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Jane Delaney Mysteries #3

Perforating Pierre

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Celebrity chef Pierre Dewatre has everything going for swoon-worthy looks, a successful restaurant, and a budding TV career, not to mention that drop-dead-sexy French accent. Unfortunately for Pierre, the drop-dead part becomes all too real when Death Diva Jane and her furry little sidekick Sexy Beast discover him marinating in his own juices. So to speak. And okay, so the famous chef has been accused of cooking and serving endangered species, but that couldn't possibly have anything to do with his death. Could it?

The inept detective in charge of the case has homed in on a single Jane's ex, who's only the Nicest Guy in the World. She's never gotten over him, even with a certain bad-boy bartender invading her personal space at every opportunity. Throw the victim's hot Parisian brother into the mix and it's little wonder Jane is having trouble concentrating on whodunit.

You'd think having a high-strung, seven-pound poodle on your team would be the key to quickly solving a complicated murder. Turns out that's not necessarily the case. Who knew?

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2016

85 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Pamela Burford

44 books211 followers
Pamela Burford comes from a funny family. You may take that any way you want. She was raised in a household that valued laughter above all, so of course the first thing she looked for in a husband was a sense of humor. Is it any wonder their grown kids are into stand-up comedy and improv? Oh, and here's another fun family fact: Pamela's identical twin sister, Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, is also a published novelist. Patricia is the Good Twin, and yeah, Pamela knows what that makes her. But hey, Evil Twins have more fun.

It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.

Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.

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5 stars
128 (52%)
4 stars
91 (37%)
3 stars
25 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
1,383 reviews20 followers
November 6, 2021
This is such a unique and fun series. The mystery in this one is especially good. Great clues, interesting characters, an adorable ex, a sexy bad boy and a hilarious poodle. On to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,172 reviews45 followers
December 8, 2016
This series keeps getting better with each book. I love Jane and her quick wit. The mystery will keep you guessing until the end. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Annette.
1,768 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2016
Jane Delaney and The Sexy Beast are the ones who find the body of Pierre Dewatre. Pierre was an up and coming chef who was about to become the star of his own television show. His restaurant is a success. He was also a friend to Jane.

Jane is the Death Diva. She helps families after a loved one has died. She evaluates property for sale and generally aids people by settling estates in a manner that is the least painful.

The Sexy Beast or SB is a small poodle who has inherited a grand estate. Jane is his caretaker and shares his luxurious home with him.

There seem to be several candidates to be the murderer. Pierre was a good man in many ways, but he did have enemies.

His former partner blames Pierre for the loss of her successful restaurant. He was a ladies man who was not prone to make commitments. Jane's ex-husband had a fist fight with Pierre shortly before he was murdered.

In short, several people were not fans of Pierre.

The police detective in charge of the investigation is less than adequate. He believes his job does not require actual investigation. His choice is to pick an easy target and arrest.

The plot is an interesting one. Ms Burford keeps things moving forward and helps the reader get to know the characters. I recognized the murderer very early in the story, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story.

Jane is an entertaining character. At times, she does go off on tangents, but she is observant and capable of evaluating facts. Her relationships with her friends allow the reader to see the world through her eyes. She has a kind heart and strong sense of responsibility to her fellow man.

Victor, Pierre's brother, has come over from France in order to settle his brother's estate as well as try to figure out who murdered Pierre. He brings a good sense of balance and humanity to the story. Because Pierre is dead at the very first of the book, Victor allows the reader to see him as a real person who had a past and a life.

I enjoyed this story. I received this book from the author in the hope that I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book47 followers
October 26, 2016
I love the Jane Delaney mysteries, so I was really excited to get my hands on an advance copy of Perforating Pierre. This time Jane finds the dead body of her friend, Chef Pierre Dewatre. Not only does Jane find him, but her ex-husband is the prime suspect in his murder. Jane is keen to find out who really murdered Chef Dewatre and why.
Although Dewatre was popular (very much so, with the ladies) there are plenty of people who might have liked to get rid of him. Jane's ex-husband Dom had recently had a fight with him, he and his previous business partner hadn't parted on good terms, local animal rights activists were out for his blood after rumors of him cooking endangered species and even his brother had had a serious falling out with him in the past.
Jane tries to get to the bottom of the mystery, as the police detective assigned to the case seems more interested in the quick and simple solution, than the right solution.
When Pierre's younger brother, Victor, arrives from France Jane kindly offers to put him up at her house. (Which I'm sure has absolutely nothing to do with how sexy she finds him.) This adds yet another potential love interest for Jane. Not only is she still hung up on her ex-husband Dom, has a sexy French man staying in her house, but there's also her friend Martin, also known as the Padre (for reasons explained in the first book).
I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Jane Delaney mysteries. They are a great, fun and light hearted mystery series, that doesn't descend into the ridiculous or the trap of trying too hard. I did manage to solve this one before the end, but it wasn't too simple and worked really well. Recommended, if you haven't read the first two books in the series, then give them a go too.
2,425 reviews43 followers
October 31, 2016
Every book in the Jane Delaney Mysteries series is a winner and Perforating Pierre is no exception; I loved it! The book flows from humor, to pain, to romance to mystery and more. The characters reach out to the reader and refuse to let go; they become friends or enemies as the case may be. In spite of the cute but quite accurate title, this death is no laughing matter to Jane; the victim was a friend and she found the body, a sight that will stay with her forever. There are more than enough suspects but the police seem to be zeroing in on the victim's brother who has arrived from France to deal with the business and emotions of loss. Jane's ex is not thrilled that she has opened her home to the handsome Frenchman; although he keeps marrying other women, he isn't the completely ready to give up on the woman he left years ago. Once again Jane is pulled into investigating a murder because people she cares about are under suspicion including the daughter of her ex and she is pulled towards a certain hot Frenchman!

I requested an advanced readers copy of this book and have voluntarily chosen to review this book.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,601 reviews24 followers
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October 31, 2016
Wow! If the title doesn't grab you - the crazy storyline will

If the title doesn't grab you, the storyline will! A great mystery with amazing characters! Jane, a Death Diva, of all things is the caretaker of a much too large house but can't leave because she has to take care of Sexy Beast the dog. The owner of the house and dog left them in her Janes's care when she died so she stays in the house. A mix of crazy characters as well as falling on the murder of the famous chef Pierre has Jane determined to find the murderer. When Pierre's brother arrives from Europe to take care of his brother's affairs and try to find out the truth about what happened, Jane becomes smitten by him and he joins in trying to solve his brother's murder. Red Herrings, crazy twists in the plot, great characters makes this a MUST read!
I am writing this review voluntarily!
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,801 reviews26 followers
November 5, 2016
This is the third in the Jane Delaney mystery series. I found this an amusing and contemplative story. A murder with many suspects, an incompetent cop, and a determined snoop made it an enjoyable read. Jane is in the middle of another mystery and won't let go until those she cares about are found innocent. I had an idea of the killer's identity before the reveal, but it did not take away from the story. I highly recommend this story and the series. Pamela Burford writes with a great sense of humor, and you smile on and off through out. Not to be missed.

I received a copy of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Ronaye.
8 reviews
March 22, 2017
Another great book in the Jane Delaney Mystery series. Enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. Smart dialogue, character development, mystery, suspense, humor, and unexpected twists and turns in the plot line that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Hope there are more books to come. I can hardly wait to see how Jane will put more fun in funeral as the Death Diva. Perforating Pierre
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,802 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2017
What fun this story has been to read! I laughed from the first scene, which should have been gruesome, but which, instead, elicited a loud guffaw. Jane and her precious pup Sexy Beast, along with a crew of handsome helpers including ex husband Dom, handsome yet shadowy Martin and victim's brother Victor all came alive on the page as they investigated the stabbing murder of Pierre "Swing" Dewatre. While I began to get an inkling of the killer's identity around three quarters of the way through the story, there were plenty of twists to keep me on my toes to the end. Loved it!
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,769 reviews19 followers
July 15, 2017
As others have said, this mystery series gets better and better. Jane Delaney is such a fun protagonist along with her apricot toy poodle companion Sexy Beast... S.B. for short. They discover the body of Jane's friend chef Pierre Dewatre on the floor of his restaurant kitchen with a knife in his chest. So many suspects, an incompetent detective, Jane's ex-husband and the hot bartender in the mix, and a satisfying mystery contributed to my enjoyment of this and the other books in the series. I love Jane!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
March 30, 2017
I loved this book! The characters are great! Some really funny people and you have to love Sexy Beast, the little dog. The mystery was very good and the humor is fantastic! I love Jane and her making a niche for herself as The Death Diva. It is absolutely hilarious! This series just keeps building and building and getting better every time.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
September 23, 2019
C ' est la vie

With complete innocence, Jane can find herself in the middle of so much trouble! She can also find guys interested in the Death Diva but never close enough to commit to her, or her to....which guy? Another delightful, fast-paced mystery with wonderful characters and lots of action!
96 reviews
July 16, 2020
I've now read 3 books ...

... in the series and enjoyed everyone but I'm ready for Jane to do something with her relationship choices rather than everything being kept on hold. Crazy making, but I'll read all 5 already knowing nothing is going to definitely happen. Ms Burford puleese let the 6th book be the charm!
348 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2017
Thumbs up

Ms Burford has written another winner! I really love the caricature Jane Delaney she's a hoot, she says the darndest things. However she will figure things out, that Death Diva......
97 reviews
November 24, 2017
Very Entertaining Cozy Mystery Murder

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this murder mystery, which includes complex, well-developed characters in a storyline full of good humor and plenty of plot twists to keep you reading. Not enough sex or violence to mention.
Profile Image for Charlyn.
817 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2018
After Jane stumbles over the body of popular chef Pierre, her ex, Dom, becomes the chief suspect. The dolt assigned to the case focuses on this lone suspect, so Jane once again becomes a detective. Witty and quick-moving.
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
803 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2019
I enjoyed # 3 of the Death Diva Jane Delaney cozy mysteries. A touch of humor, a murder and romance packages with the small town and her sidekick, an apricot toy poodle Sexy Beast or SB for short. Step into her world you will find a few hours to relax and enjoy her life!
Profile Image for SherleyB.
200 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2017
Loved reading this story found it such a fun read, humour was good through out,
liked the characters as well, SB was cute to, shall look forward to reading more...
Profile Image for Michelle .
107 reviews
June 23, 2017
This is a fun cast of characters and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.
303 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2021
I love this series of "The Death Diva". Whenever I feel down and nothing appeals re-reading-wise, I can rely on Pamela Burford to cheer me up and give me new "Lust for Reading".
471 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2024
Death Diva and Friends

It's entertaining. It's funny. And It's a rollycoaster of emotions with Jane and her harem. There's Dom, Martin and now Victor each playing a part in the tangled investigation of who killed Pierre. On to the next volume!
570 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2024
Jane

Cooks up another escapade and is low wooing thte French. When a local chef gets shisk kabobbed she’s on the case
433 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2016
I received a copy of Perforating Pierre by Pamela Buford in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Having never read any of the Jane Delaney Mysteries, I wasn't sure I would like this when I started reading it. Jane's walk through the empty restaurant with Sexy Beast, the poodle, was not how I expected the book to start. However, by the time I had gotten to chapter 4 where Jane talks about the shirt Victor is wearing and how she didn't touch it to figure out what it was made of and how could we even think she would do that that, I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading.
One thing you don't know about me. I do enjoy a good laugh whe with family and friends. But when I'm by myself watching TV or reading a book? I may smile and make some kind of comment to myself, but laugh out loud? Hardly ever. But I did with this book. Several times. That's one of the great things about books: your imagination can fill in the blanks. For this scene I could see Victor coming down the stairs with this interesting shirt and Jane looking at him and maybe starting to reach out and then everything going into freeze frame except her as she turned to the audience and gave her little monologue about touching the shirt. It cracked me up! For those of you who are old enough, think Carol Burnett.
There is also a murder to solve and suspects are everywhere except in the very limited minds of the corrupt police department. So of course Jane and friends must solve it themselves. The suspects range from Jane's ex-husband Dom, to to Dom's daughter's boyfriend, to Victor, the brother of the dead guy. Well, he is. What else do you want me to call him? Sorry, the book took me over there for awhile. No one ever guesses the real killer is. . . You know I never give that much away! You are going to have to read the book! Personally, I want to learn more about Martin!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
June 22, 2022
Great Story

The characters were easy to keep up with, and the story was interesting enough to keep me ignoring housework and other tasks in order to read it. My only criticIsm is that there was hardly any SB! In other books he was always a character. In this book he was hardly mentioned and Jane ran out of a restaurant at one point with no thought for SB and wasn't even upset when she found him being held by strangers. Luckily, they were caring nicely for him. He could have been killed or even dognapped! This is the reason i only gave the book 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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