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Stella Reynolds Mystery #4
The Big Weekend
You can run. You can hide. Or you can get highlights.
Columbus police make a quick arrest in a murder, but when a tip comes in from someone who knows more about the case than detectives, it’s clear to TV reporter Stella Reynolds that the woman behind bars didn’t pull the trigger.
With lowlifes stealing the headlines, why is Stella’s boss only concerned with her hair? He insists a makeover will help her career, but she knows that a visit to the salon will only get in the way of solving the murder. Or will it? With the real suspect determined to stay hidden, maybe a makeover contest is the perfect cover for catching a killer.
Vicious lies. Unyielding deadlines. And a killer makeover.
Columbus police make a quick arrest in a murder, but when a tip comes in from someone who knows more about the case than detectives, it’s clear to TV reporter Stella Reynolds that the woman behind bars didn’t pull the trigger.
With lowlifes stealing the headlines, why is Stella’s boss only concerned with her hair? He insists a makeover will help her career, but she knows that a visit to the salon will only get in the way of solving the murder. Or will it? With the real suspect determined to stay hidden, maybe a makeover contest is the perfect cover for catching a killer.
Vicious lies. Unyielding deadlines. And a killer makeover.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2017
86 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 26, 2017
Yes! This series is one of my favorite, and I eagerly dove right into the next installment. I absolutely love Stella Reynolds and the mysteries she finds herself in the middle of are so captivating! Fast-paced, full of intrigue, and an all-around fantastic light-hearted mystery, this was another that I must recommend from Libby Kirsch! And I was thrilled to see we are getting a series on Stella’s friend Janet coming soon – that will definitely be going on my TBR! I highly recommend all the books in this series!
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
April 17, 2017
I'm thoroughly addicted to this series now. I can't get enough of Stella and her knack for solving mysteries. Grabbed me from page one and wouldn't let go to the end! Perfect book for mystery loving readers!
May 3, 2018
Finally a five-star story in this series! Stella is now in Columbus Ohio, working as a news anchor and reporter for a local TV station, where the weather conditions often take precedence over breaking news. At the scene of a murder, she talks to a neighbor who says she saw the man's ex-wife Tabitha shoot him. Sure enough, the police take her into custody and pack her three children off to foster care. At the arraignment, a lawyer volunteers to to defend Tabitha, although she claims the judge assigned her. Of course Stella begins sleuthing. After two more murders, she has quite a list of suspects. A subplot involves Parker the makeup man, who insists on showing Stella how to apply proper makeup - he also insists she should highlight her hair. Parker has his own problems with another TV makeover artist with whom he was going to go into business, before she took his money and bailed. Between them, Stella and Parker set up a makeover session involving the lawyer, a bunch of women who work for the same company as the murdered man, the police, Stella's suspect, and Stella herself - her boss has insisted that she get her hair highlighted, and Parker is only too happy to comply. Of course the real murderer is revealed, and Tabitha can go home to her children. But Stella may be moving on....
June 15, 2017
I was given a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. I just love this Stella Reynolds series! This latest installment was so enjoyable. Stella reports on a murdered man. His ex-wife, Tabitha, is in jail for the crime, but she says she's innocent and needs to get home to her kids. Is she telling the truth? As Stella investigates, she finds more and more layers. Soon, Tabitha's brother is killed at her house. A neighbor swears she saw Tabitha commit both crimes, but Tabith was in jail during the second one. Does Tabitah's lawyer have anything to do with what's going on?
In the midst of the murder investigation, Stella is trying to keep her relationship with race car driver Lucky strong. That isn't so easy when they're long distance and both so committed to their jobs. Will Stella be able to figure out her love life and solve the case?
I liked the intricate layers to this mystery. I always love reading about Stella's investigative process as well. We get to see a little bit of where Stella's crazy friend, Janet, is. It looks like Janet is about to get her own series, which is exciting. I hope Libby keeps writing Stella Reynold's books, too, because they're great. This whole series is so enjoyable and I highly recommend them!
In the midst of the murder investigation, Stella is trying to keep her relationship with race car driver Lucky strong. That isn't so easy when they're long distance and both so committed to their jobs. Will Stella be able to figure out her love life and solve the case?
I liked the intricate layers to this mystery. I always love reading about Stella's investigative process as well. We get to see a little bit of where Stella's crazy friend, Janet, is. It looks like Janet is about to get her own series, which is exciting. I hope Libby keeps writing Stella Reynold's books, too, because they're great. This whole series is so enjoyable and I highly recommend them!
February 22, 2018
Once again, just so so
Stella Reynolds is an investigative reporter that solves murders. The stories themselves are fairly interesting. Sadly, the characters are not yet well developed. They are two dimensional, rather trite clichés. It is hard to really care about Stella, or her boyfriend Lucky the race car driver, or her ex boyfriend, I think his name is John. John is another reporter that always seems to work for a competitor station, and no matter that Stella moves to a new station in a new town with each book, John always shows up for a brief interlude, and Stella's heart always flutters.
Often, the supporting characters are more flushed out and more interesting than the main character.
At least this time Kirsch refrained from adding emphasis by capitalizing every letter of a word with a period after each letter. I appreciated that. So why do I keep reading? Well, like I said, the stories aren't half bad. The murder and the solving is usually worth the reading. And the books are reasonably priced. So there you have it - my review.
Stella Reynolds is an investigative reporter that solves murders. The stories themselves are fairly interesting. Sadly, the characters are not yet well developed. They are two dimensional, rather trite clichés. It is hard to really care about Stella, or her boyfriend Lucky the race car driver, or her ex boyfriend, I think his name is John. John is another reporter that always seems to work for a competitor station, and no matter that Stella moves to a new station in a new town with each book, John always shows up for a brief interlude, and Stella's heart always flutters.
Often, the supporting characters are more flushed out and more interesting than the main character.
At least this time Kirsch refrained from adding emphasis by capitalizing every letter of a word with a period after each letter. I appreciated that. So why do I keep reading? Well, like I said, the stories aren't half bad. The murder and the solving is usually worth the reading. And the books are reasonably priced. So there you have it - my review.
August 30, 2020
I received this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems in exchange for this review. I have read a few books by this author and enjoy her style of storytelling. Before reading this book, I finished the first book in the series so that I would know a bit more about Stella Reynolds. Personally, feel you might enjoy these books more if you read them in order, but after the first one, I still enjoyed this one without reading all of those in between. Stella is great and the secondary characters that she is surrounded by make for funny and quirky sub-stories around the main plot.
The story opens as a murder has taken place in Columbus, and Stella Reynolds begins covering the story for her local news station. As facts begin to unfold, Stella is questioning how the case is being handled both by the police and the courts. Although she has other stories to report, Stella continues to be drawn back to this neighborhood and learns more about the people involved. It is a great murder mystery with plenty of action that will keep you reading and trying to figure out how it will end.
The story opens as a murder has taken place in Columbus, and Stella Reynolds begins covering the story for her local news station. As facts begin to unfold, Stella is questioning how the case is being handled both by the police and the courts. Although she has other stories to report, Stella continues to be drawn back to this neighborhood and learns more about the people involved. It is a great murder mystery with plenty of action that will keep you reading and trying to figure out how it will end.
December 6, 2017
It's often puzzled me that there are good mystery series set in Cleveland and Cincinnati, not to mention various smaller places in Ohio, but Columbus, the state capital, has a only a few abortive attempts at series. So I was interested to try this about a comparatively new resident, television journalist Stella Reynolds, who gets involved in what seems like a simple domestic shooting until a ten-year-old girl gives her a surprising lead. Stella is facing some jealous colleagues, a boss who wants her to have a makeover, and a high-profile boyfriend left behind in Tennessee. By the end of the book, she's solved all her problems and seems poised to take a network job, and say "Goodbye, Columbus." Oops, I guess that's been used before.
August 23, 2020
News reporter, Stella Reynolds is working for a television station in Ohio as an on scene reporter and the co-ancor on the weekend news desk. She has problems with two of her co-workers and during a break says some things to herself in the mirror about the co-worker, not knowing her lapel mic is live. Things go from bad to worse as several murders occur and her boss seems more interested in her on air appearance than the trouble between the employees and the fact that the police have probably arrested the wrong person for the first murder and the accuseds attorney is playing games.
Unexpected ending with an unseen twist. Good read, funny. I received this book free for my review of same.
Unexpected ending with an unseen twist. Good read, funny. I received this book free for my review of same.
August 30, 2020
This book was fantastic.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. The book had you wanting to read more after every chapter. It was thrilling and exciting. The book had you guessing all the way to the last page. I loved Stella's perspective of what it is like to be a news reporter. But Stella is far from your average reporter, she is hardcore. She found news to report and she was determined to use her power to do good to the victim and their family, as well as doing the women who she believed and knew was innocent. It took one heck of a makeover but the gripping and jaw-dropping ending will have you wanted to read the next book!! I can't wait to read more by Libby Kirsch!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. The book had you wanting to read more after every chapter. It was thrilling and exciting. The book had you guessing all the way to the last page. I loved Stella's perspective of what it is like to be a news reporter. But Stella is far from your average reporter, she is hardcore. She found news to report and she was determined to use her power to do good to the victim and their family, as well as doing the women who she believed and knew was innocent. It took one heck of a makeover but the gripping and jaw-dropping ending will have you wanted to read the next book!! I can't wait to read more by Libby Kirsch!
August 25, 2020
I was given a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. I had not read the other books in the Stella Reynolds series, but was told they could be read as a stand alone. I had no problems reading this story without reading the others first. I really enjoyed the character of Stella Reynolds and the way she investigates her news stories, and the murders happening in her town. I feel this story was well written and I enjoyed it very much. I think I need to go back and read the other books now.
August 13, 2017
A Great Read
I 've come to love Stella. The background of being a reporter is great. Not a job I want. The mystery and characters will make you want more. My only complaint is that I missed the interaction between Stella and Lucky and racing.
I 've come to love Stella. The background of being a reporter is great. Not a job I want. The mystery and characters will make you want more. My only complaint is that I missed the interaction between Stella and Lucky and racing.
January 26, 2024
Book 4 of 6 of the Stella Reynolds series kept me on my toes and engaged the whole book. My favorite story so far in the series. Fun twists and turns. A well plotted mystery with unexpected witnesses and community engagement. Looking forward to the last two books.
May 20, 2017
Great storyline! Highly recommend!
Hope @LibbyKirsch continues the series! I've read all books so far. Thank you Libby Kitsch for such entertaining books! 🙏🙌😊
Hope @LibbyKirsch continues the series! I've read all books so far. Thank you Libby Kitsch for such entertaining books! 🙏🙌😊
May 26, 2017
A fun book to read. In the beginning, I was expecting the same story line. That is not what I got. Very unique and a fun read. I will continue to look for more books in the series.
June 20, 2017
I love this series. They are such easy reads yet keep you guessing. I am excited to see what her next series featuring Janet brings and hopefully more Stella will be coming our way!
July 18, 2017
Enjoyable read
Great book, I have read the series and would recommend them to my friends. Looking forward to the next book.
Great book, I have read the series and would recommend them to my friends. Looking forward to the next book.
November 20, 2017
This was a great weekend read: easy to read and full of humour, but also brimming with intelligence and a sharp eye for the absurdities of modern life. I loved it and can't wait for more!
December 1, 2017
I need more!
I hope there is another Stella book coming! I have really enjoyed this entire series. We need to know what happens in her next job.
I hope there is another Stella book coming! I have really enjoyed this entire series. We need to know what happens in her next job.
January 26, 2018
I loved this whole series and am looking forward to the Janet Black series now ! This was a fun read!
August 27, 2020
A terrific heroine. She befriends everyone, climbs the corporate ladder and helps solve crimes. A true woman for our times.
September 18, 2017
Originally reviewed at Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
There’s just something about Stella!
I really love how Libby Kirsch has created this fantastic butt-kicking protagonist. She reminds me of a modern-day Nancy Drew, not letting anything stop her until she finds the answer, and believe me, there are a lot of hurdles that are constantly thrown at her. Whether it’s from love interests, coworkers, or potential bad guys, she works doubly hard to do all she can to get to the truth, no matter the cost.
It’s empowering, really. Stella works to prove herself and do the best work she can at her broadcasting job, even when it might mean losing those closest to her. There are people in her life who are not on board with her tenacious personality, unable to understand what drives her. There are girl power undertones throughout this whole book, and in the other books in the Stella Reynolds Mystery Series, enough to make you feel motivated and inspired within your own life.
I’ve read every book in this series, and while I love them all, I feel like this particular installment, book four, has a few more twists and turns in it that are far from expected. There were moments where I’d been certain I knew “who done it”, yet I’d get thrown off the trail and would get booted back to square one. I think that’s a testament to how great this story really is. It’s a lot more fun when you’re discovering the secrets right along with Stella, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book, which will focus on Stella’s nutty friend, Janet. It will be interesting to see what sort of situations she’ll find herself in!
There’s just something about Stella!
I really love how Libby Kirsch has created this fantastic butt-kicking protagonist. She reminds me of a modern-day Nancy Drew, not letting anything stop her until she finds the answer, and believe me, there are a lot of hurdles that are constantly thrown at her. Whether it’s from love interests, coworkers, or potential bad guys, she works doubly hard to do all she can to get to the truth, no matter the cost.
It’s empowering, really. Stella works to prove herself and do the best work she can at her broadcasting job, even when it might mean losing those closest to her. There are people in her life who are not on board with her tenacious personality, unable to understand what drives her. There are girl power undertones throughout this whole book, and in the other books in the Stella Reynolds Mystery Series, enough to make you feel motivated and inspired within your own life.
I’ve read every book in this series, and while I love them all, I feel like this particular installment, book four, has a few more twists and turns in it that are far from expected. There were moments where I’d been certain I knew “who done it”, yet I’d get thrown off the trail and would get booted back to square one. I think that’s a testament to how great this story really is. It’s a lot more fun when you’re discovering the secrets right along with Stella, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book, which will focus on Stella’s nutty friend, Janet. It will be interesting to see what sort of situations she’ll find herself in!
April 17, 2017
Well written. Stella is a reporter hot on the trail of a murderer. Is the guilty one in jail? Stella doesn't think so. Not when two more murders happen . Adventure, and humor.
April 17, 2017
Robert Herbert has been shot at point-blank range and an eye witness insists that his ex-wife, Tabitha Herbert, is the one who shot him. The next day a second murder occurs at the same location and this time the victim is Darren, Tabitha's brother.
At Tabitha's arraignment, attorney Eleanor Pochowski, is asked to help Tabitha complete the necessary paperwork to obtain a court-appointed attorney. As Eleanor was leaving the courthouse, she tells Stella that the judge assigned her to the case.
During Tabitha's bond hearing, Eleanor fails to show up and the hearing has to be rescheduled. Stella discovers that Eleanor was actually at the courthouse, but neglected to appear for the hearing. When Stella finally gets a chance to interview Tabitha, she learns that Eleanor volunteered to take the case, rather than having it assigned to her.
Are the two murders related? What is the real story with Eleanor? Why did Eleanor miss the bond hearing? Is she hiding something? With Tabitha in jail, she could not have shot Darren, so who is the shooter? Can Stella get to the bottom of the mystery?
I received an Advanced Copy of this book from the author and elected to provide this review.
At Tabitha's arraignment, attorney Eleanor Pochowski, is asked to help Tabitha complete the necessary paperwork to obtain a court-appointed attorney. As Eleanor was leaving the courthouse, she tells Stella that the judge assigned her to the case.
During Tabitha's bond hearing, Eleanor fails to show up and the hearing has to be rescheduled. Stella discovers that Eleanor was actually at the courthouse, but neglected to appear for the hearing. When Stella finally gets a chance to interview Tabitha, she learns that Eleanor volunteered to take the case, rather than having it assigned to her.
Are the two murders related? What is the real story with Eleanor? Why did Eleanor miss the bond hearing? Is she hiding something? With Tabitha in jail, she could not have shot Darren, so who is the shooter? Can Stella get to the bottom of the mystery?
I received an Advanced Copy of this book from the author and elected to provide this review.
April 18, 2017
Good read!
I have read all the other books in the Stella Reynolds series, and they are so hard to put down!
Stella can't seem to stay in one place for long, but that's part of the fun in her story, she's up for new challenges.
Lucky, her boyfriend is trying to give her the space she needs, because her work comes first, but he doesn't want to lose her.
She puts everything on the line for the story, but she has heart and grit and always gets her story!
I have read all the other books in the Stella Reynolds series, and they are so hard to put down!
Stella can't seem to stay in one place for long, but that's part of the fun in her story, she's up for new challenges.
Lucky, her boyfriend is trying to give her the space she needs, because her work comes first, but he doesn't want to lose her.
She puts everything on the line for the story, but she has heart and grit and always gets her story!
April 27, 2017
This is the fourth book in the series, but it is easily read as a stand-alone novel.
This time around, Stella is working at an NBC affiliate station in Columbus, Ohio. Not only does she get caught up in a murder mystery, she also meets some interesting people in the neighborhood where the first murder (yes, there is more than one) takes place. Even with all that going on, she still manages to find time to nurture her relationship with Lucky.
The story is fast-paced, with plenty of suspense, and it also has plenty of light-hearted humor. It's a quick easy read for a lazy afternoon.
**I received a copy of this book from the author, with no obligation to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
This time around, Stella is working at an NBC affiliate station in Columbus, Ohio. Not only does she get caught up in a murder mystery, she also meets some interesting people in the neighborhood where the first murder (yes, there is more than one) takes place. Even with all that going on, she still manages to find time to nurture her relationship with Lucky.
The story is fast-paced, with plenty of suspense, and it also has plenty of light-hearted humor. It's a quick easy read for a lazy afternoon.
**I received a copy of this book from the author, with no obligation to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
April 29, 2017
Love this series. I enjoy how in each book we see Stella grow personally and professionally. I also was glad to see Janet made an appearance as well. Libby does a great job drawing you into the book and keep you engrossed in the story. This series is well worth reading...one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews