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A Darcy Walker Side Hustle Mystery: Season One #1
Side Hustle: Season One, Episode 1
All three episodes of Season One are now combined on all platforms in a full length novel named Side Hustle.
Darcy Walker excels at lies, deception, and outthinking the bad guys. She has the résumé to prove it. While waiting to attend the police academy, she takes her talents into pizza delivery. Little does she know, life as a delivery driver isn’t all pizza and wings.
On a late-night run to a customer’s home, Darcy’s delivery turns deadly. She stumbles into a murder mystery straight out of a Hollywood script—a blood-soaked crime scene with no known witnesses except a suspicious man with a Mona Lisa smile. To compound the trifecta, the victim appears to have a past he’s been trying to outrun. Uncovering his secret-filled life leads Darcy and some new friends on a high-voltage journey, intersecting with a former adversary.
When shadows of this old enemy surface, Darcy realizes black and white are an absolute as sure as the sun’s rotation. One wrong move could keep her from the academy, and one screw up could mean a friend of hers breathes his last breath.
In Side Hustle, solving crime takes a backseat to the moral dilemma she’s placed in: protect her dream or keep a friend alive. Will Darcy uncover who murdered her customer? Or will a Grim Reaper from the past end her and her friends’ lives first?
Readers call the Darcy Walker Series Stephanie Plum meets Veronica Mars meets The Blacklist in this #1 Amazon Bestseller in Teens Mysteries & Thrillers, Spies & Detective Stores.
Grab this humorous, nail-biting mystery today!
Darcy Walker excels at lies, deception, and outthinking the bad guys. She has the résumé to prove it. While waiting to attend the police academy, she takes her talents into pizza delivery. Little does she know, life as a delivery driver isn’t all pizza and wings.
On a late-night run to a customer’s home, Darcy’s delivery turns deadly. She stumbles into a murder mystery straight out of a Hollywood script—a blood-soaked crime scene with no known witnesses except a suspicious man with a Mona Lisa smile. To compound the trifecta, the victim appears to have a past he’s been trying to outrun. Uncovering his secret-filled life leads Darcy and some new friends on a high-voltage journey, intersecting with a former adversary.
When shadows of this old enemy surface, Darcy realizes black and white are an absolute as sure as the sun’s rotation. One wrong move could keep her from the academy, and one screw up could mean a friend of hers breathes his last breath.
In Side Hustle, solving crime takes a backseat to the moral dilemma she’s placed in: protect her dream or keep a friend alive. Will Darcy uncover who murdered her customer? Or will a Grim Reaper from the past end her and her friends’ lives first?
Readers call the Darcy Walker Series Stephanie Plum meets Veronica Mars meets The Blacklist in this #1 Amazon Bestseller in Teens Mysteries & Thrillers, Spies & Detective Stores.
Grab this humorous, nail-biting mystery today!
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2018
About the author
A.J. Lape
30 books558 followersWhere crime and comedy collide…
A.J. Lape writes stories where danger lurks around every corner and laughter is never in short supply. From thrilling teen mysteries to heart-pounding crime thrillers, her wickedly clever pen crafts tales with unstoppable she-roes and anti-heroes flirting with the road to redemption.
She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters who pop in for cash, and a spoiled Boston Terrier. A graduate of Morehead State University with an MA in Communications, she’s a freelance writer and PI wannabe with an addiction to cold brew.
You can spot her online engaging with fans, double-tapping animal reels, or binge-watching food videos that she sometimes successfully recreates in the kitchen.
Sign up for A.J.'s newsletter by visiting her homepage and filling out the pop-up form.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.ajlape.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajlapewrites/
X: http://twitter.com/ajlape
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorajlape
Fan Club & Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajlap...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ajlape/
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Email: aj(at)ajlape(dot)com
A.J. Lape writes stories where danger lurks around every corner and laughter is never in short supply. From thrilling teen mysteries to heart-pounding crime thrillers, her wickedly clever pen crafts tales with unstoppable she-roes and anti-heroes flirting with the road to redemption.
She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters who pop in for cash, and a spoiled Boston Terrier. A graduate of Morehead State University with an MA in Communications, she’s a freelance writer and PI wannabe with an addiction to cold brew.
You can spot her online engaging with fans, double-tapping animal reels, or binge-watching food videos that she sometimes successfully recreates in the kitchen.
Sign up for A.J.'s newsletter by visiting her homepage and filling out the pop-up form.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.ajlape.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajlapewrites/
X: http://twitter.com/ajlape
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorajlape
Fan Club & Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajlap...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ajlape/
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Email: aj(at)ajlape(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Want to Read
December 20, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2018)!💝
Join Darcy Walker in season one of Side Hustle, a three-part serial where she leaves the Cincinnati, Ohio area for the bright lights and bustling action of Los Angeles, California. Crimes are darker, people are more colorful, but one thing remains the same—Darcy Walker solves crime one way: living life like a verb.
Join Darcy Walker in season one of Side Hustle, a three-part serial where she leaves the Cincinnati, Ohio area for the bright lights and bustling action of Los Angeles, California. Crimes are darker, people are more colorful, but one thing remains the same—Darcy Walker solves crime one way: living life like a verb.
July 1, 2018
The Verb is Back!!
Oh how I’ve missed Darcy!! She’s back fighting crime (and delivering pizzas) in LA. I devoured this book in one sitting and need more. Like right now!
Oh how I’ve missed Darcy!! She’s back fighting crime (and delivering pizzas) in LA. I devoured this book in one sitting and need more. Like right now!
Want to Read
May 6, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
June 29, 2018
I absolutely missed Darcy! AJ has done it again with Darcys quick wit, uncanny ability to find herself in a pickle With another dead body, and the need to find the truth even if she gets herself into trouble. Dylan is back, their love is strong. The twists and turns of who done it keep you guessing, and the men in Darcys life that are questionable come through for her in the most interesting ways. I can’t wait for more laughs, more Tricky situations, and plenty of Darcy a Walker tricks to come.
If you love Veronica Mars you’ll love Darcy Walker.
If you love Veronica Mars you’ll love Darcy Walker.
June 28, 2018
Brilliant
As always fabulous, highly recommend this book. Can not wait for the next part as I was a bit disappointed that it left a cliffhanger ending.
As always fabulous, highly recommend this book. Can not wait for the next part as I was a bit disappointed that it left a cliffhanger ending.
May 4, 2019
I was a little sad that this series picked up 3 years after graduation, I mean what trouble did Darcy get into during that time?? Again this is a wonderful series that draws you right in and holds you to the very end, leaving you wanting more! The characters are wonderful, you feel like you know everyone and have a relationship with them all. You will find yourself laughing at Darcy's sense of humor and cheering for her all the way!
July 20, 2018
I have MISSED this girl! Her new life has not disappointed. Darcy manages to find the most interesting people and places. Can't wait for episode 2.
December 30, 2018
NeW series for me...
Fun light book with many happenings. Words are a little street wise so recommend for young adult and up! Looking for episode 2
Fun light book with many happenings. Words are a little street wise so recommend for young adult and up! Looking for episode 2
July 19, 2018
Side Hustle by A.J. Lape has the confusing subtitle “Season 1, Episode 1.” I am reading a book on Kindle wondering how this would play out as a television series. Throughout the reading experience, I imagine who might play Darcy. Her physical descriptions of the creepy people she met were well done and provoked instant images of eccentric, crazy, weird, and perverted characters. As an example: “I knocked on his door with my elbow, dodging raindrops the size of butterflies. After a six-beat, Packer creaked his door wide, clad in pink women’s underwear and wearing a neon-green wig that hit him at the thigh. Packer was tall and thin with a mesh infinity scarf wound around his neck and an overbite that looked Cro-Magnon. Flipping his hair around like Cher, he flashed me a hairy butt cheek complements of a G-string that was along the scale of a shoe string. In Cincinnati, he would’ve been dragged in for public indecency. In LA, it was par for the course.” (Kindle locations 52-56).
This is an example of Lape’s writing style as the author colorfully describes only one of the many, many characters Darcy will encounter. She is trying to lead an independent, self-financed existence on the earnings of a pizza delivery driver in Los Angeles. As a former resident of San Francisco, I cannot imagine how this could be done in the even more expensive environment that is Los Angeles. Fortunately, she didn’t have to pay rent, a major expense. She had been offered a room in the home of Detective Lincoln Taylor and his family. Lincoln, the father of her boyfriend, had an eight-room two-story home with views of a canyon in a gated community. A successful son and daughter had given the home (price: eight figures) to Lincoln as a gift. Darcy had offered to pay rent, an offer that Lincoln and wife Alexandra refused. After all, she was to marry their son, a student away at college who had won the Heisman trophy only once although he had been nominated three times. Are we in the realm of fantasy yet?
A lot of suspension of disbelief is required when reading this story. Why is Darcy working as a pizza delivery driver? She is waiting to go to the police academy. In California, graduates of a police academy must be twenty-one years of age to carry a gun. Darcy was waiting out the time so that she could meet the requirement. She wanted to be a cop and advance to detective as soon as possible so she could work alongside Lincoln. In an earlier series describing Darcy in high school, Darcy had several adventures involving dead bodies, kidnappings, and stabbings. When Darcy delivered pizza to a dead customer who was missing half his face due to a bullet wound, Darcy decided to get a jump on the experience of solving a murder. She examined a crime scene, gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses and subjects, some of whom police had not discovered. Did I mention the element of fantasy?
This is an entertaining, light, surface level novel that should interest the YA crowd and has an interesting element for older readers. The use of slang and abbreviations that are up-to-date and modern might confuse older readers. Some terms even confuse Darcy who informs readers that she will have to consult the Urban Dictionary. If there are some readers who are unfamiliar with this dictionary, check it out online. It can be entertaining or shocking all by itself. Unfortunately, I have students who try to use it as a credible reference source. In the near past, that would be like reading The Onion for credible political and social news. In the present day, The Onion may be threatened with extinction by the true-to-life absurd reality show that is Washington D. C. At any rate, after this digression, I decided not to look up the terms unfamiliar to me. As with many entries in the Urban Dictionary, the terms have an incredibly short shelf life and are sufficiently clear in context.
For language alone, this is worth reading as a break from routine. The humor is sometimes forced but those who like puns and innuendo will appreciate the attempts. I am sure I will go back and read at least one of the “high school” books. When I get the time. I gave this novel four stars just because it is clever. I would not recommend it to my students of English as a foreign language. It would reinforce their belief in the credibility of the Urban Dictionary.
This is an example of Lape’s writing style as the author colorfully describes only one of the many, many characters Darcy will encounter. She is trying to lead an independent, self-financed existence on the earnings of a pizza delivery driver in Los Angeles. As a former resident of San Francisco, I cannot imagine how this could be done in the even more expensive environment that is Los Angeles. Fortunately, she didn’t have to pay rent, a major expense. She had been offered a room in the home of Detective Lincoln Taylor and his family. Lincoln, the father of her boyfriend, had an eight-room two-story home with views of a canyon in a gated community. A successful son and daughter had given the home (price: eight figures) to Lincoln as a gift. Darcy had offered to pay rent, an offer that Lincoln and wife Alexandra refused. After all, she was to marry their son, a student away at college who had won the Heisman trophy only once although he had been nominated three times. Are we in the realm of fantasy yet?
A lot of suspension of disbelief is required when reading this story. Why is Darcy working as a pizza delivery driver? She is waiting to go to the police academy. In California, graduates of a police academy must be twenty-one years of age to carry a gun. Darcy was waiting out the time so that she could meet the requirement. She wanted to be a cop and advance to detective as soon as possible so she could work alongside Lincoln. In an earlier series describing Darcy in high school, Darcy had several adventures involving dead bodies, kidnappings, and stabbings. When Darcy delivered pizza to a dead customer who was missing half his face due to a bullet wound, Darcy decided to get a jump on the experience of solving a murder. She examined a crime scene, gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses and subjects, some of whom police had not discovered. Did I mention the element of fantasy?
This is an entertaining, light, surface level novel that should interest the YA crowd and has an interesting element for older readers. The use of slang and abbreviations that are up-to-date and modern might confuse older readers. Some terms even confuse Darcy who informs readers that she will have to consult the Urban Dictionary. If there are some readers who are unfamiliar with this dictionary, check it out online. It can be entertaining or shocking all by itself. Unfortunately, I have students who try to use it as a credible reference source. In the near past, that would be like reading The Onion for credible political and social news. In the present day, The Onion may be threatened with extinction by the true-to-life absurd reality show that is Washington D. C. At any rate, after this digression, I decided not to look up the terms unfamiliar to me. As with many entries in the Urban Dictionary, the terms have an incredibly short shelf life and are sufficiently clear in context.
For language alone, this is worth reading as a break from routine. The humor is sometimes forced but those who like puns and innuendo will appreciate the attempts. I am sure I will go back and read at least one of the “high school” books. When I get the time. I gave this novel four stars just because it is clever. I would not recommend it to my students of English as a foreign language. It would reinforce their belief in the credibility of the Urban Dictionary.
June 25, 2018
Finally a new Darcy book! I feel like I’ve been waiting For-Ever for this. If you haven’t read the previous books, I do suggest that you do before reading this. You don’t have to, but you will know more about Darcy and how this isn’t her first dead body that she’s found. I’m pretty positive it won’t be her last either.
Now this is a serial, so things aren’t tied up. We are left with a pretty big cliff hanger.
Darcy now lives in LA, delivering pizzas until she’s old enough to go to the police academy.
This book will have you laughing. But you can expect that with any Darcy book. And some worries.
I’m not usually one for YA reads, but will drop all my other reads to read about Darcy.
This is a must read!
We do get some of our favorite characters from the previous books.
Jester is still in the game, so is Jaws.
Dylan will still have grown women swooning. But now you won’t feel like such a perv because he’s out of highschool lol.
There are some new characters also. Not sure how I feel about all of them.
Just read this!
Now on the the next! I’m dying because I had to wait to start it!
Now this is a serial, so things aren’t tied up. We are left with a pretty big cliff hanger.
Darcy now lives in LA, delivering pizzas until she’s old enough to go to the police academy.
This book will have you laughing. But you can expect that with any Darcy book. And some worries.
I’m not usually one for YA reads, but will drop all my other reads to read about Darcy.
This is a must read!
We do get some of our favorite characters from the previous books.
Jester is still in the game, so is Jaws.
Dylan will still have grown women swooning. But now you won’t feel like such a perv because he’s out of highschool lol.
There are some new characters also. Not sure how I feel about all of them.
Just read this!
Now on the the next! I’m dying because I had to wait to start it!
June 25, 2018
Let me start by saying that I love The Darcy Walker series. It is one of my all-time favourite reads. When it had finished I felt disappointed because it had come to an end. Then I saw this being advertised and squealed. At first I was a bit apprehensive about it being a serial, but my love of Darcy made me jump straight back in. Of course, at 3am I discovered it was released and couldn't wait to devour it.
Darcy is now living with Lincoln in California and working delivering pizzas whilst Dylan is at college in Florida.
Firstly... I need more of Dylan and Darcy. So if the author is reading this then gimme, gimme, gimme.
Secondly... I love this book. No scrap that. I floved it. Typical Darcy getting into the thick of things whilst waiting to join the Police Academy.
Thirdly... I need more. I haven't checked when the second one is released yet, but I am sure it is soon. I really need to know what happens next.
Lastly... Thank you A.J. Lape for giving us more of Darcy. I can see that she is slowly coming out of YA and I can't wait to see where this season takes me. I hope you will keep giving us Darcy book forever.
Darcy is now living with Lincoln in California and working delivering pizzas whilst Dylan is at college in Florida.
Firstly... I need more of Dylan and Darcy. So if the author is reading this then gimme, gimme, gimme.
Secondly... I love this book. No scrap that. I floved it. Typical Darcy getting into the thick of things whilst waiting to join the Police Academy.
Thirdly... I need more. I haven't checked when the second one is released yet, but I am sure it is soon. I really need to know what happens next.
Lastly... Thank you A.J. Lape for giving us more of Darcy. I can see that she is slowly coming out of YA and I can't wait to see where this season takes me. I hope you will keep giving us Darcy book forever.
July 1, 2018
Continuing Story. Part 1/3
there is no mini story arc for just this novel. This book reads like one book divided into three and not book sequels. Maybe that's what book 'episodes' are??
Reading this book there's still that feeling of craziness of too many things going on in Darcy's life that I felt from the other Darcy Walker books. AJ still is able to pull off some emotional moments and continues to tease us with scenes with Darcy's boyfriend, Dylan.
I sometimes equate the level of involvement of Dylan in the book like the boyfriend/husband in the Shopaholics series. Meaning, I sooo want more of him because I love him too much, but the story of the independent protagonist wouldn't work as well if they were glued at the hip.
Darcy has changed a bit to show some differences from high school. She's getting a little bit more into cursing and coffee but still has no problems finding murder and mayhem and handsome flirts.
I bought this book when it first came out so I'm waiting for book two to come out in a few weeks.
there is no mini story arc for just this novel. This book reads like one book divided into three and not book sequels. Maybe that's what book 'episodes' are??
Reading this book there's still that feeling of craziness of too many things going on in Darcy's life that I felt from the other Darcy Walker books. AJ still is able to pull off some emotional moments and continues to tease us with scenes with Darcy's boyfriend, Dylan.
I sometimes equate the level of involvement of Dylan in the book like the boyfriend/husband in the Shopaholics series. Meaning, I sooo want more of him because I love him too much, but the story of the independent protagonist wouldn't work as well if they were glued at the hip.
Darcy has changed a bit to show some differences from high school. She's getting a little bit more into cursing and coffee but still has no problems finding murder and mayhem and handsome flirts.
I bought this book when it first came out so I'm waiting for book two to come out in a few weeks.
June 29, 2021
It is no surprise that I am a huge Darcy Walker fan. When I was given the chance to pre-read this before it came out I had to take it. Just because Darcy is in L.A. and has grown up, she's still the same loveable, goofy, unfortunate gal she was in high school. Pretty much nothing has changed with the exception of her zip code. I was so engrossed I had to tell myself to slow down because I didn't want it to be over too fast. When I came to the end, I was devastated. Cue the mental image of me falling on my knees screaming at the heavens "Why God? Why?!" You'd better believe I pre-ordered all the episodes!
August 1, 2018
Side Hustle: Season One, Episode 1 (Darcy Walker Side Hustle Story: Season One)
by A.J. Lape
So, let's begin with..I don't like serials. I waited for the first three episodes to post before diving in, even though I was excited to read more about Darcy's antics. I have also been looking forward to these characters growing up, and Lape did not disappoint. Side Hustle is off to a wonderful start. 4.5 for me, just because I am not a serial reader.
by A.J. Lape
So, let's begin with..I don't like serials. I waited for the first three episodes to post before diving in, even though I was excited to read more about Darcy's antics. I have also been looking forward to these characters growing up, and Lape did not disappoint. Side Hustle is off to a wonderful start. 4.5 for me, just because I am not a serial reader.
June 26, 2018
Darcy is a strong and interesting character, with a wide set of acquaintances that are weird and fascinating. Her story is quite imaginative and has many fun details. However, this episode ends with more cliffhangers than all the episodes of a Saturday serial. All the players move into position, the suspense grows, then nothing.
June 30, 2020
Great mystery
This book kept you on your toes until the end.. The main character was really off the charts. Unfortunately the ending left you hanging and wanting more.Can't wait to read the next book..
This book kept you on your toes until the end.. The main character was really off the charts. Unfortunately the ending left you hanging and wanting more.Can't wait to read the next book..
August 1, 2023
Beware of raging cliffhangers
Very well written. Refreshing action
with a sense of dry humor. Crimey rather than sexy. Quite enjoyable.
Darcy is quite the heroine lots of loose ends in the last pages.
Very well written. Refreshing action
with a sense of dry humor. Crimey rather than sexy. Quite enjoyable.
Darcy is quite the heroine lots of loose ends in the last pages.
July 12, 2018
Darcy Walker has moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer. Although she is a couple of years older and a little more wiser, somehow trouble seems to always find her.
While out working her pizza delivery job Darcy stumbles upon a murder scene. Despite the fact that she isn't in the police academy yet Darcy can't help but want to solve this case. With some help from old and new friends she starts to investigate on her own. While Dective Adler might question her ability she is determined to prove him wrong.
Darcy is no damsel in distress. She's a heroine with a back bone. She doesn't care what other peoples opinions of her are and she has no problem facing her problems head on.
Episode one is filled with action, drama, and suspense. Hold on to your seatbealt because it will definitely be a bumpy ride.
While out working her pizza delivery job Darcy stumbles upon a murder scene. Despite the fact that she isn't in the police academy yet Darcy can't help but want to solve this case. With some help from old and new friends she starts to investigate on her own. While Dective Adler might question her ability she is determined to prove him wrong.
Darcy is no damsel in distress. She's a heroine with a back bone. She doesn't care what other peoples opinions of her are and she has no problem facing her problems head on.
Episode one is filled with action, drama, and suspense. Hold on to your seatbealt because it will definitely be a bumpy ride.
July 8, 2021
I really enjoyed the original Darcy series, and this keeps up with all of her shenanigans.
This book is dear to me because it covers my old stomping grounds, UCLA (go Bruins!). While is clear the author did research the area, there were some errors.
Still the plot was crazy and unpredictable (to me anyway). Lots of swoon-worthy characters, fun nick names, and total laugh-out-loud moments. It's definitely worth a read if you're a fan of Darcy, mystery, or random humor.
This book is dear to me because it covers my old stomping grounds, UCLA (go Bruins!). While is clear the author did research the area, there were some errors.
Still the plot was crazy and unpredictable (to me anyway). Lots of swoon-worthy characters, fun nick names, and total laugh-out-loud moments. It's definitely worth a read if you're a fan of Darcy, mystery, or random humor.
July 10, 2018
Oh wow!!!
That right it’s finally here!!! I’ve been waiting for more of Dylan and Darcy to arrive and it was definitely worth the wait!!
Darcy’s at it again, but this time she’s on new turf. Working as a puzzle delivery driver and living life to its fullest!!
Side Hustle is a million laughs a minute but it also has a few gasp worthy moments... like that ending... why?!?! I can’t wait to read book two to see what happens.
That right it’s finally here!!! I’ve been waiting for more of Dylan and Darcy to arrive and it was definitely worth the wait!!
Darcy’s at it again, but this time she’s on new turf. Working as a puzzle delivery driver and living life to its fullest!!
Side Hustle is a million laughs a minute but it also has a few gasp worthy moments... like that ending... why?!?! I can’t wait to read book two to see what happens.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews