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Annabelle Archer #3.5
Dead Ringer
**Agatha Award-winning Series!**
A glamorous bridal show. A sophisticated jewelry heist. Can Annabelle track down the baubles and nab a burglar?
Wedding planner Annabelle Archer knows that the only thing as crazy as a wedding day is a bridal show. When DC’s most stylish bridal showcase is disrupted by a jewelry heist and a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamond rings disappear, Annabelle and her team are determined to find the bling to help the jeweler and save the show. One problem: the jewelry was stolen during a blackout and no one saw a thing. With the clock counting down to show time, Annabelle and her sassy assistant, Kate, must hunt for a sophisticated jewel thief and unravel a clever caper.
Dead Ringer, a novella, is book 2.5 in the Annabelle Archer cozy mystery series. If you like charming characters, fast-paced comedy, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the wild world of weddings, then you’ll love the latest in Laura Durham’s Agatha award-winning mystery series.
Buy Dead Ringer to read Annabelle’s next adventure today!
Interview with the Author
Q - So, what makes the Annabelle Archer series special?
A - The Annabelle Archer mysteries are based on my 20 plus years of planning society weddings in Washington, DC. That means I’ve seen tons of crazy things happen, and I’ve worked with lots of colorful characters. I bring that light-hearted sense of fun and zany characters into the novels. A lot of the humorous details I include in my books actually happened at my weddings! And since the books are about weddings, there is plenty of food, décor, and behind the scenes details.
The Annabelle Archer books are fast-paced cozy mysteries with a little romance and a lot of laughs. You'll find the series focuses on murder mystery and amateur sleuth genre overall, with a jewelry heist caper in the mix to keep things interesting!
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A – You won’t be lost if you read the books out of order but if you do want to read them in order, I'd suggest the following sequence:
- Better Off Wed
- For Better Or Hearse
- Dead Ringer
- Review To A Kill (pre-order)
- Death On The Aisle (coming soon)
Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?
A - Because the Annabelle Archer series is fun, light, and the perfect escape or beach reading. The series has hit the top ten bestsellers list on Kindle for Cozy Mysteries and Women Sleuths. Plus, the first book in the series won the Agatha Award for the Best First Novel.
And thanks for reading!
Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery Series eBook Categories:
- Mystery Series
- Women Sleuths
- Cozy Mystery
- Crafts & Hobbies
A glamorous bridal show. A sophisticated jewelry heist. Can Annabelle track down the baubles and nab a burglar?
Wedding planner Annabelle Archer knows that the only thing as crazy as a wedding day is a bridal show. When DC’s most stylish bridal showcase is disrupted by a jewelry heist and a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamond rings disappear, Annabelle and her team are determined to find the bling to help the jeweler and save the show. One problem: the jewelry was stolen during a blackout and no one saw a thing. With the clock counting down to show time, Annabelle and her sassy assistant, Kate, must hunt for a sophisticated jewel thief and unravel a clever caper.
Dead Ringer, a novella, is book 2.5 in the Annabelle Archer cozy mystery series. If you like charming characters, fast-paced comedy, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the wild world of weddings, then you’ll love the latest in Laura Durham’s Agatha award-winning mystery series.
Buy Dead Ringer to read Annabelle’s next adventure today!
Interview with the Author
Q - So, what makes the Annabelle Archer series special?
A - The Annabelle Archer mysteries are based on my 20 plus years of planning society weddings in Washington, DC. That means I’ve seen tons of crazy things happen, and I’ve worked with lots of colorful characters. I bring that light-hearted sense of fun and zany characters into the novels. A lot of the humorous details I include in my books actually happened at my weddings! And since the books are about weddings, there is plenty of food, décor, and behind the scenes details.
The Annabelle Archer books are fast-paced cozy mysteries with a little romance and a lot of laughs. You'll find the series focuses on murder mystery and amateur sleuth genre overall, with a jewelry heist caper in the mix to keep things interesting!
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A – You won’t be lost if you read the books out of order but if you do want to read them in order, I'd suggest the following sequence:
- Better Off Wed
- For Better Or Hearse
- Dead Ringer
- Review To A Kill (pre-order)
- Death On The Aisle (coming soon)
Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?
A - Because the Annabelle Archer series is fun, light, and the perfect escape or beach reading. The series has hit the top ten bestsellers list on Kindle for Cozy Mysteries and Women Sleuths. Plus, the first book in the series won the Agatha Award for the Best First Novel.
And thanks for reading!
Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery Series eBook Categories:
- Mystery Series
- Women Sleuths
- Cozy Mystery
- Crafts & Hobbies
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2017
187 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Laura Durham
31 books268 followersI'm a writer and reformed wedding planner who loves quiet mornings, great books, paddle boarding, and blackberry cobbler.
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 23, 2023
Cute set up for a cozy mystery. Easy to listen for bee readers. Fun characters. Clever twists.
January 8, 2019
Super cute story!
May 3, 2020
Great novella! Love annabelle and Kate! Already started the next one! Also totally ship annabelle and detective Reese!!
July 19, 2017
Annabelle Archer is back and wedding planning just became more dangerous and lots more fun!
Dead Ringer reintroduces readers to the lovable, curious and hilarious Wedding Belles and their quirky (and hilarious!) friends. In this novella, Annabelle and her assistant, Kate, are caught in the middle of the theft of diamonds at a bridal show. Botoxed brides, shirtless bartenders, delicious wedding cake & more set the scene for a whodunit that mixes humor, a little romance and mystery!
I love this series and it's funny and relatable heroine and supporting characters - Annabelle who is determined to be successful while not sacrificing her standards, Kate the beautiful and loyal assistant and friend who has a good heart, Richard the catering expert who makes me laugh so much (I think he & Fern need their own series!), Fern, the always fabulous hairdresser to the brides & wedding party and Leatrice the neighbor who loves flamboyant clothes and rocks being a senior detective!
While there is a little romance, Ms. Durham keeps the main focus on the friends and their crime-solving adventures. I love the series and can't wait for the next book! If you're new to the series, you can catch up on Annabelle and company in the first three mysteries. I don't often read books twice, but I went back and read the first three books again and laughed and enjoyed trying to figure out "whodunit" just as much as the first time!
Enjoy!
Dead Ringer reintroduces readers to the lovable, curious and hilarious Wedding Belles and their quirky (and hilarious!) friends. In this novella, Annabelle and her assistant, Kate, are caught in the middle of the theft of diamonds at a bridal show. Botoxed brides, shirtless bartenders, delicious wedding cake & more set the scene for a whodunit that mixes humor, a little romance and mystery!
I love this series and it's funny and relatable heroine and supporting characters - Annabelle who is determined to be successful while not sacrificing her standards, Kate the beautiful and loyal assistant and friend who has a good heart, Richard the catering expert who makes me laugh so much (I think he & Fern need their own series!), Fern, the always fabulous hairdresser to the brides & wedding party and Leatrice the neighbor who loves flamboyant clothes and rocks being a senior detective!
While there is a little romance, Ms. Durham keeps the main focus on the friends and their crime-solving adventures. I love the series and can't wait for the next book! If you're new to the series, you can catch up on Annabelle and company in the first three mysteries. I don't often read books twice, but I went back and read the first three books again and laughed and enjoyed trying to figure out "whodunit" just as much as the first time!
Enjoy!
August 26, 2021
DEAD RINGER - can be read as a standalone title.
Yay! I liked DEAD RINGER, book #3 in Annabelle Archer Mystery series by Laura Durham with Good narration by Stephanie Spicer. DEAD RINGER was what I had been hoping for when I purchased this 4 book audio set.
4 Stars. Several months ago I purchased a 4 book audio of Laura Durham’s Annabelle Archer Mysteries. DEAD RINGER was the 3rd book/novella in the set and this was (by far) my favorite one. The 2 previous novels (BETTER OFF WED & BETTER OR HEARSE) seemed too long to me (dragging) and I didn’t care (at all) for one secondary character in both earlier books. Neither issue occurred with DEAD RINGER so I enjoyed it rather well.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was Okay; 3.5= I enjoyed this; 4= I LIKED THIS a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).
DEAD RINGER - 2months after the previous book, BETTER OR HEARSE.
Location - DC. The lower level of the W Hotel, across the street from The White House.
Annie/FMC and her wedding planning business (Wedding Bells) partner, Kate, are attending a Bridal Show with a large number of other wedding vendors and the DC area’s upcoming brides when a sudden power outage shuts down the venue lights putting everyone in total darkness for a number of minutes. When the lights return, a call for Hotel Security is placed, soon followed by a call to the police.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE (about this book set):
1) My audio copy (4 books) has no indicators of chapters or books so I have no idea by looking how far I am into any particular book in the set. However, as I have just 1 book left, I was better able to guess how close I was getting til the end of DEAD RINGER. Having no indicators still was a bit of a bother - rather like having no chapters or page numbers in a book. The books simply have Track settings (which mean nothing).
WHAT I LIKED about DEAD RINGER:
1) The idea of the protagonist being a wedding planner certainly opens itself up to many possible murderous situations. This is a plus for the entire series - a lot of possibilities.
2) Detective Reese (Reece?) seems intelligent and capable and Annie didn’t annoy me as much in this novella as in the previous books (with her meddling) - perhaps because the circumstances and the consequences weren’t as dire.
3) There was no Leatrice character in this book - YAY! For me, she drops my rating by 2 Stars (and my enjoyment). She’s just Waaaay too much of a busybody. The other secondary characters were well developed and added to the story.
4) The narrator, Stephanie Spicer, voices the various characters very well. I would listen to other audios with her work.
5) DEAD RINGER (as the series so far) was well written.
Readers of very light Cozy Mysteries may wish to check out DEAD RINGER. It is my favorite in the series so far.
READER CAUTIONS - This was a Clean novel appropriate, IMO, for any reader of Murder Mysteries.
PROFANITY - I believe none.
VIOLENCE - None on scene. This was a murder mystery but details are not graphic or dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
Yay! I liked DEAD RINGER, book #3 in Annabelle Archer Mystery series by Laura Durham with Good narration by Stephanie Spicer. DEAD RINGER was what I had been hoping for when I purchased this 4 book audio set.
4 Stars. Several months ago I purchased a 4 book audio of Laura Durham’s Annabelle Archer Mysteries. DEAD RINGER was the 3rd book/novella in the set and this was (by far) my favorite one. The 2 previous novels (BETTER OFF WED & BETTER OR HEARSE) seemed too long to me (dragging) and I didn’t care (at all) for one secondary character in both earlier books. Neither issue occurred with DEAD RINGER so I enjoyed it rather well.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was Okay; 3.5= I enjoyed this; 4= I LIKED THIS a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).
DEAD RINGER - 2months after the previous book, BETTER OR HEARSE.
Location - DC. The lower level of the W Hotel, across the street from The White House.
Annie/FMC and her wedding planning business (Wedding Bells) partner, Kate, are attending a Bridal Show with a large number of other wedding vendors and the DC area’s upcoming brides when a sudden power outage shuts down the venue lights putting everyone in total darkness for a number of minutes. When the lights return, a call for Hotel Security is placed, soon followed by a call to the police.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE (about this book set):
1) My audio copy (4 books) has no indicators of chapters or books so I have no idea by looking how far I am into any particular book in the set. However, as I have just 1 book left, I was better able to guess how close I was getting til the end of DEAD RINGER. Having no indicators still was a bit of a bother - rather like having no chapters or page numbers in a book. The books simply have Track settings (which mean nothing).
WHAT I LIKED about DEAD RINGER:
1) The idea of the protagonist being a wedding planner certainly opens itself up to many possible murderous situations. This is a plus for the entire series - a lot of possibilities.
2) Detective Reese (Reece?) seems intelligent and capable and Annie didn’t annoy me as much in this novella as in the previous books (with her meddling) - perhaps because the circumstances and the consequences weren’t as dire.
3) There was no Leatrice character in this book - YAY! For me, she drops my rating by 2 Stars (and my enjoyment). She’s just Waaaay too much of a busybody. The other secondary characters were well developed and added to the story.
4) The narrator, Stephanie Spicer, voices the various characters very well. I would listen to other audios with her work.
5) DEAD RINGER (as the series so far) was well written.
Readers of very light Cozy Mysteries may wish to check out DEAD RINGER. It is my favorite in the series so far.
READER CAUTIONS - This was a Clean novel appropriate, IMO, for any reader of Murder Mysteries.
PROFANITY - I believe none.
VIOLENCE - None on scene. This was a murder mystery but details are not graphic or dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
November 30, 2020
Another book following the lovable but slightly chaotic Annabelle, the owner of the “Wedding Belles” wedding planning business in Washington DC. When some very valuable diamond rings go missing during the setup for a prestigious Wedding Fair, our trusty characters Annabelle, her assistant Kate, and caterer Richard start to play detective and despite being told – again - by the detective in charge of the case to stop interfering, they slowly unravel the clues & of course solve the mystery before the police do! I did work out what had happened, but that didn’t spoil the story for me.
This is a novella & the short time span/restricted area that the story takes place in actually works well in keeping the book fast paced & compact.
As with previous books in the series, there was nothing ground-breaking in this novel & the storyline wasn’t unique, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery & the continued interactions between Annabelle, Kate & Richard along with hairdresser Fern. If you are looking for a light-hearted, fast, fun, entertaining read I would recommend it, and I will be checking out future books by the same author.
This is a novella & the short time span/restricted area that the story takes place in actually works well in keeping the book fast paced & compact.
As with previous books in the series, there was nothing ground-breaking in this novel & the storyline wasn’t unique, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery & the continued interactions between Annabelle, Kate & Richard along with hairdresser Fern. If you are looking for a light-hearted, fast, fun, entertaining read I would recommend it, and I will be checking out future books by the same author.
July 11, 2020
Annabelle, DC’s most infamous wedding planner is at the the wedding expo and dreading it. The booth next to theirs is robbed of a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamond rings. If they don’t find the thief they will have close down the show all the participants will lose money. She is determined to find the thief before that happens.
This is another great addition to the Annabelle Archer Cozy Mystery series. The characters are engaging, with quirky, likeable personalities. I love the way they interact and tease each other. The story is told from Annabelle’s point of view allowing insight into her deductive reasoning, how she deals with clues, her feelings and her she perceives those around her. The story,I’ve runs smoothly and mystery is full of interesting clues and suspense. The hint of romance remains. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is another great addition to the Annabelle Archer Cozy Mystery series. The characters are engaging, with quirky, likeable personalities. I love the way they interact and tease each other. The story is told from Annabelle’s point of view allowing insight into her deductive reasoning, how she deals with clues, her feelings and her she perceives those around her. The story,I’ve runs smoothly and mystery is full of interesting clues and suspense. The hint of romance remains. I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 5, 2018
Annabelle, Kate, Richard, and Fern are at it again - figuring out who the bad guys are before the police can. This whole book takes place during one long, exhausting day at a bridal show in an old D.C. hotel. What work they all went through to set up their booths, and then the show was almost closed before it began because a caseload of diamond rings disappeared. Check out the fun and work that goes into "just another boring old bridal show."
August 22, 2017
Stolen diamonds
Setting up for a bridal show, diamond rings are stolen from a jewelry case. No one saw who dunnit because the lights were shut off. Wedding planner Annabelle steps in to help solve the case along with her assistant Kate, caterer Richard & hair stylist Fern. Cute, little mystery to breeze thru.
Setting up for a bridal show, diamond rings are stolen from a jewelry case. No one saw who dunnit because the lights were shut off. Wedding planner Annabelle steps in to help solve the case along with her assistant Kate, caterer Richard & hair stylist Fern. Cute, little mystery to breeze thru.
July 10, 2017
A fun read that takes the reader into a one day wedding exposition. When jewelry is stolen from a nearby book, Annabelle and her cohorts decide to try to find them before the expo is closed down. They want to help the exhibitor and they will all lose money if the show doesn't go on.
July 13, 2017
Dead Ringer
I love these lol funny I can't breathe books. Lauran Durham is one of my favorite Arthurs. Please read you will be glad you did. I tell you Annabella and her crazy friends and did I mention neighbor,. If I ever get married I want an Annabelle to do my planning.
I love these lol funny I can't breathe books. Lauran Durham is one of my favorite Arthurs. Please read you will be glad you did. I tell you Annabella and her crazy friends and did I mention neighbor,. If I ever get married I want an Annabelle to do my planning.
March 20, 2018
This was a very interesting book. Annabelle Kate and Richard and Fern make a good investigation team while Annabelle thinks about Detective Reese. Liked the way book ended with the two of them sharing a kiss. Will continu to follow this talented author
September 29, 2018
I loved it. The characters are so interesting. I think Richard is among my faves. She seems to have a nice group to work with, however quirky they are. This is the first book I read and look forward to reading more
March 13, 2019
Another short sweet sassy cozy mystery by Ms Durham. I loved this book just like all the other books written by Ms Durham. I’m especially enthralled with this Wedding Planners series. I’m anxious to get started on the next one
July 12, 2020
Another GREAT read!
Seriously, this is becoming my favorite cozy mystery series!!! I love all things wedding & these characters are sooooo full of humor & good times. The main characters are all friends & their interaction with each other makes me laugh out loud.
Seriously, this is becoming my favorite cozy mystery series!!! I love all things wedding & these characters are sooooo full of humor & good times. The main characters are all friends & their interaction with each other makes me laugh out loud.
December 8, 2020
Such a delight!
When you mix weddings, hilarious characters, sarcasm and murder, you get a fabulous series that always entertains! Annabelle is one of a kind and her crew is as well. Plus, the chemistry between Annabelle and the hunky detective, makes it a perfect read!
When you mix weddings, hilarious characters, sarcasm and murder, you get a fabulous series that always entertains! Annabelle is one of a kind and her crew is as well. Plus, the chemistry between Annabelle and the hunky detective, makes it a perfect read!
February 24, 2021
Love this series
I love when I find a series that makes me laugh out loud,the characters are nuts and loveable .I wish books were longer that's the only negative thing I can say lol
I love when I find a series that makes me laugh out loud,the characters are nuts and loveable .I wish books were longer that's the only negative thing I can say lol
October 19, 2022
Left me smiling
Oh this was a cute one. Is it me or is this book short? Anyway... Annabelle did it again. Lol just minding her own business and then boom. Another crime happens in front of her. This had a good Angela Landsbury, " murder she wrote " vibe. I loved every minute.
Oh this was a cute one. Is it me or is this book short? Anyway... Annabelle did it again. Lol just minding her own business and then boom. Another crime happens in front of her. This had a good Angela Landsbury, " murder she wrote " vibe. I loved every minute.
December 26, 2023
A wedding planner cozy mystery
Prob would’ve rated higher if I read it in order 🥲
Features:
Single pov
Wedding planner
Whodunnit
Slight romance
Plot twists
Scooby do vibes
Overall 3/5
Anxiety 0/5
Spice 0/5
Borrow (buy bargain borrow burn)
Prob would’ve rated higher if I read it in order 🥲
Features:
Single pov
Wedding planner
Whodunnit
Slight romance
Plot twists
Scooby do vibes
Overall 3/5
Anxiety 0/5
Spice 0/5
Borrow (buy bargain borrow burn)
August 1, 2024
Great cozy mystery. There’s a little of everything in this story. Romance, brides, caterers, florists, bartenders, thieves, hairdressers and a lot of twists and turns as you read till the end. Will be reading more of this author.
October 23, 2017
Annabelle and her crew are such fun--- wedding planning at its' zany best ! These books are fast, interesting reads that leave one with a satisfied glow. Bring on the next installment!
March 14, 2018
Another good read. Want some more.
April 7, 2018
Enjoyable, quick read.
May 20, 2018
Loved the novella! Only thing I missed was Kate's talent for malapropisms. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 24, 2018
Cute short novella, it was just as good as her full length books. Loved the ending.
May 14, 2019
If you like the Annabelle Archer series you'll enjoy this quick read that includes all your favorite characters of the Wedding Dream Team.
August 6, 2019
Another quick, easy read in this fun series.
October 11, 2019
Great easy read.
February 15, 2020
Nice read
Nice wee story. I really enjoy this series of books I've read 4 now. Worth a read. .. .. .
Nice wee story. I really enjoy this series of books I've read 4 now. Worth a read. .. .. .
May 16, 2020
Another fun cozy mystery with wedding planner Annabelle Archer! I really enjoy these, and this one was a novella, so a very quick read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews