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Angel Lake Mystery #5
The Tempting Taste of Danger
The only thing worse than a noisy bookstore is patrons literally dying to get out.
Elise Pepper has landed her dream job at the Capture The Magic book store. Peace and quiet and thousands of books to herself – including a $2m first edition of Alice in Wonderland. What more could she ask for?
It can’t last of course. Her blissful solitude is rudely interrupted when someone turns the second floor of the building into a Down the Rabbit Hole-themed escape room.
But the noise is the least of her worries – what’s worse is the dead bank executive upstairs and the missing first edition. Now Elise is suspected of both theft and murder, even as the killer taunts her with Alice in Wonderland clues. Can she find out who did it before she takes the fall for the crime?
Elise Pepper has landed her dream job at the Capture The Magic book store. Peace and quiet and thousands of books to herself – including a $2m first edition of Alice in Wonderland. What more could she ask for?
It can’t last of course. Her blissful solitude is rudely interrupted when someone turns the second floor of the building into a Down the Rabbit Hole-themed escape room.
But the noise is the least of her worries – what’s worse is the dead bank executive upstairs and the missing first edition. Now Elise is suspected of both theft and murder, even as the killer taunts her with Alice in Wonderland clues. Can she find out who did it before she takes the fall for the crime?
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2017
545 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 25, 2018
Elise finds herself a suspect in a murder and the victim of a stalker in CeeCee James’s The Tempting Taste of Danger. She has gotten a job at a local bookstore that is renting its upstairs to some young men who have created an escape room in which people have an hour to solve a series of puzzles in an hour in order to get out. The first day that real customers come to use the escape room, Elise hears frantic pounding on the door by the group of men. Breaking into the room through a back door, Elise finds one man on the floor, and CPR doesn’t save him. Then, coming back downstairs, Elise and her boss find that Dave’s first edition of Alice in Wonderland, given to his family by Lewis Carroll has been stolen. To her horror, Elise soon finds herself the chief suspect in the investigation.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
March 27, 2017
The first book I read on my trip last week was CeeCee James The Tempting Taste of Danger. This is book four in the Angel Lake Mystery series and it was a very good read. The book has an Alice in Wonderland theme that I really enjoyed. This was a great concept for a mystery and even if you are not an Alice in Wonderland buff you will still really enjoy this mystery. I did not have the killer figured out before the big reveal and I really enjoy this series. This is out now and lots of fun!
April 1, 2017
Elise Pepper has just started working at Capture the Magic Bookstore. The owner, David McCall, has a rare First Edition copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The second floor of the bookstore is being converted to an Escape Room.
Dave explains that an Escape Room is a type of locked room puzzle game and invites Elise to join him in testing the room. After work that night, Elise finds a picture and a note on her car. Does Elise have a secret admirer?
When a man is murdered in the Escape Room and the First Edition book is stolen, Elise is the prime suspect. As time goes on, Elise finds more evidence that tells her that her secret admirer is actually stalking her.
Are the murder and the theft of the book related? Who is stalking Elise and why? Can Elise and Brad stop the stalker and solve the murder before something else goes wrong?
This story focuses more on the stalker than on the murder or the theft, but all are equally important the the overall story.
Dave explains that an Escape Room is a type of locked room puzzle game and invites Elise to join him in testing the room. After work that night, Elise finds a picture and a note on her car. Does Elise have a secret admirer?
When a man is murdered in the Escape Room and the First Edition book is stolen, Elise is the prime suspect. As time goes on, Elise finds more evidence that tells her that her secret admirer is actually stalking her.
Are the murder and the theft of the book related? Who is stalking Elise and why? Can Elise and Brad stop the stalker and solve the murder before something else goes wrong?
This story focuses more on the stalker than on the murder or the theft, but all are equally important the the overall story.
March 7, 2019
Very good book included in the Winter Whodunnits. A locked room adventure, murder, a stalker and Alice in Wonderland. An exciting mix of ideas that result in an excellent mystery.
May 18, 2018
Highly recommend NOT reading this book.. you could find better in a college creative writing class (or high school)... so a woman in her mid 30’s goes to work at a bookstore (a little implausible but I’m happy there is finally a somewhat older protagonist in a cozy mystery) and then suddenly in Chapter 3 we find out she has a teenage runaway for a roommate (WTF).
How can she afford to help this kid out if she has to go to work at a bookstore? And she just got the job. Smh
The kid had been homeless when the protagonist took her in. Now she is dating a cop and the star of the story is surprised the cop is sticking with it.. as though people regularly change careers after joining the police force.
It’s pretty bad, then the writer throws in a voyeur who took a photo of our hero when she forgot to bring a towel into the bathroom with her, despite having a teenage roommate. And she opts to run naked instead of covering herself with whatever she had on before the shower AND she assumes that someone snapped her photo in all this, which is odd given that most homes, especially apartments, do not require you to walk past a window from bathroom to bedroom.
But really, even if you hold your disbelief, it’s just bad writing.
This reads like a dartboard book.. the writer threw darts at a dartboard that listed lots of different plot possibilities and she is trying to put them all together.
I was incredibly disappointed. The reviews on this book were good.. but after three chapters, it definitely is not for me and there are too many amazing books in the world to waste my time on this poorly written nonsense.
You might agree.
How can she afford to help this kid out if she has to go to work at a bookstore? And she just got the job. Smh
The kid had been homeless when the protagonist took her in. Now she is dating a cop and the star of the story is surprised the cop is sticking with it.. as though people regularly change careers after joining the police force.
It’s pretty bad, then the writer throws in a voyeur who took a photo of our hero when she forgot to bring a towel into the bathroom with her, despite having a teenage roommate. And she opts to run naked instead of covering herself with whatever she had on before the shower AND she assumes that someone snapped her photo in all this, which is odd given that most homes, especially apartments, do not require you to walk past a window from bathroom to bedroom.
But really, even if you hold your disbelief, it’s just bad writing.
This reads like a dartboard book.. the writer threw darts at a dartboard that listed lots of different plot possibilities and she is trying to put them all together.
I was incredibly disappointed. The reviews on this book were good.. but after three chapters, it definitely is not for me and there are too many amazing books in the world to waste my time on this poorly written nonsense.
You might agree.
January 16, 2018
Elise has a new job, one that seems perfect for her. She becomes a clerk in a bookstore and really likes her new boss. The only problem is that he leases the top floor to allow two college students to build an escape room with an Alice in Wonderland theme. One of the first puzzle participants is murdered, and with very little evidence, the detectives seem focused on Elise as the number one suspect. Other strange things are occurring: Elise's house is bugged, she receives strange letters and cards, her new neighbors are creepy and frighten Lucy. Not even Elise connects these strange occurrences with the murder until she is captured by a recently released mental patient who lives nearby with his grandmother. His delusions go all the way back to a high school experience in which he decided Elise was his Queen of Hearts. With her mental and physical strength, Elise escapes and all's well that ends well. The sweetest part of the book occurs at the end with an event that all James' Angel Lake Mysteries readers have been expecting when Brad gives Elise a special birthday present. Readers will enjoy the end of this book!
September 24, 2018
Within days of getting a new job at a bookstore, Elise becomes the chief suspect when she finds a body on the second floor of the bookstore that is currently being used as an 'Escape Room.' Only this time someone didn't escape. To complicate matters, the bookstore owner discovers a rare and valuable book has been stolen, Alice In Wonderland. Elise begins receiving 'gifts' with a Alice In Wonderland theme and finds her apartment has been bugged. She has a stalker, which spurs her detective boyfriend, Brad, into action.
Good plot, nice pacing, likable characters. Although this is the fifth book in the series (first book I've read by this author), I felt the story stood well on its own. However, I was puzzled why Elise was harboring a teenage runaway in her home, especially with a detective boyfriend. To my recollection, it wasn't mentioned until late in the book that the girls mother was in rehab and perhaps Elise was fostering the girl? This is something that might have been explained in a previous book. Regardless, it should have been explained early on. I never guess who the stalker was, which kept the suspense flowing until the end.
Good plot, nice pacing, likable characters. Although this is the fifth book in the series (first book I've read by this author), I felt the story stood well on its own. However, I was puzzled why Elise was harboring a teenage runaway in her home, especially with a detective boyfriend. To my recollection, it wasn't mentioned until late in the book that the girls mother was in rehab and perhaps Elise was fostering the girl? This is something that might have been explained in a previous book. Regardless, it should have been explained early on. I never guess who the stalker was, which kept the suspense flowing until the end.
January 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this mystery. Chapters ended with enough suspense to make me want to keep reading. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I could still follow. The lead character, Elise Pepper, has a new job at a bookstore/coffee shop. Upstairs is an Alice in Wonderland-themed escape room. In the center of the bookstore, is the owner's first-edition copy of Lewis Carroll's most famous work, locked in a glass case. In a single day, someone dies in the escape room, and the book is stolen. On top of it all, Elise seems to have a stalker, and is possibly viewed as the prime suspect in the murder/theft. She doesn't do much amateur sleuthing, but she does happen upon a few clues. Several people seem suspicious, but I never saw the real culprit coming! I'll definitely be reading the earlier books in the Angel Lake Mystery series, and any other books by CeeCee James!
February 15, 2018
Wow!!!
Ceecee James "angel lake mystery series" gets more intriguing book by book! Being possibly framed for a murder, stalked and then kidnapped- elise proves she is a strong woman! Smart to get away and get help so that the real killer can be caught! I adored the end of this book and the very special birthday gift Brad had for Elise! It only makes me want more books as these two become one and see what life has in store along with a murder here and there and off course bff Lavina by her side giving encouragement to them both- Lucy has safety love and shelter she has not had in awhile-- I love getting to know these people of angel lake and almost be a part of their lives too! More please Ms James more and thank you for great reading!
Ceecee James "angel lake mystery series" gets more intriguing book by book! Being possibly framed for a murder, stalked and then kidnapped- elise proves she is a strong woman! Smart to get away and get help so that the real killer can be caught! I adored the end of this book and the very special birthday gift Brad had for Elise! It only makes me want more books as these two become one and see what life has in store along with a murder here and there and off course bff Lavina by her side giving encouragement to them both- Lucy has safety love and shelter she has not had in awhile-- I love getting to know these people of angel lake and almost be a part of their lives too! More please Ms James more and thank you for great reading!
November 12, 2017
The Tempting Taste of Danger is the most action packed, gripping and suspenseful of the Angel Lake Mysteries. This last volume in the Angel Lake Mysteries seems to have heavier focus on the mystery which includes death threats, a stolen first addition book, multiple love interests for Elise, intense new neighbors, and a kidnapping. The romance portion although smaller in word count is at times poignant and heartwarming resulting in a happy ending for Elise and Brad but a potential change for Lucy.
I was enthralled from the very first page to the last. However, there are still unfinished story lines which lead to the question of squeals.
I was enthralled from the very first page to the last. However, there are still unfinished story lines which lead to the question of squeals.
May 14, 2017
Great series. This mystery was definitely for Alice in Wonderland fans. After reading these books you feel as if Elise Pepper, Brad and Lavina are your friends. Elise starts a dream job (any avid reader would agree) working in a local bookstore. The owner is a HUGE Alice in Wonderland fan and has a first edition, signed by Lewis Carol himself. This time, Elise is both the suspect and target of a "mad hatter." The book was full of CeeCee's usual twists and turns that you are stumped as to who the is the murderer. The ending was great. I highly recommend this series.
February 6, 2019
Great book! Elise Pepper is getting a new job again! This time with Capture The Magic Book Store and she is thrilled especially about the Alice Wonderland Book that is family heirloom of the owner. While she is hoping that this job will work out better then the last one...but you never know. Elise finds out that they are creating a Escape Room in the old apartment upstairs and she isn't one to be locked in room and having to try to escape. With that all going on she is accused of murder and stealing the family heirloom book. What more could happen....you will have read to find out.
July 27, 2017
This is a nicely written book. In the beginning there were a lot of characters, and I got confused, but that all straightened out after a while. The story is full of twists and surprises and suspicious characters. However about 3/4 of the way through, it became predictable and the ending was a little corny. Still, it's a fun book to read and I enjoyed it.
March 29, 2017
Another winner! Poor Elise just cannot find a normal job. What seems like a normal job in a bookstore quickly takes another murderous turn. I really liked the mystery in this and was totally stumped by the killer/stalker. The Alice in Wonderland theme was so fun and a great addition to the story. There was something I really wanted to know from the last story that wasn't fully disclosed like I had hoped, but the ending more than made up for it! It was just perfection and I loved reading it. I hope there is more in this series!
May 14, 2017
The Tempting Taste of Danger
I loved this book. The two main characters finally got together. All of the Angel Lake Mysteries are a wonderful work of writing. I truly enjoyed this journey
I loved this book. The two main characters finally got together. All of the Angel Lake Mysteries are a wonderful work of writing. I truly enjoyed this journey
October 1, 2017
The Bookstore
Really enjoyed this book. Am an avid reader so it really interested me. Great mystery. Read it all in one sitting. Learned about some things I didn't know about the book, Alice in Wonderland. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Really enjoyed this book. Am an avid reader so it really interested me. Great mystery. Read it all in one sitting. Learned about some things I didn't know about the book, Alice in Wonderland. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 20, 2017
This series just keeps getting better! I love the characters, especially Elise, and the suspense kept me on edge. Elise's dream job lands her in the cross-hairs of a stalker and the police when a valuable book is stolen and a man dies in the bookstore. I didn't guess the culprit!
December 20, 2017
What’s not to love?
This series has it all. Each story gets better and keeps the mysteries going. Elise has come a long way from the newly divorced, timid woman she was. The story was well written and the mystery intriguing.
This series has it all. Each story gets better and keeps the mysteries going. Elise has come a long way from the newly divorced, timid woman she was. The story was well written and the mystery intriguing.
January 5, 2023
The Tempting Taste of Danger
This Author truly takes you on a Mysterious Journey. Once you think it’s about to give up the mystery another corner is taking you around to yet another mystery. I really liked this book. If you like a mystery that keeps you wondering then this book is for you.
This Author truly takes you on a Mysterious Journey. Once you think it’s about to give up the mystery another corner is taking you around to yet another mystery. I really liked this book. If you like a mystery that keeps you wondering then this book is for you.
May 6, 2017
Great review
I loved it. It was as powerful, scary, and funny as the previous books. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I loved it. It was as powerful, scary, and funny as the previous books. I hope there will be more books in this series.
May 6, 2017
Great Read!
This is the 5th book in this series and it was just as good as the first book. I absolutely love this author and can hardly wait for the next one.
This is the 5th book in this series and it was just as good as the first book. I absolutely love this author and can hardly wait for the next one.
June 19, 2017
It started out promising but left a lot of loose ends and unexplainable characters. Became predictable, a cozy mystery turned into a cozy romance. Corny for my taste.
June 3, 2017
Suspenseful.
I totally got caught up reading this book. Always seemed like there was a new quark around every corner. Thank you for interesting suspence.
I totally got caught up reading this book. Always seemed like there was a new quark around every corner. Thank you for interesting suspence.
July 26, 2017
Trouble manages to find Elise again, it's a good one and can't wait for the next...
July 28, 2017
3.5 stars
Good mystery with lots of red herrings. I really like the main characters.
Good mystery with lots of red herrings. I really like the main characters.
July 30, 2017
Weak plot
Quick read but not much depth to plot. As always CeeCee James writes an easy to read book that is entertaining to the reader.
Quick read but not much depth to plot. As always CeeCee James writes an easy to read book that is entertaining to the reader.
August 16, 2017
Very fun story
I think I enjoyed book 5 the best so far. Who knew working in a little bookstore could be so interesting!
I think I enjoyed book 5 the best so far. Who knew working in a little bookstore could be so interesting!
August 21, 2017
Good read.
I really loved this story. CeeCee did it again. What a great story. I hope there will be more Elise stories. Keep it up.
I really loved this story. CeeCee did it again. What a great story. I hope there will be more Elise stories. Keep it up.
August 30, 2017
Great Series
Another great book series by CeeCee James! The characters are fun and the storylines are very creative. I can't wait for the next book!
Another great book series by CeeCee James! The characters are fun and the storylines are very creative. I can't wait for the next book!
October 2, 2017
Kindle-Free-Robin Reads a good cozy mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews