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Booker Brothers Detective Agency #1
State of the Art Heist
Kacey Chance is an aspiring actress with a cute face and a plucky attitude. She's trying to break into Hollywood, but it isn't easy. She was the prettiest girl in her hometown, but in LA she's a dime a dozen.
When a friend offers Kacey a job working at a detective agency, the young actress jumps at the opportunity. Maybe this is the role she's been looking for.
The detective agency is unlike any she's ever seen in the movies. It's run by three handsome, single brothers and their sassy grandmother. Her first day at the agency is anything but boring. She's put on the case right away, infiltrating the world of LA's rich elites. Soon Kacey is finding clues for her new bosses, and having the time of her life.
The case involves a piece of artwork that was stolen during a big Hollywood party. There's strong evidence it was taken by the host's ex-wife,seeking revenge. But a visit to the suspect's posh LA penthouse only reveals more suspects with more motives. There's the colorful artist who created the masterpiece, jealous film executives, and more ex-wives. Even the catering company is acting suspiciously.
Kacey is deep into the investigation when she discovers her employers are in trouble. The financial kind. If this case goes wrong, and they lose their biggest client, the Booker Brothers Detective Agency could be shutting down for good.
It's up to Kacey to solve the mystery of the State of the Art Heist, save the agency, and keep her new job, which really is the role of a lifetime.
There are plenty of laughs and tons of twists in this feel-good cozy mystery from debut author Maisie Dean!
Book length: 200 pages, or about 4-5 reading hours.
No graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
This clean, easy read is perfect for lunch breaks or relaxing at the end of the day!
When a friend offers Kacey a job working at a detective agency, the young actress jumps at the opportunity. Maybe this is the role she's been looking for.
The detective agency is unlike any she's ever seen in the movies. It's run by three handsome, single brothers and their sassy grandmother. Her first day at the agency is anything but boring. She's put on the case right away, infiltrating the world of LA's rich elites. Soon Kacey is finding clues for her new bosses, and having the time of her life.
The case involves a piece of artwork that was stolen during a big Hollywood party. There's strong evidence it was taken by the host's ex-wife,seeking revenge. But a visit to the suspect's posh LA penthouse only reveals more suspects with more motives. There's the colorful artist who created the masterpiece, jealous film executives, and more ex-wives. Even the catering company is acting suspiciously.
Kacey is deep into the investigation when she discovers her employers are in trouble. The financial kind. If this case goes wrong, and they lose their biggest client, the Booker Brothers Detective Agency could be shutting down for good.
It's up to Kacey to solve the mystery of the State of the Art Heist, save the agency, and keep her new job, which really is the role of a lifetime.
There are plenty of laughs and tons of twists in this feel-good cozy mystery from debut author Maisie Dean!
Book length: 200 pages, or about 4-5 reading hours.
No graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
This clean, easy read is perfect for lunch breaks or relaxing at the end of the day!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 2, 2018
State of the Art Heist by Maisie Dean and narrated by Marie Hoffman is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is an enjoyable read with fun characters and a great plot. Shock! I am listening to a book that is not paranormal!!! It is still wonderful even without ghosts and the supernatural! Lol! A would-be actress gives up and decided to get a job that pays and she is giving up on acting. She finds a job in a investigation office. She thinks it will be boring but little did she know she would be in the middle of the case! Great fun with bits of humor sprinkled in!
The narration was very complementary to the story! Great job!!!
This is an enjoyable read with fun characters and a great plot. Shock! I am listening to a book that is not paranormal!!! It is still wonderful even without ghosts and the supernatural! Lol! A would-be actress gives up and decided to get a job that pays and she is giving up on acting. She finds a job in a investigation office. She thinks it will be boring but little did she know she would be in the middle of the case! Great fun with bits of humor sprinkled in!
The narration was very complementary to the story! Great job!!!
November 30, 2020
Gently leads to the right result in this engaging and clean cozy. Well and clearly narrated by Marie Hoffman.
May 27, 2026
Just a meh mystery. I won't be continuing with the series.
October 13, 2018
This is State Of The Art Heist written by Maisie Dean. Ms Dean is a brand new author to me. I enjoyed the book. It was fun, cute, sweet and interesting. Kacey is an actress who has decided to try a different career path. When she arrives for her new job, she meets the Booker brothers and starts an exciting new chapter of her life. Has Kacey found her next role? Can she contribute to her newfound job and help to solve the crime? It’s a fun new path that could lead her any number of ways. Do you wonder if she has what it takes? Well, so does she. It’s a fun little journey! Don’t miss a minute of it!
October 20, 2018
Not quite what I was expecting
A decent plot but had a slightly Keystone Kops feel to it and frankly I really didn't enjoy it that much. Loved the characters.
She has given up on breaking into the film industry and has decided to get a job in a PI (sorry Investigation) agency. Her first day and her first case. The stolen painting. Was the painting stolen by one of his old amours or was something else behind it. Why does everyone (except one person) bemoan the fact that there were no shrimp puffs? Can she work with the brothers? One is happy go lucky, one is a computer geek and one has an overflated sense of responsibility. When it seems that the case won't be be solved and she is given her marching order, can she save the day and catch the thief?
A decent plot but had a slightly Keystone Kops feel to it and frankly I really didn't enjoy it that much. Loved the characters.
She has given up on breaking into the film industry and has decided to get a job in a PI (sorry Investigation) agency. Her first day and her first case. The stolen painting. Was the painting stolen by one of his old amours or was something else behind it. Why does everyone (except one person) bemoan the fact that there were no shrimp puffs? Can she work with the brothers? One is happy go lucky, one is a computer geek and one has an overflated sense of responsibility. When it seems that the case won't be be solved and she is given her marching order, can she save the day and catch the thief?
May 15, 2023
State of the Art Heist by Maisie Dean (10/18)
[Booker Brothers Detective Agency - 1] (B N/A) [5-14-23]
New Author and Narrator
Audible: Marie Hoffman - Audible: 4 hours 59 minutes
Maisie Dean is a pseudonym for Angela Pepper.
[Booker Brothers Detective Agency - 1] (B N/A) [5-14-23]
New Author and Narrator
Audible: Marie Hoffman - Audible: 4 hours 59 minutes
Maisie Dean is a pseudonym for Angela Pepper.
May 29, 2021
Enjoyable read
Interesting idea. Loved the Booker brothers and enjoyed the story. A simple but relaxed read. Light mystery and plenty of humour. Would definitely recommend.
Interesting idea. Loved the Booker brothers and enjoyed the story. A simple but relaxed read. Light mystery and plenty of humour. Would definitely recommend.
September 5, 2024
cute start to the series. a cast full of stereotypical characters that tend to go off script so that they aren't cliched.
January 17, 2019
4 star review State of the Art Heist (Booker Brothers Detective Agency #1) by Maisie Dean
Audio Review:
Both author Maisie Dean and narrator Marie Hoffman are new to me. This is book one in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency series. I enjoyed the story and felt that Marie Hoffman did a great job in her narration. .
Kacey Chance is an actress trying to break into Hollywood, but it’s not easy. When the opportunity to work at the agency comes up she takes it.
The Booker Brothers are all handsome and single and along with their grandmother run the agency. When Kacey is assigned to a case she begins to search for clues and finds that she loves the work.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this story and I found myself laughing at times over the characters behaviour.
State of the Art Heist is a cozy mystery that kept me guessing.
Audio Review:
Both author Maisie Dean and narrator Marie Hoffman are new to me. This is book one in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency series. I enjoyed the story and felt that Marie Hoffman did a great job in her narration. .
Kacey Chance is an actress trying to break into Hollywood, but it’s not easy. When the opportunity to work at the agency comes up she takes it.
The Booker Brothers are all handsome and single and along with their grandmother run the agency. When Kacey is assigned to a case she begins to search for clues and finds that she loves the work.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this story and I found myself laughing at times over the characters behaviour.
State of the Art Heist is a cozy mystery that kept me guessing.
January 27, 2019
STATE OF THE ART HEIST is the first book in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency series. This one definitely needs to be read first as it is the introduction to all of the characters, though the cozy mystery is complete and stands alone.
I loved that the opening chapter was a conversation between Kacey and the reader. In stage vernacular, she was breaking the fourth wall. It was fun and made me love her immediately. She’s already set the stage (see what I did there?) to make me read/listen to the next couple of books just to find out which brother – Harrison, Lucky, or Owen – she eventually chooses as her mate… and with whom the other brothers will pair up.
I had a blast listening to this cozy mystery. The characters are fun and interesting. The story was laugh-out-loud enjoyment.
Narration: The narrator is Marie Hoffman, so of course I thought it was a wonderful job done. She is one of my favorite narrators. I love listening to her conversational style of delivery.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: STATE OF THE ART HEIST
Series: Booker Brothers Detective Agency #1
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+ due to mature concepts
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)
I loved that the opening chapter was a conversation between Kacey and the reader. In stage vernacular, she was breaking the fourth wall. It was fun and made me love her immediately. She’s already set the stage (see what I did there?) to make me read/listen to the next couple of books just to find out which brother – Harrison, Lucky, or Owen – she eventually chooses as her mate… and with whom the other brothers will pair up.
I had a blast listening to this cozy mystery. The characters are fun and interesting. The story was laugh-out-loud enjoyment.
Narration: The narrator is Marie Hoffman, so of course I thought it was a wonderful job done. She is one of my favorite narrators. I love listening to her conversational style of delivery.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: STATE OF THE ART HEIST
Series: Booker Brothers Detective Agency #1
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+ due to mature concepts
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)
March 23, 2022
I got this book as part of a pack, and I am rather regretting that now.
This story has no real gimmick or catch. And by the definition of 'Cozy Mystery', it is barely a cozy mystery at all as she works for a detective agency so she is not actually an amateur sleuth.
This story starts with Kacey Chance starting her first day as a receptionist with Booker Brothers Detective Agency after failing out of her dream of acting. Cue the cute guys and this art heist is just a paint-by-number plot
I did not like that from the get-go she was the most competent person in the room, and with no training, she was able to pick up everything from the secretarial work to the detective aspect.
I was also not impressed that all of the Booker brothers are hot-hot-hot. I feel like the author tried her hardest to make sure that this was the most generic book available. The fact that the answer is abundantly clear very early on did not make for an interesting read.
If the book was not so short I probably would have given up really quickly.
This will never be a book that I recommend and I do not have high hopes for the next books in the series.
This story has no real gimmick or catch. And by the definition of 'Cozy Mystery', it is barely a cozy mystery at all as she works for a detective agency so she is not actually an amateur sleuth.
This story starts with Kacey Chance starting her first day as a receptionist with Booker Brothers Detective Agency after failing out of her dream of acting. Cue the cute guys and this art heist is just a paint-by-number plot
I did not like that from the get-go she was the most competent person in the room, and with no training, she was able to pick up everything from the secretarial work to the detective aspect.
I was also not impressed that all of the Booker brothers are hot-hot-hot. I feel like the author tried her hardest to make sure that this was the most generic book available. The fact that the answer is abundantly clear very early on did not make for an interesting read.
If the book was not so short I probably would have given up really quickly.
This will never be a book that I recommend and I do not have high hopes for the next books in the series.
October 8, 2018
Kacey Chance has had enough with acting, and want to have a real career. Her temp agency sends her to the Booker Detective Agency. In her first three days she meets the twin booker brothers Harrison & Lucky. The two main investigators, their formidable grandmother, and their geeky & all around computer guy and younger brother, Owen. Thinking she will be happy with the new job, she loses it as the brothers make one of their best clients, along with the owner of the building mad as they implicate that they may be involved in case the brothers were hired to solve.
For her first case, she is involved in helping the brothers locate and recover a piece of stolen art from a party. They encounter multiple ex-girlfriends, who all have a grudge about being one of the ex's. Including the artist who had originally painted the stolen artwork.
Ms. Dean has well developed charactes, lots of humor, and plenty of suspects.
For her first case, she is involved in helping the brothers locate and recover a piece of stolen art from a party. They encounter multiple ex-girlfriends, who all have a grudge about being one of the ex's. Including the artist who had originally painted the stolen artwork.
Ms. Dean has well developed charactes, lots of humor, and plenty of suspects.
February 26, 2019
Cute first in a series about an actress wanna be (Kacey) who decides it isn't going to happen and moves on. She goes to work at a Detective Agency (as a secretary/receptionist) that is run by three brothers. The older brothers are twins and model attractive the younger brother is the quiet shy one who comes though when really needed. He may be a little less handsome than his brothers, but he still looks awfully nice to Kacey.
Kacey is sucked into the case that walked into the office shortly after she did, and she discovers she likes detective work! This may be the new career she was meant for. Read about Kacey and her exploits as a newbie in the agency and the whole detective field. You will laugh and enjoy meeting the characters and watching them work the case!
A couple more books in the series at this point, so if you like this one, you have more to read! I thought it was fun and loved the descriptions!
Kacey is sucked into the case that walked into the office shortly after she did, and she discovers she likes detective work! This may be the new career she was meant for. Read about Kacey and her exploits as a newbie in the agency and the whole detective field. You will laugh and enjoy meeting the characters and watching them work the case!
A couple more books in the series at this point, so if you like this one, you have more to read! I thought it was fun and loved the descriptions!
September 4, 2019
Kacey's acting career isn't progressing as she hopes so she takes a job working as a temp in a detective agency run by the Booker Brothers. The promises to be interesting and easy on the eyes, and when the landlord arrives on her first day to hire the brothers to figure out who stole his very valuable painting, the case drops Kacey right in the middle of the suspense and intrigue
Maisie Dean's cozy mystery story is told with a good deal of humor, a genuine talent for painting larger than life characters with quirks and characteristics I quickly came to love and an ability to conjure scenes and situations that will keep you anxiously following the tale from beginning to end.
If you like light-hearted "who done it" stories with a bit of single girl romance and characters who are larger than life, you will love this one. I sure did.
Maisie Dean's cozy mystery story is told with a good deal of humor, a genuine talent for painting larger than life characters with quirks and characteristics I quickly came to love and an ability to conjure scenes and situations that will keep you anxiously following the tale from beginning to end.
If you like light-hearted "who done it" stories with a bit of single girl romance and characters who are larger than life, you will love this one. I sure did.
January 27, 2019
This was my first Maisie Dean's book, and won't be the last! This is also the first book in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency Series. This great cozy mystery is a gem! The storyline is well written, sweet, and humorous. Kacey, the three Booker Brothers (Harrison, Lucky and Owen), and their grandmother, are great characters. The secondary characters (friends, clients and suspects) are also very interesting and are an important part of this story. The narration was amazing! Marie Hoffman has a great voice, easy and pleasant to listen to. This was such a fun listen, and I totally recommend it. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.
November 20, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the first book in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency Series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending. I read the third book before going back to the first book. You can easily read any of the books in this series as each is a standalone.
It's an enjoyable fun cozy series. The characters have good humor and the commentary by Kacey, the MC, is often good for a chuckle. Each character is quirky in their own way - which made the story more interesting. The mystery had enough twists to keep you guessing.
The narrator, Marie Hoffman, does a nice job.
This is the first book in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency Series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending. I read the third book before going back to the first book. You can easily read any of the books in this series as each is a standalone.
It's an enjoyable fun cozy series. The characters have good humor and the commentary by Kacey, the MC, is often good for a chuckle. Each character is quirky in their own way - which made the story more interesting. The mystery had enough twists to keep you guessing.
The narrator, Marie Hoffman, does a nice job.
October 6, 2018
Fantastic New Author
When i first saw this new series, and new author, i was unsure if i wanted to try it. After reading the five star reviews, i decided to take the chance. Wow! I am so glad i chose this book! This is incredibly well written. The characters are all ingeniously crafted, with vibrant, humorous, and interesting personalities! The plot kept me guessing, with several twists that kept me guessing right to the end. All setting details were vividly described, and i easily became immersed in the story. Wonderful start for a new series. I highly recommend this book, and am excited to discover this new author.
When i first saw this new series, and new author, i was unsure if i wanted to try it. After reading the five star reviews, i decided to take the chance. Wow! I am so glad i chose this book! This is incredibly well written. The characters are all ingeniously crafted, with vibrant, humorous, and interesting personalities! The plot kept me guessing, with several twists that kept me guessing right to the end. All setting details were vividly described, and i easily became immersed in the story. Wonderful start for a new series. I highly recommend this book, and am excited to discover this new author.
November 5, 2018
Enjoyable
This is a good story, I'll give the next a try. I like the characters, I'm anxious to see how they develop & where the Tippy, Lacey relationship goes. What is Lacey hiding from her past?
It does seem that this is another British writer setting a story in the USA, because of terms we never use here. This is a pet peeve with me, it makes me crazy, I have to make them, & make notes. Cater-waiter for example. Also we don't have shrimp chips here, that is definitely British, I have a friend whose parents send them to her from London. There were some other errors & typos too.
This is a good story, I'll give the next a try. I like the characters, I'm anxious to see how they develop & where the Tippy, Lacey relationship goes. What is Lacey hiding from her past?
It does seem that this is another British writer setting a story in the USA, because of terms we never use here. This is a pet peeve with me, it makes me crazy, I have to make them, & make notes. Cater-waiter for example. Also we don't have shrimp chips here, that is definitely British, I have a friend whose parents send them to her from London. There were some other errors & typos too.
October 6, 2018
New author, fun book
This is a fun book by a new author. The beginning is different from any book I've read. You know how some of us skip to the end to see if the book will be interesting? This author let's us think she is telling us the end in the beginning. It doesn't take long to become involved in the main characters. You really have to like Harrison, Lucky, and Owen but especially Lacey with a "K" and "e". Really enjoyed this book. Hope you do as we. Happy Reading!
This is a fun book by a new author. The beginning is different from any book I've read. You know how some of us skip to the end to see if the book will be interesting? This author let's us think she is telling us the end in the beginning. It doesn't take long to become involved in the main characters. You really have to like Harrison, Lucky, and Owen but especially Lacey with a "K" and "e". Really enjoyed this book. Hope you do as we. Happy Reading!
May 8, 2019
The style of this book reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series.... which I'll be honest I liked the humor and story of the Plum Series but didn't get past the first book because the bad language got to me. This one was just as fun and at least in this first book it was a clean read. The dynamics between the brothers are fun and the narrating was great too. It's a fun read and I'm now looking forward to the next in the series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 18, 2020
State of the Art Heist (Brooker Brothers Detective Agency #1) was a great read by Maisie Dean. Kacey Chance is trying to find her big break in Hollywood as an actress. A friend offers Kacey a job working at a detective agency and she jumps at the chance. She didn’t expect the agency to be run by three handsome and single brothers with their grandmother. Her first case brings her to the world of LA’s rich elites. I enjoyed reading Kacey’s journey trying to find out who stole a piece of artwork from a Hollywood party. I can’t wait to read more by Maisie Dean.
November 15, 2020
Just a cute cozy...I used it for listening to do while I loaded the dish washer. A young woman who is looking to make it big in Hollywood, ends up landing a job with a detective agency run by 3 brothers. It doesn't take any time at all until she's drawn into the business of detective work and is helping them solve a mysterious art theft. I don't know if I liked it enough to recommend it but I will say there is some cute dialogue, no bad language and only a little light flirting in this first book. I will be listening to the second one because I received it for free from the author.
December 27, 2020
Fun read
The Booker Brothers Detective Agency is not what you’d expect. It’s a mash up of old school clutter and chaos and new school techniques. Kacey starts work having decided that acting was not her true calling. Despite skepticism she is persistent and eager to be a part of the team. When her first case goes a bit haywire everything is in utter chaos. She hatches a plan to save not only her job but the agency as well.
A lighthearted, funny, quirky read. Great mystery and outstanding unique characters. An amusing start to a new series.
The Booker Brothers Detective Agency is not what you’d expect. It’s a mash up of old school clutter and chaos and new school techniques. Kacey starts work having decided that acting was not her true calling. Despite skepticism she is persistent and eager to be a part of the team. When her first case goes a bit haywire everything is in utter chaos. She hatches a plan to save not only her job but the agency as well.
A lighthearted, funny, quirky read. Great mystery and outstanding unique characters. An amusing start to a new series.
September 21, 2019
Kacey Chance has decided that the acting career is not for her, so she's looking for a new one, and detective sounds like a good choice.
Kacey is a great character, smart and hilarious and really sensible (yes, even with that thing in the French maid skimpy outfit!), and the rest of them are also interesting.
This is a series that it's worth of trying: it's fun, engaging and well-written.
Marie Hoffman does, as always, an excellent work narrating this story.
Kacey is a great character, smart and hilarious and really sensible (yes, even with that thing in the French maid skimpy outfit!), and the rest of them are also interesting.
This is a series that it's worth of trying: it's fun, engaging and well-written.
Marie Hoffman does, as always, an excellent work narrating this story.
October 13, 2018
State of the Art Heist is a fun story with lots of laughs. Love Kacey and the Booker brothers. Their adventures in investigating an art theft were hilarious. The characters are well crafted and the differences in the Booker brothers was very entertaining. Cannot wait to read the further adventures of Kacey and the gang.
October 18, 2018
This was a cute story and the characters are fun and interesting. I will probably read the sequel when it's out next year BUT I really hope the the author finds a better editor because there were entirely too many problems with grammar, word repetition in a single sentence and other such issues that definitely distract you from the story.
January 8, 2019
I found State of the Art Heist to be a fun and quirky listen. I was immediately pulled its and adored the characters. I thought that narration was spot on. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. The author wrote some very unexpected twists and the narrator had distinguished voices for the various characters.
January 26, 2019
What a GREAT cozy mystery!
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed he book. Trying to guess the answers to the questions from the first. I think I can guess at one , there was such humor and absolute fun in the first novel I have already bought the second and preordered number three. I hope those who like clean fun with their mystery will give these a try!
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed he book. Trying to guess the answers to the questions from the first. I think I can guess at one , there was such humor and absolute fun in the first novel I have already bought the second and preordered number three. I hope those who like clean fun with their mystery will give these a try!
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May 16, 2021A good clean cozy mystery
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good clean cozy mystery. There is no murder and not a lot of mayhem. I loved Kacey, the main character. She is quite humorous at times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good clean cozy mystery. There is no murder and not a lot of mayhem. I loved Kacey, the main character. She is quite humorous at times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
December 11, 2023
Started off kinda slow. I'm reading via audible and it's really hard to get into because the main character is semi young and the narrator sounds very old. I looked the narrator up and I was right she's in her 60s so the voice really throws things off. I purchased the box set so I'm trying to get through them all anyways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews