didn't just found a ☠️ man. My soon to be husband wasn't away for a job either. But still, there were quite a few similar "catastrophes" that happened at my wedding as well. So I think it's a good omen, because my husband and I are still married and that for almost 25 years 🩷
I'm sure everyone who knows me knows not to expect too book-specific reviews from me. If you see a review, the book will be at least 4* and with that, you can be sure I recommend this book 😁
May 7, 2017
It would be a "catastrophe" to miss this book!
I didn't find the laugh out loud moments some reviews claimed were to be found in this book, but I am not disappointed. One of the reasons I like this series so much is because the protagonist continues to develop in a very real. organic way. The books start with the character fairly well developed but thrown into situations previously inexperienced, and she reacts and evolves in a very believable fashion. She doesn't come out in book two as hardened know-it-all, seen-it-all veteran to the job. She messes up, she take her lumps, and gets on with it. I like that.
And who doesn't adore Lila? So much like my own mother (a bit scary, that!). I wish I had her Tio, too!
This series has earned a place on my bookshelf.
I didn't find the laugh out loud moments some reviews claimed were to be found in this book, but I am not disappointed. One of the reasons I like this series so much is because the protagonist continues to develop in a very real. organic way. The books start with the character fairly well developed but thrown into situations previously inexperienced, and she reacts and evolves in a very believable fashion. She doesn't come out in book two as hardened know-it-all, seen-it-all veteran to the job. She messes up, she take her lumps, and gets on with it. I like that.
And who doesn't adore Lila? So much like my own mother (a bit scary, that!). I wish I had her Tio, too!
This series has earned a place on my bookshelf.
October 11, 2020
A fun read, but...
Tasmania is referred to in this book. This is where I live! I completely disagree with the quote within this book. It is not true, unless of course the authour is referring to the fact that the people have two heads. (An old Long-standing mainland Australia joke about us Tasmanian’s) that said, this was an entertaining read, but I did not like the Spanglish type blasphemy. But did like the larger woman being described as what a Clydesdale in pantyhose would look like. Good humour in this book, pity about the blasphemy. I also downloaded another free book from this authour. I will not be reading it. P.s. Tasmania should not be confused with Tanzania. Different continents.
Tasmania is referred to in this book. This is where I live! I completely disagree with the quote within this book. It is not true, unless of course the authour is referring to the fact that the people have two heads. (An old Long-standing mainland Australia joke about us Tasmanian’s) that said, this was an entertaining read, but I did not like the Spanglish type blasphemy. But did like the larger woman being described as what a Clydesdale in pantyhose would look like. Good humour in this book, pity about the blasphemy. I also downloaded another free book from this authour. I will not be reading it. P.s. Tasmania should not be confused with Tanzania. Different continents.
June 24, 2025
Love this series
I love this series and I've missed "hanging out with" the characters. The author just seems to find a way to bring the scenes together so well that I never can get to a good place to stop reading for the night. I always want one more chapter. I know a lot of people say that in reviews but its so true. If you haven't done so already, I suggest you read this series starting with Book 1, of course, if you like cozy mysteries with a side of romance.
I love this series and I've missed "hanging out with" the characters. The author just seems to find a way to bring the scenes together so well that I never can get to a good place to stop reading for the night. I always want one more chapter. I know a lot of people say that in reviews but its so true. If you haven't done so already, I suggest you read this series starting with Book 1, of course, if you like cozy mysteries with a side of romance.
June 28, 2017
THE CEO CAME DOA is an entertaining mystery. I really liked the Silicon Valley setting, and the heroine and her family are wonderful, unique characters. The plot kept me interested, and Haven writes with a humor that only enhances the story.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
August 20, 2020
Haven out did herself with one! We had a birth, a wedding, and several funerals. I was laughing one minute and then crying the next. And yes, there was an action scene on a boat, much to Lee’s dismay! The author could have ended the series with this book...it wrapped everything up nicely for the Alvarez family members.
October 14, 2020
Fun and murder
Lee is an investigator at her mother's firm. Finding the CEO hanging by a rope was not what she had expected to greet her that morning. I liked the humour and the dramas that followed. There were characters that were pivotal to the plot, as well as some that were red herrings .
Lee is an investigator at her mother's firm. Finding the CEO hanging by a rope was not what she had expected to greet her that morning. I liked the humour and the dramas that followed. There were characters that were pivotal to the plot, as well as some that were red herrings .
December 26, 2024
I debated between rating this 4 stars or 5, but ultimately decided on 5. There were some pretty over the top moments that had me on the verge of rolling my eyes, but I enjoyed the quality of the writing, the characters, and the story too much for it to truly bother me. After all, it's fiction, right?
October 15, 2020
Outstanding book
Brilliant, funny, thrilling, entertaining and a treat to the mystery lovers. I am becoming a huge fan of Heather Haven. What a brilliant page turner it was! Superb. I am running short of adjectives. Kudos!
Brilliant, funny, thrilling, entertaining and a treat to the mystery lovers. I am becoming a huge fan of Heather Haven. What a brilliant page turner it was! Superb. I am running short of adjectives. Kudos!
January 30, 2022
another great book
Love this series. Lee and Gurn are getting married Christmas Eve. Lee’s mom is planning the over the top wedding. Lee has to survive until then. She is chasing an illusion prototype chip and people are dying left and right. Can’t wait for the next one
Love this series. Lee and Gurn are getting married Christmas Eve. Lee’s mom is planning the over the top wedding. Lee has to survive until then. She is chasing an illusion prototype chip and people are dying left and right. Can’t wait for the next one
September 29, 2023
The CEO Came DOA 📕 book 5
This is a fun murder mystery full of action and adventure with fun quirky characters. If you enjoy perfectly imperfect female heroines with a heart of gold and intelligence, you’ll enjoy reading ,catastrophes and all. ❣️💃🏻🙀😉🕵️♀️🤷🏻♀️😒
This is a fun murder mystery full of action and adventure with fun quirky characters. If you enjoy perfectly imperfect female heroines with a heart of gold and intelligence, you’ll enjoy reading ,catastrophes and all. ❣️💃🏻🙀😉🕵️♀️🤷🏻♀️😒
May 4, 2020
Review to come!
November 28, 2021
Wow! What can I say? This series of books gets better with each book. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
December 21, 2022
Well, this time "mom" wasn't too overbearing, although she did get to create a wedding. Otherwise, as always, good plot and good characters. Too many deaths, but that's how it goes, right?
July 3, 2023
Lee finds the CEO hanging in the boardroom, but was it really a suicide? What happens to Gurn and will the wedding really come together?
February 13, 2024
A PI has only a few days to solve five murders before her wedding. Love the cute relationship with her fiance.
April 24, 2024
A terrific book! There was another fabulous mystery, a wedding with lots of angst and a new baby. In addition, the author added in lots of humor. A five star book.
March 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this story and give it 4.5 stars, the half star is removed due to some swearing. I appreciate the less-is-more philosophy of love (read sex) in this book and as this is the first book I've read from Heather Have, I hope the trend continues.
I enjoyed the story and as I read it didn't attempt to guess who was the murderer so was very surprised at the end but in a smack the forehead way.
I'm passing it on to my Mom to read.
I won this book in a giveaway, but ALL opinions are my own!
I enjoyed the story and as I read it didn't attempt to guess who was the murderer so was very surprised at the end but in a smack the forehead way.
I'm passing it on to my Mom to read.
I won this book in a giveaway, but ALL opinions are my own!
November 3, 2020
3 star
I know I've read others in this series. Characters were familiar. Decent mystery, plenty going on. Mystery itself is in the focus although it has a personal side also.
I know I've read others in this series. Characters were familiar. Decent mystery, plenty going on. Mystery itself is in the focus although it has a personal side also.
February 26, 2017
The creative mind of Heather Haven never ceases to amaze me. Her well-told stories are full of humor, twists, suspense, and heart-warming scenes. Exactly what I love in a book And this one delivers.
September 12, 2016
In this book we go back and visit the Alvarez Family. Lee and Richard are working to find out what is going on with their new clients company Read-Out when Lee stumbles upon a dead man who appears to have committed suicide. The man in question is the CEO David H. Collier, and it appears he decided to kill himself. When the police and Lee witness a declaration by his young teenage daughter Skye that her father wouldn't kill himself Lee can't help but feel for the young girl. To what end will Lee go to help the young girl? Did David Collier really kill himself? If he didn't who killed him, and why?
As Lee is still working with Richard about the Read-Out they find something out about worker's being micro chipped even the other man in charge had his llama's chipped. Unfortunatly a tester and some chips keep appearing and disappearing and Lee and Richard can't find out why? This book brings you all over Silicon Valley and we also get to learn about a dangerous drug making it's round with a short life expectancy.
Lee is still working on getting married her mother is planning everything all Lee has to do is don her dress and be at the church on time, of course it doesn't help Lee's fears when her fiance gets called into work where he can't tell her anything but she clues him in when his neice is born. Richard has a new baby which has him on cloud 9 inbetween all the chaos.
I enjoy the Alvarez family. They are great and work so well together especially with the people they come in contact with. Definitely keeps you enthralled and wanting more. I'm working on filling in the inbetween books to get caught up on others in the series Long Live the Alvarez Family!!
As Lee is still working with Richard about the Read-Out they find something out about worker's being micro chipped even the other man in charge had his llama's chipped. Unfortunatly a tester and some chips keep appearing and disappearing and Lee and Richard can't find out why? This book brings you all over Silicon Valley and we also get to learn about a dangerous drug making it's round with a short life expectancy.
Lee is still working on getting married her mother is planning everything all Lee has to do is don her dress and be at the church on time, of course it doesn't help Lee's fears when her fiance gets called into work where he can't tell her anything but she clues him in when his neice is born. Richard has a new baby which has him on cloud 9 inbetween all the chaos.
I enjoy the Alvarez family. They are great and work so well together especially with the people they come in contact with. Definitely keeps you enthralled and wanting more. I'm working on filling in the inbetween books to get caught up on others in the series Long Live the Alvarez Family!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2017
It's been two years since we last saw Lee Averez & Descretionary Inquiries, but while hard, it was definitely worth the wait! Murder(s), sabotage, a birth, & a wedding are all combined to make one awesome story! The storyline of high tech sabotage & a unique murder weapon makes this book completely fascinating! Lee is a great lead character. She is strong, smart, savvy, & very loyal to her family & friends. I was so happy to hear that this was not the Alverez family finale & there is a book 6 on the horizon!
Merged review:
It's been two years since we last saw Lee Averez & Descretionary Inquiries, but while hard, it was definitely worth the wait! Murder(s), sabotage, a birth, & a wedding are all combined to make one awesome story! The storyline of high tech sabotage & a unique murder weapon makes this book completely fascinating! Lee is a great lead character. She is strong, smart, savvy, & very loyal to her family & friends. I was so happy to hear that this was not the Alverez family finale & there is a book 6 on the horizon!
Merged review:
It's been two years since we last saw Lee Averez & Descretionary Inquiries, but while hard, it was definitely worth the wait! Murder(s), sabotage, a birth, & a wedding are all combined to make one awesome story! The storyline of high tech sabotage & a unique murder weapon makes this book completely fascinating! Lee is a great lead character. She is strong, smart, savvy, & very loyal to her family & friends. I was so happy to hear that this was not the Alverez family finale & there is a book 6 on the horizon!
October 3, 2016
I have chosen to read this book because the title intrigued me a lot. And I guessed right. Lots of colorful characters, a strong plot, a charming setting and a funny heroine make this book a great one!
Lee Alvarez is a good P.I. and has just received a prestigious award. Even her private life is very satisfactory, has just become aunt and is getting married. But this idyll is about to end. Her cases should cover computer crimes but is always involved in a murder, as in this case.
All the characters are funny and bizarre, and Lee is really great, I enjoyed myself highly with her and I hope to read soon her new adventure.
The plot was fast, intriguing, full of action and twists, I was completely glued to the pages. A story very well written and with a touch of humor that makes it a really enjoyable reading and highly recommended.
It's the fifth book in the series on the Alvarez family, can be read as a standalone but this family is so fun that immediately arises the desire to know it better.
Lee Alvarez is a good P.I. and has just received a prestigious award. Even her private life is very satisfactory, has just become aunt and is getting married. But this idyll is about to end. Her cases should cover computer crimes but is always involved in a murder, as in this case.
All the characters are funny and bizarre, and Lee is really great, I enjoyed myself highly with her and I hope to read soon her new adventure.
The plot was fast, intriguing, full of action and twists, I was completely glued to the pages. A story very well written and with a touch of humor that makes it a really enjoyable reading and highly recommended.
It's the fifth book in the series on the Alvarez family, can be read as a standalone but this family is so fun that immediately arises the desire to know it better.
February 10, 2017
I needed a break from election politics and I got one. Heather Haven's fifth Alvarez Family Mystery THE CEO CAME DOA was just the ticket. I loved spending time with the sprawling Alvarez family: Uncle Tio, Matriarch L.H. Alvarez aka She Who Must Be Obeyed, brainy brother Richard, two cats and protagonist, Lee Alvarez. Discretionary Inquiries, the family run business, specializes in solving the theft of intellectual property. There's lots of that in Silicon Valley especially in the super secret start up Read-Out. When the CEO is found dead under questionable circumstances, the family goes to work. Lee is the principal investigator. She's stubborn, mouthy, funny and nearly dead herself on several occasions. All's well that ends well in this book which is not always the case in politics.
September 14, 2016
If you think Silicone Valley people are just a bunch of nerds with pocket protectors and Greek yogurt you're in for the surprise of your life. We get the fancy schmancy types, the old money and new money, the underbelly and a few who don't fit any label. There are too many great characters and memorable lines to mention them all here but, her idea of natural childbirth is going without makeup, and Unapproved Weight Watchers plan of dropping pounds because dead bodies are piling up all around you, (paraphrased) will stay with me forever. :-)
The pace was fast but still gave the reader a lot to chew on. Smart, witty and exciting. I can't rave enough about this one.
The pace was fast but still gave the reader a lot to chew on. Smart, witty and exciting. I can't rave enough about this one.
January 30, 2017
It's been two years since we last saw Lee Averez & Descretionary Inquiries, but while hard, it was definitely worth the wait! Murder(s), sabotage, a birth, & a wedding are all combined to make one awesome story! The storyline of high tech sabotage & a unique murder weapon makes this book completely fascinating! Lee is a great lead character. She is strong, smart, savvy, & very loyal to her family & friends. I was so happy to hear that this was not the Alverez family finale & there is a book 6 on the horizon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews