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Charleneland #1
Deadly Ride
Mia Rugg and her family run an amusement park in California called Charleneland, named after her famous grandmother Charlene, the well-known songstress. They all share the same house, with things getting pretty hectic from time to time, as Mia’s two sisters Maya and Marisa don’t always see eye to eye, while Charlene, being the diva that she is, manages to get on everybody’s nerves pretty much all the time.
All in all, though, things are going well for the enterprising family. At least until a voice doctor is found murdered on one of the park’s most popular attractions, the Haunted Ride, and Mia is forced to cooperate with local police detective Blane Jamison to solve the crime. When Charlene’s longtime arch-rival Phoenix accuses her of being behind the murder, things suddenly look very bleak for Charleneland, and soon Mia and her family’s future hangs in the balance.
Will Charleneland survive the sudden uproar? Will Mia and Blane be able to work together to find the killer, in spite of their differences? And will Blane get through his first meeting with Charlene and her two Corgis unscathed? Find out in Deadly Ride, the first installment in the new humorous cozy mystery series Charleneland.
All in all, though, things are going well for the enterprising family. At least until a voice doctor is found murdered on one of the park’s most popular attractions, the Haunted Ride, and Mia is forced to cooperate with local police detective Blane Jamison to solve the crime. When Charlene’s longtime arch-rival Phoenix accuses her of being behind the murder, things suddenly look very bleak for Charleneland, and soon Mia and her family’s future hangs in the balance.
Will Charleneland survive the sudden uproar? Will Mia and Blane be able to work together to find the killer, in spite of their differences? And will Blane get through his first meeting with Charlene and her two Corgis unscathed? Find out in Deadly Ride, the first installment in the new humorous cozy mystery series Charleneland.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2017
109 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Nic Saint
269 books312 followersSign up for Nic's newsletter for news, releases and giveaways: nicsaint.com/newsletter
Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).
When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.
He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.
www.nicsaint.com
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).
When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.
He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.
www.nicsaint.com
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 19, 2019
This book was so funny in places and it played out like a well-written comedy complete with feuding sisters who were technically too old to be arguing, but hey it's all fiction and fun. A cozy taking place in an amusement park was definitely something new for me and pretty interesting how the person was killed. It was refreshing that the main character, Mia Rugg, wasn't the suspect and that the detective in charge let her in on the investigation, since she was in charge of security at her family's park. Again, fiction, I realize stuff like that doesn't really happen, but it's all good fun to read about. Charlene was such a hoot of a character! I know there's only one more book in the series, but I'm interested in borrowing it on Kindle Unlimited to see how things progress with Mia and Det. Blane. As funny as it was, there were still a few very sweet emotional moments, and I think the youngest sister Maya may have done a little growing up that day at the end of the book. A quick enjoyable and light read!
August 13, 2017
While trying to figure out a murder, I couldn't stop laughing! This is one of the funniest cozy murder mysteries ever!
Not only do you have a mystery to solve, but you laugh all the way through this book! This is the first in the series and as with all Nic Saint's series, you won't be able to put this one down! I had to finish it in one night because between laughing and trying to figure out who murdered the voice doctor and with all the twists and turns and red-herrings you keep running into dead ends, just like Mia and Detective Blane run into. Mia runs the security department in her family amusement park, Charleneland which was started by the famous diva, Charlene (her grandmother, don't call her that!). The whole family runs their own area of the park to make things go smoothly and Charlene, although in her sixties and not touring or cutting records any more still draws crowds to the park to see her do her one show a day. Charlene has a long time rival in Phoenix who helps add to the humor. I love Mia's snarkiness and quick on her feet retorts to the detective and her two sisters (she's the middle one) who are constantly arguing about something! I love this new series and can't wait to see these characters again! Can't wait for the next episode!
Not only do you have a mystery to solve, but you laugh all the way through this book! This is the first in the series and as with all Nic Saint's series, you won't be able to put this one down! I had to finish it in one night because between laughing and trying to figure out who murdered the voice doctor and with all the twists and turns and red-herrings you keep running into dead ends, just like Mia and Detective Blane run into. Mia runs the security department in her family amusement park, Charleneland which was started by the famous diva, Charlene (her grandmother, don't call her that!). The whole family runs their own area of the park to make things go smoothly and Charlene, although in her sixties and not touring or cutting records any more still draws crowds to the park to see her do her one show a day. Charlene has a long time rival in Phoenix who helps add to the humor. I love Mia's snarkiness and quick on her feet retorts to the detective and her two sisters (she's the middle one) who are constantly arguing about something! I love this new series and can't wait to see these characters again! Can't wait for the next episode!
December 12, 2017
Deadly Ride was a fun mystery that kept me guessing. There was a quirky cast of characters, Charlene the most colorful of them all. And Charleneland sounds like it'd be a really fun place to visit... as long as there's no murder involved.
When her rival's voice doctor is found dead at the bottom of a ride, suspicion is cast on Charlene. Her granddaughter Mia teams up with the handsome Detective Jamison to figure out what actually happened. Will they discover the culprit before all the negative attention destroys Charleneland?
The dialogue was a little awkward in places and some things were rehashed that had just happened, making it a tad repetitive here and there. But other than that, I enjoyed this quick and lighthearted mystery.
When her rival's voice doctor is found dead at the bottom of a ride, suspicion is cast on Charlene. Her granddaughter Mia teams up with the handsome Detective Jamison to figure out what actually happened. Will they discover the culprit before all the negative attention destroys Charleneland?
The dialogue was a little awkward in places and some things were rehashed that had just happened, making it a tad repetitive here and there. But other than that, I enjoyed this quick and lighthearted mystery.
November 24, 2018
It's not Dollywood!
Charlene is a star. Big hair. Big bosom. Big diva personality. She hasn't had a hit in quite awhile and she and her family have opened a family themed amusement park, Charleneland. Problem is the voice teacher of Charlene's greatest rival has been murdered on one of the rides. Can Charlene's granddaughter and the handsome detective work together to solve the murder? And does this granddaughter really get dibs on the hot sheriff? You'll just have to go along for the ride!
Charlene is a star. Big hair. Big bosom. Big diva personality. She hasn't had a hit in quite awhile and she and her family have opened a family themed amusement park, Charleneland. Problem is the voice teacher of Charlene's greatest rival has been murdered on one of the rides. Can Charlene's granddaughter and the handsome detective work together to solve the murder? And does this granddaughter really get dibs on the hot sheriff? You'll just have to go along for the ride!
September 21, 2017
Mia and Bland are trying to figure out who killed the voice teacher.
Mia and her sisters get caught up in the mystery of who killed the voice coach that was staying at Charlene's B and B. The investigation heats up when Charlene is accused of doing the crime to spite her long time m e rival / friend. Lots of suspects. But none that pan out. Who did the deed? Will Charlene lose the Inn? Will the sisterhood their home? Have to read to find out.
Mia and her sisters get caught up in the mystery of who killed the voice coach that was staying at Charlene's B and B. The investigation heats up when Charlene is accused of doing the crime to spite her long time m e rival / friend. Lots of suspects. But none that pan out. Who did the deed? Will Charlene lose the Inn? Will the sisterhood their home? Have to read to find out.
June 29, 2018
Suicide or murder on the roller coaster
Great start to a new series. Running an family amusement park is hard work and finding a dead body doesn't make it any easier. Was it suicide or murder? If it was murder then how can they find the killer before the visitors all go home? Diverse characters, great dialogue and a different setting build a compelling read. The romantic angle is also well worked without overcoming the book. A great cozy.
Great start to a new series. Running an family amusement park is hard work and finding a dead body doesn't make it any easier. Was it suicide or murder? If it was murder then how can they find the killer before the visitors all go home? Diverse characters, great dialogue and a different setting build a compelling read. The romantic angle is also well worked without overcoming the book. A great cozy.
March 29, 2021
A past mistake catches up with the doctor
A famous voice doctor takes one last roller coaster ride to oblivion. Mia Rugg and a hunky detective Blane Jamison work round the clock to solve the murder of the doctor. Her grandmother is the founder of Charleneland, a family oriented theme park. Her arch nemesis Phoenix accuses her of doing away with the doctor to ruin her chances of a career.
A famous voice doctor takes one last roller coaster ride to oblivion. Mia Rugg and a hunky detective Blane Jamison work round the clock to solve the murder of the doctor. Her grandmother is the founder of Charleneland, a family oriented theme park. Her arch nemesis Phoenix accuses her of doing away with the doctor to ruin her chances of a career.
August 6, 2018
Had a little trouble with the premise. A small family amusement park competing with the Big SoCal 3...stretches the limits of credulity. Otherwise, fairly typical cozy with the expected family squabbling, burgeoning romance, and investigation almost a minor side story. I liked it enough to be willing to read Book 2 if it ever happens.
December 19, 2018
Fun characters and a decent mystery makes this a solid read, but too much foul language and inappropriate references for the genre cause it to fail. A reasonable foundation and fun characters and setting, but the content does not match and the mystery isn't strong enough to overcome the weaknesses. Nice try, but doesn't quite pull it off.
August 13, 2017
Fun and entertaining
Really enjoyed this book. Hope it continues as a series. Would like to see Mia and Blane have more adventures. If you enjoy books that leave you smiling, this is for you.
Really enjoyed this book. Hope it continues as a series. Would like to see Mia and Blane have more adventures. If you enjoy books that leave you smiling, this is for you.
August 17, 2017
Lighthearted fun
Fun characters, abundant pop culture references, and worthy plotting mark this cozy mystery about a murder at a theme park. It's a quick read that moves at just the right pace.
Fun characters, abundant pop culture references, and worthy plotting mark this cozy mystery about a murder at a theme park. It's a quick read that moves at just the right pace.
December 17, 2017
Fun story
Very enjoyable, interesting, well developed characters with moments of laughter and some of tears. Liked the premise of a family run amusement park. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Very enjoyable, interesting, well developed characters with moments of laughter and some of tears. Liked the premise of a family run amusement park. Looking forward to reading the next one.
July 21, 2018
Curiosity and haunted houses and roller coaster was more like it. Adventure turned to screams when they saw a dead body, and it wasn’t made of rubber. Was it murder or did someone eject her from the seat. Family owned business owning this amusement park, and now murder. Good plot, lots of laugh.
July 25, 2018
What fun!
This book was quite a romp! There are no ghosts but a strange murder occurs. The names of the characters are very amusing. The book is fast paced and eat to read. If you just want to read a quick fun story, this is your book!
This book was quite a romp! There are no ghosts but a strange murder occurs. The names of the characters are very amusing. The book is fast paced and eat to read. If you just want to read a quick fun story, this is your book!
July 27, 2018
Deadly Ride
A fun cozy mystery. Three sisters, all involved in running a family amusement park , show a hilarious side to sibling rivalry while the plot of the murder moves along with stealth, cunning, and surprise. A good lazy afternoon read.
A fun cozy mystery. Three sisters, all involved in running a family amusement park , show a hilarious side to sibling rivalry while the plot of the murder moves along with stealth, cunning, and surprise. A good lazy afternoon read.
September 6, 2018
Cute mystery book
Love the grandmother "the diva".This book is about a close knit family. Very humorous. Cute detective collaborates with the granddaughter for the murder of a patron on her amusement park ride. Good story line and characters. Quick book. Worth the read.
Love the grandmother "the diva".This book is about a close knit family. Very humorous. Cute detective collaborates with the granddaughter for the murder of a patron on her amusement park ride. Good story line and characters. Quick book. Worth the read.
September 15, 2018
Easy read
3 1/2 stars. Nice easy read, but needs editing. Names change, things happen twice, changes from first to third person, etc. But a nice little cozy with some fun characters.
3 1/2 stars. Nice easy read, but needs editing. Names change, things happen twice, changes from first to third person, etc. But a nice little cozy with some fun characters.
November 15, 2022
profanity used often
Oh it may have been a cheesy easy short read with humour and a touch of romance and an over the top melodramatic character it two, but the regular use of blasphemy has put me off reading any more from tis authour.
Oh it may have been a cheesy easy short read with humour and a touch of romance and an over the top melodramatic character it two, but the regular use of blasphemy has put me off reading any more from tis authour.
August 23, 2017
Didn't enjoy this as much as the other series
September 2, 2017
Great read
What a great start to a new series great story and great characters that I love already I can't wait till the next one
What a great start to a new series great story and great characters that I love already I can't wait till the next one
November 30, 2018
Not bad.
I liked this book. This is book is a more or less a typical cozy mystery which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I liked this book. This is book is a more or less a typical cozy mystery which is not necessarily a bad thing.
January 1, 2019
Loved it!
April 10, 2019
This book had me laughing out loud! The family was so funny.
May 1, 2019
Good clean fun
Lighthearted murder mystery with a truly unique cast of characters.. Visit Charleneland and meet the craziest family of sleuths you are ever likely to meet..
Lighthearted murder mystery with a truly unique cast of characters.. Visit Charleneland and meet the craziest family of sleuths you are ever likely to meet..
July 22, 2019
To be honest, I went in with low expectations, but I enjoyed this much more than I thought. I liked the mystery and chemistry between the characters. I tend to read cozy mysteries that are book or food related so this was a nice change of pace. I will be continuing with the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews