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Laurel McKay Mysteries #7
Dying for a Deal
Laurel McKay Hunter is thrilled to partner with new husband, Tom, in their budding detective agency, Gold Country Investigations. With her past experience solving crimes, even Tom admits she’s a natural. And Laurel’s first case is perfect for her financial skills, extricating a friend of her zany grandmother from a Lake Tahoe timeshare scam.
When the timeshare salesman is found dead, with Gran’s fingerprints on the murder weapon, Laurel’s case jumps from money to mayhem to murder.
A second murder takes Laurel to the snow-capped summit of Heavenly Ski Resort, a boat race across Lake Tahoe, and a close encounter with a black bear. Soon the only thing certain is that someone is dead set on making Laurel’s first case her last.
"Don't miss the Laurel McKay books. Like me, you'll be 'dying' to read the next one."
Brenda Novak, N. Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
“Dying for a Deal, Book Seven of the Laurel McKay Mysteries, is another worthy addition to this crackerjack whodunit series. Known for their humorous dialog, fast pacing, and intriguing plots, this go-round author Cindy Sample offers the reader even more, highlighting Laurel's growth as a woman and sleuth. It is a total and complete delight.
Heather Haven, IPPY Award-Winning Author
“Sample’s sleuth is an endearing character readers will adore.”
RT Book Reviews
"Dying for a Deal showcases author Cindy Sample’s talent at dealing readers a mystery from a trick deck of cards complete with Jokers. Laughs, surprises, and danger mingle when Laurel McKay Hunter joins the PI agency formed by her detective husband and stepfather. Laurel’s first cases prove to be real killers as she takes on a shady Lake Tahoe timeshare resale company preying on old folks and attempts to shadow the fiancé of her former boss to determine if he’s cheating. The heroine’s whole lovable but wacky cast of friends and relatives add to the fun.”
Linda Lovely, Author of the Brie Hooker Mystery series
When the timeshare salesman is found dead, with Gran’s fingerprints on the murder weapon, Laurel’s case jumps from money to mayhem to murder.
A second murder takes Laurel to the snow-capped summit of Heavenly Ski Resort, a boat race across Lake Tahoe, and a close encounter with a black bear. Soon the only thing certain is that someone is dead set on making Laurel’s first case her last.
"Don't miss the Laurel McKay books. Like me, you'll be 'dying' to read the next one."
Brenda Novak, N. Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
“Dying for a Deal, Book Seven of the Laurel McKay Mysteries, is another worthy addition to this crackerjack whodunit series. Known for their humorous dialog, fast pacing, and intriguing plots, this go-round author Cindy Sample offers the reader even more, highlighting Laurel's growth as a woman and sleuth. It is a total and complete delight.
Heather Haven, IPPY Award-Winning Author
“Sample’s sleuth is an endearing character readers will adore.”
RT Book Reviews
"Dying for a Deal showcases author Cindy Sample’s talent at dealing readers a mystery from a trick deck of cards complete with Jokers. Laughs, surprises, and danger mingle when Laurel McKay Hunter joins the PI agency formed by her detective husband and stepfather. Laurel’s first cases prove to be real killers as she takes on a shady Lake Tahoe timeshare resale company preying on old folks and attempts to shadow the fiancé of her former boss to determine if he’s cheating. The heroine’s whole lovable but wacky cast of friends and relatives add to the fun.”
Linda Lovely, Author of the Brie Hooker Mystery series
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2018
89 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Sample
28 books207 followersCindy Sample is a former corporate CEO who decided plotting murder was more fun than plodding through paperwork. After one too many mergers,she retired to write her national bestselling and award-winning Laurel McKay Humorous mystery series set in the California Gold Country. Spindrift Cove Mysteries, her newest series, is set in Washington State, featuring Sierra Sullivan, a former cruise director.
Cindy is a five-time LEFTY Award finalist for best humorous mystery and a two-time SILVER FALCHION Award finalist for best traditional mystery. She is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and YWCA. Visit her website at www.cindysamplebooks.com
Cindy is a five-time LEFTY Award finalist for best humorous mystery and a two-time SILVER FALCHION Award finalist for best traditional mystery. She is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and YWCA. Visit her website at www.cindysamplebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 21, 2018
A superior cozy.
Laurel joins the PI firm started by her husband and stepfather. She's bored for two weeks, then her grandmother brings a potential client. It seems there's a lot of hijinx going on in the timeshare industry. Big surprise, I know.
Also Laurel's ex-boss hires her to shadow her fiance.
Laurel soon finds a murder, and finds herself in a whole mess of trouble.
A fun book. The author is local to my area, and it's fun to check places she mentions.
Laurel joins the PI firm started by her husband and stepfather. She's bored for two weeks, then her grandmother brings a potential client. It seems there's a lot of hijinx going on in the timeshare industry. Big surprise, I know.
Also Laurel's ex-boss hires her to shadow her fiance.
Laurel soon finds a murder, and finds herself in a whole mess of trouble.
A fun book. The author is local to my area, and it's fun to check places she mentions.
June 28, 2020
Cindy Sample is an outstanding author who is creating a wonderful series with great mysteries that have unexpected, but logical plot twists and delightful characters whom I would love to be able to "friend" on Facebook. Wait. Come to think of it, maybe I already have! This is a perfect addition to her series!
November 7, 2018
Another great addition to a locally-based series. Looking forward to more! 4.5*
June 11, 2018
An exciting and fun book - murder and mayhem along with some really funny quips makes this seventh entry in the Laurel McKay mysteries the best of the bunch. It's hard not to fall in love with Laurel - she has a knack for solving mysteries - all kinds of mysteries - including murders! She's also a mom, has three kids, a dog, a mother and a grandmother to deal with! Dying for a Deal is an exciting story - As a new private detective (along with her ex-cop husband) Laurel has a few cases thrown at her in this story. Dealing with criminals is no easy task - but, Laurel gets things done and has a pretty good ability to work out the cases. Author Cindy Sample has a wonderful writing style that keeps the reader invested - from the first page to the end. Well done!
May 30, 2018
DYING FOR A DEAL by Cindy Sample – Reviewed by Susan Coryell
Cindy Sample has done it again! Crafted a zinger of a story with her klutzy protagonist, Laurel McKay, now married to her detective husband, Tom, and joining him as a rooky detective in their own agency in Placerville, California.
Laurel’s very first case involves her grandmother and a friend, Iris, who want Laurel to investigate timeshare fraud. It does not take long for the feisty, spunky 89-year-old granny to find herself accused of murder when a timeshare employee turns up dead.
A second case quickly evolves as Laurel is hired to track the actions of Adriana’s fiancé, Gino, who appears to be running out with other women. Gino also winds up dead in a ski gondola.
The two cases dovetail somewhere between Tahoe and Reno in a series of near misses, wild chases (one on a jet ski) and slapdash detective work on Laurel’s part, all while she tries to maintain her blended family of three children and one totally undisciplined big, messy dog. Oh, and her friend, Liz, who is eight-months pregnant is along for the ride.
If you are a Cindy Sample fan, or even if you’ve never read any of her other Laurel McKay books, you will laugh out loud while cheering on the energetic, likeable and sometimes clueless heroine as she somehow successfully navigates the quirky parameters of crime.
A super summer read, highly recommended.
Cindy Sample has done it again! Crafted a zinger of a story with her klutzy protagonist, Laurel McKay, now married to her detective husband, Tom, and joining him as a rooky detective in their own agency in Placerville, California.
Laurel’s very first case involves her grandmother and a friend, Iris, who want Laurel to investigate timeshare fraud. It does not take long for the feisty, spunky 89-year-old granny to find herself accused of murder when a timeshare employee turns up dead.
A second case quickly evolves as Laurel is hired to track the actions of Adriana’s fiancé, Gino, who appears to be running out with other women. Gino also winds up dead in a ski gondola.
The two cases dovetail somewhere between Tahoe and Reno in a series of near misses, wild chases (one on a jet ski) and slapdash detective work on Laurel’s part, all while she tries to maintain her blended family of three children and one totally undisciplined big, messy dog. Oh, and her friend, Liz, who is eight-months pregnant is along for the ride.
If you are a Cindy Sample fan, or even if you’ve never read any of her other Laurel McKay books, you will laugh out loud while cheering on the energetic, likeable and sometimes clueless heroine as she somehow successfully navigates the quirky parameters of crime.
A super summer read, highly recommended.
June 21, 2018
"Dying for a Deal" by Cindy Sample is another fantastic Laurel McKay mystery!
Laurel has joined her husband's detective agency and she's determined to "pull her own weight." She takes on two cases: a timeshare ripoff and an "allegedly" cheating husband. At first, both cases seem routine - research, interviews and stakeouts. Nothing in the least bit dangerous - until they both turn into murder. Lots of suspense as Laurel finds herself in search of two killers and places her life and the lives of her friends in jeopardy.
Laurel has joined her husband's detective agency and she's determined to "pull her own weight." She takes on two cases: a timeshare ripoff and an "allegedly" cheating husband. At first, both cases seem routine - research, interviews and stakeouts. Nothing in the least bit dangerous - until they both turn into murder. Lots of suspense as Laurel finds herself in search of two killers and places her life and the lives of her friends in jeopardy.
June 23, 2018
Laurel McKay is back and better than ever!
Laurel McKay has joined her new husband and her stepfather as an intern in their new detective agency. She also has her first case, courtesy of her grandmother. Count on Laurel to get in over her head. Can she save the day for her grandmother or will she need saving? Sample delivers another delightful romantic mystery set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A summer must read!
Laurel McKay has joined her new husband and her stepfather as an intern in their new detective agency. She also has her first case, courtesy of her grandmother. Count on Laurel to get in over her head. Can she save the day for her grandmother or will she need saving? Sample delivers another delightful romantic mystery set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A summer must read!
June 4, 2019
I love this local cozy series. This one did not disappoint. Laurel always finds herself in some kind of trouble, but she handled herself well this time. I love the three sub-stories woven into this and everything was tied up with a bow at the end.
June 5, 2018
Loved It!
As usual, Cindy Sample gives readers a laugh-a-minute story filled with interesting plot twists, quirky characters, and bad guys in jail. Waiting for the next one.
As usual, Cindy Sample gives readers a laugh-a-minute story filled with interesting plot twists, quirky characters, and bad guys in jail. Waiting for the next one.
January 16, 2025
After several not-so-great books in this series, this book is back up to top level! I enjoy the references to the area where I live! The ex has receded in hassling, which is good! The whole family is involved in the family P.I. agency they have started. This book involves two separate, but ultimately related, murders, plus other mayhem, as well!
June 8, 2018
Great series
I love this series. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Cindy Sample is a very good writer.
I love this series. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Cindy Sample is a very good writer.
September 5, 2019
Love this series! Always a fun read
November 26, 2021
We still have one timeshare left if anyone is interested!!! Who killed Gregg with two g’s - or three and why??? And he isn’t the only one!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
November 6, 2022
3.5 stars
Frothy fun, a bit outlandish at times but great escapism.
Frothy fun, a bit outlandish at times but great escapism.
November 24, 2024
Cindy Sample's "Dying" series are always fun!
October 29, 2025
Another great addition to the Laurel McKay Mysteries series, although not the most superior. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially with all the inclusions of the side characters we've come to love along the way (particularly Gran). It was fun to see Laurel on the other side in this one, now as a private detective herself, frustrated at her sidekick amateurs meddling in and interfering, no different than she has been doing all along!
The mystery is cozy while still being action-packed. Its strengths lie in the setting and travels across California and Nevada, the higher-risk operations and situations, and in Laurel's perpetual humor. Weaknesses include any involvement from official law enforcement agents, who continue to chide Laurel for her meddling and incompetence, while missing glaring clues and failing at their own jobs to an unfathomable degree (particularly one returning agent from previously in the series).
All in all, I love this series. You know what you are getting into with Laurel and her adventures - a guaranteed fun ride with a lovable cast of characters.
The mystery is cozy while still being action-packed. Its strengths lie in the setting and travels across California and Nevada, the higher-risk operations and situations, and in Laurel's perpetual humor. Weaknesses include any involvement from official law enforcement agents, who continue to chide Laurel for her meddling and incompetence, while missing glaring clues and failing at their own jobs to an unfathomable degree (particularly one returning agent from previously in the series).
All in all, I love this series. You know what you are getting into with Laurel and her adventures - a guaranteed fun ride with a lovable cast of characters.
October 25, 2020
Dying for a Deal is another book in the Laurel McKay Mystery series. I liked this book as Laurel is becoming a private detective. I enjoyed the case and the twist at the end. I still am not a fan of Tom. He acts like Laurel is incompetent even though he asked her to be part of the agency. #dyingforadeal #laurelmckay #laurelmckaymysteries #cozymystery #cozymysteryreaders #murdermystery #booksofig #booksofinstagram #reading #readingchallenge #readingchallenge2020 #aliciareads
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July 25, 2018While this wasn't my favorite Laurel McKay Mystery it was still a fun read. Laurel along with her Gran investigate a TimeShare scheme that turns to murder. Laurel's mishaps and her friends make you laugh while solving the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews