A British silver fox has moved into the Belle Court Retirement Center, and octogenarian amateur sleuth Viv Kennedy is crushing on him hard. Unfortunately, he appears singularly unimpressed with Viv’s overnight adoption of every British phrase she knows (and a few she’s, admittedly, unclear on.) Maybe if she and Salem Grimes can solve the murder of the hotshot TV reporter Peter Browning, she can catch his eye. The fact that Peter’s death has not been ruled a murder is a minor consideration. Salem is certainly willing to help Viv land Nigel the Brit. After all, it will make her best friend happy. It will also make her husband happy — Tony is under the impression that if Viv finds a man and settles down, Salem will stop chasing bad guys down dark alleys with her. But Salem doesn’t know if that will make her happy. She knows she isn’t really a private detective. Shoot, she isn’t even any good at the chasing bad guys down dark alleys part. But after a lifetime of floundering, she’s finally found something that makes her feel like she’s contributing to the world. As Salem and Viv do their durndest to tighten a noose around a killer who may or may not exist, along with working “crikey” into every conceivable conversation, Salem finds herself wondering where her gifts are and what God’s plan for her life could possibly be.
Kim Hunt Harris is the award-winning author of the Trailer Park Princess comic mystery series.
Kim knew she wanted to be a writer before she even knew how to write. When her parents read bedtime stories to her, she knew she wanted to be a part of the story world. She started out writing children’s stories, and her stories grew as she did. She discovered a gift for humor and a love for making people laugh with her tales, and the Trailer Park Princess series was born.
Kim loves to not only make her readers laugh and entertain them with a good mystery, but also to examine the issues the everyday people face…well, every day. Issues like faith and forgiveness, perseverance and tolerance. Set in Lubbock, Texas, the fun books feature a cast of quirky characters, outrageous situations, a drama queen of a dog, and from time to time, a tear or two.
Kim lives with her husband of more than thirty years and two teenage kids in Texas.
This was my first read in this series and it can be read as stand alone perfectly fine. But everyone who knows me, knows that I normally read series in order and I definitely will go back and read the previous installments. I realized that there was some serious background story development during the previous installments. At first I thought it was a little strange that an 80+ woman seems to be the only and best friend of a 30ish woman. But once I found out that both were recovering alcoholics that met at AA meetings it made a lot more sense. It was a fast paced and interesting mystery with great characters. I was so engaged that the pages seem to turn by themselves. I can't wait to see how it all started out.
I received this story as an ARC and will not show up as a verified purchase. Tony is trying to move their "Kinda-married" relationship with Salem to a more permanent place. His desire to have Salem give up investigating (while she and Viv start a new investigation about the death of a news reporter that is a coworker with Patrice) crimes has her confused as to what her place in life is. And if her not doing so will finally drive him away. Salem is showing signs of becoming a stronger person and more sure of herself. While Viv is trying to catch the interest of Nigel, a new resident from Britain. Her constant use of British colloquialisms, and trying to impress him, although humorous at first, gets a little tiring and it does nothing to advance the main story. Kim has written a fun story that includes a little humor, a little suspense, and a very good mystery with nicely defined characters. Salem is still one of the most realistic characters that I have read in any of the mystery books in my library. The truths she learns in her struggles can be applied to many situations in almost anyone's life. Mine included.
With The Trailer Park Princess with her Knickers in a Twist, Kim Hunt Harris offers readers a cozy mystery that is refreshingly unique and extremely-well crafted.
Just as in the previous three books in the "Trailer Park Princess" series, Harris has constructed a plot that is complex enough to keep the reader's attention without being overly-complex and convoluted. Fast-paced without feeling rushed, the storyline quickly captures the reader's attention and keeps it until the very last page.
In Knickers in a Twist, a prominent newsman has been murdered, and Salem Grimes, dog-groomer and recovering alcoholic, and her senior citizen sidekick Viv are back in action. At the same time, Salem adjusts to changes in her relationship with Tony, the man to whom she is "somewhat married", and Viv tries everything in her power to capture the attention of the newly-arrived and dashing Brit, Nigel.
Harris has created in Salem a character that is realistic -- complex, imperfect, struggling at times to make sense of the world and her role in it. In Knickers in a Twist, she continues to mature as a Christian, and her struggles are ones readers will no doubt identify with.
Other characters -- Tony and Tri-Patrice, in particular -- are equally realistic and believable. On the other hand, in this latest book Viv's antics become more outlandish, almost to the point of distraction. At the same time, glimpses of the real Viv emerge, and it is in those moments when she reveals her vulnerability that Viv is at her best and most realistic.
Harris' deftness in incorporating issues of faith into the storyline sets her apart as a writer. Elements of faith and how it impacts peoples' lives are smoothly and naturally integrated into the story. Never is there a hint of preachiness or heavy-handedness.
The dialogue is sometimes witty and others quite serious, but consistently fresh and believable. Additionally, the book is well-edited and free of grammatical and mechanical errors that are unfortunately so prevalent in contemporary fiction.
In short, Knickers in a Twist is a delightful book, a welcome breath of fresh air in the world of cozy mysteries.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have provided here.
Stump’s Story – My gosh, what a tearjerker! How many more horrible things could happen to Stump? As sad as this story is, it was hard to put down, impossible. Ms. Harris did a wonderful job telling this dog’s story, with its losses and its luck.
Middle Finger Of Fate, #1 - Hilarious! OMGosh, it's the first chapter and I'm already LOL. A well written, funny, touching suspense with a twisting, well thought out plot and intriguing characters you just can't help but like. There's reminders of Plum, her grannie and Ranger. If you love Evanovich, you will love Ms. Harris.
Knickers in a Twist, #4 - Intriguing! I missed #2 and #3 of the series, but it didn't matter. This well written, suspenseful book, along with it's well thought out plot and interesting characters keep me glued to the book until I was finished. The characters are steadily developing as the stories continue. There's a lot happening in the main characters lives and the stories about them keeping getting better. After reading Middle Finger Of Fate, I contacted the author to review her books.
With every book this series gets more enjoyable. In this episode Salem and Viv take on a the case of a murdered television reporter who was following a story of a building collapse. The case takes them to the headquarters of an oil company whose fracking is suspected of causing an earthquake the triggered the building collapse, to an architectural/engineering firm that designed the building, to the firm that built the school and the school itself. Along the way Viv is distracted by a suave Brit living in Belle Court and Salem and her husband Tony are working through relationship and trust issues. As usual Stump plays a key role in the drama.
The character development in this book is even better than before with Salem confronting challenges and asking herself tough questions. Everyone's lives are changing, even G-ma with her new business enterprise. All in all a satisfying read.
I was given this book as an ARC read and it will not show up as a verified purchase.
This latest installment in the Trailer Park Princess series by Kim Hunt Harris did not disappoint. It was great! 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. The flaws and quirks of the characters make you feel like they are so real and these things really do happen to real people. You will laugh, cry, get mad and cheer for the choices that the main character, Salem makes, and your heart will race as you get closer to finding out whodunnit, 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."
I was given an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
While every book that I've read so far in this series has delighted me, and kept me wanting more, I was a little disappointed in certain aspects of this particular one. While I understand Salem is dealing with many things in her life, it seemed that this book was a little.. less flippant and quirky than the previous ones. For me, personally, I could have done without, what felt like, a lot more drama and a lot less cosy. However, that's just a personal preference and does not detract from the book, or the series itself. Salem and Viv are an awesome mystery solving team, and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.
This book is my favorite in the series so far by Kim Hunt Harris.
I love Salem! But, my favorite character is Viv! I wish I had an 80-year-old best friend like that! I picture Viv as the spunky grandma who lives for adventure. I love that this series makes you feel like you're there, like you could be part of the team, that you have the same thoughts and fears as Salem, and that you are close to them with every car ride they take and conversation they have.
Thank you for book 4 in this series. I cannot wait to "live it up" again with Salem and Viv I'm another book!
I love these books, I love the characters, the location, the humor. Spoiler Alert My only problem was the lack of follow up with Patrice and Scott (Patrice was able to relax and concentrate more on her baby after being proven right) or misty (after things calmed down a bit we contacted misty who in typical style was appropriately ungrateful and said she had her own source so did not need us) or the scandal of two babies. Or if Nigel got caught. I still enjoyed it and will hope for more
I read this book because I had read the others and they were good. This book was too much involved with details that did not make the book any better. At some places, it was downright boring and hard to keep going. But I did finish the book and if you take out about 50 pages of details that were not necessary it would be work reading. Kim gave information that was not necessary to the storyline and was not needed in so much detail. I guess I have trashed the book enough, but I did like the others before this one and will probably look for the next one.
Salem and Viv once again are drawn into a murder mystery, where all is not as it seems, or more precisely, people are not who they seem. Two pregnant women, a couple of victims of Alzheimer's and one spark plug shaped dog with a list for bean burritos culminate into one scary scene for the private eyes.
I love these books. They are funny, exciting and extremely insightful. It's Catechism and The Hardy Boys with boobs all rolled into adventures and mayhem. I hope to see more!
Laugh Out Loud Funny! As always, this author puts the fun in dysfunctional! The humor and sarcasm tickles me to the bone. The mystery is always well planned. The characters are real and deep. I plan on reading everything this author puts out there. I have recommended this series to several friends.
This series of books is so enjoyable! I enjoy a good mystery and as always she delivered a good mystery, having me fooled for a good portion of the book. Her characters are so lovable, you find yourself cheering them on! Keep it up Kim Harris, you deliver a great story with love, mystery and humor!
I really enjoyed this book! The main character, Salem Grimes Solis, has grown steadily throughout this series. Viv Kennedy showed more of her true emotions. I was able to spot most of the clues to 'who dunnit' but did not expect the actual ending. I hope there will be more books in this series.
Another fun ride with Salem, Viv, and Stump. I enjoy these stories but I wish that the author would make up her mind about Salem's true feelings for her husband and also for Bobby. Viv is always a good laugh and the crime is always solved. I could probably read several more of these books if there were more.
I am so very sorry this series is over! I read them all in a row and to the exclusion of everything else in my life. Laugh out loud dialogue along with insights that were meaningful - even highlightable - and a great, hopeful story. Please write just one more, Ms Harris!
I came across Kim Hunt Harris through another author Tonya Kappes. She was promoting Kim’s Bookset of 4. It had sat in my Kindle Library for a few weeks and then I decided to read it. I laughed and I cried. This a great series. I can wait to read more. I have found a another new author to read.
I was given an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Was really excited to find out what new situations that Salem managed to get herself into. This book delivered. It is a wonderful continuation in the series. Looking forward to the next installment.
I just have to say, I love this series!! The two women in the stories are a very entertaining and humorous duo. I can just imagine the author as Salem, into mischief! Only joking. The stories are a great who done it!
I am completely hooked on Salems story, other than fighting her crime it is almost my life! Salem and Vic are so funny, the have the best time finding the killer and sometimes just showing off!
A very good series. I really like the way the personalities of the protagonists are developing as they make their way through the intricately interwoven lives of the microcosm of a trailer park.
Salem and Viv are at again and things are looking up for the gang. Will Salem have time for everything as she wrestles with her past and future fighting for dominance , prepare for her mother's wedding, support G-ma's new business, nd more?
A co-worker of Tri-Patrice is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her husband asks Salem and Viv to look into it so she will stop obsessing. Also, a man named Nigel stirs things up at Belle Court. Fun antics again.
Salem is such a relatable character! I love her honesty, faith, and kookiness! As she relies on God, He faithfully helps her see herself more and more in His image. Her adventures are wild, and the cast of characters are marvelous! I am excited but also a bit sad about starting book 5.
I absolutely love all of these books. Salem and Viv are great. Salem makes you want to be a better person just like she's trying to. I love even more that God is included in these cozies and they're so relatable. Keep them coming!