What do you think?
Rate this book
Jane Delaney Mysteries #4
Icing Allison
What, Jane Delaney asks herself, could be better than skating on a frozen lake with sexy Martin McAuliffe? After all, Martin's thought of everything:
• Yummy picnic lunch, complete with the requisite hot chocolate? Check.
• Adorable, if slightly neurotic, canine sidekick? Check.
• Chainsaw (don't ask)? Check.
• Frozen corpse? Dang! And just when things were starting to get romantic!
The authorities decide Allison Zaleski's death was an accident, but Death Diva Jane isn't so sure. For starters, some of the wealthy young woman's nearest and dearest had reason to want her out of the picture—her boy-toy husband and his greedy mistress for starters. But it isn't until Jane discovers Allison's secret video diary that the questions really start piling up. Such as: Who left a decapitated Barbie doll, altered to look like Allison, in her mailbox? And what, if anything, did Allison have to do with her first husband's death?
• Yummy picnic lunch, complete with the requisite hot chocolate? Check.
• Adorable, if slightly neurotic, canine sidekick? Check.
• Chainsaw (don't ask)? Check.
• Frozen corpse? Dang! And just when things were starting to get romantic!
The authorities decide Allison Zaleski's death was an accident, but Death Diva Jane isn't so sure. For starters, some of the wealthy young woman's nearest and dearest had reason to want her out of the picture—her boy-toy husband and his greedy mistress for starters. But it isn't until Jane discovers Allison's secret video diary that the questions really start piling up. Such as: Who left a decapitated Barbie doll, altered to look like Allison, in her mailbox? And what, if anything, did Allison have to do with her first husband's death?
- GenresMystery
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2017
About the author
Pamela Burford
44 books214 followersPamela Burford comes from a funny family. You may take that any way you want. She was raised in a household that valued laughter above all, so of course the first thing she looked for in a husband was a sense of humor. Is it any wonder their grown kids are into stand-up comedy and improv? Oh, and here's another fun family fact: Pamela's identical twin sister, Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, is also a published novelist. Patricia is the Good Twin, and yeah, Pamela knows what that makes her. But hey, Evil Twins have more fun.
It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.
Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.
It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.
Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 21, 2017
Icing Allison by Pamela Burford is the 4th book in the Jane Delaney series. I was thoroughly entertained from page one and read this book in one day. I flipped flopped the whole way through on who did it. It'll keep you guessing. I can't get enough of Sexy Beast and Jane, but I'd like to see more Martin next time. I'm Team Martin all the way! A must read for cozy mystery fans.
November 15, 2021
This series has quickly become a favourite. This fourth book is every bit as good as the first 3. Jane has a little less to do as Death Diva and a whole lot more in solving a murder believed to be an accident. Great characters, funny situations, SB her 7 pound apricot poodle, and a really good mystery.
July 17, 2019
I really enjoy the Jane Delaney Series. Icing Allison is the fourth book in the series and even though I didn't get my hands on an ARC this time, I was really keen to read it. If you haven't read any of the Jane Delaney series before, then you could certainly start with this one and be able to follow it fine. I would recommend going back to the beginning though and giving them all a go. The books do follow on but work as stand-alone stories too.
The story starts with Jane going for a picnic and skate on a frozen lake, with the yummy Martin. It isn't long before a dead body shows up and Jane finds herself in the middle of a puzzle again. To begin with it looks as though Allison's death was an unfortunate accident, but as time goes on, it becomes clear to Jane that there's more to this than first meets the eye.
I was glad to see a bit more Martin in this one. I'm not sure why she's even still hung up on her ex-husband Dom. As for the French man she met in the last book? Non, merci. Martin may be a bit of bad boy, but it's clear that he's got Jane's best interests at heart.
I didn't manage to solve this one, although I had had a few suspicions about the murderer earlier on, I'd dismissed them right until the big reveal. I love these Jane Delaney stories and can't wait for the next one, especially if we're going to get even more Martin.
The story starts with Jane going for a picnic and skate on a frozen lake, with the yummy Martin. It isn't long before a dead body shows up and Jane finds herself in the middle of a puzzle again. To begin with it looks as though Allison's death was an unfortunate accident, but as time goes on, it becomes clear to Jane that there's more to this than first meets the eye.
I was glad to see a bit more Martin in this one. I'm not sure why she's even still hung up on her ex-husband Dom. As for the French man she met in the last book? Non, merci. Martin may be a bit of bad boy, but it's clear that he's got Jane's best interests at heart.
I didn't manage to solve this one, although I had had a few suspicions about the murderer earlier on, I'd dismissed them right until the big reveal. I love these Jane Delaney stories and can't wait for the next one, especially if we're going to get even more Martin.
October 11, 2024
Cold Murder and Heated Confrontations
I really love this series. The plots are unique. The characters are entertaining and the Jane's romantic encounters are all tangled up. Being a Death Diva is a dangerous job.
I really love this series. The plots are unique. The characters are entertaining and the Jane's romantic encounters are all tangled up. Being a Death Diva is a dangerous job.
February 18, 2024
Binging
Well I am loving the characters, the plot and the excellent writing! I am binging my way through them all! Thank you , Pamela Burford!
Well I am loving the characters, the plot and the excellent writing! I am binging my way through them all! Thank you , Pamela Burford!
July 21, 2024
despite
Corpses in a frozen pond, things get steamy with Jane and which guy? Yes readers, Jane remains as confused as we do about which guy but k t about “who dun it”?
Corpses in a frozen pond, things get steamy with Jane and which guy? Yes readers, Jane remains as confused as we do about which guy but k t about “who dun it”?
May 19, 2017
I have loved the Death Diva and SB since the first book and I think that every book has gotten a bit better. The fourth book in the series, Icing Allison, has the wit and self deprecating humor that has been the hallmark of the Jane Delaney Mystery series and the challenging mystery That I have come to expect from this series and appreciate. While I have always loved the main characters, especially the tenderhearted Jane, Pamela Burford's secondary characters feel real and their presences contributes to the flow of the story. Dom is still hanging around, not quit sure if he can let Jane go but still not willing to fully commit to Bonnie. Their story makes me so sad, but I liked the way Jane handles him in this book. Martin is still Martin, ready to back her up whenever she needs him, so hot and cool and helpful!
When Jane and Martin discover the body of a local woman, her death appears to be an accident, but Jane uncovers secreted information that puts a new perspective on the case. If Allison was murdered, there is no hint of it for the police to follow but there are more than enough possible suspects to make it hard to figure out who might have committed the crime. No matter how tough the job may be, Jane feels compelled to discover the truth as she juggles the investigation with her Death Diva duties.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy of Icing Allison and loved it. The review is solely my opinion. I always review books that I love.
When Jane and Martin discover the body of a local woman, her death appears to be an accident, but Jane uncovers secreted information that puts a new perspective on the case. If Allison was murdered, there is no hint of it for the police to follow but there are more than enough possible suspects to make it hard to figure out who might have committed the crime. No matter how tough the job may be, Jane feels compelled to discover the truth as she juggles the investigation with her Death Diva duties.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy of Icing Allison and loved it. The review is solely my opinion. I always review books that I love.
May 19, 2017
This book grabbed me from page one and held on! A can't miss fourth book in the Death Deva series!
Each book in the Death Diva series tops the one before. This fourth book grabbed me from the beginning! I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it in one sitting. I just couldn't stop reading! I absolutely LOVE the way Jane, our Death Diva, talks to her audience with her comments and snarky retorts as if she knew what we were thinking about her actions or comments! What fun and how hilarious, it just cracked me up. All the characters are real, the ex-husband, Dom who still carries a torch for Jane but is engaged to the chief of police, Martin the bartender with a mysterious past and always there to help and backup Jane when she stumbles on another murder, he does have a thing for Jane as well and then there is Victor who in a previous mystery met Jane when she stumbled on the murder of his brother who also really likes Jane! How she handles these men is so funny yet so real. Jane and Martin stumble upon a body of a local photographer while on a "maybe" date ice skating and the twists and turns and red herrings and mystery begins. You don't want to miss this fantastic mysteryOr any in the series! I can't wait to see what Pam Burford has in store for us in the next episode! I received an ARC but the comments here are strictly my own!
Each book in the Death Diva series tops the one before. This fourth book grabbed me from the beginning! I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it in one sitting. I just couldn't stop reading! I absolutely LOVE the way Jane, our Death Diva, talks to her audience with her comments and snarky retorts as if she knew what we were thinking about her actions or comments! What fun and how hilarious, it just cracked me up. All the characters are real, the ex-husband, Dom who still carries a torch for Jane but is engaged to the chief of police, Martin the bartender with a mysterious past and always there to help and backup Jane when she stumbles on another murder, he does have a thing for Jane as well and then there is Victor who in a previous mystery met Jane when she stumbled on the murder of his brother who also really likes Jane! How she handles these men is so funny yet so real. Jane and Martin stumble upon a body of a local photographer while on a "maybe" date ice skating and the twists and turns and red herrings and mystery begins. You don't want to miss this fantastic mysteryOr any in the series! I can't wait to see what Pam Burford has in store for us in the next episode! I received an ARC but the comments here are strictly my own!
July 15, 2017
Pamela Buford has become one of my favorite mystery authors. She has created a delightful series with the protagonist, Jane Delaney, someone I would love to know. Each book gets better and better. This one #4 is the last one and I'm bereft at not having another one ready to read (I've just finished reading all 4 in a row). Fortunately there is more Martin McAuliffe (the hot bartender) in this book (I much prefer him to Jane's ex Dom who is engaged but still carrying a torch for Jane).
While Martin and Jane, along with her neurotic but loveable toy poodle Sexy Beast, are ice skating on a pond she discovers the body of Allison under the ice. Although it appears to have been an accidental drowning, Jane is not convinced. There are several suspects including Allison's much younger 2nd husband, his mistress, and Allison's deceased 1st husband's estranged daughter, and I was kept guessing all the way to the end. Please more books, more Martin, and more of the characters in Crystal Harbor, Long Island. I can't wait!
While Martin and Jane, along with her neurotic but loveable toy poodle Sexy Beast, are ice skating on a pond she discovers the body of Allison under the ice. Although it appears to have been an accidental drowning, Jane is not convinced. There are several suspects including Allison's much younger 2nd husband, his mistress, and Allison's deceased 1st husband's estranged daughter, and I was kept guessing all the way to the end. Please more books, more Martin, and more of the characters in Crystal Harbor, Long Island. I can't wait!
June 11, 2017
Wanting More
I really enjoyed this story it's the last book in the series. My hope is that
Ms Burford will continue to write another book using the caricatures she
Has introduced so far. I chose this rating because I enjoy Pamela Burford as a writer. I would like to see a Jane and Martin relationship develop.....
I really enjoyed this story it's the last book in the series. My hope is that
Ms Burford will continue to write another book using the caricatures she
Has introduced so far. I chose this rating because I enjoy Pamela Burford as a writer. I would like to see a Jane and Martin relationship develop.....
September 24, 2019
Surprised by the Ice Queen
Pamela Burford creates a place you want to be and a romantic adventure you want to have. The humor that's mixed in has me chuckling, especially when Jane stops to talk to me, the reader, like we're best friends sharing all the good stuff. I just wish she'd take my advice on which guy to choose:)
Pamela Burford creates a place you want to be and a romantic adventure you want to have. The humor that's mixed in has me chuckling, especially when Jane stops to talk to me, the reader, like we're best friends sharing all the good stuff. I just wish she'd take my advice on which guy to choose:)
June 5, 2017
Okay, I'm addicted. I binge-read all the Jane Delaney Mysteries and I really really loved them. Where is book number 5? This is cruel! I can't just sit here not knowing how this whole death-diva-detective-is-it-martin-or-victor-thing will continue! -,-'
June 27, 2017
Murder and Mayhem in Crystal Cove
Will the murders and Mayhem never cease in this beautiful Long Island town? It seems the one and only Death Deva has found herself caught up in being at the wrong place at the wrong time this time!
Will the murders and Mayhem never cease in this beautiful Long Island town? It seems the one and only Death Deva has found herself caught up in being at the wrong place at the wrong time this time!
July 17, 2020
Another Good Book ...
...bite the dust. BUT the love interest could be more interesting!. Jane flirts and thinks like a teenager. Sex isn't necessary but a real committed relationship could be interesting
...bite the dust. BUT the love interest could be more interesting!. Jane flirts and thinks like a teenager. Sex isn't necessary but a real committed relationship could be interesting
June 26, 2017
This is a fun cast of characters and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews