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Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller #6
Lethal Lifestyles
The groom is the prime suspect in a murder at his own rehearsal dinner. Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke doesn't believe he's the killer—but now it's up to her to find out who is.
When Nichelle Clarke is invited to be the maid of honor in her friends' Virginia vineyard wedding, she looks forward to the celebration. The storybook ceremony has been planned to the tiniest detail, and the rehearsal dinner is going off without a hitch.
Until a dead body is found in a barrel of award-winning Riesling.
But when the dust settles, the corpse is no longer Nichelle's biggest worry. There is a growing list of evidence pointing to her friend the groom as the killer. Nichelle doesn't buy it, but finds herself the lone skeptic.
Wading through skeletons of past love and loss, Nichelle sets out to prove the groom's innocence. But the journey forces her to face hard truths about how well she really knows her closest friends.
Can Nichelle track down the truth in time to save her friend from life in prison--or worse? Assuming he is innocent, who is the real killer? And more importantly, will they strike again?
When Nichelle Clarke is invited to be the maid of honor in her friends' Virginia vineyard wedding, she looks forward to the celebration. The storybook ceremony has been planned to the tiniest detail, and the rehearsal dinner is going off without a hitch.
Until a dead body is found in a barrel of award-winning Riesling.
But when the dust settles, the corpse is no longer Nichelle's biggest worry. There is a growing list of evidence pointing to her friend the groom as the killer. Nichelle doesn't buy it, but finds herself the lone skeptic.
Wading through skeletons of past love and loss, Nichelle sets out to prove the groom's innocence. But the journey forces her to face hard truths about how well she really knows her closest friends.
Can Nichelle track down the truth in time to save her friend from life in prison--or worse? Assuming he is innocent, who is the real killer? And more importantly, will they strike again?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2016
1710 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
LynDee Walker
36 books647 followersLynDee Walker writes about strong women who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Her books have appeared on finalist lists for the Agatha and International Thriller awards—and once, on the weekly Amazon Charts US national bestsellers list smack in between two of her writing heroes.
LynDee is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Before she started writing fiction, LynDee was an award-winning journalist who covered everything from ribbon cuttings and high school football to capital murder trials and high level police corruption. Her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the United States. She has written more than 20 novels and feels lucky every day to get to play with her imaginary friends for a living.
LynDee's favorite things are family, hydrangeas, porches, beaches, and books. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel when she's not juggling laundry, children's sports schedules, and two very happily spoiled rescue dogs.
LynDee is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Before she started writing fiction, LynDee was an award-winning journalist who covered everything from ribbon cuttings and high school football to capital murder trials and high level police corruption. Her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the United States. She has written more than 20 novels and feels lucky every day to get to play with her imaginary friends for a living.
LynDee's favorite things are family, hydrangeas, porches, beaches, and books. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel when she's not juggling laundry, children's sports schedules, and two very happily spoiled rescue dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 30, 2018
3.25 stars
Probably because I read this series/6 books within 5 days or it really was or maybe 'it's me' case, but this story was my less favourite in this series.
Still a solid suspense, definitely better toward the end, but since it dealt with h's colleague and good friend Parker and touched private life of many characters, I took the romantic part more 'seriously'.
I knew Parker wasn't a saint, but was it really necessary to repeatedly mention his manwhorish past and how beautiful it was, that he fell for a nice girl?! Don't we have more than enough manwhores in contemporary romance genre?!
Does it mean h's bf Joey is also one? Coz the lightness of hs mind about it was very obvious.
The main reason I like the heroine, she is not judgemental; and I adored her loyal attitude toward OWs, even the villains. In this one she showed less loyalty, if I phrase it politely...
The main romance part - her and Joey. Almost 2 years acquaintance and 1 year together (if I did my math correctly) and she still doesn't know much about him?..
They said ILY - thanks God!
But how long would it take them to really come together? 5 more books covering another years of their lives?!
Probably because I read this series/6 books within 5 days or it really was or maybe 'it's me' case, but this story was my less favourite in this series.
Still a solid suspense, definitely better toward the end, but since it dealt with h's colleague and good friend Parker and touched private life of many characters, I took the romantic part more 'seriously'.
I knew Parker wasn't a saint, but was it really necessary to repeatedly mention his manwhorish past and how beautiful it was, that he fell for a nice girl?! Don't we have more than enough manwhores in contemporary romance genre?!
Does it mean h's bf Joey is also one? Coz the lightness of hs mind about it was very obvious.
The main reason I like the heroine, she is not judgemental; and I adored her loyal attitude toward OWs, even the villains. In this one she showed less loyalty, if I phrase it politely...
The main romance part - her and Joey. Almost 2 years acquaintance and 1 year together (if I did my math correctly) and she still doesn't know much about him?..
They said ILY - thanks God!
But how long would it take them to really come together? 5 more books covering another years of their lives?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2016
Lethal Lifestyles by LynDee Walker is one of the best Cozy-style mysteries that I've read. The novel is a quick, enjoyable read but solving the mystery takes our sleuth Nichelle Clarke to look for dirt, disclosure and danger in a dozen suspicious leads. On the day that the big-hearted crime reporter has organized as a pre-wedding gathering for her fellow newspaper reporters Parker and Melanie, Nichelle's natural nosiness leads her to discover that a corpse has been discovered on the gorgeous vineyard wedding venue. Nothing less than a fairy tale is the standard that Nichelle has set as their volunteer wedding planner. When she realizes that Parker is an unjustified suspect, she dons her high-style Louboutins and does the rounds while she enlists a huge entourage of friends and friends of friends in law enforcement, journalism and her current hottie, connected to organized crime.
In this light novel, LynDee Walker manages to inject all the characters with liveliness and cast suspicion, one possible poison drop or weapon at a time. Plucky Nichelle keeps her readers running at a quick pace with her, alternately grinning at her cheekiness and outrage or sympathetic to her life story and personal quest for love. Lethal Lifestyles was the most fun I've had with crime in a long time!
This novel is #6 in the series Headlines in High Heels. I found Lethal Lifestyles to be a treat to read as a stand- alone; I will, however, be looking for the rest of this Crime/Mystery/Chick Lit series since this was so good. For its genre, a very high caliber standard of writing - a definite five stars.
ARC from Henery Press and NetGalley
Pub. Date Sept. 27, 2016
In this light novel, LynDee Walker manages to inject all the characters with liveliness and cast suspicion, one possible poison drop or weapon at a time. Plucky Nichelle keeps her readers running at a quick pace with her, alternately grinning at her cheekiness and outrage or sympathetic to her life story and personal quest for love. Lethal Lifestyles was the most fun I've had with crime in a long time!
This novel is #6 in the series Headlines in High Heels. I found Lethal Lifestyles to be a treat to read as a stand- alone; I will, however, be looking for the rest of this Crime/Mystery/Chick Lit series since this was so good. For its genre, a very high caliber standard of writing - a definite five stars.
ARC from Henery Press and NetGalley
Pub. Date Sept. 27, 2016
April 4, 2021
I’m completely obsessed with this series - a total hidden gem ♥️
January 12, 2020
Almost murdered 6 times! No wonder Nichelle has trouble sleeping. How does she not have PTSD and how is she not scarred all over? Maybe it's just me, but it almost sounded like she might be pregnant (fatigue, munchies, fogginess) at various points in the book... However, all the coffee and wine consumption suggested otherwise.
Still waiting for Shelby and Andrews to get their comeuppance... still waiting.
Are we ever going to find out what Joey actually does for the mafia? It's implied that he is a hitman/fixer, but he seems to have some pull in the organization. Does no one in the mafia question Joey's effectiveness and loyalty after the subjects of his inquiries keep getting exposed by Nichelle?
The audiobooks narrated by Therese Plummer really are excellent. Highly recommend.
Still waiting for Shelby and Andrews to get their comeuppance... still waiting.
Are we ever going to find out what Joey actually does for the mafia? It's implied that he is a hitman/fixer, but he seems to have some pull in the organization. Does no one in the mafia question Joey's effectiveness and loyalty after the subjects of his inquiries keep getting exposed by Nichelle?
The audiobooks narrated by Therese Plummer really are excellent. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2016
Five Stars for the best body hide I've read this year.
March 9, 2021
I am calling this the wedding book; Parker and Mel are getting married!!
Nichelle would love anything wedding to happen instead of what is actually happening. She sure gets her fat into the fryer that is for dang sure.
Bob and Nichelle are fight to keep their jobs; everyone seems to be out to get them fired.
Parker should be in wedded bliss but he finds himself the center of a murder and he is the main suspect.
Nichelle and Joey are getting hot and heavy … Did I say I am loving this series yet? Cause I AM!
Therese is fabulous, I love her voice and her voice acting more please.
Nichelle would love anything wedding to happen instead of what is actually happening. She sure gets her fat into the fryer that is for dang sure.
Bob and Nichelle are fight to keep their jobs; everyone seems to be out to get them fired.
Parker should be in wedded bliss but he finds himself the center of a murder and he is the main suspect.
Nichelle and Joey are getting hot and heavy … Did I say I am loving this series yet? Cause I AM!
Therese is fabulous, I love her voice and her voice acting more please.
September 30, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Our star reporter has been bustin’ her tail to give Grant and Mel the wedding of their dreams. We are just one week from the big day when a dead guy in found at the wedding venue right before the rehearsal festivities are about to start, and the dead guy has a connection to the groom. HOLY MANOLOS!! Nicey’s heels hit the ground running as she tries save the wedding, keep Charlie, her arch nemesis, off the trail, keep her and her boss employed and pull off this wedding on time. Hold on tight, this is one story that will knock your high heels right off.
Why do I love this series so much? The author writes a fantastic mystery filled with drama but filled with humor too. She always tops herself and leaves me wanting more.
Nicey is an unforgettable heroine not only because she is independent, smart, and wears some of the best footwear in the world but because she is a true friend. She will fight for her friends until she gets to the whole truth and she refuses to publish anything sketchy even when the publisher is holding her beautiful feet to the fire. She also tries to hold her temper in the toughest of times. She has integrity and in today’s world it is sometimes hard to find reporters like her. She has the right connections and because of the woman she is they will step up to help her whenever they can. Even her ex. She also is learning to listen to her heart just a bit more in this installment too and they made this reader very happy.
LynDee Walker gives us a story the flows quickly with plenty of twists to keep us on our heels. The mystery is complex, the characters continue to evolve and the new characters are memorable and all seem to be hiding something.
This series is best if you start with Front Page Fatality and read the series in order to understand the characters and their history. Also for me each one is better than the last and becomes my new favorite in the series.
Our star reporter has been bustin’ her tail to give Grant and Mel the wedding of their dreams. We are just one week from the big day when a dead guy in found at the wedding venue right before the rehearsal festivities are about to start, and the dead guy has a connection to the groom. HOLY MANOLOS!! Nicey’s heels hit the ground running as she tries save the wedding, keep Charlie, her arch nemesis, off the trail, keep her and her boss employed and pull off this wedding on time. Hold on tight, this is one story that will knock your high heels right off.
Why do I love this series so much? The author writes a fantastic mystery filled with drama but filled with humor too. She always tops herself and leaves me wanting more.
Nicey is an unforgettable heroine not only because she is independent, smart, and wears some of the best footwear in the world but because she is a true friend. She will fight for her friends until she gets to the whole truth and she refuses to publish anything sketchy even when the publisher is holding her beautiful feet to the fire. She also tries to hold her temper in the toughest of times. She has integrity and in today’s world it is sometimes hard to find reporters like her. She has the right connections and because of the woman she is they will step up to help her whenever they can. Even her ex. She also is learning to listen to her heart just a bit more in this installment too and they made this reader very happy.
LynDee Walker gives us a story the flows quickly with plenty of twists to keep us on our heels. The mystery is complex, the characters continue to evolve and the new characters are memorable and all seem to be hiding something.
This series is best if you start with Front Page Fatality and read the series in order to understand the characters and their history. Also for me each one is better than the last and becomes my new favorite in the series.
December 3, 2022
4.25 Stars! Parker and Melanie’s wedding weekend. Should have been special. Not murderous. Nichelle is of course right in the middle of all the mystery. She’s determined that Parker makes it to his wedding and not to jail as he is the main suspect. She’s also involved in all the wedding details. This is not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time at a wedding, especially not for Nichelle. As always, I enjoyed the read. This is such a good series! Recommend!
October 1, 2018
Very enjoyable series and characters
January 10, 2017
I love this series. I consider it one of my favourite discoveries this year and I was lucky as 5 had already been released when I came across it. I binged on them all during my cozy mystery stage and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book and the next books in several other series’ as well.
I think the thing I really like about these books is that Nichelle is so damn good at her job. She’s not a bumbling heroine, stumbling from one disaster to the next or unemployed and constantly unable to make her rent or buy food. She is a crime reporter for a newspaper in Richmond, Virginia and she works long hours covering terrible incidents and quite often becomes invested in what she’s reporting. And involved. Nichelle does have a bit of a tendency to find herself in the firing line but it kind of works, the way that the books play out. She’s strong and dedicated with some interesting quirks.
In this installment, sports reporter Grant Parker, a regular in previous books, is marrying his girlfriend. Nichelle set them up in a previous book so the reader is more than familiar with them and due to her orchestration of their relationship, Nichelle is a bridesmaid who is going above and beyond the call of duty with wedding organisation and is determined that everything be perfect. The first spanner in the works there is the discovery of a dead body in a wine barrel at the wedding location and really, it all just kind of snowballs from there.
I always find the mysteries really interesting in these books and they do end up being quite intricate but without being confusing. Nichelle really does have a wealth of fabulous contacts and she is well versed in the politics of what she can and cannot use in her pieces so she manages to get the story without treading on toes or offending people. Nicey (what her friends call her) is involved in a friendly rivalry with the crime reporter for a local TV station with the two of them going head to head in the fight for exclusives. Nichelle and her boss Bob, an old-school reporter are constantly in the firing line from someone higher up who’d love nothing more than to be rid of both of them. Only Nichelle’s track record in getting the story keeps her employed and speaks of just how clever she is. She is passionate about her work and wanting to give victims a voice as well as get the facts across.
There’s some romance running through this series too. Nichelle meets the enigmatic “call me Joey” in book 1, an obvious mafioso who trades information in bits and pieces to further the agendas of his connections. However there are times when Nichelle’s quests put her in direct conflict with what Joey and his cohorts might consider a desirable outcome and as the chemistry and affection between Nichelle and Joey grows, so does Joey’s struggle with his two worlds. Given that he appears to be in the business of furthering crime in some way or another (his exact role has never been made clear and Nichelle has a strict policy of not asking) and Nichelle is in the business of uncovering and exposing it, it seems likely that eventually this will cause some sort of catastrophic explosion. Add in the fact that Nichelle’s former boyfriend is a hotshot ATF agent who wouldn’t mind a) removing the “former” from that description and b) uncovering Joey’s secrets and bringing down the entire hierarchy of the organisation he works for, there’s a lot of tension that simmers in these books nicely. For now Nichelle and Joey are moving forward (and I looove this because I really like Joey and especially Joey with Nichelle).
This was one of my faves of the series so far – they’re all good, continuing to get better as we get to know Nichelle more and her relationship with Joey develops and Kyle, the ATF agent continues to complicate matters. Now the only problem is waiting for the next one.
I think the thing I really like about these books is that Nichelle is so damn good at her job. She’s not a bumbling heroine, stumbling from one disaster to the next or unemployed and constantly unable to make her rent or buy food. She is a crime reporter for a newspaper in Richmond, Virginia and she works long hours covering terrible incidents and quite often becomes invested in what she’s reporting. And involved. Nichelle does have a bit of a tendency to find herself in the firing line but it kind of works, the way that the books play out. She’s strong and dedicated with some interesting quirks.
In this installment, sports reporter Grant Parker, a regular in previous books, is marrying his girlfriend. Nichelle set them up in a previous book so the reader is more than familiar with them and due to her orchestration of their relationship, Nichelle is a bridesmaid who is going above and beyond the call of duty with wedding organisation and is determined that everything be perfect. The first spanner in the works there is the discovery of a dead body in a wine barrel at the wedding location and really, it all just kind of snowballs from there.
I always find the mysteries really interesting in these books and they do end up being quite intricate but without being confusing. Nichelle really does have a wealth of fabulous contacts and she is well versed in the politics of what she can and cannot use in her pieces so she manages to get the story without treading on toes or offending people. Nicey (what her friends call her) is involved in a friendly rivalry with the crime reporter for a local TV station with the two of them going head to head in the fight for exclusives. Nichelle and her boss Bob, an old-school reporter are constantly in the firing line from someone higher up who’d love nothing more than to be rid of both of them. Only Nichelle’s track record in getting the story keeps her employed and speaks of just how clever she is. She is passionate about her work and wanting to give victims a voice as well as get the facts across.
There’s some romance running through this series too. Nichelle meets the enigmatic “call me Joey” in book 1, an obvious mafioso who trades information in bits and pieces to further the agendas of his connections. However there are times when Nichelle’s quests put her in direct conflict with what Joey and his cohorts might consider a desirable outcome and as the chemistry and affection between Nichelle and Joey grows, so does Joey’s struggle with his two worlds. Given that he appears to be in the business of furthering crime in some way or another (his exact role has never been made clear and Nichelle has a strict policy of not asking) and Nichelle is in the business of uncovering and exposing it, it seems likely that eventually this will cause some sort of catastrophic explosion. Add in the fact that Nichelle’s former boyfriend is a hotshot ATF agent who wouldn’t mind a) removing the “former” from that description and b) uncovering Joey’s secrets and bringing down the entire hierarchy of the organisation he works for, there’s a lot of tension that simmers in these books nicely. For now Nichelle and Joey are moving forward (and I looove this because I really like Joey and especially Joey with Nichelle).
This was one of my faves of the series so far – they’re all good, continuing to get better as we get to know Nichelle more and her relationship with Joey develops and Kyle, the ATF agent continues to complicate matters. Now the only problem is waiting for the next one.
August 11, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
June 11, 2023
3.5 stars for the ‘mystery’ and 3 stars for the ending.
Although I still love the characters, I wasn’t particularly enjoying this book.
Although I still love the characters, I wasn’t particularly enjoying this book.
September 14, 2016
Awww, Nicey is back. I just love these books. I think she is one of my favorite characters. She has a lot of testosterone around her, but she still seems to find trouble. However, she always gets the job done and usually beats the her cohort "Charlie" from the rival network with the scoop.
Shoes, this girl is all about the shoes. That's definitely something that I like about her as well. She has ethics and is genuinely caring and always tries to be there for her friends.
This book has more plot twists than a bag of pretzels and the character development is above par. I fell in love with Nichelle in book one and she hasn't let me down yet. I haven't missed a book yet and don't plan to do so in the future. This is a great series and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Henery Press for this and all the requests you have so graciously approved and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that there are not many Henery Press books that I've read that I would not recommend. That hen house has definitely got their coop together.
Shoes, this girl is all about the shoes. That's definitely something that I like about her as well. She has ethics and is genuinely caring and always tries to be there for her friends.
This book has more plot twists than a bag of pretzels and the character development is above par. I fell in love with Nichelle in book one and she hasn't let me down yet. I haven't missed a book yet and don't plan to do so in the future. This is a great series and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Henery Press for this and all the requests you have so graciously approved and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that there are not many Henery Press books that I've read that I would not recommend. That hen house has definitely got their coop together.
September 3, 2016
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Nicey is a crime reporter who is maid of honor at her friend's wedding.
Things are going smoothly until a dead body is found in a wine barrel.
The groom has motive for the murder, but no one believes he is capable of such a horrible crime.
As Nicey digs into the victims background she uncovers secrets that were supposed to stay hidden.
Even though I am not familiar with the author, I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns kept me guessing all the way until the end.
I plan to read this series from the beginning.
Nicey is a crime reporter who is maid of honor at her friend's wedding.
Things are going smoothly until a dead body is found in a wine barrel.
The groom has motive for the murder, but no one believes he is capable of such a horrible crime.
As Nicey digs into the victims background she uncovers secrets that were supposed to stay hidden.
Even though I am not familiar with the author, I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns kept me guessing all the way until the end.
I plan to read this series from the beginning.
September 2, 2016
Another winner from LynDee Walker.
Quick thoughts:
Fun. Cute. Nichelle is at her best when worried about her friends and she's def at her best in this book.
Romance wise- Nichelle May be ready to make some steps forward
Already ready for next book!
Full review to come closer to pub date.
Quick thoughts:
Fun. Cute. Nichelle is at her best when worried about her friends and she's def at her best in this book.
Romance wise- Nichelle May be ready to make some steps forward
Already ready for next book!
Full review to come closer to pub date.
January 9, 2019
This series gets stronger with every entry. Unfortunately, having read all 6 I now have to wait for the next installment. At least this one had a happy ending for Nichelle in both her personal and professional life. Usually Nichelle gets in to dangerous situations because she is following a story. This time she is trying to avoid reporting something. She still ends up in a pickle.
April 30, 2019
Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller number six
Lethal Lifestyles, number six in the Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller series, is another hit. Nichelle, a crime reporter for a Richmond newspaper, is once again, right in the middle of investigating a murder, as well as writing about it. This is a series not to be missed if you’re a crime thriller aficionado.
Lethal Lifestyles, number six in the Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller series, is another hit. Nichelle, a crime reporter for a Richmond newspaper, is once again, right in the middle of investigating a murder, as well as writing about it. This is a series not to be missed if you’re a crime thriller aficionado.
May 8, 2017
Lethal Lifestyles is the sixth book in The Headlines in High Heels Mystery series written by author LynDee Walker. Marvelous stories. Thanks to NetGalley and Henery Press for the advance copy. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 20, 2018
I read the series and I am hoping for more. Just be sure that you read them in order. Great characters, plot and writing. The author keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed them and read into the night to see what happens next.
February 10, 2019
Great...
And great fun. I'm really enjoying this series. Can't wait for the next one. The characters are real and pretty believavle and the plots are great. Keep them coming. :-)
And great fun. I'm really enjoying this series. Can't wait for the next one. The characters are real and pretty believavle and the plots are great. Keep them coming. :-)
March 29, 2019
Enjoyed this book!!!
I think I've become attached to all the main characters in Nichelle's world. I loved to slow build of the plot. And I loved the happy ending with Joey. I was worried for a minute there.
I think I've become attached to all the main characters in Nichelle's world. I loved to slow build of the plot. And I loved the happy ending with Joey. I was worried for a minute there.
December 13, 2016
❤️ ❤️ ❤️....Love this series!!! A must read!!
December 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this. It’s a bit different from previous books in the series in that it starts out focused on Nichelle’s personal life, on her role as maid-of-honor in the wedding party of coworkers Melody and Grant. Naturally a dead body shows up quickly in a totally inappropriate place and the mystery begins. As a crime reporter, Nichelle can’t help herself and is soon neck-deep in investigating the murder. I found the plot compelling, as the victim is revealed to be someone with plenty of enemies, including dear friend and groom, sports columnist, Grant Parker. Nichelle is super motivated to get to the bottom of this before the wedding , which is only one week away.
I love this series so much that I raced through earlier books. This one took me a minute to fully engage with, but I definitely got there. I love the characters. Nichelle is a great blend of strong and determined, plucky, courageous and fun with some amusing quirks like her love of finding designer shoes at bargain prices. I really enjoy and recommend this series for anyone who likes serial mysteries with strong female leads. The insights into the newspaper industry are authentic and I enjoy that setting. Walker does a great job of depicting Nichelle’s relationships and making her admirable in how she loves those close to her. This book sees changes in Nichelle’s love life and work relationships bring unexpected turns.
As with most good series, you don’t need to have read previous books to enjoy this one, but it adds richness if you have. I’m a huge fan of reading serial mysteries in order. I adore that feeling of getting to know a character over the fictional years and having that deep sense of knowing them brought by having seen them through many tough situations. That sense of knowing someone’s history and sharing that with them is so special in real life. I feel like good series replicate that feeling in me for the main characters and provides me with empathy for how they relate to the other characters. I definitely get that enjoyment from this series.
I listen to the Audible versions and the reader is good. She usually manages to keep each character’s voice unique with subtle differences. I’m excited to continue this series and will probably dive into the next one immediately.
I love this series so much that I raced through earlier books. This one took me a minute to fully engage with, but I definitely got there. I love the characters. Nichelle is a great blend of strong and determined, plucky, courageous and fun with some amusing quirks like her love of finding designer shoes at bargain prices. I really enjoy and recommend this series for anyone who likes serial mysteries with strong female leads. The insights into the newspaper industry are authentic and I enjoy that setting. Walker does a great job of depicting Nichelle’s relationships and making her admirable in how she loves those close to her. This book sees changes in Nichelle’s love life and work relationships bring unexpected turns.
As with most good series, you don’t need to have read previous books to enjoy this one, but it adds richness if you have. I’m a huge fan of reading serial mysteries in order. I adore that feeling of getting to know a character over the fictional years and having that deep sense of knowing them brought by having seen them through many tough situations. That sense of knowing someone’s history and sharing that with them is so special in real life. I feel like good series replicate that feeling in me for the main characters and provides me with empathy for how they relate to the other characters. I definitely get that enjoyment from this series.
I listen to the Audible versions and the reader is good. She usually manages to keep each character’s voice unique with subtle differences. I’m excited to continue this series and will probably dive into the next one immediately.
March 4, 2019
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but it was still darn good! Nichelle is a reporter. This week she's gearing up for the big wedding of her friend and co-worker, Parker, and his girlfriend, Mel. Nichelle was the one who introduced them and since she, Nichelle, is maid of honor, she feels an even greater weight of responsibility to see that things go smoothly and on time as planned. So finding a dead body at the rehearsal wasn't exactly in the cards, and the fact Parker had motive for killing the victim meant he could possibly be the police's number one suspect, thus jeopardizing the wedding itself. Once again, Nichelle is thrown into the role of sleuth.
I adore this series! The characters really make it. Kudos to the author on a job well done. And each book has not only a mystery to solve but there's always a twist involving one of the players. Parker being a suspect in a murder investigation with his wedding less than a week away keeps Nichelle on her toes, rushing to find the real culprit. She has help from friend, Kyle, at the FBI, who wanted to be more than a friend for awhile. And there's Joey, whom she's been kind of dating, although his ties to organized crime give her cause for concern. With each book I finish I find myself clamoring for more!
I adore this series! The characters really make it. Kudos to the author on a job well done. And each book has not only a mystery to solve but there's always a twist involving one of the players. Parker being a suspect in a murder investigation with his wedding less than a week away keeps Nichelle on her toes, rushing to find the real culprit. She has help from friend, Kyle, at the FBI, who wanted to be more than a friend for awhile. And there's Joey, whom she's been kind of dating, although his ties to organized crime give her cause for concern. With each book I finish I find myself clamoring for more!
September 23, 2016
Nichelle Clarke is a Reporter Extraordinaire for the Richmond Telegraph; but right now she has her hands full planning the wedding of her friends and co-workers, Melanie and (Grant) Parker. She's turned into a Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, determined to give them a memorable fairy tale wedding of all weddings. The venue is lovely, a vineyard setting courtesy of the owner, Dale Sammons, who is a fan of Parker's, once a state baseball star before an injury cut his career short.
They are at the winery for a rehearsal, and when Nichelle steps away from the festivities for a moment, she overhears a conversation with disturbing news: A body has been found in a wine barrel - and that doesn't bode well for anyone. She volunteers to convince the party to temporarily vacate the premises (they are all staying in cabins onsite for a few days) and have dinner somewhere else so that the concerned vineyard employees can call the police and hopefully get the matter resolved before they return. After all, it doesn't have anything to do with any of them, right?
Wrong - when the dead man is none other than Mitch Burke, a longtime rival of Parker's and someone who also hated him intensely - to the point of sending threatening emails - and it puts Parker right in the middle of the investigation as a possible suspect.
Since it soon becomes apparent that all clues lead back to Parker, Nichelle is determined to prove him innocent, even if no one but herself and Melanie thinks he is. But it's going to be trickier than she thought. When she starts digging, she finds out that Burke was into some illegal goings-on, and other people are involved as well, including some who want to see Parker charged with murder. Even the love of her life, Joey D'Amore, who has shady connections himself, is warning her away, but Nichelle is willing to risk everything - including her job and her life - to catch a killer...
This, my friends, is the best book in the series to date. While it begins harmless enough with the wedding of two of her best friends, it soon evolves into something much darker and convoluted in no time at all. There is no dearth of suspects, even when it becomes obvious that Parker may have had the best motive of anyone - wanting to protect Melanie. Still refusing to believe him capable of murder, she uses her journalist's nose and gut feelings to ferret out information that proves it is more than just revenge at the core of Burke's death.
To add to it all, she discovers that something is afoot at the vineyard that may or may not be connected to Burke's death, but is just as sinister in every sense of the word; leaving her feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown in more ways than one. But with all else that is going on, Nichelle's personal life is taking a turn as well. A misunderstanding leads to a change in her relationship with Joey, one that changes both their lives forever.
I can't describe how much I enjoy this series. Ms. Walker has a way of not only bringing characters to life on the page, she actually gives them life on the page; you feel a part of everything that is occurring; and this is a very good thing. They are luminous and fully dimensional; vivid and convincing. It is a joy to read each book and watch their personalities evolve even as we try, along with Nichelle, to find a killer in their midst.
When the ending comes and all the secrets are revealed, it is both warped yet still satisfying; what at first appears to be merely twisted winds up being misbegotten in the extreme. It is a delightfully twisted plot that gives us plenty of red herrings without allowing us to discover the killer early on, a true standard of a successful tale. Kudos to Ms. Walker, and I look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
They are at the winery for a rehearsal, and when Nichelle steps away from the festivities for a moment, she overhears a conversation with disturbing news: A body has been found in a wine barrel - and that doesn't bode well for anyone. She volunteers to convince the party to temporarily vacate the premises (they are all staying in cabins onsite for a few days) and have dinner somewhere else so that the concerned vineyard employees can call the police and hopefully get the matter resolved before they return. After all, it doesn't have anything to do with any of them, right?
Wrong - when the dead man is none other than Mitch Burke, a longtime rival of Parker's and someone who also hated him intensely - to the point of sending threatening emails - and it puts Parker right in the middle of the investigation as a possible suspect.
Since it soon becomes apparent that all clues lead back to Parker, Nichelle is determined to prove him innocent, even if no one but herself and Melanie thinks he is. But it's going to be trickier than she thought. When she starts digging, she finds out that Burke was into some illegal goings-on, and other people are involved as well, including some who want to see Parker charged with murder. Even the love of her life, Joey D'Amore, who has shady connections himself, is warning her away, but Nichelle is willing to risk everything - including her job and her life - to catch a killer...
This, my friends, is the best book in the series to date. While it begins harmless enough with the wedding of two of her best friends, it soon evolves into something much darker and convoluted in no time at all. There is no dearth of suspects, even when it becomes obvious that Parker may have had the best motive of anyone - wanting to protect Melanie. Still refusing to believe him capable of murder, she uses her journalist's nose and gut feelings to ferret out information that proves it is more than just revenge at the core of Burke's death.
To add to it all, she discovers that something is afoot at the vineyard that may or may not be connected to Burke's death, but is just as sinister in every sense of the word; leaving her feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown in more ways than one. But with all else that is going on, Nichelle's personal life is taking a turn as well. A misunderstanding leads to a change in her relationship with Joey, one that changes both their lives forever.
I can't describe how much I enjoy this series. Ms. Walker has a way of not only bringing characters to life on the page, she actually gives them life on the page; you feel a part of everything that is occurring; and this is a very good thing. They are luminous and fully dimensional; vivid and convincing. It is a joy to read each book and watch their personalities evolve even as we try, along with Nichelle, to find a killer in their midst.
When the ending comes and all the secrets are revealed, it is both warped yet still satisfying; what at first appears to be merely twisted winds up being misbegotten in the extreme. It is a delightfully twisted plot that gives us plenty of red herrings without allowing us to discover the killer early on, a true standard of a successful tale. Kudos to Ms. Walker, and I look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2022
Another Nichelle barnstormer
The latest instalment in the wonderful Nichelle Clarke series doesn't disappoint. Wedding organiser for two of her colleagues, a rehearsal at the venue, an exclusive vineyard, what could go wrong? Well a body in a barrel of vintage wine, who just happens to be a lifelong enemy of the groom is the start of another page-turner from LynDee Walker, who has assembled a great cast of regular characters who, as ever, interact with each other wonderfully. Oh, and has our heroine, who remains a thoroughly engaging character, finally found love? A brilliant addition to the Nichelle series.
The latest instalment in the wonderful Nichelle Clarke series doesn't disappoint. Wedding organiser for two of her colleagues, a rehearsal at the venue, an exclusive vineyard, what could go wrong? Well a body in a barrel of vintage wine, who just happens to be a lifelong enemy of the groom is the start of another page-turner from LynDee Walker, who has assembled a great cast of regular characters who, as ever, interact with each other wonderfully. Oh, and has our heroine, who remains a thoroughly engaging character, finally found love? A brilliant addition to the Nichelle series.
September 29, 2020
Nichelle does it again in this edge of your seat page turner. As her job is on the line again, she's busy with her maid of honor duties for Parker's wedding when a body is found in a wine barrel at the rehearsal dinner. Parker becomes the prime suspect and Nichelle uncovers long ago deaths, scandals, and current money trails which has her in over her head with too many suspects and details. Kyle steps in to help clear Parker and help Nichelle. Also, Nichelle and Joey's romance heats up even more with some unexpected declarations and more trust.
August 25, 2018
I love this series. It was fast paced and cleverly written. I want super surprised by the outcome but I love the main characters enough that the mystery was kind of second level important to me. The only real complaint i have is with the number of times she talked about her inner Lois Lane...i swear that phrase ws pf almost every page and its obnoxious after a while...enough to knock it down a star, but overall it's a great story
October 1, 2018
Good
By rehearsal weekend—a celebration getaway for the wedding party at the vineyard that would play host to next week’s ceremony—I’d switched on event cruise control, confident all my spinning plates would careen happily through the honeymoon sendoff. I strolled into the log cabin main hall for the Friday-night kickoff dinner hauling a Ralph Lauren tote stuffed with everything I’d need to remedy ruined stockings, makeup mishaps,
By rehearsal weekend—a celebration getaway for the wedding party at the vineyard that would play host to next week’s ceremony—I’d switched on event cruise control, confident all my spinning plates would careen happily through the honeymoon sendoff. I strolled into the log cabin main hall for the Friday-night kickoff dinner hauling a Ralph Lauren tote stuffed with everything I’d need to remedy ruined stockings, makeup mishaps,
June 1, 2019
Love this series, but for some reason the beginning of this book was a bit annoying. Nichelle should know better than to try to “hide” the fact that there’s been a murder and by keeping the groom and bride in the dark, that could have backfired spectacularly. It just made me cringe while reading- and not in a good way. Once the story got started though, it evened out and started flowing like the others books in this series. Another winner.
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