Lucky Ride

Lucky O'Toole #8

by Deborah Coonts

Who would want to kill a clown?

Lucky O’Toole, chief problem solver for the Babylon Hotel, the primo property on the Las Vegas Strip, isn’t in any mood to find out.

For one, it’s New Year’s Day and Lucky’s birthday.

And she hasn’t caught her breath after a chase to the death in Hong Kong and Macau.

Her French chef is pushing to set the wedding date.

Her former lover, wounded in the China chase, needs TLC.

A young woman, in town with the rodeo, shows up at her office with a secret that could blow the lid off Lucky’s life as she knows it.

And Lucky’s mother starts acting like the secret could be true.

Could it?

What if everything Lucky thought she knew about her family was built on a lie?

And why would someone kill a clown?

Genres: Mystery

366 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2017

About the author

Get a free bundle of novellas ripped from the headlines of Lucky O'Toole's world: http://deborahcoonts.com/lucky-offer/

Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
** review is for the audiobook **

Lucky has returned from her turbulent trip to Macau. It's new year's and her birthday. Instead of being able to relax & catch her breath, she's off & running when a teen girl comes looking for Mona with the rodeo in town. Yee Haw!

The negative is Lucky & Teddy. the constant references to her broken heart and her feelings for him are getting annoyingly repetitive. As well as her preference for not committing fully. (reminiscent of anyone? stephanie plum comes to mind..)

The writer foreshadowed an issue w/Romeo in the future & I hope it won't be bad as I also like that character. I think his & Lucky's chemistry is delightful.

This is another series where our protagonist is surrounded by sexy men. Seriously....what is that about??? And may I say, I've been to Vegas many times...and nope...didn't meet that many cuties but of course, I also didn't stumble upon dead bodies being an amateur sleuth.
Maybe next time... 😘

[Lucía · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante pero se nota que la autora le está bajando al ritmo como que se le está acabando la energía.

[Judy Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in the Lucky O'Toole series! I was really looking forward to this book, & wondering how Deborah Coonts would follow up the last book. Let's face it- it could have gone either way after Macau- really great, or really bad. And, when I read the "teaser" that says "Who would want to kill a clown?" Well, I was a little worried! But, there was no need to worry. Lucky & company once again delivered a rip-roaring, page-turning, fabulous adventure.
"Lucky Rides" finds us back on the Vegas Strip, Lucky's (adopted) "hometown," and she's almost immediately thrown rigging ht into a new situation full of mystery, intrigue, handsome men, & danger. There is a lot more of Romeo, the detective she's taken under her wing, & very little of lost love Teddie. Dane & the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock are here, but strictly in supporting roles. Flash plays her part, and Lucky's parents, of course, play deceptively pivotal roles. Somewhat disappointingly, for me at least, we see very little of Ms. P & Brandy. I've always loved the relationship between Lucky & Ms P, & hope to see more of it. But some scenes in this book seem to promise more of these ladies in the future, as Lucky tries to figure out her new role between Cielo & The Babylon.
I don't believe in spoiler reviews, but I will say, this book brings plenty of classic Lucky, as the new mystery becomes more & more entwined with Lucky's family's past & future. There are plenty of twists & turns. I was surprised by many of turns the story took, including the new info about Mona.
I'm still not 100% sure about Jean-Charles for Lucky. I often think she loves Christophe, his son, more than Jean-Charles. Something about him still bothers me. But, Lucky deserves a happy relationship, so I will reserve judgement & watch it play out.
Overall, this book is a winner. Best thing- it makes me want to re-read the whole series, which is the number one sign of a winner! Take this ride with Lucky; you won't regret it.

[Villy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like this series and I like Lucky. I like the hotel setting and the b-players are all well rounded and, most importantly, come across as realistic and real as possible, considering they're the background to our main character.

Lucky still has her indecision issues and her inability to let go, both of which are understable. She hasn't made a single choice in 8 books that hasn't been influenced (or handed to her as a fact made by her parents) by others so her growing a pair and saying "this is my life, everyone butt out" is not going to happen and I've made my peace with it. I guess if I want a protagonist that both talks the talk and walks the walk of her own decisions, I have to look elsewhere.

However, why is Mona still alive? I know it's a mean thing to say but good God! The woman is nothing but trouble and ever since she moved in the hotel (not a spoiler, it happened quite a few books ago), the Big Boss has lost all his presence. In book 1, the man had a presence and a personality to match. Yes, he is second fiddle to the protagonist (like all the characters are) but now he's nothing more than a cardboard cutout suited to be Mona's yes-man.

Spoiler: She was hanging over a prescipise at one point. She should have fallen off. I'm sick of her attitude and her drama. The woman is in her mid-forties! Why is still acting like a petulant five year old? Am I really supposed to believe that she has ran her bordello for years? Mona is incapable of tying her own shoes!

Mona aside, the rest of the book was pretty good. The plot was a bit all over the place, but with Mona refusing to open her mouth and give Lucky some much needed answers what else can we expect? The author did manage to surprise me at the end when Bethany ended up being Lucky's cousin and not her sister . What makes Lucky being the standout in this series is that she's unique, if the author gave her a mini-Lucky, she'd lose her uniqueness.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished “Lucky Ride”, #8 in the Lucky O’Toole series, and I can’t wait for #9! This one had me hanging on every word and wondering what was going to happen next – and I loved every minute of it! Lucky is the “go to” person at the Babylon Hotel in Las Vegas, while her father is the Big Boss. If you have not read the series (you really need to as you are missing out on a GREAT series, GREAT continuing characters and GREAT mysteries). Lucky is not only the “go to” person, but she has a “get it done or get out of my way” attitude. In this book, a clown is murdered at the rodeo that is being held in Las Vegas and Lucky finds herself getting involved in the investigation. She has such a great interaction with other characters, i.e. the police, her parents, her staff and the characters who are involved in the murder investigation. Lucky hasn’t completely recovered from the previous book (another great one), but this one starts out with a young teenage girl asking Lucky “Are you my mother?” and the action begins. You’ll have to read the book to find the answer to that! Ms. Coonts has such a great writing style that makes it difficult for you to put the book down. I have read all of her books and recommend them highly. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. Loved it!! (by paytonpuppy)

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky's back! Or rather, I'm back in sync with Lucky, and I couldn't be happier because I would've missed a great story. The Lucky books have always been fast-paced, full of action and romance and humor, but in the book before this one I felt that she was becoming more thoughtful and self-reflective and -- well, growing up, for lack of a better term, and I wasn't comfortable with that. But maybe I've grown up, too, because I'm really feeling this more mature person. Lucky's still risking her life to help the people she cares about and being all kinds of badass about it (this time at a rodeo -- love the different settings of the novels!) but she's realizing her shortcomings more and relying more on her friends and delving into her past as well, however painful that is. That's why I love this series, because Lucky and the cast of characters around her are three-dimensional, and they've grown and changed with each adventure. And that's a hard thing for an author to pull off with grace and believability because you risk losing the readers who just want "more of the same" (I was guilty, but not anymore), but Deborah Coonts did it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky is confronted by a 16 yr. old teenager who is looking for her mother and is asking for Lucky's help finding her. She hands Lucky an old picture that had been torn in half. It is a picture that will turn the reality of her family upside down. While she is also wanted in connection to a murder in a rodeo she was traveling with. She is also somehow connected to things in Mona's past that would be better unknown.
With multiple deaths of livestock and threats towards some of the kids, there is probably more than extortion going on in the rodeo circuit.
This is a great continuation of Lucky's saga. There are lots of twist in the story, a good bit of humor, a lot of danger, and a little more profanity in this one than some of the previous ones. It is a fun read and I am definitely looking forward to the next one.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Would Someone Kill a Clown??

Lucky Ride is an action intense roller coaster ride! It was so good I absolutely could not put it down. Chief problem solver, Lucky O'Toole, is again locked in a desperate race to find a killer before he kills again. If this wasn't enough stress, Lucky has to deal with all the quickly changing dynamics happening in her life with fiancé Jean-Charles, "partner in crime" Detective Romeo, first love Teddie, & especially with her parents, who are definitely hiding a huge secret. Old favorites Miss P & her husband "The Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock, foul mouth Macaw Newton, head of security Jerry, & Jean-Charles son Christophe make brief but meaningful appearances, too. By the time I finished this book I felt like I had taken a crazy ride on that bull at the rodeo!

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! I have long been a fan of Ms. Coonts’ Lucky O’Toole Las Vegas adventures, having read all of the previous books at least twice. This is the 8th book in this hugely entertaining series, and I couldn’t put it down! The story has so many twists and turns, it left even me speechless. It also made me think. I fell in love with Lucky and the entire cast of characters all over again. And as usual, Lucky is in a tremendous mess, way over her head. When a young girl walks into her office claiming to be a long-lost sister, Lucky is stunned, to say the least. And when a body turns up, Lucky knows that it’s her responsibility to figure it out. As she works to unravel the mystery, she realizes that she may not be able to do it, not without losing everything else she loves. I can’t wait for another Lucky O’Toole book!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on for the "Ride" because this author is a gifted storyteller! Her writing style is sharp and snappy and the book is well-written. Poor Lucky - barely off the plane from her last adventure and into her office walks a young girl with a story...a story potentially involving Lucky's family personally. Soon Lucky is immersed in another murder investigation, set against the backdrop of the rodeo in Las Vegas. Everyone is stonewalling her and her parents are obviously keeping a big secret from her. I liked the further character development of Mona - she has always been rather mysterious. When the dust settled on this one, it appears that no matter what life hands Lucky, she is a survivor. Excellent read that I would highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't spend time in my review going over the synopsis of the book. Plenty other reviewers have and have done so well. What I will say is that I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, the plot intriguing and the pacing well done. The main character is strong but fallible, the secondary characters interesting but not cliched. And I love the main character's intelligence and sense of humor. I'd really like to comment on the author's style of writing, though. Her writing makes me actually slow down my reading speed to better take in her great turns of phrase and her evocative descriptions. I enjoyed the book as a mystery but also as simply a beautifully written piece of work. Definitely recommended.
Please note: I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucky is barely back from China when she is dumped into another mystery, one that is tied to her mother's past. Could it be that Mona had another child at some point? Too bad the girl that is claiming that relationship is under suspicion for murder. Without a rest, Lucky is thrown into the world of rodeo.
I keep going back and forth on finishing this series. There are only three more books after this one but the fluff is really starting to outweigh the parts that I enjoy. This is starting to feel like the same ol' same ol' with Lucky having a case, being stonewalled by her parents, and having to blunder around until a solution presents itself. I still enjoyed parts of the book, mostly Lucky herself who, excepting around her parent, is a shining example of a character who excels competency-porn in the confines of her work life.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Coonts has done it again with another fantastic addition to the Lucky O'Toole series. I could not put Lucky Ride down I could not get through the page fast enough to turn to the page to find out what was happening next. There was not as much humor in #8 but I found Lucky to be more grounded and you really got the feeling of how much Lucky does care about the people close to her. Lucky takes a 16 year old girl under her wing who claims Mona is her mother.... If you are planning on reading just one book this summer than make it this one you won't be disappointed . I was hooked on Lucky since the first book in the series came out and I am so hoping for #9.

Thanks Deborah for writing such a great series.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Lucky O’Toole series by Deborah Coonts was one of my favorites. All the books in the series, including the novellas are standalone books but I really recommend that you read ALL of them in order, so that you can see how the characters have grown and how they can easily incorporate themselves into your life…whether they are friends or family. The author writes her books in a way that makes you instantly feel like you are in the middle of the story. You will laugh, cry, get mad and your heart will race as you speed through the streets of Las Vega, but it’s all worth it! I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always know that a new Deborah Coonts Lucky book will bring a thrilling adventure and Lucky Ride is no exception. Set during the PBR World Finals, and New Years, there is definitely a lot going on. Lucky is just back from her visit to Macau when things go awry in her beloved hometown. Coonts writes the Lucky books in first person which means you are definitely along for the ride with Lucky. Both Lucky and I were jetlagged as I was reading it, so it is hard to tell if things were really as strange as they seemed (probably). If you haven’t read the other books in the series this might not be the best place to start. Start at least a couple books back and catch up. The series is well worth it and on my must read list.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky O"Toole is the head of problem solving for the Babylon Hotel.
The Babylon is a luxury hotel right on the Las Vegas strip.
It is New Year's Day and her birthday. But the rodeo is in town and trouble is happening.
THere is a murder at the rodeo and Lucky is right in the middle of the case as usual.
A young girl comes to Lucky and looks enough alike to be her sister.
Meanwhile, as if there isn't enough going open, her fiancé and French Chef is pushing for a wedding date.
Her former lover, Teddie is back in town and would like to get back together.
And, a terrible secret is about to be found out involving her family.
What else could go wrong? Funny and outrageous, lots of action and crazy characters.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Lucky! She is just back from her China adventures, and a clown is found dead at the rodeo! As if that isn't bad enough, a young woman walked into her office claiming she is Lucky's sister, and oh by the way, she wants to meet her meet her mother and she needs help, as she is wanted by the law in connection with the deceased clown. Lucky needs sleep, but doesn't get it, as she wades into the drama, way over her head. As more dead bodies keep turning up, Lucky is forced to rescue her her father and mother from what she doesn't know, as they aren't talking.
You will laugh and be horrified as Lucky struggles to keep up with a murderer. Recommended

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book number eight, it is one of the best so far. Finally a little insight into Lucky's family. Lucky's Mother Mona has a lot of explaining to do and she and Lucky's Father will not tell Lucky anything.
Murder comes calling and there are so many suspects that it takes you a minute to remember who is who.
But over all of this a young 16 year old girl shows up on Lucky's door and asks her if she's her Mom. Well, there is a lot of explaining to do.
Not much of Teddy in this one, but Lucky talks about him. She's still convincing her self that she doesn't love him anymore. She has wrapped her self in her French chef and his son. We will see if the "home life", is really what Lucky wants.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love to read about Lucky O’Toole, Vegas and the whole gang. Even if it’s been awhile, I fall right back into the series. This is the 8th book and Lucky has just returned home from China. She has no time to catch up on her sleep before new problems crop up. The rodeo is in town and along with it comes murder, mayhem and family secrets. And those secrets could blow up everything she knew, or thought she knew about her own childhood and family. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. Great cast of characters, humor and interesting plot twists to keep you interested. And of course, Vegas.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Deborah Coonts!
I love the Lucky O’Toole books, and this one was just as exciting as the others in the series.
A new member gets added to the mix this time around, and is almost as sassy as Lucky.
Mystery, intrigue, and a whole lot of sass. I was hooked from start to finish, and couldn’t put this book down. Lucky Ride is a wild ride.
A well deserved 5 stars, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Adrienne Rubinkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Coonts is one of the most creative writers going. "Lucky Ride" is the eighth in her "Lucky O'Toole" series, and I immediately cannot wait for #9. There are times I need to go back and reread a section, because... What the heck just happened here?????

If you like getting blindsided by events that, after all is said and done, DO make sense, then you will love "Lucky Ride". Please keep on writing, Deborah. Please.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky is just back from her adventure in Hong Kong when a teenage girl shows up and shows Lucky a picture of a young Mona and claims that the woman in the picture is her mother. Thus begins the new adventure for Lucky involving the people of the rodeo which is in Las Vegas. Lucky is beyond tired and keeps running into people who won't tell her the truth including her parents. The book was a quick easy read.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky has a lot going on in her life. Now faced with a 16 year old girl showing up with a picture
claiming it's her mother. She's not sure what to do, because they have something in common.

Lots of twists and turns. Does Lucky believe her or not? She only has a picture to prove her case.
She would get to the bottom of this.

Very much enjoyed this book.

Love Ms. Coonts writing.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Deborah Coonts in her Lucky O'Toole series. I love these books. There is murder, yes but there is still humor and the characters are wonderful.The pace is just right and it is over before you know it.....like a great movie and you get so involved in it. WTG Ms Coonts! Another winner! I received ARC of this book. The review is voluntarily done and of my own opinions.

[Stephanie Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lucky books and this was another winner from Deborah Coonts! The characters are multi-faceted, the storyline keeps you interested and I live in Las Vegas so I love the local details! I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review and I honestly can't wait for the next book in the series!!

[Grandma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky never lets friends or family down!

Once again Lucky must call on her wide flung friends and underworld contacts to help her loved ones solve their troubles. This time the trouble is old history and Lucky finds new family in the solving. And as always, Jean Claude is waiting when Lucky finally finds her way home.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is the first time I'm reading a book in the Lucky O'Toole series, I'm curious to find out more about Lucky's world, especially that of her family, as well as some of her own history. I'll definitely be reading more of this series in the future. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenndian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rodeo comes to Vegas and of course Lucky gets involved along with her mother, Moana and her past. Suspenseful, funny, and endearing. This is great, especially seeing Lucky struggle,with herself and her growth as a character! Such a great, quirky series with fully-developed characters and great writing!

[Marie Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never, ever disappointed

Loved this book just as much as all the others. Really had me guessing - Lucky and her band of guys and dolls once again win the day. Continued excellent character development - not knowing what to expect from each of them certainly keeps this series of books fresh! More please!

[BJ Kellogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these books I just finished number 8. But where is the fun and the adventure? I miss the bird with the foul language and the turkeys. I miss Las Vegas. I miss Brandy and Romeos story and Ms P. In this one people are getting shot and a huge back story in which I bet that Bethany is never heard from again.