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An Odelia Grey Mystery #12
Too Big to Die
Viral videos and dangerous criminals turn Odelia and Greg's good deed into accusations of murder
It's the dog days of summer for Odelia and Greg after they rescue a dog from a closed car on a blistering hot day. The culprit is former reality star Marla Kingston, who's married to a client of Odelia's law firm. The dog was saved, but Odelia's job might not be when Kingston demands blood. Things get even stickier when a video of the rescue goes viral, and the man who helped them winds up dead. And who is the mysterious young woman who shows up about the same time? Is she connected or just an opportunist looking to cash in on their reluctant Internet fame?
It's the dog days of summer for Odelia and Greg after they rescue a dog from a closed car on a blistering hot day. The culprit is former reality star Marla Kingston, who's married to a client of Odelia's law firm. The dog was saved, but Odelia's job might not be when Kingston demands blood. Things get even stickier when a video of the rescue goes viral, and the man who helped them winds up dead. And who is the mysterious young woman who shows up about the same time? Is she connected or just an opportunist looking to cash in on their reluctant Internet fame?
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2017
10 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
63 books546 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 6, 2018
Too Big to Die by Sue Ann Jaffarian (Odelia Grey #12) – 5
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 10, 2020
Too Big to Die (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #12) by Sue Ann Jaffarian.
This was a wonderful Odelia Grey mystery to add to my collection. It had everything: an intense plot that kept driving the focus onward, characters that continue to bring enjoyment with their interaction, and best of all reality. I find Odelia, Greg, Zee, and Steele easy people to relate to.
Odelia and Greg are outside a strip mall ready to do a little shopping when they hear a dog whimpering for help. Odelia narrows in on a car with a poor pup left alone in the intense heat and no windows open or A.C. left on. Greg and another onlooker try in vain to force a door open. Their last resort is to bash the window open and free the pup. That's when the owner finally arrives. Rather than thank Greg for his heroics in freeing her dog she resorts to screaming and threatening him with a lawsuit.
This was the start of Odelia and Greg's encounter with Marla Kingston a well-known celebrity. The youtube video that followed this incident puts Odelia's job at risk.
I loved this Odelia mystery. A major change may be coming in Odelia & Greg's life and I'm not going to miss out on it. Highly recommended.
This was a wonderful Odelia Grey mystery to add to my collection. It had everything: an intense plot that kept driving the focus onward, characters that continue to bring enjoyment with their interaction, and best of all reality. I find Odelia, Greg, Zee, and Steele easy people to relate to.
Odelia and Greg are outside a strip mall ready to do a little shopping when they hear a dog whimpering for help. Odelia narrows in on a car with a poor pup left alone in the intense heat and no windows open or A.C. left on. Greg and another onlooker try in vain to force a door open. Their last resort is to bash the window open and free the pup. That's when the owner finally arrives. Rather than thank Greg for his heroics in freeing her dog she resorts to screaming and threatening him with a lawsuit.
This was the start of Odelia and Greg's encounter with Marla Kingston a well-known celebrity. The youtube video that followed this incident puts Odelia's job at risk.
I loved this Odelia mystery. A major change may be coming in Odelia & Greg's life and I'm not going to miss out on it. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2018
Odelia and Greg see a do locked in a hot car , so Greg breaks the window to get the dog out. The owner is a former reality star who is married to an important client at the law firm where Odelia works. Odelia's job is on the line and the video someone takes goes viral. The man who helped Greg is found dead on his way to see Greg so they have to find out what is going on. A young woman also shows up at the same time and they try to decide if it is coincidence or some other reason.
May 30, 2018
I love this series. I love odeila.
May 8, 2023
Wonderful series. I hope it doesn't end with this book.
January 26, 2018
A favorite series of mine and one of the best in the series, so far. Odelia and Greg may have bitten off more than they can chew when the rescue a dog from a hot car. The dog and the car belong to the "reality TV show" star wife of a very powerful man. Things go sour at Odelia's place of employment due to the rescue and when a man who helped them rescue the dog shows up at Greg's business and is gunned down out front things take a serious turn. This is a dark tale and some sad things happen, but Ms. Jaffarian isn't afraid to shake things up. I like that. RECOMMEND!
February 2, 2018
Who would leave their dog locked in a car during 90 degree weather during the summer in California? Rich and famous ex reality star, Marla Kingston would. Does she even care about her poor canine? No, why should she when her husband, Kelton Kingston, is rich and famous and does whatever he wants. So of course she feels she can do whatever she likes too even if that means locking a dog in a car. But Odelia Grey and her husband Greg Stevens love dogs and when they saw the poor pooch in the steaming car barking and trying to get out Greg could do only one thing, break the car’s window and save the animal.
Marla was not happy when she saw what happened to her car and since there was a crowd of people videotaping the whole thing she was even angrier and humiliated. When she told her husband, Kelton, about the event he went out of his way to make things miserable for Odelia and Greg.
Kelton discovered that Odelia worked for the law firm, Templin & Tobin, that represents him and demanded that Odelia be fired from her job. Since Kingston is a huge client the law firm put Odelia on leave, with pay, until they decided what to do about the situation.
But things started to get crazy. A man who was helping Greg break Kingston’s car window was murdered. A few days later when the man decided to talk to Greg about something he was shot and killed in front of Greg’s store. Then other people around the peripheral circle of the Kingstons had some odd things happening to them. Since Odelia believes that there’s no such thing as a coincidence she and Greg start to do some investigating on their own and discover that Odelia might have a bigger problem on her hands than just losing her job.
It’s a good thing so many people have their phones ready to videotape everything that happens during the day and with the help of a video blogger Odelia finds out what’s really going on with the Kingstons.
“Too Big to Die” is the latest in Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Odelia Grey mystery series. Yes, I’ve read all of the books. Odelia is a plus sized woman of a certain age who is not afraid to eat when she’s hungry. I like that in a woman. She’s also smart, well loved, and has a positive look on life.
All the mysteries in this series are fast paced and have intelligent plot lines. But I have to say this book is the best one in the series. Odelia goes through lots of different things, both good and bad, and fans will be rooting for her.
Author Sue Ann Jaffarian writes a few different series and yes, I’ve read them too. In fact, a true fan will notice characters from one series making guest appearances in another series. I kind of like that.
The author is a wonderful writer with a great imagination and her books will please all murder/mystery lovers. The murders aren’t dark and gruesome so no need to try to cover your eyes expecting to see the worst. Her books are funny, witty, and written with a good sense of humor.
Do yourself a favor and pick up any book in any of this author’s series and prepare to have a good time.
Marla was not happy when she saw what happened to her car and since there was a crowd of people videotaping the whole thing she was even angrier and humiliated. When she told her husband, Kelton, about the event he went out of his way to make things miserable for Odelia and Greg.
Kelton discovered that Odelia worked for the law firm, Templin & Tobin, that represents him and demanded that Odelia be fired from her job. Since Kingston is a huge client the law firm put Odelia on leave, with pay, until they decided what to do about the situation.
But things started to get crazy. A man who was helping Greg break Kingston’s car window was murdered. A few days later when the man decided to talk to Greg about something he was shot and killed in front of Greg’s store. Then other people around the peripheral circle of the Kingstons had some odd things happening to them. Since Odelia believes that there’s no such thing as a coincidence she and Greg start to do some investigating on their own and discover that Odelia might have a bigger problem on her hands than just losing her job.
It’s a good thing so many people have their phones ready to videotape everything that happens during the day and with the help of a video blogger Odelia finds out what’s really going on with the Kingstons.
“Too Big to Die” is the latest in Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Odelia Grey mystery series. Yes, I’ve read all of the books. Odelia is a plus sized woman of a certain age who is not afraid to eat when she’s hungry. I like that in a woman. She’s also smart, well loved, and has a positive look on life.
All the mysteries in this series are fast paced and have intelligent plot lines. But I have to say this book is the best one in the series. Odelia goes through lots of different things, both good and bad, and fans will be rooting for her.
Author Sue Ann Jaffarian writes a few different series and yes, I’ve read them too. In fact, a true fan will notice characters from one series making guest appearances in another series. I kind of like that.
The author is a wonderful writer with a great imagination and her books will please all murder/mystery lovers. The murders aren’t dark and gruesome so no need to try to cover your eyes expecting to see the worst. Her books are funny, witty, and written with a good sense of humor.
Do yourself a favor and pick up any book in any of this author’s series and prepare to have a good time.
May 29, 2019
The latest installment of the Odelia Grey mysteries (#12) is a doozy. It all begins while Odelia and her Husband Greg are out and about running errands. When the leave the cool air conditioned car to go in for groceries, they hear the desperate whining of a dog trapped in a car during the heat of a California summer. Animal lovers to the core, they break into the car rescuing the pup of a reality famous woman. She accuses them of trying to steal her precious pup, but everything has been caught on video. And there begins all the trouble for Odelia. It turns out the reality star is married to a very rich man that is a client of the law firm she works for.
It is a quick and fun ride through the book. I loved all the twists that puts the puzzle pieces together. I cant wait for the next installment.
Thumbs up and a recommend for the entire series.
It is a quick and fun ride through the book. I loved all the twists that puts the puzzle pieces together. I cant wait for the next installment.
Thumbs up and a recommend for the entire series.
August 5, 2024
I have enjoyed this series ever since the first book, although it's not been a priority the past few years, probably because the books are not available in audio format. That's becoming more important to me as my vision issues continue to cause problems, but I'm grateful for the text-to-speech function on my old Kindle (newer Kindles have been updated and this function has been removed).
I like Odelia, the MC, and the people she has around her. Her husband, Greg, is a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, and I love the way he is portrayed in these books. He's positive, encouraging and an amazing husband and friend, something I haven't seen often in the books I've read.
There are several puzzles in this book, and I was certain they were all connected in some way. How they were connected didn't become clear until near the end of the book when the pieces all started to fall into place, although I guessed the identity of the primary villain earlier than that.
Although I'd love to read more about Odelia and Greg's adventures, this is the last book in the series, and I will miss the characters -- and their attitudes :)
I like Odelia, the MC, and the people she has around her. Her husband, Greg, is a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, and I love the way he is portrayed in these books. He's positive, encouraging and an amazing husband and friend, something I haven't seen often in the books I've read.
There are several puzzles in this book, and I was certain they were all connected in some way. How they were connected didn't become clear until near the end of the book when the pieces all started to fall into place, although I guessed the identity of the primary villain earlier than that.
Although I'd love to read more about Odelia and Greg's adventures, this is the last book in the series, and I will miss the characters -- and their attitudes :)
February 10, 2018
When I entered the First Reads giveaway for this book, I thought it was the first in a new series, once I won, then received it, I realized it was the twelfth in the series.
I was very concerned that I would be lost, but it does really well as a standalone.
As for the story itself, the characters are wonderful, the tale is excellent for the genre, and the mystery is really good. Normally, I figure out who the killer is long before the protagonist, but in this story, I caught it at around the same time.
I will definitely get copies of the previous books in this series. It's a total winner in my estimation.
I was very concerned that I would be lost, but it does really well as a standalone.
As for the story itself, the characters are wonderful, the tale is excellent for the genre, and the mystery is really good. Normally, I figure out who the killer is long before the protagonist, but in this story, I caught it at around the same time.
I will definitely get copies of the previous books in this series. It's a total winner in my estimation.
August 9, 2021
This is my first Odelia Grey mystery and I'll probably go back and sample some of the earlier ones. Odelia is a paralegal and her husband Greg owns a graphics business. Both are huge animal lovers and are appalled to discover a dog left in a hot car when out running their Saturday errands. When the dog's owner turns out to be a B-list reality star with a powerful husband, their world turns upside down. Odelia loses her job, the person who helped with the dog rescue is shot in front of Greg's store, and they suddenly have a stalker. With a cast of quirky, lovable characters, Odelia embarks on solving the various mysteries.
August 12, 2022
The final book....maybe????!!!!...of this twelve book Odelia Grey series...was just as funny, entertaining, and exciting as the eleven previous books. I am definitely going to miss this series and these characters.
Odelia and hubby Greg are again up to their necks in problems after they rescue of a dog locked in a car on a horribly hot day. This act of kindness brings down all sorts of mystery, murder, and mayhem for the couple.
As always with Jaffarian's magical writing, the book is full of fun, wit, humor, twists, turns, and surprises.
If you haven't read this series, you should!!!
Odelia and hubby Greg are again up to their necks in problems after they rescue of a dog locked in a car on a horribly hot day. This act of kindness brings down all sorts of mystery, murder, and mayhem for the couple.
As always with Jaffarian's magical writing, the book is full of fun, wit, humor, twists, turns, and surprises.
If you haven't read this series, you should!!!
January 19, 2018
My most favorite and most hated one! I love how Sue Ann tightly weaves rich characters into an awesome plot, but no!! You can’t let the dog die! My poor Wainwright! And too add injury, the top villain didn’t get his due!
Thank you Sue Ann for bringing back Dev, introducing us to Holly, and securing the future of many more Odelia mysteries. Thank you for Zee’s friendship and Steele’s loyalty. And thank you for not killing Greg. But most of all, thank you for your fabulous stories. No more killing off pets please.
Thank you Sue Ann for bringing back Dev, introducing us to Holly, and securing the future of many more Odelia mysteries. Thank you for Zee’s friendship and Steele’s loyalty. And thank you for not killing Greg. But most of all, thank you for your fabulous stories. No more killing off pets please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2019
Great series for anyone who likes humor, sass, well-developed characters and absorbing mysteries. Just read this title and - of course - immediately looked to see what the next titles are, but didn't find any. This is a 2017 release so I'm hoping someone can give me hope that the next titles are coming soon? Lots of twists and turns; can't mention the the bad twist without creating a spoiler, but you'll know it when you see it (sorry!) Great series. Definitely a 5 out of 5 and I hope there are more (just a few things need to get resolved here lol!)
December 31, 2021
Three weeks ago, I picked an Odelia Grey book at random from my local library, liked it, so looked for more. This is the third Odelia Grey story I've read, and the best yet. There is not one thing I didn't like about this book. I actually cried at the ending.
I'm going to go back to the beginning, and read the books in order, all of them, something I've not done since Sue Grafton's alphabet series.
I'm going to go back to the beginning, and read the books in order, all of them, something I've not done since Sue Grafton's alphabet series.
February 11, 2018
I rarely give 5 ***** but this storyline rates at least that! This story is as big as it gets--and also feels like a "farewell" book!? Main character Odelia has a mixture of quirky "friends" but this storyline lacks the usual "cloak & dagger" machinations of past stories, what's left is heartbreak and loss-love and friendship. Will this story leave you in tears....?
May 20, 2020
A good way to end this series with an interesting case and plenty of Greg and Zee to help Odelia. But did Sue Jaffarian have to kill off Wainwright? Seriously? We all know he was old and going to die soon anyway, so why not let us imagine him going peacefully with Odelia and Greg at his side? One star off for that HUGE misstep. I'll miss this series. It sure was fun while it lasted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2018
Another amazing Odelia novel
Having just finished this book, I feel I can't say much without giving spoilers. Having said that, if you have read Odelia's adventures, this is a Must read. If you haven't read them, start with the first book and hurry to this one!
Having just finished this book, I feel I can't say much without giving spoilers. Having said that, if you have read Odelia's adventures, this is a Must read. If you haven't read them, start with the first book and hurry to this one!
April 24, 2018
I won this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway. I did not realize it was book 12 in a series. I was able to follow along fine without reading the other novels. Absolutely love Odelia and already have most of the series on order, can't wait to read them all!
April 30, 2019
Yay, Odelia! An especially good mystery in this one, plus the addition of a fun, new character. And sadly, the subtraction of an old one. My only criticism is that I would’ve liked more detail in the ending. It was kind of abrupt. Maybe it’s a “to be continued” kind of thing? One can hope...
July 7, 2021
I really loved following Odelia, Greg and all their friends and family on their occasional forays into crime solving. I'm sad that our journey together is over and am going to miss hanging out with them. I'm going to be keeping my fingers crossed for an occasional visit with them all.😁 (hint hint She Ann Jaffarian!)
December 22, 2017
loved it one of my fav's so far
December 19, 2017
Oh my god, the ending of this killed me. I actually cried. I hope this wasn't the last one in the series.
December 23, 2017
Excellent
January 9, 2018
Awesome!!!!!!!!
I've been reading the Odelia Gray series for the last 6 months, it is wonderful! I would recommend this series for anyone to read and become enthralled in.
I've been reading the Odelia Gray series for the last 6 months, it is wonderful! I would recommend this series for anyone to read and become enthralled in.
January 18, 2018
I have loved this whole series but this one is the best ever. The end was a shock and I can't wait until the next one come out.
January 24, 2018
As usual, loved the book and wish the author would write faster. Looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2018
Another great book in this series. What a cliffhanger ending! Now I have to wait a year for the next one....
February 14, 2018
The ending to this was the most intense of any other out of the Odelia series. It literally had me on my feet, mouth hanging open. I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store!
February 26, 2018
A great entry into this mystery series. Twists and turns and even a surprise ending. I love that Steele came through in the end. A must read for fans of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews