Dangerous Changes: An Emily Lazzaro Mystery

by Joyce T. Strand

A series of events rattle Emily Lazzaro: a near-death encounter with a pickup truck on a narrow mountain road, the murder of a would-be client, and an ex-fiancé who won’t let go. Can she survive a police investigation, pressure from her ex’s company, and the suspicions of a possible new love-interest—so that she can make the changes to create a meaningful new life in a special town in southern California?

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2017

About the author

Joyce Strand, much like her fictional character Jillian Hillcrest, served as head of corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in Silicon Valley for more than 25 years. Unlike Jillian, however, she did not encounter murder in her career. She focused on writing articles and press releases and delivering presentations to publicize her companies. Joyce received her Ph.D. from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. and her B.A. from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA

Reviews

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Changes is my first book by Joyce, and our main character Emily Lazzaro is the daughter of Wayne Lazzaro, the winemaker who features in the Brynn Bancroft mysteries. I have not read those books yet, though I plan to now and you do not need to in order to read this one as it is totally a stand alone.

It all starts with a scary encounter for Emily as she is driving home when a car suddenly starts following her and she fears she is going to be run off the road! This is how she meets Jackson, it turns out the driver was his brother and he begs her not to press charges due to him having an brain injury. 

From that moment this becomes a story that is full of twists and turns for our main character Emily who ends up getting tangled into a web of lies and deceit involving her ex-fiance Ed, yet for me the plot was obvious and it was extremely frustrating that Emily couldn't see it or ask questions until near the end when all hell broke loose! I did not take to Emily in the beginning as with all the stuff going on between her ex-fiance and the company he works for - People's Company, I just cant believe she wasn't more suspicious, I felt that dumbed down her character a great deal.

That being said Strand executed the story brilliantly and I loved how it all revealed itself in the end to Emily and the rest of the characters, I loved how the characters and their respective story lines came together and merged into the bigger picture, despite me banging my head about Emily's total obliviousness!!

With a job offer that sounded too good to be true, to the possible new relationships blossoming I cant wait to read what the Ramona community has in store next for Emily. 

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many twists and turns in this novel which will keep you guessing. Although the book starts off slowly it picks up speed quickly and I found myself reading this in one sitting! I have read many of Joyce T. Strand's books before and like all of those--I loved this one!

Have you had a boyfriend or like in the case of Emily Lazzaro an ex-fiance who just won't let go after you have broken up with him. Sometimes you can like someone as a friend--but there are facets of his personality that just don't make it!!

Emily is struggling to make ends meet by doing taxes while searching for a job in the hospitality field. BORING (ask me-I KNOW). She is barely making her rent much less food and gas. Then one fateful evening she goes through a red light------is frightened by the person who follows her who gets rather violent and reports it to the police. She ultimately finds out that the person was one who is brain damaged and lives with his brother-who profusely apologizes for his brothers actions and begs Emily not to file charges. It all goes down hill from there!! Well-Emily does get a great job--but no matter where she turns--who can she really trust?
Dangerous Changes: An Emily Lazzaro Mystery

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I have read several books by Joyce T. Strand so I was happy to read this one about Emily Lazzaro who was introduced in the Brynn Bancroft mysteries.

Emily wants to start a new life in Ramona even though her ex-fiancé also lives there. She prepares tax returns for people but she wants a job in the hospitality field which is what she has a degree in. When she is offered a job, it seems too good to be true and when a possible client is murdered she becomes even more concerned when she finds out his relationship to her new bosses. 

It seemed that every new chapter brought a new concern or even potential danger to Emily. In addition, she had no idea who she could trust. I didn't like how Emily dealt with her ex, Ed. It made her seem weak which is ironic since he thought she was weak and that was one reason she broke up with him.

There was a twist or two but no big surprises. I still enjoyed the read. Emily Lazzaro is another character of Joyce T. Strand's that I am looking forward to reading more about.  I can't wait to see how her new life turns out.

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Lazzaro's life is full of change in Joyce T. Strand's Dangerous Changes. I am amazed she manages to hold it all together with all the stuff that is going on in her life.
 
Having recently broken off her engagement, she is still trying to be a nice person to her ex-fiance. This can be hard to do. Usually, a clean break is better but Emily manages to recommend his company's services to several people without knowing exactly what he does. This would be great if her ex-fiance would do the work necessary to get the clients to come to his business once a recommendation is made.
 
Then, Emily gets a job interview and eventual offer for a job in her chosen field. She would be able to give up doing people's taxes once and for all. The problem is that there are questions she wants answered about the job, about the people offering her the job. Questions that bring some doubt about her ability to stop doing taxes to her mind.
 
Pick up a copy of Dangerous Changes and find out what happens to Emily. I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a twisty-turny, fun read! I didn't want it to end so that I could keep enjoying the mystery...but I wanted the mystery solved, so I'm glad that Ms. Strand did such a good job of telling this story!

Emily moved to Ramona to be with her fiance, but quickly discovers that while he isn't for her, the town of Ramona was perfect for her. However, she's stuck working at a job she doesn't like to make ends meet. When an amazing job opportunity comes at her she figures it's a great way to get back on her feet, especially since Ed keeps popping back up into her life.

But something is really wrong in the town, and Emily and Ed are in the middle of it. Can Emily solve the problem before it's too late?

I definitely recommend this story, whether you've read the previous books or not! I love the Brynn Bancroft mysteries though, so I'd recommend picking those up also.

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second series I have read by this author. (I haven't read her original series which featured Jillian Hillcrest.) The main character of this current series is the daughter of a character from the previous series, just as the main character of the second series was a secondary character in the first series. I enjoy how that adds to the continuity from one series to the next. However, it is not necessary to have read any of the previous books to be able to enjoy this one.

For a good section of the book, I was surprised by how clueless Emily seemed to be when it came to her ex-fiance and the company he works for...but eventually she redeemed herself in my eyes. There are so many twists and turns in the story that it keeps your attention from beginning to end. By the end of the story, all the different plotlines came together and everything in the story made sense.

I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in Emily's life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third series of Joyce Strand's - and I'm hooked! Each series has stood on its own but I enjoyed getting background information. It pulls all of the little corners together. Emily moves and begins a new life - with high hopes. They are quickly shattered when she begins experiencing some scary situations. The stressful situations  have her wanting to change careers and shake up her love life - all while staying in Ramona. She tries to be the dutiful polite girl but quickly learns that sometimes, being nice can put you right in the middle of the madness. By the end of the book, I was sure that I'd figured every detail out; however, Strand managed to have me completely wrapped up in Emily's story that I way off base. Such a great whodunit-type mystery read!

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Emily?

Emily is such a sweet girl but some people manipulative on her. I feel badly for her. She just need to say no and fight back. I am sure that some women can relate to this situation. I knew it happened to me but am learning my lesson.

This sweet girl is so trusting that it almost lost her life. Good thing that some good people are behind her to help her out. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for her? She struggles a lot and every time she helped someone, something bad happened to them. Enough is enough am so glad that she fights until her last breathe.

This book is full of hope and the second chance of love. Life sometimes is not fair but one thing is amazing is, when you learn how to step up and moved on to a new life and things will get better. I am looking forward for the next book in this series.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*

This is the story of Emily Lazzaro who wants to start a new life in Ramano, after breaking of her engagement and almost getting run over on her drive home.
Her ex decides he still wants to be in Emily’s life and asks her help to recommend his company around the community, but chaos happens and Emily is embroiled in a mystery and death that she feels may be too much for her.
Emily was a great character but just too trusting of everyone, even though she has broke her engagement she still has him in her life, and will love be in the air between her and Jackson, brother to Harry who nearly ran her off the road, but because of a brain injury from a previous car crash Jackson has taken it upon himself to be his carer and apologises and begs Emily to not press charges.
This was a great story and I can’t wait to see what comes next by Joyce T Strand

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this mystery.

This book started off with action and kept moving forward the entire book.

This had mystery and romance and suspense all wrapped up in one neat little package.

There were a lot of key players who all had suspicions – and raised my suspicion level. It is something I have come to look forward to in Joyce Strand’s books. There are always a handful of suspicious characters that keep the mystery moving.

I fell madly in love with Jackson and adore Harry. I foresee more romance for both of them!

This was a great mystery with parts that kept me on the edge of my seat, fearing what would come next.

Joyce is definitely one of my favorite mystery writers – she never disappoints!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Changes invites you to hang out with Emily Lazzaro as she tries to keep things afloat after splitting with her Fiance. He is not too happy about her decision and still shows up to the home they once shared to check in on Emily. He has a new job and would like her help spreading his name around the community for new clients. But no good deed goes unpunished and soon enough, Emily is in over her head. Dangerous Changes has lots of twists and turns and keeps the reader easily interested in the story. I really enjoyed it. Another great mystery by Strand.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-pounding start to a thrilling mystery. Emily thinks she's finally found a place to start over. An idyllic, small, southern California town, an ex-fiancee mostly in the background, and new love on the horizon. But not all is well in paradise. Death, the past, and suspicion all combine to throw Emily's world into chaos, as the reader rides right alongside her, feeling each hairpin turn and steep slope.


received for free

[Julie Baswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Lazzaro grew up around wine making, so it was no surprise that she wanted to do the same. She moved away from her parents and with her boyfriend Ed, searched for a vineyard to buy together. But before they found one to buy, Emily became stifled by Ed’s overbearing personality, and she ended the relationship. She later meets Jackson Brekton and they become friends, even though one minute he’s nice and then the next, he’s aloof. In the meantime, Emily and Ed are still friends but Ed can’t seem to let go and still interferes in her life.

I liked Emily and Jackson together. They were so compatible. I don’t understand why Emily didn’t make it clear with Ed to take a hike. Needing a friend is one thing, but being constantly bossed is reason enough to send him packing for good. As with all of Ms. Strand’s stories, there was a multitude of different things going on, but there’s always hidden clues if you just watch for them. That makes it that much more interesting. This was a good introduction to the Emily Lazzaro series.

[Joy Corkery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2017/11/2...

Dangerous Changes: An Emily Lazzaro Mystery by Joyce T. Strand focuses on the title character, Emily Lazzaro, as a number of strange events happen around her: she nearly gets run off the road by a maniac driver, a potential client is murdered and an ex-fiancée becomes more obsessive by the day. Will Emily be able to survive long enough to make the fresh start she wanted in her new home?

The book has a dark opening as Emily is almost killed as she drives home. This dark theme runs right through until the very end and many times left me with goosebumps. It riled a whole load of suspicion within me regarding each and every character but I never really was able to figure out the full conclusion on my own. This is the number one feature of a great mystery/thriller for me – not being able to guess the ending.

However, I think the best part of the book, and Strand’s writing, were the characters. I am not going to say that every character was likeable, but they were definitely interesting. Emily was the stand out character to me as I found her a ‘real’ person, one who is most relatable to the reader. She is just an average woman trying to find a job that she likes, make friends in a new town and deal with an overbearing ex. Sound familiar? I also liked that she was a genuinely kind person. For me, such a person doesn’t appear so often in this genre. Usually, dark books are filled with dark characters so this was a refreshing change. Not to say that there weren’t any dark characters. Emily’s ex Ed and his boss Dick really knew how to make my skin crawl.

As well as Emily, brothers Harry and Jackson are the other main characters we are introduced to more or less at the start of the book. Once they appeared, I was hoping to hear more from them and I wasn’t disappointed. Their relationship was sweet and I got some serious Of Mice and Men vibes from them (Jackson looks after Harry since a car crash which left Harry with serious brain damage and their parents dead). I felt their story provided a charming side note to everything else happening in the book.

Overall, in case you haven’t guessed, I really enjoyed this book. It was perfect for keeping the mind ticking over, but not too dark a story it left me with sleepless nights 🙂 I am certainly looking forward to what Strand has to offer next!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reader was engaged from page 1. Dangerous Changes is a topsy turvey mystery and thrilling fast paced ride.

The characters are engaging. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I loved Emily. Sometimes I wanted to 'kick her' for letting that ex manipulate and use her. But eventually she overcomes and stands on her own two feet. She has too when she is kid napped!

A little romance begins with Jackson Brexton after his brother
scares the wits out of her. But they all become friends in the end.

I think what I like best is that the characters and their challenges were real. Emily isn't 'set up' by an inheritance or similar situation
she makes her own way.

Although this is a clean mystery; no language or romance scenes and really no crime scenes I would not call this a Cozy.

The story/plot is mysterious and kept me turning pages all the way to the end.

There weren't alot of characters to get the reader wondering what is going on. The story is straight forward and engaging.
I was left hoping for a 2nd installment.

Will Emily begin working to renovate the old mansion in town to open as a B&B? Will Jackson end up the chef?

I was left with lots of questions and hoping book 2 comes out soon.

I really enjoyed Dangerous Changes.

There was no language or bedroom scenes.

I received a complimentary copy form Beck Valley Tours.

[Stephanie (Between the Coverz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and mysterious adventure of deception!

Dangerous Changes brings to life the deception and lies that are common in today’s world. You never know who the next victim of circumstance will be or if they will be able to change the outcome. Emily Lazzaro is a trusting and caring soul that unfortunately finds herself in the middle of a web of lies and deceit.

Dangerous Changes is an intriguing and well-written story. There are many twists and turns that form a believable plot. This author really knows how to add in many twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very end. I thought the characters were well developed and engaging. While reading you will begin to question people that you know and wonder if they too could be involved in schemes and lies that are similar. I thought the author did a great job of writing a book on a subject that most of are unaware of that happen all the time and that we ourselves could actually become a victim of.

This is the second book that I have read by Joyce T Strand. I recommend Dangerous Changes to anyone that enjoys reading a suspenseful mystery that will keep you entertained all the way to the end while keeping you guessing along the way.

[Sharon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel based around a fraudulent scheme and the real beauty of the book is the real capture of human emotions around the good old formula of trust.

As the main character has moved to start her life afresh, being a newbie in a close community she struggles with her conscious on whether to follow her heart or her head. The psyche portrayed by all the characters shows that the author has a deep understanding of what makes humans tick and the means they will go to achieve their own pursuits. With this in mind, as the plot unfolds, you as a reader are left guessing as to what path and who the heroine will turn to in the end.

Having read other Joyce Strand books I always think it is courageous of an author to create new story lines and characters away from those who have been so popular. In this she does not disappoint, a well written page turning novel with twists and turns with an attachment to human emotions make for a very good read indeed. Having short chapters gives the reader plenty of time to contemplate what is happening.

The strong message of this book is that in blind faith in those you trust can leave you in a position of desperation. Follow your instincts and not your heart.

An interesting read for any lover of thrillers and being tested mentally.