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Lucky O'Toole #4
Lucky Bastard
Lucky O’Toole, the newly promoted vice president of Customer Relations for the Babylon, Las Vegas’s primo Strip property, has never met a problem she couldn’t handle. But when a young woman is found dead, sprawled across the hood of a new, bright red Ferrari California in the Babylon’s on-site dealership, a Jimmy Choo stiletto stuck in her carotid, Lucky’s skills are maxed out. Of course her life is already on overload. Her mother, Mona, is pregnant, hormonal, and bored — a triple threat. A song that Teddie, Lucky’s former lover, wrote for her is getting national airplay as he hits the talk shows, pleading for her forgiveness. Lucky is less than amused by the high-powered “infotainment” spotlight on her personal life. She’s having enough trouble fending off Chef Jean-Charles Bouclet, the Babylon’s tasty new dish. All of this and The Smack-Down Poker tournament, the second-largest poker tournament in the world, is holding its final round at the Babylon. Hookers, thieves, players, cheaters, media, and hangers-on descend, looking to win or to score. When one of the players turns up dead, Lucky starts to make connections between the two murders, putting her in the crosshairs of the killer. After a revelation by someone close to her sends her world reeling even further, Lucky struggles to keep her life in balance, and a murderer from killing again as bodies pile up. Then, just when she’s losing control… life deals another major complication to her personal life… and it’s not going to be pretty. Lucky struggles to keep her life in balance, and a murderer from killing again as bodies pile up.
388 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
329 people are currently reading
1923 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Coonts
34 books890 followersGet a free bundle of novellas ripped from the headlines of Lucky O'Toole's world: http://deborahcoonts.com/lucky-offer/
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 17, 2021
In this 4th book in the 'Lucky O'Toole' series, the customer relations professional investigates a murder committed with a Jimmy Choo shoe. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
This mystery starts off with Lucky O’Toole, customer relations honcho for the Babylon Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, being called to the hotel's on-site car dealership. There a beautiful woman lies dead on top of a Ferrari, stabbed in the neck with a Jimmy Choo shoe. It turns out the woman participated in high stakes poker games at the hotel and just might have been cheating.
Lucky starts to look into the murder, enlisting the help of her friends, staff, and detective friend Romeo. Soon more people associated with high-stakes poker turn up dead - and as Lucky runs around investigating her own life may even be endangered.
The book has a good deal of humor, engaging characters, some romantic angst, and a nice touch of Las Vegas casino ambience.
Enjoyable light mystery. Recommended to fans of cozies.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 15, 2015
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A copy of Lucky Bastard was provided to me by Forge Books for review purposes.
Lucky O'Toole is the Vice President of Customer Relations of the affluent Babylon casino in Las Vegas. She's a busy woman and her plate is always full but after recent events even Lucky has bitten off more than she can chew. After a woman is found on the hood of a Ferrari in the Babylon's dealership with a stiletto stuck in her neck and the evidence points to a close-friend being the killer, Lucky knows there's more evidence to be found. Once she begins digging though she finds far more than she bargained for.
In addition to her work issues, she's dealing with a broken heart after her long-time love Teddie has chosen a life on the road and fame instead of a comfortable life at home with her. The new French chef Jean-Charles Bouclet has kept her thoughts occupied as he continues to pursue her. Lucky just doesn't seem to have time to sort through her personal problems as the bodies are piling up and evidence starts pointing to her.
I've gotta say, all of the Lucky O'Toole mysteries have left me unaware throughout the book. There are always a crazy amount of facets to these stories, it always keeps you guessing and leaves you questioning everything. Exciting and thrilling, these are definite page-turners.
Lucky has had a crazy love life from the very first installment. What I love is despite that, I can definitely appreciate that it doesn't consume the story completely. The detailed mystery is first and foremost with snippets of Lucky's personal life added in as something extra. The romance definitely took the forefront towards the end setting up for some emotional drama in the next installment.
What didn't work for me (and has been a common trait in this series) is how Lucky completely takes on the police work involved in solving murders. I would be more apt to accept this if she was a member of a security team with the Casino but she's the Vice President of Customer Relations, tasked to maintain the happiness of the hotel guests. Lucky is one chick that definitely goes above and beyond the call of duty. Lucky doesn't always make the most genius decisions but they aren't so outrageous that they're not forgivable. She usually realizes (in retrospect) that she makes some pretty dumb decisions so at least she realizes it, albeit a tad late. Regardless, these books are definitely fun reads.
This series would likely fall under the terms of a 'cozy-mystery' except the mystery itself manages to be quite serious. Killing people with stilettos, people getting cyanide thrown in their face, etc. Despite the seriousness though, Lucky possesses a sarcastic humor throughout which lightens the story considerably and makes it a lot of fun.
Lucky Bastard is my fourth Lucky novel, fifth if you count a novella, and I've really enjoyed watching the character growth in Lucky. She's a hard-working woman who's had her heart broken but doesn't let it get her down. Her actions are honest and understandable. The Lucky O' Toole series is a must for cozy mystery fans and readers looking for a fun, memorable heroine.
A copy of Lucky Bastard was provided to me by Forge Books for review purposes.
Lucky O'Toole is the Vice President of Customer Relations of the affluent Babylon casino in Las Vegas. She's a busy woman and her plate is always full but after recent events even Lucky has bitten off more than she can chew. After a woman is found on the hood of a Ferrari in the Babylon's dealership with a stiletto stuck in her neck and the evidence points to a close-friend being the killer, Lucky knows there's more evidence to be found. Once she begins digging though she finds far more than she bargained for.
In addition to her work issues, she's dealing with a broken heart after her long-time love Teddie has chosen a life on the road and fame instead of a comfortable life at home with her. The new French chef Jean-Charles Bouclet has kept her thoughts occupied as he continues to pursue her. Lucky just doesn't seem to have time to sort through her personal problems as the bodies are piling up and evidence starts pointing to her.
I've gotta say, all of the Lucky O'Toole mysteries have left me unaware throughout the book. There are always a crazy amount of facets to these stories, it always keeps you guessing and leaves you questioning everything. Exciting and thrilling, these are definite page-turners.
Lucky has had a crazy love life from the very first installment. What I love is despite that, I can definitely appreciate that it doesn't consume the story completely. The detailed mystery is first and foremost with snippets of Lucky's personal life added in as something extra. The romance definitely took the forefront towards the end setting up for some emotional drama in the next installment.
What didn't work for me (and has been a common trait in this series) is how Lucky completely takes on the police work involved in solving murders. I would be more apt to accept this if she was a member of a security team with the Casino but she's the Vice President of Customer Relations, tasked to maintain the happiness of the hotel guests. Lucky is one chick that definitely goes above and beyond the call of duty. Lucky doesn't always make the most genius decisions but they aren't so outrageous that they're not forgivable. She usually realizes (in retrospect) that she makes some pretty dumb decisions so at least she realizes it, albeit a tad late. Regardless, these books are definitely fun reads.
This series would likely fall under the terms of a 'cozy-mystery' except the mystery itself manages to be quite serious. Killing people with stilettos, people getting cyanide thrown in their face, etc. Despite the seriousness though, Lucky possesses a sarcastic humor throughout which lightens the story considerably and makes it a lot of fun.
Lucky Bastard is my fourth Lucky novel, fifth if you count a novella, and I've really enjoyed watching the character growth in Lucky. She's a hard-working woman who's had her heart broken but doesn't let it get her down. Her actions are honest and understandable. The Lucky O' Toole series is a must for cozy mystery fans and readers looking for a fun, memorable heroine.
May 23, 2013
This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.
3.5 stars
Lucky O’Toole is back with her latest Vegas (mis)adventure, and this time it’s personal: the number one suspect in the murders is a friend. Lucky doesn’t know who to trust, and it makes for a great mixture of tension, danger, and mystery.
As always, it’s fun to catch up with Lucky. She’s tough, smart, independent, and I like her more with each novel. It’s been nice to see her growth throughout the novels, both personally and professionally. She’s been hurt, she’s had her heart broken, she’s seen more than most people in her line of work ever should, but she remains strong and keeps fighting. It was also nice to see her get her head on a bit straighter where her love life was concerned. I was really unhappy with how the romance(s) played out in the last book, but I thought Coonts did a good job of sorting things out this time around. I liked the blossoming relationship between Lucky and Jean-Charles (even though I still miss Teddie and have a soft spot for him, despite how he hurt Lucky), and I think he would be good for her. But, of course, with Lucky things are never quite that simple, and there’s still a lot to be sorted out in her romantic life.
With the past three books, I’ve had the same complaint: there were always far too many characters and the story got bogged down in trying to keep everyone - and their motives - straight. I was very pleased to discover that issue wasn't present in Lucky Bastard. There are still a lot of characters, but this time most of them were regulars, and after four books I feel like I really know these people. It’s like being reunited with friends (or enemies, as the case may be), and I didn’t have trouble keeping them straight. My only real complaint about Lucky Bastard was that it lacked the usual action, and that action was replaced by a lot of inner dialogue from Lucky, which consisted of a lot of repetitious self-pity and over-thinking things. The book was a decent length (it normally takes me at least a week to read a Lucky book and this one only took me a few days, which was a definite plus), but it could have been shorter and more concise without Lucky going over the same problems over and over in her mind.
On a personal note, I was really happy to see a deaf character in this book. My brother is deaf, and my city has one of the few deaf schools in the country, so I grew up among the deaf community. I appreciated Cole’s character being added in, and I loved his charm and his take-no-crap attitude - he reminded me a lot of my brother.
Lucky Bastard was a great addition to the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series. We got to see some character growth not only from Lucky, but from some of the secondary characters as well (I really love Romeo). There was good set-up for the next novel (that ending! My mouth dropped open!) and I’m eager to find out what crazy misadventures Lucky will get into next.
3.5 stars
Lucky O’Toole is back with her latest Vegas (mis)adventure, and this time it’s personal: the number one suspect in the murders is a friend. Lucky doesn’t know who to trust, and it makes for a great mixture of tension, danger, and mystery.
As always, it’s fun to catch up with Lucky. She’s tough, smart, independent, and I like her more with each novel. It’s been nice to see her growth throughout the novels, both personally and professionally. She’s been hurt, she’s had her heart broken, she’s seen more than most people in her line of work ever should, but she remains strong and keeps fighting. It was also nice to see her get her head on a bit straighter where her love life was concerned. I was really unhappy with how the romance(s) played out in the last book, but I thought Coonts did a good job of sorting things out this time around. I liked the blossoming relationship between Lucky and Jean-Charles (even though I still miss Teddie and have a soft spot for him, despite how he hurt Lucky), and I think he would be good for her. But, of course, with Lucky things are never quite that simple, and there’s still a lot to be sorted out in her romantic life.
With the past three books, I’ve had the same complaint: there were always far too many characters and the story got bogged down in trying to keep everyone - and their motives - straight. I was very pleased to discover that issue wasn't present in Lucky Bastard. There are still a lot of characters, but this time most of them were regulars, and after four books I feel like I really know these people. It’s like being reunited with friends (or enemies, as the case may be), and I didn’t have trouble keeping them straight. My only real complaint about Lucky Bastard was that it lacked the usual action, and that action was replaced by a lot of inner dialogue from Lucky, which consisted of a lot of repetitious self-pity and over-thinking things. The book was a decent length (it normally takes me at least a week to read a Lucky book and this one only took me a few days, which was a definite plus), but it could have been shorter and more concise without Lucky going over the same problems over and over in her mind.
On a personal note, I was really happy to see a deaf character in this book. My brother is deaf, and my city has one of the few deaf schools in the country, so I grew up among the deaf community. I appreciated Cole’s character being added in, and I loved his charm and his take-no-crap attitude - he reminded me a lot of my brother.
Lucky Bastard was a great addition to the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series. We got to see some character growth not only from Lucky, but from some of the secondary characters as well (I really love Romeo). There was good set-up for the next novel (that ending! My mouth dropped open!) and I’m eager to find out what crazy misadventures Lucky will get into next.
September 6, 2018
When a woman is found stabbed to death on a Ferrari, and the murder weapon is none other than a Jimmy Choo stiletto, Lucky O’Toole finds herself mixed up in yet another murder. But things are different this time- somebody she’s close to is the prime suspect, and seems determined to stay that way.
As newly appointed Vice President of Customer Relations at the Babylon, and having recently had her heart broken, Lucky has enough on her plate. And a relationship with French chef Jean Charles Bouclet is proving to be too delicious to pass up.
When a player participating in the Sin City Smack Down poker tournament is the next victim, Lucky begins to realize that there’s more to this string of murders that meets the eye. And she’s ready to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of it.
With the colorful setting of Las Vegas, this mystery series has a unique flare. I’ve been reading the series slightly out of order, though, which makes it difficult to keep up with the events in the main character’s personal life. I would highly recommend reading this series in order.
The plot, while somewhat complex, was fast paced and entertaining. However, I find the writing style to be too descriptive in places. Seeing the protaginist’s personal life change over the course of the series provides a nice sense of depth.
Overall, I liked this installment of the series better than the one I reviewed previously (#5). In general, the books in this series tend to have many characters and plot developments. I would still recommend giving it a try, so long as you think you’ll be able to keep it all straight.
As newly appointed Vice President of Customer Relations at the Babylon, and having recently had her heart broken, Lucky has enough on her plate. And a relationship with French chef Jean Charles Bouclet is proving to be too delicious to pass up.
When a player participating in the Sin City Smack Down poker tournament is the next victim, Lucky begins to realize that there’s more to this string of murders that meets the eye. And she’s ready to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of it.
With the colorful setting of Las Vegas, this mystery series has a unique flare. I’ve been reading the series slightly out of order, though, which makes it difficult to keep up with the events in the main character’s personal life. I would highly recommend reading this series in order.
The plot, while somewhat complex, was fast paced and entertaining. However, I find the writing style to be too descriptive in places. Seeing the protaginist’s personal life change over the course of the series provides a nice sense of depth.
Overall, I liked this installment of the series better than the one I reviewed previously (#5). In general, the books in this series tend to have many characters and plot developments. I would still recommend giving it a try, so long as you think you’ll be able to keep it all straight.
September 26, 2021
This is one of my favourite series, but this particular book wasn't one I liked best. It was fine, but a little heavy on relationship dramas for my personal taste.
This series has a lot to recommend it. First off the setting - Las Vegas - offers all kinds of opportunity to bring in a variety of people and situations in an easy, believable way, which I like. Also Vegas is such an exciting over-the-top place it makes for a really fun setting for murder mysteries. I enjoy that this is very unique in the cozy genre.
Lucky is a super main character and I like her a bunch. She is smart, capable and funny, and the way she navigates the completely loony world that both her professional and personal lives are is very entertaining to watch.
Format note: I get this series in audio format and the narrator is really good. She brings the characters and the crazy fully to life and adds an extra level of entertainment to these stories. If you enjoy audio, this is a good series to listen to.
This series has a lot to recommend it. First off the setting - Las Vegas - offers all kinds of opportunity to bring in a variety of people and situations in an easy, believable way, which I like. Also Vegas is such an exciting over-the-top place it makes for a really fun setting for murder mysteries. I enjoy that this is very unique in the cozy genre.
Lucky is a super main character and I like her a bunch. She is smart, capable and funny, and the way she navigates the completely loony world that both her professional and personal lives are is very entertaining to watch.
Format note: I get this series in audio format and the narrator is really good. She brings the characters and the crazy fully to life and adds an extra level of entertainment to these stories. If you enjoy audio, this is a good series to listen to.
July 18, 2021
3.5 stars
**This is a review for the audiobook version**
On audio, this is an entertaining series. The narrator does a great job.
There's a dead body at the car show. This time the case for Lucky involves her pal Dane so it's a bit more personal.
lots of surprises!
and maybe it's just me, but I think Jean Charles is a little too pushy.
some great witty lines of dialogue in this one
Exs:
"..runs through the ladies like a slot addict with quarters.."
"..youthful enthusiasm, mine had left so long ago and so quickly, I don't even remember it packing for the trip."
"she was as sweet as the scent of sage under the warm sun...then she turned on me like a cornered rattler.."
"..once the kid latched on, he was like a tick on a dog.."
My only issue is that there are a lot of characters and i lose track of who's who and the mystery is complicated...so I need to take notes.
**This is a review for the audiobook version**
On audio, this is an entertaining series. The narrator does a great job.
There's a dead body at the car show. This time the case for Lucky involves her pal Dane so it's a bit more personal.
lots of surprises!
and maybe it's just me, but I think Jean Charles is a little too pushy.
some great witty lines of dialogue in this one
Exs:
"..runs through the ladies like a slot addict with quarters.."
"..youthful enthusiasm, mine had left so long ago and so quickly, I don't even remember it packing for the trip."
"she was as sweet as the scent of sage under the warm sun...then she turned on me like a cornered rattler.."
"..once the kid latched on, he was like a tick on a dog.."
My only issue is that there are a lot of characters and i lose track of who's who and the mystery is complicated...so I need to take notes.
June 2, 2023
Good cozy mystery but I’m still not happy with Lucky.
May 28, 2013
Lucky O’Toole is back with another adventure at The Babylon on the Las Vegas Strip in book four of this fun-filled series.
Lucky has been promoted to Vice President of Customer Relations but that doesn’t make her job any easier. She has barely settled into the position, her new office isn’t even completed yet, when the next crisis strikes. A woman is found dead, sprawled across the hood of a new Ferrari in the Babylon’s on-site dealership, a Jimmy Choo stiletto stuck in her neck. At The Babylon it is never just another boring day!
Lucky already has a full plate. Nursing a broken-heart along with constant reminders of her previous relationship, fending off the attentions of the new chef, dealing with her mother who wants to start a phone-sex business (mom previously ran a brothel) and her new job responsibilities were already keeping her busy. Plus the Smack-Down Poker Tournament is holding its final round at the Babylon and Lucky needs to maintain business as usual, never mind that more people are turning up dead and the body count is rising. Things are only going to get more hectic and soon Lucky begins to fear for her own safety. Lucky is running on no sleep but there won’t be any time to catch up now.
Throughout the series Lucky has remained a fun and exciting character. Still totally in control in her professional life, her romantic life is in constant upheaval with her propensity to choose the wrong guys. While romance is still an underlying theme, this installment had a lot less swooning over her men than in previous books. I missed Teddi, Lucky’s ex, but without him Lucky’s strong, independent character was back on display.
There was lots of energy and non-stop action with the reader being taken on a roller coaster ride, always a little off-balance and never knowing who to suspect or who else will end up dead. I did miss Newton, Lucky’s talking pet bird, a belligerent macaw with a foul mouth, who didn’t have much of a part this time. His snappy lines of dialog were some of my favorites in the first novel.
Lucky Bastard can be read as a stand alone even though it is the fourth in a series. The author does a good job of filling in the pertinent details of the back story, but I would recommend reading the first book Wanna Get Lucky, to get a real flavor for the main characters. Also, several previously minor characters become more developed, which is nice to see, but the extra background does help.
Funny, clever and action packed, this fast-paced page turner is a good choice for a light summer read.
Lucky has been promoted to Vice President of Customer Relations but that doesn’t make her job any easier. She has barely settled into the position, her new office isn’t even completed yet, when the next crisis strikes. A woman is found dead, sprawled across the hood of a new Ferrari in the Babylon’s on-site dealership, a Jimmy Choo stiletto stuck in her neck. At The Babylon it is never just another boring day!
Lucky already has a full plate. Nursing a broken-heart along with constant reminders of her previous relationship, fending off the attentions of the new chef, dealing with her mother who wants to start a phone-sex business (mom previously ran a brothel) and her new job responsibilities were already keeping her busy. Plus the Smack-Down Poker Tournament is holding its final round at the Babylon and Lucky needs to maintain business as usual, never mind that more people are turning up dead and the body count is rising. Things are only going to get more hectic and soon Lucky begins to fear for her own safety. Lucky is running on no sleep but there won’t be any time to catch up now.
Throughout the series Lucky has remained a fun and exciting character. Still totally in control in her professional life, her romantic life is in constant upheaval with her propensity to choose the wrong guys. While romance is still an underlying theme, this installment had a lot less swooning over her men than in previous books. I missed Teddi, Lucky’s ex, but without him Lucky’s strong, independent character was back on display.
There was lots of energy and non-stop action with the reader being taken on a roller coaster ride, always a little off-balance and never knowing who to suspect or who else will end up dead. I did miss Newton, Lucky’s talking pet bird, a belligerent macaw with a foul mouth, who didn’t have much of a part this time. His snappy lines of dialog were some of my favorites in the first novel.
Lucky Bastard can be read as a stand alone even though it is the fourth in a series. The author does a good job of filling in the pertinent details of the back story, but I would recommend reading the first book Wanna Get Lucky, to get a real flavor for the main characters. Also, several previously minor characters become more developed, which is nice to see, but the extra background does help.
Funny, clever and action packed, this fast-paced page turner is a good choice for a light summer read.
December 3, 2014
2.5 Stars
Here's the thing I really like the other books in this series. I love how they all feel like really being in Vegas, and I like how Lucky is different from other female protagonists. The books have always been light and fun and interesting. But I just. can't. finish. this. book.
For the longest time I couldn't put my finger on why this one just isn't pulling me in. And then I read the scene where the cops raid an illegal poker game. And my whole ability to suspend disbelief just STOPPED. That is ridiculous I just can't read it anymore.
But the real thing I don't like about the book is how damn depressing it feels. Maybe Lucky's lack of spunk and well, everything that made her awesome in every other of these books, is part of a wider story arch that will all make sense in the end, but I just can't bear to keep reading it to find out. I read Lucky because she's funny and spunky and takes me to a world where finding naked fat men on the stairwell is normal. Lucky Bastard just isn't any of those things and I'm feeling pretty damn unlucky because of it.
Here's the thing I really like the other books in this series. I love how they all feel like really being in Vegas, and I like how Lucky is different from other female protagonists. The books have always been light and fun and interesting. But I just. can't. finish. this. book.
For the longest time I couldn't put my finger on why this one just isn't pulling me in. And then I read the scene where the cops raid an illegal poker game. And my whole ability to suspend disbelief just STOPPED. That is ridiculous I just can't read it anymore.
But the real thing I don't like about the book is how damn depressing it feels. Maybe Lucky's lack of spunk and well, everything that made her awesome in every other of these books, is part of a wider story arch that will all make sense in the end, but I just can't bear to keep reading it to find out. I read Lucky because she's funny and spunky and takes me to a world where finding naked fat men on the stairwell is normal. Lucky Bastard just isn't any of those things and I'm feeling pretty damn unlucky because of it.
June 6, 2018
This book. It was SO hard for me to finish. So very hard. I've read the first 3 books and stopped reading them for some reason so I decided to give the series another try. My bad. ALOT of things about this book drove me nuts.
Lucky was SO negative. Every conversation was filled in with her thoughts of how she couldn't stand cliches and she couldn't stand Ms. P's platitudes(Lucky constantly used them anyway) and how she needed luck, and after every single sentence in a conversation, the author would write some kind of negative thought that Lucky was having.
Also, forgive me ,but I though Lucky was fairly young? Why did she constantly refer to Romeo as a "youngster"? It made her sound like she was pushing 80. It also drove me nuts how the author would describe the casino the same way over and over and over again.
I gave 2 stars instead of one because the first 40% or so kept me entertained. I'm sad because the author did a pretty decent job the first 2 books. Unfortunately, I dont think I can read this series anymore.
Lucky was SO negative. Every conversation was filled in with her thoughts of how she couldn't stand cliches and she couldn't stand Ms. P's platitudes(Lucky constantly used them anyway) and how she needed luck, and after every single sentence in a conversation, the author would write some kind of negative thought that Lucky was having.
Also, forgive me ,but I though Lucky was fairly young? Why did she constantly refer to Romeo as a "youngster"? It made her sound like she was pushing 80. It also drove me nuts how the author would describe the casino the same way over and over and over again.
I gave 2 stars instead of one because the first 40% or so kept me entertained. I'm sad because the author did a pretty decent job the first 2 books. Unfortunately, I dont think I can read this series anymore.
March 12, 2013
These are always a fun alternative to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series and this was a fun romp in one of my favorite cities, Las Vegas. Lucky is an executive in a mega-hotel and handles all problems with finesse but always manages to get involved in some kind of hinky or kinky murder. In this case a woman is stabbed in the jugular with a stiletto heel. My only problem with this one is that because of her problems with men and her life being so sucky, she seems to be holding a pity party for most of the book and that got a little tiresome.
Readalikes: Readers of Sue Grafton and Marcia Muller may find these a little weak in the mystery department but Janet Evanovich fans may enjoy the mayhem that ensues once Lucky gets involved with chasing the bad people. Like Stephanie Plum, Lucky can be somewhat inept but unlike Stephanie, her smarts more than make up for it. Also like Stephanie she can't decide between three hunky men in her life.
Readalikes: Readers of Sue Grafton and Marcia Muller may find these a little weak in the mystery department but Janet Evanovich fans may enjoy the mayhem that ensues once Lucky gets involved with chasing the bad people. Like Stephanie Plum, Lucky can be somewhat inept but unlike Stephanie, her smarts more than make up for it. Also like Stephanie she can't decide between three hunky men in her life.
July 1, 2013
This is the latest in a series of books about Lucky O'Toole, a 30 something woman who is the Head of Public Relations at the over-the-top themed Las Vegas hotel, the Babylon. Lucky is a problem solver for the hotel that experiences everything from murder to people putting themselves in situations that only happen in Las Vegas. If you enjoy the Stephanie Plum novels you will enjoy Lucky O'Toole. I have read all of them...it's like eating chips; once you start you can't stop!
February 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this one.
December 11, 2015
Very fun! I forgot how much I like Lucky, her entourage and all the excitement in her life. Very nice to re-visit with the whole gang. Looking forward to more in the series.
September 10, 2018
There were some good turns in the story that kept me surprised and interested. I will probably read more of this series.
May 3, 2019
Another brilliant night in the Babylon Casino and well worth the sleepless nights. I really enjoyed learning more about one of the men vying for Lucky O'Toole's affections. Deborah is a master of her craft and you have no problems picturing the events as they unfold and with her use of words you feel like you are there. Lucky is a great heroine, the kind women want to be and the men just want. The rest of the staff are fun to.
The Babylon is set for the biggest poker night event of the year but it is not long before a dead body is found. When the identity of the victim is revealed things for Lucky go spinning out of control. Not only does she have to solve a murder but there also seems to be a gang of thieves operating in her casino. Before she even get time to catch her breath another body is found, one that is also connected to the poker tournament. With the reputation of the hotel on the line not to mention a friendship in danger of exploding things for Lucky and her trusted staff get deadly, especially as the killer doesn't care who he or she kills.
The narrator was fun and easy to listen to. Over all an excellent mystery and a great book to add to a fun series.
The Babylon is set for the biggest poker night event of the year but it is not long before a dead body is found. When the identity of the victim is revealed things for Lucky go spinning out of control. Not only does she have to solve a murder but there also seems to be a gang of thieves operating in her casino. Before she even get time to catch her breath another body is found, one that is also connected to the poker tournament. With the reputation of the hotel on the line not to mention a friendship in danger of exploding things for Lucky and her trusted staff get deadly, especially as the killer doesn't care who he or she kills.
The narrator was fun and easy to listen to. Over all an excellent mystery and a great book to add to a fun series.
August 19, 2022
Lucky O'Toole is the Vice President of Customer service at the Babylon Casino in Las Vegas.
She has to handle a problem that is a bit more than customer relations this time.
A dead woman is found draped over a Ferrari in the car showroom. at the casino.
At the same time there is a World Series of Poker tournament being held as well and high rollers are coming in from all over to play.
The tournament attracts all the hookers, thieves, cheaters, media looking to score as well.
Meanwhile her personal life is heating up.
How is one supposed to keep up with it all !
If you like Janet Evanivich you might like this as well.
Funny, irreverent one liners and a what the heck, full speed ahead approach to life!
She has to handle a problem that is a bit more than customer relations this time.
A dead woman is found draped over a Ferrari in the car showroom. at the casino.
At the same time there is a World Series of Poker tournament being held as well and high rollers are coming in from all over to play.
The tournament attracts all the hookers, thieves, cheaters, media looking to score as well.
Meanwhile her personal life is heating up.
How is one supposed to keep up with it all !
If you like Janet Evanivich you might like this as well.
Funny, irreverent one liners and a what the heck, full speed ahead approach to life!
January 24, 2017
I really enjoy the Lucky stories but I don't understand how she always becomes embroiled in the murders and other things that happen. And bringing back Teddy just as she hooks up with the French Chef? Ouch. Lots of twists and turns in these stories. Lucky seems super human at times. I'd like to actually get more detail about Lucky herself. Maybe from some other character's point of view, she's hard to get a handle on as far as what she looks like. Tall, but that's about all that's really said. I need a better description of her, she is kind of blurry in my mind unlike the majority of the other characters. I even went back to the first book looking for descriptions. Not much there.
June 23, 2020
More murders for Lucky. This time a little closer to home. Fancy shoes, fancy cars, double crossing poker players. What's not to like? Lucky still reeling over Teddie & having Jean Charles pursue her she's stuck smack dab in the middle of solving the problem of murder along with Romeo, Dane, The Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock & Ms P. Another great mystery trying to figure out who done it as the pieces fall together & then explode all over.
March 1, 2017
This was the first in the series that I read. Some of it was not totally believable but I was entertained. I laughed a lot and I was able to follow the plot. Lucky is a little snarky but I loved it. I enjoined the mystery/romance aspect of the novel. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
January 26, 2019
I really enjoy the Lucky series. I just wish the novella wouldn't have ruined the ending. The novellas are completely out of order, but the main books are fun with a strong and smart leading female character.
April 8, 2019
Wow, another great story and I just love Lucky. Lucky is at it again trying to solve a crime while dealing with her personal life and her family life. Can Lucky catch a killer? Or will a killer get away with a murder? Can Lucky find a balance between work and her personal life ??
April 15, 2019
Must read
I thought it was a mindful book. I have lucked all of Lucky O'toole be so far. I am still not sure I want her with the chef. I do liked Teddie, but I am warming up to Jean-Charles. I can't wait to read the next book
I thought it was a mindful book. I have lucked all of Lucky O'toole be so far. I am still not sure I want her with the chef. I do liked Teddie, but I am warming up to Jean-Charles. I can't wait to read the next book
April 22, 2019
This installment was better than the last, but I think I'll be taking a break from the series. Lucky's constant whining about being tired is making me tired of the series. Still love the setting and the characters so I will revisit another time.
July 26, 2019
Fourth book in the Lucky O’Toole series. Part usual, the Las Vegas setting is the attraction for me, with a major poker tournament serving as the backdrop to the murder mystery. The title doesn’t seem to have any bearing on the plot.
May 20, 2020
Least favorite in the series for a few reasons: I wasn’t digging the love interest story, the mystery didn’t grab me and one scene was so completely unbelievable that I had a hard time getting back into the story. I will check out the next book but Lucky may be winding down for me.
February 26, 2021
Mystery, love, families, murder
Once again we go on an adventure with Lucky. She encounters characters drawn magically alive, good, bad, loving, violent. Thrilling up to the almost unexpected ending!
Once again we go on an adventure with Lucky. She encounters characters drawn magically alive, good, bad, loving, violent. Thrilling up to the almost unexpected ending!
June 17, 2023
This Lucky series is addictive. Great beach read. I've never seen the glamor and glitter of Las Vegas, so it's enjoyable to see it through Lucky's eyes. Lucky is relatable and fun. A little mystery tempered with humor and realistic romance make this a nice getaway.
September 13, 2017
Love this series.
March 6, 2018
This is the lasts in the series that my library can get. Will now start downloading them.
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