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Vegan Vamp #4
The Nefarious Necklace
Shiny, sparkly... deadly?
The gems from a necklace owned long ago by a notorious woman are killing people in the here and now. But where has the necklace been for the last several hundred years? Why has it surfaced now? And most importantly, who would disassemble such a gorgeous work of art? Mallory certainly wants to know. But it's not until yet another corpse surfaces that her sleuthing team hops on board to help.
The gems from a necklace owned long ago by a notorious woman are killing people in the here and now. But where has the necklace been for the last several hundred years? Why has it surfaced now? And most importantly, who would disassemble such a gorgeous work of art? Mallory certainly wants to know. But it's not until yet another corpse surfaces that her sleuthing team hops on board to help.
174 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2017
259 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Cate Lawley
72 books404 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cate Lawley writes humorous, action-filled mysteries that frequently contain paranormal elements.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 29, 2019
Love these characters. Light paranormal fun.
August 25, 2017
4.75 ~ I had to take a little bit off for some editing errors.
*Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library
There’s an ancient powerful artifact floating around (not literally…that I know of), a mystery to solve, lives in danger, sexual tension, paranormal shenanigans, and humor aplenty. Synopsis complete.
I gotta tell you, I love Mallory and her gang. This series is an excellent lighthearted way to spend an afternoon. Well, aside from the danger and the murders. But otherwise, awesome! There isn’t a thing I don’t enjoy about these books. The Nefarious Necklace advances the overall arc, but it can totally be read as a standalone. Not sure why you’d want to, I think it works best reading the books in order, but to each their own. Anyway, the mystery takes some twists and turns, Mallory does some more unvamp-like things (man, I can’t wait to find out what’s up with her!) and the sexual tension between her and Alex is really winding up. I love the humor and the characters are totally bitchin’. No low budget cardboard props here. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Seriously looking forward. Is it here yet?
*Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library
There’s an ancient powerful artifact floating around (not literally…that I know of), a mystery to solve, lives in danger, sexual tension, paranormal shenanigans, and humor aplenty. Synopsis complete.
I gotta tell you, I love Mallory and her gang. This series is an excellent lighthearted way to spend an afternoon. Well, aside from the danger and the murders. But otherwise, awesome! There isn’t a thing I don’t enjoy about these books. The Nefarious Necklace advances the overall arc, but it can totally be read as a standalone. Not sure why you’d want to, I think it works best reading the books in order, but to each their own. Anyway, the mystery takes some twists and turns, Mallory does some more unvamp-like things (man, I can’t wait to find out what’s up with her!) and the sexual tension between her and Alex is really winding up. I love the humor and the characters are totally bitchin’. No low budget cardboard props here. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Seriously looking forward. Is it here yet?
February 14, 2024
Knowing she owes Alex the favor, Mallory agrees to handle a complaint from Gladys since the Society is busy selecting a new CEO. The eclectic red-haired vampire is convinced that her friend Bitsy is dead but can’t explain all the details because she was being encouraged to take a protégé off official records by Blaine, Gladys boyfriend and one of the potential CEO candidates. Mallory is hopeful nothing will come of this but when a dead succubus is found in the trunk of Bitsy’s car after spending the night with Blaine, the vegan vamp is tasked with sorting through the pieces. Tabitha died from another stone of an ancient amethyst necklace that has been draining magical powers in the Austin area and sowing chaos. Despite an instant dislike of Blaine, Mallory realizes this all is a convenient frame up but who really killed Tabitha, where is Bitsy, and why does she keep forgetting about potential suspects? Mallory’s quirky reactions to magic eventually point the way to a master illusionist but Cornelius steps in for a diplomatic exile, proving she has a lot to learn about the inner workings of enhanced politics.
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These entries are billed as stand-alone cozy mysteries and I don’t think that is appropriate. It’s not that readers will be confused by complicated plots lines. It’s just some don’t even feel like full adventures. They are more like episodes in a show. Sometimes meaty stuff happens, sometimes not. Sometimes the case is the feature, sometimes it is the B story. The relevant facts might have begun one or two novels ago. Suddenly there might be a ghost, shark girl, dark web contact, cut break lines, or a pirate. Don’t worry that may or may not show up again. Just go with it. There are repetitive in jokes like witch magic being best, Tangwystl chanting stabby stab, ageism and hangry outbursts. It’s quick moving so you don’t spend time questioning plot holes or the lax editing standards. Mystery boxes are left unopened to tempt readers to come back for the next adventure. Sometimes that works, sometimes that is annoying. (2.5 stars)
* * * * *_____________* * * * *_____________* * * * *
These entries are billed as stand-alone cozy mysteries and I don’t think that is appropriate. It’s not that readers will be confused by complicated plots lines. It’s just some don’t even feel like full adventures. They are more like episodes in a show. Sometimes meaty stuff happens, sometimes not. Sometimes the case is the feature, sometimes it is the B story. The relevant facts might have begun one or two novels ago. Suddenly there might be a ghost, shark girl, dark web contact, cut break lines, or a pirate. Don’t worry that may or may not show up again. Just go with it. There are repetitive in jokes like witch magic being best, Tangwystl chanting stabby stab, ageism and hangry outbursts. It’s quick moving so you don’t spend time questioning plot holes or the lax editing standards. Mystery boxes are left unopened to tempt readers to come back for the next adventure. Sometimes that works, sometimes that is annoying. (2.5 stars)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
This series always provides an enjoyable read, with each book revealing more about the individual characters, as well as the new Mallory's new paranormal world involvement. This time, she is once again assigned to interview Gladys, concerned over the disappearance of her friend, Bitsy. While Mallory initially thinks nothing will come of this case, since Gladys is not particularly reliable, she is soon drawn into a separate murder investigation with Alex. This one has several suspects, including two candidates for the recently vacated position of CEO for the Society, but is it connected to Bitsy's disappearance. I like how Mallory is learning more and more about her unique talents as a Vegan Vamp, as well as interacting with Alex, Wembley and Bradley (and of course, Tangwystl). I also liked learning a little more about Star from the funeral home. I look forward to the next book in this series, The Haunted Halloween.
April 11, 2019
Once bitten, twice dead
While the Society, the governing body for the enhanced, searches for a new CEO Mallory and Alex, part time enforcer & emergency responder, get involved in the investigation of an enhanced 's death. When it seems one vamp candidate may have drained the lady in question & left her to be found by humans, Gladys swears her missing friend, Bitsy, is dead too. Problem is Gladys' boyfriend & CEO candidate, Blaine, is the suspect vamp in the death of Tabitha, a succubus who is the one working on the selections for CEO.
When another of the magic draining stones is found in her corpse, even anti-social computer whiz, Bradley, human, is dragged into the investigation. Confused yet? So is Mallory. Something is off even if she'd dearly like the smarmy Blaine to be guilty. Who is pulling the strings behind the selection for the Society's next CEO & why?
Although this can be a stand alone read, it's more enjoyable as part of the Vegan Vamp series.
While the Society, the governing body for the enhanced, searches for a new CEO Mallory and Alex, part time enforcer & emergency responder, get involved in the investigation of an enhanced 's death. When it seems one vamp candidate may have drained the lady in question & left her to be found by humans, Gladys swears her missing friend, Bitsy, is dead too. Problem is Gladys' boyfriend & CEO candidate, Blaine, is the suspect vamp in the death of Tabitha, a succubus who is the one working on the selections for CEO.
When another of the magic draining stones is found in her corpse, even anti-social computer whiz, Bradley, human, is dragged into the investigation. Confused yet? So is Mallory. Something is off even if she'd dearly like the smarmy Blaine to be guilty. Who is pulling the strings behind the selection for the Society's next CEO & why?
Although this can be a stand alone read, it's more enjoyable as part of the Vegan Vamp series.
January 7, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 6, 2021
He grinned and took a deep breath. "You should have seen her burlesque show. And the sex..."
"Ugh. Is there anyone you haven't slept with in the Society?"
His eyes met mine. "You." But then he turned his gaze to the road and my heart started beating again.
The wrong hasn't been righted but it hasn't been... actually wronged either? Nevermind. These two blind dumbasses are gonna be the death of me.
"You're this idiot's best chance at sorting himself out. Someday he's going to realize it, and it might be too late."
Star, honey, you're trying to reason with TWO idiots. But I appreciate the effort.
This is so addictive I'm jumping on the two novellas as soon as I can.
August 5, 2017
More please?
I am in love with this series. The main characters are lovable, written with depth and a keen sense of quirk, and the mysteries are great and make sense in the context of the world in which they occur. In short, the books have everything that makes me happy in a paranormal mystery. My only problem is that I've now read all there are to date, except for some legendary bonus content that is promised in the books and doesn't seem to exist any more. In the words of Oliver, please sir, can I have more? Or please ma'am in this case.
I am in love with this series. The main characters are lovable, written with depth and a keen sense of quirk, and the mysteries are great and make sense in the context of the world in which they occur. In short, the books have everything that makes me happy in a paranormal mystery. My only problem is that I've now read all there are to date, except for some legendary bonus content that is promised in the books and doesn't seem to exist any more. In the words of Oliver, please sir, can I have more? Or please ma'am in this case.
November 21, 2017
I love the humor in this series!! Mallory and the gang have such a wonderful friendship even as they learn more about each other daily. Its easy to see how much the characters care for each other despite obvious differences, lol. I hope sometime in the nearness of the future Alex gives Mallory a hint of something to go on emotionally! Please please Cate:). Either way this book is an excellent progression in the series and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2017
"The Nefarious Necklace: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" (Vegan Vamp Mysteries Book 4) is another well-written novel by Cate Lawley. Mallory has been given a chance to solve a mystery on her own, but when her case intersects with Alex's case, they'll have to work together or risk turning their world upside down.
Overall, I thought that this was another great addition to the series. I look forward to reading Lawley's next book.
Overall, I thought that this was another great addition to the series. I look forward to reading Lawley's next book.
June 30, 2018
A campaign that might just be the "death" of her.
Great read but possibly not as good a story line as the othere's in the series. A necklace that can cause endless misery, a campaign for the new CEO of the Supernatural Agency, death and sabotage abound. Where is the necklace and who is behind the misleading events that seem to plague them? Not as good but the plot is written with care and the same wonderful dialogue as the others.
Great read but possibly not as good a story line as the othere's in the series. A necklace that can cause endless misery, a campaign for the new CEO of the Supernatural Agency, death and sabotage abound. Where is the necklace and who is behind the misleading events that seem to plague them? Not as good but the plot is written with care and the same wonderful dialogue as the others.
April 12, 2020
Another Vegan Vamp hit.
I really enjoy this series. The characters are funny and loyal friends. The paranormal mysteries are entertaining. This book digs into the politics of the secret agency but in a light fun way. The will they won’t they love interest is killing me. I they need to get together already.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
If you’re looking for a quick, light and fun read I would recommend this series.
I really enjoy this series. The characters are funny and loyal friends. The paranormal mysteries are entertaining. This book digs into the politics of the secret agency but in a light fun way. The will they won’t they love interest is killing me. I they need to get together already.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
If you’re looking for a quick, light and fun read I would recommend this series.
December 13, 2020
The continuing adventures of a new vampire turned detective. Her crew has decided they're the Scooby-Doo gang. This mystery involves deception. I found it a bit difficult to follow at times, and the writing was a bit sloppy.
Typos: Some repeated sentences that were not omitted when it was edited, CEP for CEO (unless it's a new acronym?), it's for its, too for to, misplaced and missing commas, wrong verb tense.
Typos: Some repeated sentences that were not omitted when it was edited, CEP for CEO (unless it's a new acronym?), it's for its, too for to, misplaced and missing commas, wrong verb tense.
July 19, 2025
The lighthearted mystery of the books in this series is definitely what keeps me going the next book in the series. I definitely enjoy the paranormal aspect of these books. I’m finding the main character isn’t quite as annoying as the first few books. It’s either that or I’m just getting used to her. As always, I’m enjoying the other characters in the book. So many different personalities and perspectives. The mystery of the book was not what I expected and kept me guessing till the end.
September 20, 2017
I love the series, I love the characters! I really firmly believe that anyone wanting to read about vampires and all of the paranormal creatures this is a really good series to start with because our main character is dealing with becoming a vampire in a very real way. This is one of the best series that I have read in this year 2017. I am awaiting another book, please write another book.
October 18, 2017
Illusions
Excellent story! Mallory and Alex are at it again. What started out as separate cases ended up being part of a large mystery. This story goes back to the CEO being killed and who should replace him. Read and enjoy the twist to the story and all the illusions and action. I really enjoy Wembley, Stanley and Boone. The sword even has a sense of humor, lol!
Excellent story! Mallory and Alex are at it again. What started out as separate cases ended up being part of a large mystery. This story goes back to the CEO being killed and who should replace him. Read and enjoy the twist to the story and all the illusions and action. I really enjoy Wembley, Stanley and Boone. The sword even has a sense of humor, lol!
March 21, 2018
Not great literature, but a delightful read.
Humorous, short, well-written mysteries about murders of supernaturals in a world where mundane are unaware of the supernatural community. She introduces a variety of supernaturals and provides information on them through dialogue and action.
Humorous, short, well-written mysteries about murders of supernaturals in a world where mundane are unaware of the supernatural community. She introduces a variety of supernaturals and provides information on them through dialogue and action.
August 12, 2018
I love it!
I admit, I’m completely hooked on this series. Mallory is great but the other characters make this book fantastic. There is a lot we still don’t know about the paranormal world but as Mallory learns, so do we. I’d love more about what Star implies and what Alex really thinks of Mallory. It was a great mystery and I just love this world.
I admit, I’m completely hooked on this series. Mallory is great but the other characters make this book fantastic. There is a lot we still don’t know about the paranormal world but as Mallory learns, so do we. I’d love more about what Star implies and what Alex really thinks of Mallory. It was a great mystery and I just love this world.
October 6, 2018
Things are not always as they seem
Our vegan vamp is back in another short, furiously paced adventure. Politics, murder and magic combine to create a whirlwind mystery that keeps Mallory on her toes until the very end. Still quirky and cute, it’s good to see some character development. My biggest complaint was how fast I finished it!
Our vegan vamp is back in another short, furiously paced adventure. Politics, murder and magic combine to create a whirlwind mystery that keeps Mallory on her toes until the very end. Still quirky and cute, it’s good to see some character development. My biggest complaint was how fast I finished it!
August 14, 2019
It’s been a while since I read the first 3 books, which I remembered loving! But I struggled with this one. It took me months to finally get through, reading a little bit here and there, because it flowed weird. I struggled with the thought process, the flow and even the characters. I may or may not pick up the series again.
October 13, 2019
Chick lit
I enjoy this series because it’s that old school chick lit with the spunky scatterbrained heroine with the worst luck but a sunny funny disposition. Her thoughts are the same logical and dry wit that makes me think of her as a friend. I see myself on each page. And I’m devouring the series like a vampire looking for blood. Or spicy veggie smoothie
I enjoy this series because it’s that old school chick lit with the spunky scatterbrained heroine with the worst luck but a sunny funny disposition. Her thoughts are the same logical and dry wit that makes me think of her as a friend. I see myself on each page. And I’m devouring the series like a vampire looking for blood. Or spicy veggie smoothie
August 8, 2022
I really like the characters. I feel considering Alex is supposed to be a very powerful wizard he doesn't really do a lot, I think perhaps the author should have gone another way with his character. Perhaps he a pretty good wizard but Mallory gives him a power boost or something. Still would recommend reading the books if you havn't already.
November 30, 2022
Didn't disappoint
Wow, was for sure that I was going to get bored of the story line and decide not to finish those book or call this one the last for me....but of course I love it and I love all of the characters and their bond. They continue to make me smile and just happy and I look forward to book 5!
Wow, was for sure that I was going to get bored of the story line and decide not to finish those book or call this one the last for me....but of course I love it and I love all of the characters and their bond. They continue to make me smile and just happy and I look forward to book 5!
October 3, 2017
I need more. We get some questions answered however more questions arise. We saw a snippet of Alex's past and I can't wait to learn more about him. And some more of Mallory's powers/oddities were revealed. I can't wait for the next book.
December 1, 2017
Society politics - times need changing
A Society election, a missing vampire and a dead succubus are intertwined in this romp. What is Mallory truly, beside a vampire? I still don't know but enjoy reading more to find out
A Society election, a missing vampire and a dead succubus are intertwined in this romp. What is Mallory truly, beside a vampire? I still don't know but enjoy reading more to find out
March 14, 2018
Another good read, coyote special
Mallory was on a case where Gladys friend is missing. Throw in involvement with Alex's case, a coyote, illusions galore and a transed out bitsy. Good read , mystery twists and surprises. Can't wait to read the next one.
Mallory was on a case where Gladys friend is missing. Throw in involvement with Alex's case, a coyote, illusions galore and a transed out bitsy. Good read , mystery twists and surprises. Can't wait to read the next one.
September 20, 2018
The Nefarious Necklace Review
Another fun mystery with a twist. I enjoyed this addition to the series just as much as the others and look forward to reading the next book.
I would definitely say it worth a read.
Another fun mystery with a twist. I enjoyed this addition to the series just as much as the others and look forward to reading the next book.
I would definitely say it worth a read.
January 3, 2019
Getting fed up
The back story is not moving on....
We know she is a vegan vamp, we know about the guys and gals she works with, but we met them books 1sto and have learnt nothing new... Don't know if I can read any more....
The back story is not moving on....
We know she is a vegan vamp, we know about the guys and gals she works with, but we met them books 1sto and have learnt nothing new... Don't know if I can read any more....
January 6, 2019
Fabulous, Hilarious,
Mallory has maybe almost gotten to the point of telling Alex how she feels, or maybe it's the other way around...Either way,while we wait for that to happen we are laughing and in awe of the wonderful stories we are reading!
Mallory has maybe almost gotten to the point of telling Alex how she feels, or maybe it's the other way around...Either way,while we wait for that to happen we are laughing and in awe of the wonderful stories we are reading!
January 14, 2019
Another fantastic book!
Death, intrigue, backstabbing......normal day for government lol.
A missing vamp, dead succubus, things not being what they seem to be.
It's just another case for the Fangtastic Vegan Vamp .
#adorbsVV
Death, intrigue, backstabbing......normal day for government lol.
A missing vamp, dead succubus, things not being what they seem to be.
It's just another case for the Fangtastic Vegan Vamp .
#adorbsVV
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews