Getting Off On Frank Sinatra: A Copper Black Mystery

Copper Black Mystery #1

by Megan Edwards

A scorching Las Vegas summer is about to get even hotter. Aspiring journalist Copper Black has just found out that her boyfriend is responsible for his not-quite-ex-wife’s pregnancy. An unexpected house-sitting job at a notorious Las Vegas “party house” should provide not only a private swimming pool but also much-needed distraction.

While researching a story about an exclusive private school, Copper accidentally discovers the dead body of the school’s beloved founder. Now involved in a high-profile murder investigation, Copper turns to her brother, a civic-minded pastor who is overseeing the construction of a center for the homeless. A Paiute medicine man claims the site is a sacred burial ground, attracting hordes of protesters.

As she tries to solve the murder, help her brother, advance her career, and sort out her love life, Copper stirs up a world of trouble. Her escapades as she evades a sociopath, a disturbed cowgirl, and a suspicious homicide detective make Megan Edwards’ rousing debut Getting Off on Frank Sinatra a nonstop roller coaster of a read.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2017

About the author

I live and write in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I never dreamed I’d call Sin City home, but when I arrived at the end of 1999 to do a little research for a book, I fell in love with the city beyond the neon and and never left. Actually, I love the neon, too. In fact, I’m crazy about the whole place -- quirks, warts, super-hot summers, and all! I have written two mysteries set in Las Vegas: GETTING OFF ON FRANK SINATRA and FULL SERVICE BLONDE. My new novel A COIN FOR THE FERRYMAN releases on March 1, 2022. I'll be celebrating with six other authors at a super-sized book launch party on March 5, 2022 in Las Vegas. If you'd like to join us for an evening of food, drink, books, and authors, visit imbrifex.com/party/ for all the details! It's gonna be a night to remember!

Reviews

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting off on Frank Sinatra is a cute, light mystery. The mystery portion was entertaining if a little obvious and convoluted. I liked the main character, Copper Black, a lot but wanted her to get rid of the men she chooses to date and find someone much better for her. While I liked the title and its subsequent explanation in the book, it played such a small, inconsequential role in the story which left me wondering why that title was chosen ultimately.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While researching a story about an exclusive girls school, aspiring journalist Copper Black, discovers the body of the Schools founder. Now Copper is involved in a high profile murder investigation.

This is an easy book to read but there is a bit too much going drama going on in the storyline. There is some humour along the way. A decent enough read though.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Imbrifex Books and the author Megan Edwards for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheHorrorsGrow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one-sitting, this is a delightful, fun and entertaining read from start to finish. As a habitual visitor to Las Vegas it was fun to read a book in this setting and learn more about the history and backdrop of one of the most exciting places in the United States. Copper is quite the fun character - she misplaces her phone more than any person that I know and clearly doesn't make the best decisions re her love life... this is real life people! I'm utterly fascinated with the house she agrees to sit and now want to take on meat-eating plants and tortoises!

While I didn't feel the story was very suspenseful or twisty, it kept me turning the pages and I fell in love with Copper Black (what a cool name). She certainly has a lot to deal with between her exes, new interests, parents and their complex lives, the situations she gets herself in and maintaining her career. This is a fantastic read for those looking for a lighter mystery that will make you smile, shake your head and learn more about Sin City. I rated this solely based on entertainment value. What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there, no matter what you think.

[Sam (Clues and Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copper Black, a journalist, finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation when she accidentally uncovers the dead body of a prominent leader of an elite private school.

I didn’t necessarily find that this one had too much action or “oomph”. This one read like if Becky Bloomfield from the Shopaholic novels were to start solving mysteries. Copper finds herself wrapped up in this situation and there isn’t anything left for her to do but try and solve the case. There was lots of drama but, truly, not a whole heck of a lot happening.

I initially didn’t really like Copper but as I continued to read, she kind of grew on me. She is one of those anti-hero characters who continuously makes poor choices but you love them anyways and are rooting for them. She is the ultimate underdog.

I am not familiar with Las Vegas, so I didn’t particularly understand all the references, but I do feel like a Las Vegas native or someone who has travelled there would appreciate the setting of the story. Edwards does do a good job at portraying Sin City.

I did find that Edwards was able to weave an engaging story, just not what I was expecting.

If you prefer your mysteries light and humorous, then you may enjoy this one.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author had me at the title. It's why I grabbed the chance to read this book when I saw it offered on Netgalley. And when our heroine, Copper, explains WHY she uses the phrase, I fell even deeper in love. Yes, I love Las Vegas. In all its tawdry glamour and excess; with slot machines at the airport and in grocery stores; whose showgirls and servers are unionized; as a visitor, a local resident, a tourist and an employee; in its excessive heat and overly chilled rooms, I love Las Vegas. Exploring and exploiting the Hollywood East flavors, savoring the sometimes unsavory past while toying with modern hopes, dreams, schemes and political correctness, Ms. Edwards has created a modern heroine whose talents seem to leave her as beaten up as Sam Spade as she haplessly finds herself in the center of one escapade after another. Why am I not describing more of the plot? That's the part where you pick up the book and read it for yourself--no spoilers here! Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion of the work.

“An arrow can't fly without shaft and feathers. But you were the arrowhead.”

This book was okay and easy to read but it wasn't terribly exciting. Perhaps this is due to the overwhelming amount of drama in the protagonist's life. Shit was flying around left, right, and centre (metaphorically, but sometimes literally *exploding* as well).

There was just so much going on that I sometimes found it difficult to pay attention to a single thing. It was hard to fully immerse myself into the story or the characters because everything else was just screaming for my attention. That's just me though. In theory, these overlapping conflicts should have resulted in a complex plot where all of the character storylines converge... It just fell a little short for me.

Also, if you want to read this book because you think there might be some romance mixed into things--don't. I wasn't feeling the love. I honestly rolled my eyes every time a potential love interest was introduced.

All in all, this was still a good book. The author's writing is great. It's concise and witty and easy to follow. However, the story is not scary or traumatizing (and not even that manipulative) if that's the kind of mystery you're into. Otherwise a solid read. Simply not my cup of suspenseful tea.

On a side note, I spent the majority of the time wondering what on Earth the title meant, and then it all made perfect sense somewhere near the ending. That was pretty satisfying.

3.5 stars for Oscar, because Oscar deserves his own story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a great thriller and mystery, while still staying more on the lighthearted side. It wasn't dark and ominous like most thrillers, which was a refreshing change! There's still murder, stalking, and multiple murder attempts! I read this book in one sitting and just couldn't put it down.

We follow aspiring journalist Copper Black, who needs a change of pace and when an unexpected house-sitting job at a notorious Las Vegas gangster house, she doesn't hesitate to take up the offer.

While she is researching a story about a prestigious private school, Copper accidentally discovers the dead body of the school’s beloved founder, Marilyn Weaver. Now she finds herself involved in a high-profile murder investigation while she's trying to help her brother, a priest who is trying to help construct a new homeless shelter, but is facing problems when bones are discovered in the build site (bringing in a Native American chief to investigate if the site is a holy burial ground).

With the murder investigation picking up, Copper must now evade the stalking from Marilyn's son and her troubled niece, all while Detective Booth is gunning for her.

This was a great mystery! So fun to have all of the Las Vegas references and how that incorporates into the title! Megan Edwards does an amazing job with the characters. You feel like you know Copper - I loved how sarcastic she was with everyone and her developed love for Oscar (the old man tortoise). Then the internal thoughts on her coworkers, family issues, and love life struggles were hilarious. Trying to fit the pieces together and how the characters intertwined. I hope there are more Copper Black books to come!

Thanks to Imbrifex and Smith Publicity for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising start to a new series. A fun blend of mystery, romance with Copper and her slightly dysfunctional family! I am looming forward to more Copper Black Mysteries.

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Pam Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun. I loved this book (and full service blonde)
I had the pleasure of reading them both after my first trip to Las Vegas so it felt very intimate and personal.
So much fun to read about some of the landmarks and streets that I visited.
I really really want to read more about Copper :)

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially intrigued because of the title as I'm a huge Frank Sinatra fan. But I was sucked in from the first page as narrator, Copper has such a unique and humorous voice! Set in Las Vegas, there were lots of fun references to localities and the mystery had several nice twists and turns as well. I enjoyed Copper's quirky relatives and family dynamics as well as her on-again, off-again, on-again relationships. Simply a fun and engaging ride to be savored! I look forward to more of Copper's antics solving difficult cases!

[JG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting Off on Frank Sinatra sounds really sexy with its double meaning but its actually just a play on words. Its also the theme for Copper Black's life, budding investigative journalist which was just in theory until she stumbles upon a dead body. It all started with her boyfriend getting his soon to be ex-wife pregnant (the soon to be should have warned her). Copper swallowing her disappoint and her sad love life, went on a charity trip for her brother which led her to meeting Marilyn Nash, prominent personality, which led her to a possible news story, which led her to meeting her son, which led her to a kind of a date with that son, which basically led her to a dead body. The dead body happens to be Marilyn Nash. All the while juggling her love life, while trying to decide on what story to run for her boss so she can get a shot at a new position at her paper. In other words Copper Black is confused and still being dragged unwillingly to solve a murder.

Getting Off On Frank Sinatra is a cozy murder mystery with a female protagonist that is just trying to live her own life drama's without the complication of a little murder. Its pacing is steady, its heroine clueless and its plot is well developed. Its a fun quick read for those who love cozy murder mysteries with an unwilling heroine.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I am neither a fan of Frank Sinatra or Las Vegas, I was expecting not to like this book. Something in the synopsis caught me enough to give it a try. I am so glad I did. The protagonist is young with unusual family dynamics. She accepts all the craziness and plows on through life despite her bruises. I hope there will be another story about Copper Black. She has potential. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copper is a journalist in Vegas (what better place!!) While researching a story about a private school....enter a DEAD BODY!

Copper is an adorable character. Something is always happening to her, through no fault of her own.... Well, maybe a little fault. She almost gets blown up, beat up and arrested, it to name a few! I enjoyed her many escapades and her floundering to get out of a mess!

I also enjoyed the history splattered within this book. I love Vegas!! The author did a fabulous job weaving old mobsters and their tales throughout this story. Not sure if the tales are real or imagined, but really adds to the setting and the plot itself. I loved the mobster house and all it's history and quirks!

This is a really good long car

[Ruth Mormon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Edwards has created a delightfully quirky character in Copper Black. She’s curious but often clueless (which isn’t a good thing for someone who ends up investigating a murder). Although she’s basically law-abiding, she dances along the edges of legality from time to time. In short, like the Las Vegas commercial, she has “just the right amount of wrong.”

For Copper Black, assistant arts and entertainment editor of The Las Vegas Light, the scorching Las Vegas temperature wasn’t the only thing raising the mercury of her personal thermometer to eruption level. Not only did her almost fiancé, David Nussbaum, announce that he’d unexpectedly impregnated his almost ex-wife, Copper discovered the mutilated body of Marilyn Weaver, the beloved founder of the elite private school, Anna Roberts Parks Academy just hours after she’d interviewed her for an article for The Light. Copper met Marilyn Weaver the night before at a fund-raiser for the Neon Museum where they’d shared a bus ride to the Boneyard to see the old, retired neon signs that had illuminated the Las Vegas nights and enticed millions of visitors into her casinos. Copper thought she’d hit a real jackpot, because she not only met Marilyn and scored an invitation to write about her, but Marilyn’s husband hired Copper to housesit for a client for a month, giving Copper a chance to move out of her brother’s garage apartment and into a Las Vegas mansion with a huge pool. Had she known the terrors that awaited her there or the danger that meeting Marilyn would expose her to, anyone but Copper would have declined the invitation to go to the fund-raiser that night, but not dodging controversy is one of the things that makes Copper so captivating.

Copper’s quick, sharp, often irreverent wit tempers the seriousness of this mystery and adds delightful levity. The narrator of this book, Em Eldridge, portrays Copper and the various other characters perfectly. Because the book is written in the first person, Copper’s voice is the one that is heard predominantly, and Eldridge is able to evoke the earnestness, energy, intelligence and humor of the 20-something Copper with a fitting cadence and intonation.

Edwards gives the reader a chance to see the Las Vegas that the locals love, from the suburbs to The Strip. Happily, this is just the first in a series of Copper Black mysteries and we can look forward to following more of her humorous exploits in future adventures.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much like the author's insouciant writing style. Her heroine's somewhat cynical wit and smart-ass asides really appeal to me. How can you not love someone who describes the chicken at a large banquet as coq au Michelin!
Copper is a young, upcoming journalist working in Las Vegas. She's sharp, curious, a little too trusting, and only wishes her love life was on as straight a trajectory as her career ambitions. She manages to get herself caught up in a murder investigation and comes way too close to being a murder victim herself, twice.
I'm not a huge murder mystery fan but this one was a fun ride.
If I have any complaints, it's that the ending should have ended several pages sooner. Too much dragging on and unnecessary filler to get to a point that could have been made twenty ago. Other than that, this is fun read.
The title is a hoot.

[Shannon Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting off on Frank Sinatra by Megan Edwards is a fictional mystery novel set in Las Vegas following Cooper Black through the curious murder of Marilyn Weaver, a local Philanthropist. Cooper was a journalist working on a story headlining Marilyn’s prestigious school for the arts “The Anna Roberts Parks Academy”. Cooper had only met Weaver the day before she discovered her body in the master suite of her Las Vegas mansion. Her story of a lifetime had made a turn for the worst.
Megan Edwards finds use in allowing us to read what is going through Coopers' head as the story progresses. We can see how she analyzes every situation and provides further insight into the scene and mood. However, I feel like the way Cooper’s thoughts are written have a lack of originality. The vocabulary and writing the author uses to exhibit her view are very predictable for a mystery novel. For instance, soon after Cooper’s discovery of Marilyn’s body and multiple interviews with the police, she was still being called on the phone for questioning. “Every time my phone rang or someone stuck a head into my cube, I braced myself for questions about the murder”(Edwards, 68). This excerpt strikes me as very predictable and contains a lack of creativity. Edwards might have considered having better descriptions about how discovering a murder conflicts Cooper internally rather than how it influences the exchanges with the world around her.
The author tends to use figurative language in very expected ways, describing very anticipated instances, such as a chill running down Cooper’s back. “In spite of the heat, an icy shiver rippled down my spine”(Edwards, 189). Although Edwards creates a moment that clearly emphasizes fear and shock in Cooper, she does not do so in a way that projects the feeling onto the reader. The feeling of the “icy shiver” in the heat from the description for the sense of touch can be easily comprehended in our minds because we know that feeling, but the way the sensation is described doesn’t seem to instate the shock factor into the reader, especially regarding the situation at hand. Edwards likely had the goal of using this figurative language to freeze the moment and have Cooper and the reader think deeply about the outcome of a frightening experience, but I at least did not. Another example of figurative language that I find more appealing is after Cooper receives a phone call from Detective Booth that had interviewed her when she first discovered Marilyn Weaver’s body. He was questioning her again about what had happened however Cooper had been feeling rather anxious because there was some information that she was not interested in disclosing. After she got off the call by pretending that she had another one waiting, she “Somehow… didn’t need coffee anymore to feel wide awake”(Edwards, 112). I can appreciate this sensation description because it conveys a familiar feeling in a way that is unique. It’s like the feeling of guilt that keeps you up at night but in the morning. It shows how Coopers shame of withholding information and adrenaline from a frightening and frustrating call so early in the morning effects her overall being and changes her mood, even though she attempts to hide it and “[shake] off [her] angst as well as [she] could and tried to add a breezy tone to [her] voice”(Edwards,113).
The original thing that drew me to this book was the title since I am a big fan of Frank Sinatra. However, to my misfortune, Sinatra is seldom mentioned. With that being said, Getting off on Frank Sinatra had a unique setting for a mystery novel and a somewhat unique plot. I do not think that it takes very much creativity to have a journalist accidentally get involved with the murder case of a prestigious Las Vegas resident, but that is only my opinion. Overall this book follows an interesting murder mystery and the overcoming of relationship troubles and struggles between people and trust while appreciating the aesthetic qualities of Las Vegas and its surrounding wealth. If you enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries, you’d likely enjoy this book as well. Both follow empowered women with romantic subplots and are somewhat easy reads.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (8/17)

“Getting Off On Frank Sinatra” by Megan Edwards presents readers with a spunky character, Copper Black, a young journalist who is very entertaining and unpredictable, and involves herself in situations she can't get out of. Her life is full of ex-boyfriends who continue to involve Copper in their drama. During the research stages on a story about a private school, Copper finds the body of the high profile founder and suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.

The setting of the story, in fast-paced Las Vegas, is an excellent choice for this mystery/thriller, considering the tendencies toward loose living, crime, love gone bad, and people who live on the edge.

Edward’s plot includes a wide variety of characters and quite a number of individuals to keep track of through the constant action. I found Copper to be funny, yet ditzy in her choices and decisions. She is an individual who lives by the law and trusts many people, believing as she does that they have the best interests of others in mind. The characters she involves herself with are talented students involved in charitable works and they have many hidden secrets. Copper reminds me of my daughter in that she is trusting and gives everyone the benefit of doubt, yet is often used by others for their own gain.

I did find it interesting that Copper finds herself in a situation where having just met some important individuals, they are murdered. The author gives one leeway in how to interpret that and therefore you become part of the mystery. The suspense around each situation in interesting, in that just when you think you have it solved, something else pops up.

Edward's writing is interesting in that one can identify with the main character, yet have enough mystery and suspense readers will want to continue to unravel the mystery. An enjoyable read, characters are easy to like and one wants to take Copper under their wings and guide her along.

If you like learning more about Las Vegas life, individuals who can’t make decisions and continually make wrong choices then you will enjoy “Getting Off On Frank Sinatra” by Megan Edwards. I imagine that my military family background tends to make me frustrated with helpless, non-planning individuals.

[Bill Warden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to #Netgalley and #ImbrifexBooks for providing this book so that I can give honest feedback for it.

First, the title is a little weird. My wife was very confused as to what type of book I was reading. After I explained it was a crime-thriller set in Las Vegas, she understood a little more.

Copper finds herself in some interesting situations in this book. There was a bit too much happening at some times, with the private school, turtle, plants, basement neighbor, etc, etc, etc.

In the end, I liked how the book turned out, but it took me a little longer to read since it was a bit harder to get into the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are wanting a light read and something that you can put down and pick back up later.

[DIANA PETERSON-MORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Page Turner: A Great Summer or Holiday Read

Like many of our favorite sleuths, Copper Black finds herself in situations that require action. An intelligent, intuitive woman, we meet her oddball, and loving, family - priests, remarried parents, a gay father - all of whom inform us as to how she emerged as she did. I couldn't put the book down once I picked it up, and enjoyed being introduced to a whole new Las Vegas experience. Megan has a talent for capturing people and place, which draws us in to believe we are moving side-by-side with Copper. Eager to read the next one!

[Ashley Taglieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining popcorn fare!

Hello Folks and Welcome to Las Vegas where the heat is scorching, there’s a killer on the loose, and drama abounds in every page.

Cooper Black is certainly no Veronica Mars, and she may spend most of the story hoping from one disaster to another instead of actively solving the murder, but this is one entertaining ride that will keep you saying just one more chapter I promise and then we can go to the beach.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the mystery and the fact that I couldn't figure out who had done it. It's no fun if you figure everything out at the beginning of the book. What I didn't like was the cast of revolving characters. There were just too many for me, and I had a hard time keeping straight who each person was. I also feel like there was a lot of random information added, that had no real bearing on the actual story. It bogged the book down.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a light Las Vegas murder mystery/romance. I read it in two days. It was just OK. No major flaws and if you like light, easy murder mysteries with a bit of romance mixed in, you might like it much better than I did. It's not really how I want to spend my time. I received it from a dear friend and I read it out of respect for her. She told me several times that she thoroughly enjoyed it, laughed out loud and that I should read it. Just not my thing.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot lines and twists. These characters had believable lives but she sure has troubles with men.
Looking forward to the next book and possibly seeing if the tortoise shows up. I was intrigued by the title and enjoyed the Vegas setting and references. It's good to see another side of Vegas.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. This is my honest review. I adored this book! Copper Black is my new hero! The zany hi-jinks that abound in this book as well as the twists and turns kept me chuckling and smiling throughout! I can't wait to read more about Copper Black.

[Robin Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book didn't really revolve around solving the murder mystery but more about the main character's drama. And believe me, I like drama but hers was boring and always due to her forgetfulness or clumsiness.
An extra star for taking place in Las Vegas.

[Kacey Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up at the library for the title and took it home for the first page which is clever and fun for people who speak Vegas. The actual plot goes 100 miles an hour in very odd directions and there are so many loose trails and tails... but cute. Overall clean... maybe a little language?

[Charlotte Maxwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fairly decent mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Stumbled upon this because I love the narrator of the audiobook. I have never hated a main character more and wasted a borrow on the prequel that I will not be reading.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great light read for a Saturday afternoon. Fans of Bridget Jones and Stephanie Plum will LOVE Copper Black, a Las Vegas reporter chasing her first big story. The only problem is that trouble seems to find her. You wouldn't think house sitting the former home of a notorious mobster's girlfriend and feeding it's resident tortoise would almost get you killed but somehow Copper manages it while trying to decide if Daniel, David or Detective Booth would make a better boyfriend. In the middle of this Copper also manages to stumble across the body of Marilyn Weaver who she has just interviewed for her big story and now Detective Booth thinks she may have had something to do with her death.

[Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to picking up books based on titles and covers. This title had me hooked the second I saw it. I am also a native New Jersey girl living in Henderson, NV for the last 16 yrs. I was captivated by the first few paragraphs which only make sense if you live in Vegas. A great thriller, comedy mystery that takes you on a tour of new and old Las Vegas. I am a huge murder mystery addict and love trying to find the killer before the end and I was on my toes the whole time. I hope there's more to come!

[Karen greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very light romantic murder mystery. I would call it a beach read. If you are looking for something easy and fast this is your book.