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Janet Black Mystery #2
Last Minute
An amateur PI. A town full of secrets. Can she uncover the truth before another body drops?
Janet Black is a hardworking bar owner determined to make her own way in the world. But when one of her regulars learns of a suspicious death in the family, she'll have to put her business on hold to solve the crime. While local police chalk up the cause of death to an accidental overdose, Janet's investigative intuition suspects more is at stake. But without an official PI license, she'll need to grab clues quick before she's caught.
When Janet discovers the victim has ties to a drug dealer and a hired escort, she worries she's in over her head. Especially when her prime suspect turns up dead. Can she protect the innocent and find the real killer before she becomes the next victim?
Last Minute is the second standalone book in the heart-pounding Janet Black Mystery series. If you like fast-paced suspense, blue-collar heroines, and stunning plot twists, then you'll love Libby Kirsch's maverick saga of suspense.
Janet Black is a hardworking bar owner determined to make her own way in the world. But when one of her regulars learns of a suspicious death in the family, she'll have to put her business on hold to solve the crime. While local police chalk up the cause of death to an accidental overdose, Janet's investigative intuition suspects more is at stake. But without an official PI license, she'll need to grab clues quick before she's caught.
When Janet discovers the victim has ties to a drug dealer and a hired escort, she worries she's in over her head. Especially when her prime suspect turns up dead. Can she protect the innocent and find the real killer before she becomes the next victim?
Last Minute is the second standalone book in the heart-pounding Janet Black Mystery series. If you like fast-paced suspense, blue-collar heroines, and stunning plot twists, then you'll love Libby Kirsch's maverick saga of suspense.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2018
146 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2019
This book is the second installment in this spinoff from her first series The Big Lead, which I fell in love with! The first book in this spin off was good but this one is a lot better and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you're looking to have your world turned upside down with some profound work, this isn't that, but it is so entertaining and fun. If you're looking for a quick, fun, entertaining book this is a great book to go with! Also read her other series because it is even better than this one.
If you're looking to have your world turned upside down with some profound work, this isn't that, but it is so entertaining and fun. If you're looking for a quick, fun, entertaining book this is a great book to go with! Also read her other series because it is even better than this one.
October 21, 2018
Ready for more!
Quickly becoming one of my favorites! Lots of changes happening for Janet this time. Mystery, romance, and lots of action. Ready for more!
Quickly becoming one of my favorites! Lots of changes happening for Janet this time. Mystery, romance, and lots of action. Ready for more!
October 7, 2018
This is the second Janet Black mystery book. The first, Last Call, saw Janet try to solve the murder of one of her customers as an amateur private investigator. In the second book, Janet is back running her bar and working hard. She is having problems talking with her boyfriend Jason, about them and work and is finding it hard to talk to him. Now one of her regulars has lost her daughter to a suspicious death and Janet jumps back in to action as an amateur sleuth to figure out what has really happened.
She gets a complaint stating she is running a PI business without proper accreditation and that leads her to think about doing that for real, rather than face losing her business or a large fine. She believes the police are wrong and the more she finds out about the dead woman, the more she suspects a murder took place. Nell wants to blame her daughter’s husband, Eric, who confessed to an affair and who is guilty in her eyes.
Further evidence of the victim or husband knowing a drug dealer and possibly some women recently out of jail and the plot thickens. Janet is putting herself in danger, going after the drug dealer by herself and both Jason and detective O’Dell (who has quite a ‘thing’ for Janet – even though he knows she has a boyfriend!) are concerned. There is a further trail of bodies before Janet ends up in harm’s way and finally finds out who the killer is.
Another great amateur PI mystery by the author. Janet is not the typical type of PI and actually runs a bar as her main job. She just can’t help poking her head into matters that she has an intuition the police have got wrong! Each book can be read as standalone reads, as each book deals with a different case of murder and the mayhem that brings along. You can read the previous book, just to learn more about the bar staff and other characters and also the main detectives Janet rubs shoulders with, to give you a fuller background to the setting.
In all, this is another good read, you don’t get to guess who or what caused the suspicious death – just that Janet will do whatever she can to find out what really happened and often doesn’t think before she acts! Can’t wait to see what she and others get up to in any books to follow. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She gets a complaint stating she is running a PI business without proper accreditation and that leads her to think about doing that for real, rather than face losing her business or a large fine. She believes the police are wrong and the more she finds out about the dead woman, the more she suspects a murder took place. Nell wants to blame her daughter’s husband, Eric, who confessed to an affair and who is guilty in her eyes.
Further evidence of the victim or husband knowing a drug dealer and possibly some women recently out of jail and the plot thickens. Janet is putting herself in danger, going after the drug dealer by herself and both Jason and detective O’Dell (who has quite a ‘thing’ for Janet – even though he knows she has a boyfriend!) are concerned. There is a further trail of bodies before Janet ends up in harm’s way and finally finds out who the killer is.
Another great amateur PI mystery by the author. Janet is not the typical type of PI and actually runs a bar as her main job. She just can’t help poking her head into matters that she has an intuition the police have got wrong! Each book can be read as standalone reads, as each book deals with a different case of murder and the mayhem that brings along. You can read the previous book, just to learn more about the bar staff and other characters and also the main detectives Janet rubs shoulders with, to give you a fuller background to the setting.
In all, this is another good read, you don’t get to guess who or what caused the suspicious death – just that Janet will do whatever she can to find out what really happened and often doesn’t think before she acts! Can’t wait to see what she and others get up to in any books to follow. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
October 9, 2018
An anonymous complaint has been lodged against bar owner, Janet Black, with the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The charge: Operating as a private investigator without a license. This bombshell comes shortly after Detective Ramirez informed Nell that her daughter, Liv, is dead, having fallen down some stairs while carrying a huge load of laundry. The death is initially thought to be accidental, but Nell isn't convinced.
When early reports indicate that Liv's death involved drugs, Nell insists that her daughter did not use drugs and is certain that Liv's husband, Eric, killed her. There are two issues that complicate matters surrounding Liv's death. First, Liv never did the laundry for the family, Eric did. Second, the washing machine is broken and has been for several months.
Complicating her life is the anonymous complaint and Janet has 30 days to respond to the complaint. Given the circumstances, Janet decides to look into actually getting a P.I. License before her hearing with the commission.
Who lodged the complaint against Janet? Can Janet get her investigator's license in time? How did Liv actually die? Was it suicide, an accident, or homicide? Can Janet solve the mystery before more people die?
This is the second book in this series and, just like the first, has several sub-plots occurring simultaneously. There are plenty of situations that a reader can relate to that makes the book more life-like. We still have all of the twists, turns, and red herrings that make cozy mysteries so enjoyable.
When early reports indicate that Liv's death involved drugs, Nell insists that her daughter did not use drugs and is certain that Liv's husband, Eric, killed her. There are two issues that complicate matters surrounding Liv's death. First, Liv never did the laundry for the family, Eric did. Second, the washing machine is broken and has been for several months.
Complicating her life is the anonymous complaint and Janet has 30 days to respond to the complaint. Given the circumstances, Janet decides to look into actually getting a P.I. License before her hearing with the commission.
Who lodged the complaint against Janet? Can Janet get her investigator's license in time? How did Liv actually die? Was it suicide, an accident, or homicide? Can Janet solve the mystery before more people die?
This is the second book in this series and, just like the first, has several sub-plots occurring simultaneously. There are plenty of situations that a reader can relate to that makes the book more life-like. We still have all of the twists, turns, and red herrings that make cozy mysteries so enjoyable.
October 6, 2018
This mystery has a lightness about it, but at the same time it is serious. There's some humor thrown in. A little romance (and trouble in paradise.) It's not really a cozy, but it's not graphic or overly done, and it is pretty clean, though drug use does play a major role in this book. The Protagonist is a smart, tough and somewhat mouthy woman who also has some insecurities and weaknesses. She also likes to stay away from confrontation as much as possible (which is often a bad thing for her.) There's a lot on her plate at the moment, (a murder to help solve, problems with her boyfriend, some legal issues, working to get her PI license, to name a few) and it's just a matter of time before she does something crazy... like say, go to meet a unnamed drug dealer. You'll see some familiar faces if you've read book one (Last Call.) Most of the same characters are there, in addition to a few new names and faces that go along with the crime involved. There's a couple twists and turns in the mystery, as well as the leads love life. This book is written in just the one person's POV. It reads easily and quickly.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
October 8, 2018
Bar owner Janet Black finds herself in a bit of a pickle. She is under investigation for solving a case without any authorization. With the assistance of a helpful admin assistant, she finds a loophole around the situation which could result in her obtaining a PI license. While this is happening long-time regular Nellie learns of the suspicious death of her daughter and asks Janet for help.
The death doesn’t make sense and Janet suspects murder. The victim is suspected of an accidental death by falling down the stairs while carrying a basket of laundry, but questions arise as to why she would be doing laundry (not her job) and using a broken washing machine. Cops soon discover heroin in her system and still are not sure if it was an accident or murder.
Now Janet finds herself juggling the bar, acting as a PI without a license, hiding things from her boyfriend, questioning said relationship, spending time with drug dealers and escorts, and keeping herself from becoming the next victim.
This is a fast-past, suspenseful mystery filled with tons of twist and turns, humorous moments, and lots of adventure.
The death doesn’t make sense and Janet suspects murder. The victim is suspected of an accidental death by falling down the stairs while carrying a basket of laundry, but questions arise as to why she would be doing laundry (not her job) and using a broken washing machine. Cops soon discover heroin in her system and still are not sure if it was an accident or murder.
Now Janet finds herself juggling the bar, acting as a PI without a license, hiding things from her boyfriend, questioning said relationship, spending time with drug dealers and escorts, and keeping herself from becoming the next victim.
This is a fast-past, suspenseful mystery filled with tons of twist and turns, humorous moments, and lots of adventure.
October 29, 2018
This book is an entertaining read. It takes the trope of a restaurant owner looking into murders and makes it make sense, or at least more sense. She starts getting her PI license to get her out of trouble with the law. Though the plot point is to expand the world and the characters in the book, it is fascinating. They also don't introduce the idea of being a PI lightly either. She thinks it over and contemplates the positives and negatives before going headlong into the project. With how she treated the little investigating aspects of this book, I think this character is well written to be a PI later in the series. I also enjoyed the character of the PI that has come into the storyline thank to the PI in training aspect.
October 9, 2018
Janet Black was called into her Bar "The Stop" because the police were returning evidence from a prior murder. Nell Anderson a regular customer came in when the police came looking for her to tell her that her Daughter was found dead at the bottom of her basement steps with a laundry basket of clothes and that she evidently was on drugs. Nell said that her daughter didn't do drugs and never in her life did the laundry that something was wrong. Janet is trying to get her PI Licence since someone complained about her on a previous murder. Nell wants her to help her find who killed Liz. Janet gets involved helping Nell with a lot of other things happening in her life!
October 15, 2018
Janet Black has her hands full. Trying to make a go of a romantic relationship with her business partner becomes more difficult when his divorced father moves in with them. She never meant to be a private investigator, but after looking into the murder of one of her bar patrons, now she has been accused of investigating without a license. When the daughter of another bar patron dies under mysterious circumstances, Janet figures out she can't stand on the sidelines, especially when the local cop seems to be encouraging her to be nosy.
Lots of mixed sub plots entwine as Janet works to get her own life back on track.
By the end, will this be a new direction for Janet?
Lots of mixed sub plots entwine as Janet works to get her own life back on track.
By the end, will this be a new direction for Janet?
October 22, 2018
Another dag on great book from Libby Kirsch!
I have read every book Libby Kirsch has put out and I have loved each one a little more than the last! In this story we have Janet Black studying to become a private investigator after an anonymous tip lands her in trouble for practicing without a license. While studying she is investigating the death of her friend's daughter's death. As she gets closer to the truth all "chips" (I forgot to mention she is trying to reign in her cursing) hit the fan and she finds herself face to face with the killer. Will she make it or will she succumb to the killer? Read it and find out. You won't be disappointed!
I have read every book Libby Kirsch has put out and I have loved each one a little more than the last! In this story we have Janet Black studying to become a private investigator after an anonymous tip lands her in trouble for practicing without a license. While studying she is investigating the death of her friend's daughter's death. As she gets closer to the truth all "chips" (I forgot to mention she is trying to reign in her cursing) hit the fan and she finds herself face to face with the killer. Will she make it or will she succumb to the killer? Read it and find out. You won't be disappointed!
October 10, 2018
This is a great read. It got me interested from beginning, to end. I needed to find out what Janet was going to do about her relationship with boyfriend and his father, if she was going to be a PI and what about the death of Nell's daughter. Not to be missed. This book was given to me for an honest review.
November 5, 2018
Great new series. Enjoy the interaction with all the characters and how they are developing. We also get to see Janet solve the murders, but experience real life issues. Well worth the read. I would like to see Stella Reynolds make an appearance in the book. Received an advanced copy for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2022
Fun read
This is a light hearted good time read. Reminiscent of the Janet Evonovitch Stephanie Plum novels, our heroine gets pulled into mysteries and uses her wits to work things out. She has personal and professional foul ups but keeps on plugging to solve the murder mystery. I have enjoyed the first of the series and this one as well. Looking forward to #3 now.
This is a light hearted good time read. Reminiscent of the Janet Evonovitch Stephanie Plum novels, our heroine gets pulled into mysteries and uses her wits to work things out. She has personal and professional foul ups but keeps on plugging to solve the murder mystery. I have enjoyed the first of the series and this one as well. Looking forward to #3 now.
February 2, 2021
Very well written mystery. I love that the plot is not centered on a love relationship. Has action and keeps you guessing.
August 13, 2024
This was a great story. Love the characters.. I read where there is only 3 books, darn. I am starting the third one & going to miss the characters in it. You just get so involved in the story.
July 17, 2019
There are so many twists and turns in a Libby Kirsch read. It makes for an exciting, suspenseful story, and this recent installment in the Janet Black Mystery series doesn’t disappoint! While Janet tries hard to steer clear of dramatic situations, it’s as if the drama finds her, every time, and that push and pull element is a much-added bonus.
Janet is one of my favorite characters. After discovering her in Kirsch’s Stella Reynolds series, I had anticipated the possibility of Janet having her own series, and I’m so glad it’s come to fruition. She’s the perfect blend of acerbic, a bit of an Oscar the Grouch with a soft heart tucked up within, not that she’d ever want anyone to know that. Her personality shows up and takes on its own life, while dealing with her friend’s tragedy, while dealing with the police and drug dealers and everything else that is thrown at her, using her methodical methods and a tough mind to try and crack the case.
The undercurrent here, yet no less intense, are the issues present in her love life. There’s an obvious rift forming with her boyfriend, and a potential budding relationship on the side, placing her into a haphazard pseudo love triangle. I appreciated her effort in doing the right thing, yet there’s an obvious attraction to the man who is not her boyfriend, which made me, the reader, want to see where that might go. If she’d entertain those thoughts, or if she’d stand steadfast with the relationship she’s already in. It was just another chaotic situation that is thrown into Janet’s life.
The biggest theme that ran true in Last Minute is the choice to do the things that we’re passionate about, even if that means breaking away a little bit and building our own autonomy. There are many who tell Janet that she shouldn’t do this, that, or the other, but she listens to her gut, and does what she feels is the right thing. At times, it might not be the case, which places her in some rather precarious situations, but she’s living her own life and choosing it. It’s brave and empowering, solidifying Janet’s place as still being one of my favorite characters, hands down.
Janet is one of my favorite characters. After discovering her in Kirsch’s Stella Reynolds series, I had anticipated the possibility of Janet having her own series, and I’m so glad it’s come to fruition. She’s the perfect blend of acerbic, a bit of an Oscar the Grouch with a soft heart tucked up within, not that she’d ever want anyone to know that. Her personality shows up and takes on its own life, while dealing with her friend’s tragedy, while dealing with the police and drug dealers and everything else that is thrown at her, using her methodical methods and a tough mind to try and crack the case.
The undercurrent here, yet no less intense, are the issues present in her love life. There’s an obvious rift forming with her boyfriend, and a potential budding relationship on the side, placing her into a haphazard pseudo love triangle. I appreciated her effort in doing the right thing, yet there’s an obvious attraction to the man who is not her boyfriend, which made me, the reader, want to see where that might go. If she’d entertain those thoughts, or if she’d stand steadfast with the relationship she’s already in. It was just another chaotic situation that is thrown into Janet’s life.
The biggest theme that ran true in Last Minute is the choice to do the things that we’re passionate about, even if that means breaking away a little bit and building our own autonomy. There are many who tell Janet that she shouldn’t do this, that, or the other, but she listens to her gut, and does what she feels is the right thing. At times, it might not be the case, which places her in some rather precarious situations, but she’s living her own life and choosing it. It’s brave and empowering, solidifying Janet’s place as still being one of my favorite characters, hands down.
November 9, 2018
LAST MINUTE is a fun, chaotic ride with blue-collar Tennesseans. It’s entertaining, gritty escapism that won’t leave you depressed or angry.
October 7, 2018
Well written mystery with a touch of romance. Janet is in over her head with a killer, three kids, and a boyfriend.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews