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Dead-End Job Mystery #5
Murder Unleashed
From Anthony and Agatha Award-winning author Elaine Viets—the thrilling mystery series about one woman trying to make a living... while other people are making a killing.
At the Pampered Pet Boutique in Fort Lauderdale, the dogs are treated better than the people—a fact not lost on Helen Hawthorne, who is working at the fabulous and furry canine salon where the wealthy dog owners need a muzzle more than their beloved pets.
And while some things shouldn’t happen to a dog, they do happen to humans—as Helen discovers when she drives out to the lavish home of Tammie Grimsby to deliver a freshly fluffed Yorkie, only to find Tammie stabbed to death with a pair of grooming scissors. In a panic, Helen speeds out of there—but she doesn’t report the murder, lest her own criminal past come to light.
But that doesn’t mean she can’t look into the stabbing on the sly. As Helen sniffs around both the boutique and a growing list of pure breed suspects, she knows that her bark will have to be worse than her bite if she’s going to put the collar on a killer…
Praise for the Dead-End Job Mysteries by Anthony and Agatha Award-winning author Elaine Viets
“A stubborn and intelligent heroine, a wonderful South Florida setting, and a cast of more-or-less lethal bimbos...I loved this book.”—Charlaine Harris
“Brave Viets preps by actually working the jobs she describes in loving and hilarious detail, giving her offbeat series a healthy balance between the banal and the bizarre.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Laugh-out-loud comedy with enough twists and turns to make it to the top of the mystery bestseller charts.” —Florida Today
“Fans of Janet Evanovich and Parnell Hall will appreciate Viets’s humor.”—South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“Wit, murder, and sunshine . . . it must be Florida. I love this new series.”—Nancy Pickard
“A heroine with a sense of humor and a gift for snappy dialogue.”—Jane Heller
At the Pampered Pet Boutique in Fort Lauderdale, the dogs are treated better than the people—a fact not lost on Helen Hawthorne, who is working at the fabulous and furry canine salon where the wealthy dog owners need a muzzle more than their beloved pets.
And while some things shouldn’t happen to a dog, they do happen to humans—as Helen discovers when she drives out to the lavish home of Tammie Grimsby to deliver a freshly fluffed Yorkie, only to find Tammie stabbed to death with a pair of grooming scissors. In a panic, Helen speeds out of there—but she doesn’t report the murder, lest her own criminal past come to light.
But that doesn’t mean she can’t look into the stabbing on the sly. As Helen sniffs around both the boutique and a growing list of pure breed suspects, she knows that her bark will have to be worse than her bite if she’s going to put the collar on a killer…
Praise for the Dead-End Job Mysteries by Anthony and Agatha Award-winning author Elaine Viets
“A stubborn and intelligent heroine, a wonderful South Florida setting, and a cast of more-or-less lethal bimbos...I loved this book.”—Charlaine Harris
“Brave Viets preps by actually working the jobs she describes in loving and hilarious detail, giving her offbeat series a healthy balance between the banal and the bizarre.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Laugh-out-loud comedy with enough twists and turns to make it to the top of the mystery bestseller charts.” —Florida Today
“Fans of Janet Evanovich and Parnell Hall will appreciate Viets’s humor.”—South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“Wit, murder, and sunshine . . . it must be Florida. I love this new series.”—Nancy Pickard
“A heroine with a sense of humor and a gift for snappy dialogue.”—Jane Heller
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
191 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Viets
84 books570 followersAs a young girl, Elaine Viets was taught the virtues of South St. Louis: the importance of hard work, housecleaning, and paying cash. She managed to forget almost everything she learned, which is why she turned to mystery writing.
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 27, 2020
Another good instalment in the cozy series of Dead End Job Mysteries. It was well paced except for the last 6 or so chapters. There are two murders. One is that of an ageing trophy wife, the other of an owner of a million making dog for advertising.
I'm very laid back with cozies and give them all the benefit of the doubt. When that is denied to our heroine, Helen Hawthorne, she makes it her business to find out the murderers. That is the logic behind her escapades.
Frankly it was fun just going along with her adventures. Forget the fine points of the plot. Just go along with the ride. This book can be read as a standalone. I didn't buy the ending's tone. Too artistically starving for recognition in the eyes of readers. That's it.
I'm very laid back with cozies and give them all the benefit of the doubt. When that is denied to our heroine, Helen Hawthorne, she makes it her business to find out the murderers. That is the logic behind her escapades.
Frankly it was fun just going along with her adventures. Forget the fine points of the plot. Just go along with the ride. This book can be read as a standalone. I didn't buy the ending's tone. Too artistically starving for recognition in the eyes of readers. That's it.
January 25, 2021
I started this author's series out of order because I didn't want to wait for the first book to come in (I ordered them from my local library) and got hooked! I read all her books in the series in just 2 weeks! I just loved them all!
I wanted to read books set in Florida, where I live, but in an area where I don't live (I live in the Tampa Bay area and these are set in South Florida, Broward county, Fort Lauderdale area). They are SO entertaining, especially when she interlaces tidbits that apply just to living in Florida, and tidbits to just living in that area of Florida as well. I really, really enjoyed all the stories. Very entertaining!
The characters are defined well which makes the story seem like your neighbors next door. These neighbors are also very good friends who share in the simple life. And not only that, they do almost anything for each other as well which gives the stories a touch of sensitivity, warmth and friendship, much needed in today's world.
I loved this book because I love animals too and the story gives you a little bit of a view of what it would be like to work in a pet grooming salon serving well-to-do, eccentric clients; very unique perspective to me.
I highly recommend it. This is a fast-paced, funny and truly Floridian cozy mystery.
NOTE: Read it again October 12,2016 and enjoyed it again.
NOTE: Read it again January 10, 2019 and really enjoyed it again. 😀
NOTE: Read it again January 25, 2021. 😊
I wanted to read books set in Florida, where I live, but in an area where I don't live (I live in the Tampa Bay area and these are set in South Florida, Broward county, Fort Lauderdale area). They are SO entertaining, especially when she interlaces tidbits that apply just to living in Florida, and tidbits to just living in that area of Florida as well. I really, really enjoyed all the stories. Very entertaining!
The characters are defined well which makes the story seem like your neighbors next door. These neighbors are also very good friends who share in the simple life. And not only that, they do almost anything for each other as well which gives the stories a touch of sensitivity, warmth and friendship, much needed in today's world.
I loved this book because I love animals too and the story gives you a little bit of a view of what it would be like to work in a pet grooming salon serving well-to-do, eccentric clients; very unique perspective to me.
I highly recommend it. This is a fast-paced, funny and truly Floridian cozy mystery.
NOTE: Read it again October 12,2016 and enjoyed it again.
NOTE: Read it again January 10, 2019 and really enjoyed it again. 😀
NOTE: Read it again January 25, 2021. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2013
This mystery is entertaining and fun, which is just how I like them. I appreciate that Helen is learning and growing from her experiences. I can not identify with how people treat their pets better than most people treat other people. I am more of a people person. I could identify with some of the characters at the pet store and Helen's apartment complex. This was interesting and I look forward to reading more of this series.
July 10, 2016
Loved this book so much it earned my coveted 5 star rating.. Published 10 years ago as the cozy genre as we know it today was emerging, this book is a wonderful example of what a great cozy should be.. Great mystery, many re-herrings, continuing character development of Helen, with her romance to Phil important and developing, but not at the expense of the pace of the mystery.. A quick but very engaging read; I could barely put it down! Looking forward to the next one in the series..
March 18, 2012
I'm glad I stuck with this - I always gave up after reading the first 50 pages, but it is a light read so I kept going. It was entertaining; not sure if I will read any others in the series, but this was good for a light weekend of reading!
November 17, 2012
I was a little disappointed in this book for reasons I'm not sure about. Normally when I start a Dead End Job book I can't put it down but I could put this one down. It was still good, just missing something.
March 31, 2018
This one was especially satisfying, both in the solutions to the mysteries (everybody seemed to have a secret!) and in a resolution in Helen's personal life. I may be addicted to this series. What a good thing there are still plenty more to go.
February 21, 2010
Wow! Great plot twists and turns in this one! Loved the grocery store scene near the end! Remind me not to shoot my mouth off about "crazy old ladies" in the produce section!
April 27, 2013
If I wasn't so interested in the characters, I'd probably give up on this series. As it was, I skipped a few chapters through the boring rehashing of prior storylines and endless speculation.
July 8, 2015
Just a mindless, fun read.
Enjoyed it taking place in Ft. Lauderdale and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL (some details changed)
Enjoyed it taking place in Ft. Lauderdale and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL (some details changed)
September 28, 2018
I LOVE the Dead-End Job Mystery series by Elaine Viets !! Murder Unleashed is the fifth book in this series and as soon as you open the book and start reading, you are home. You feel like you are a tenant at the Coronado Tropics Apartments drinking a glass of boxed wine by the pool.
You will also love the dead end job she has in this book....working at a high end pet boutique where pet owners will spend lots of money on their pets especially getting groomed by a very talented, highly glamourous stylist.
Unfortunately as is Helen's luck, while returning a dog to it's owner in a guarded community, the owner is found dead and naked lounging by the pool. As the residents of the Coronado get ready for a hurricane heading in their direction, Helen is on the hunt for the killer..... Once the debris from the hurricane settles and the rain stops, another customer of the Pampered Pet Boutique is found dead and a famous dog is missing and everything seems to point to Helen !!
I love following around with Helen, Margery and crew and the adventures they go on. It is never a dull moment while reading this series. As soon as I finish one book, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series....especially when Helen is already on her way to the next adventure at the end of the current book.
You will also love the dead end job she has in this book....working at a high end pet boutique where pet owners will spend lots of money on their pets especially getting groomed by a very talented, highly glamourous stylist.
Unfortunately as is Helen's luck, while returning a dog to it's owner in a guarded community, the owner is found dead and naked lounging by the pool. As the residents of the Coronado get ready for a hurricane heading in their direction, Helen is on the hunt for the killer..... Once the debris from the hurricane settles and the rain stops, another customer of the Pampered Pet Boutique is found dead and a famous dog is missing and everything seems to point to Helen !!
I love following around with Helen, Margery and crew and the adventures they go on. It is never a dull moment while reading this series. As soon as I finish one book, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series....especially when Helen is already on her way to the next adventure at the end of the current book.
September 16, 2021
Just when Helen thinks she has found a safe place to work, it all goes to the dogs.
Working for a pet grooming shop, she never expected to slap dab in the middle of a dog custody case and not one but two murders.
She has no choice but to button down the hatches and find the missing dog and the killer or killers of not one but two women. She does this and more while keeping her true identity under wraps from the cops.
Helen's live life is heating up as well. She has to make a decision to reveal herself completely or lose out on love once again. The question is will she make herself a possible target? Her last
Working for a pet grooming shop, she never expected to slap dab in the middle of a dog custody case and not one but two murders.
She has no choice but to button down the hatches and find the missing dog and the killer or killers of not one but two women. She does this and more while keeping her true identity under wraps from the cops.
Helen's live life is heating up as well. She has to make a decision to reveal herself completely or lose out on love once again. The question is will she make herself a possible target? Her last
July 3, 2022
Murder at the Dog Groomer Shop
This book is the fifth in a series. This series really should be read in order. They are interesting mysteries with lots of twists and turns. Each book seems to be having more sex in it than the last. This is the second book in the series with some seriously twisted and kinky stuff going on. It is still third person and somewhat behind closed doors. I have been binge-reading the series. If the excessive sex stuff invades the next book, then I am done with the series.
This book is the fifth in a series. This series really should be read in order. They are interesting mysteries with lots of twists and turns. Each book seems to be having more sex in it than the last. This is the second book in the series with some seriously twisted and kinky stuff going on. It is still third person and somewhat behind closed doors. I have been binge-reading the series. If the excessive sex stuff invades the next book, then I am done with the series.
August 14, 2019
Light, fun read. Funny in places. The landlady is fabulous, but she, like everyone else, isn't developed much. But, hey, neither are the characters in Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Helen, our leading lady, jumps to a lot of conclusions, finds her life compares poorly to the store dog's (which sports jewelry, glitzy clothes, and fresh manicures all the time), but has gumption and a nice boyfriend.
Might pick up another in the series, but . . . might not.
Might pick up another in the series, but . . . might not.
April 13, 2020
Loved it!
I love this series!!!! I so enjoy these mysteries, sometimes I have to take a little break to try to let my brain catch up with her thinking, otherwise, I really don't like to put it down.
This was a real twister, thought I had it figured out, turns out I did, BUT had no idea why till the VERY LAST!!! WOW----very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Get it, read it, and enjoy.
I love this series!!!! I so enjoy these mysteries, sometimes I have to take a little break to try to let my brain catch up with her thinking, otherwise, I really don't like to put it down.
This was a real twister, thought I had it figured out, turns out I did, BUT had no idea why till the VERY LAST!!! WOW----very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Get it, read it, and enjoy.
February 28, 2024
I really like this series
Here is another interesting book by Elaine Viets. This lady sure writes incredibly well. This particular book has some sexual and illegal drug issues, so that might make some readers uncomfortable. The well presented characters and complicated plots will surely keep your interest. She writes so well, it makes you want to start into the next book as soon as you finish one. Wow!
Here is another interesting book by Elaine Viets. This lady sure writes incredibly well. This particular book has some sexual and illegal drug issues, so that might make some readers uncomfortable. The well presented characters and complicated plots will surely keep your interest. She writes so well, it makes you want to start into the next book as soon as you finish one. Wow!
June 27, 2017
Another installment in the Dead End Mystery series with most likeable heroine Helen. Nothing wrong with this book. It's a fun read. Not so sure about the hurricane part and why the residents didn't evacuate but it's fiction and hopefully people know not to risk their lives in real life. Loved the pet shop setting and all the canines in the book.
April 27, 2020
I'm glad I read this
The book is well written. It's not about katrina. It's a story about love and trust and figuring out who is the bad guy. It seems like a lot of the bad reviews were by survivors with ptsd. If you like cozy mysteries. And ones that aren't so cookie cutter you should enjoy this book
The book is well written. It's not about katrina. It's a story about love and trust and figuring out who is the bad guy. It seems like a lot of the bad reviews were by survivors with ptsd. If you like cozy mysteries. And ones that aren't so cookie cutter you should enjoy this book
September 30, 2018
I enjoyed the book. Even though I annoyed the lead character but Helen’s down the earth. I like that the author splits the book into small chapters. This made me be like craving a little more each time to finish the following chapter endlessly.
November 1, 2018
A "teacup" poodle is a poorly bred toy. There are only 3 poodle sizes. Standard, Miniature and toy. Geesh. Do some research before you write a book. I have been a groomer for 25 years. This book was really stupid.
January 12, 2020
Great funny and complex characters. This was nice to read since I was introduced to the series way later. I got to learn more about Helen and what makes her tick. Murder, dognapping and a hurricane pack a real punch.
June 18, 2020
Who knew that working at a pampered pets boutique could be so dangerous? Helen, of course! She has a knack for getting in the middle of things. Staying off the radar of law enforcement gets more difficult with each book in this series but so far, so good.
October 14, 2022
Helen has gone to the dogs. This time Helen gets involved with dog groomers and pet store owner. She still has a great relationship going with Phil. Will she blow it by not being honest with him about her past?
Read
May 9, 2025Gone to the dogs!
Another fun mystery in a high quality series! This varied cast of characters is wildly entertaining, the comedy surprises are refreshing, and the storytelling is well done.
Another fun mystery in a high quality series! This varied cast of characters is wildly entertaining, the comedy surprises are refreshing, and the storytelling is well done.
January 6, 2018
Elaine Viets is a standout author, and this book is no different.
September 19, 2017
Enjoyed.
February 9, 2019
This is the 5th in Viets's "Dead-end Job" series. This time Helen's job is at a high-end pet boutique/grooming salon in Florida.
October 18, 2019
A fun read.
March 12, 2020
I love this series! It's soooooo good!
April 16, 2020
I've been reading this series,out of order, on and off for several years. I really enjoy all of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews