Devil in the Deadline

Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller #4

by LynDee Walker

A human sacrifice unlocks a chilling mystery, and leads Nichelle Clarke into a world of unimaginable danger.

When Richmond Police find a young woman's bloody remains spread across a candle-lit altar in an abandoned power plant on the banks of the James River, they give crime reporter Nichelle Clarke an all-access pass in exchange for her help.

But the information Nichelle gets from the victim's friends only draws her deeper into the mystery. Where did Jasmine come from? How did she end up on the streets of Shockoe Bottom? And why doesn't she have any dental records?

The answer trail stops at the front doors of a sprawling compound in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, where Nichelle finds a secretive cult leader and his devoted following. It is a world where lies become truth, and money is the true idol. Money some people would do anything to keep collecting...

Even if it means murdering a nosy reporter.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Romance, Amateur Sleuth, Contemporary

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

LynDee 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.

Reviews

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how cozy mysteries should be written. I'm not talking about the language, or the story. I'm talking about the quality of the writing and the plot. Ms. Walker proves that cozy mysteries don't have to be unsophisticated or naive to work. The story, characters and mystery are all excellent and the series is amongst my favourites. All this in spite of a love triangle (which I think is - at least temporarily - sorted in this one).

Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/112027...

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grisly murder scene has crime reporter Nichelle Clake cringing in her designer shoes as Devil in the Deadline - the fourth Headlines in High Heels mystery - begins. The murder investigation soon leads Nichelle to a shady religious compound in the country. She smells a rat right away (especially when her fabulous footwear is confiscated before a service) and her gut tells her that this church, and its leaders, have something to do with the still-unidentified young victim. She's so sure, in fact, that she's willing to be her shoe closet - and her life.

Nichelle gets help in her investigating from both of the men in her life. While she has romantic history with Kyle, it's Joey who has her heart pumping (mine, too!). Lucky for her (whether she admits it or not) both men want to keep her safe. Unfortunately for Kyle and Joey, Nichelle's instincts won't let her back away from the story, even if that means getting used for target practice.

I'm firmly on Team Joey and loved every scene that he graced. LynDee Walker writes some flirty and sexy scenes for Joey and Nichelle, much to my delight! The love triangle is written very well on the whole.

Reading LynDee's books is a joy. Her fiction is filled with a little something for every reader. Honestly, the book is near impossible to put down; I propped my eyes open with metaphorical toothpicks and barreled into the action along with Nichelle and loved it. The final chapter came way too soon and I'm positively itching to find out what happens next.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly this book is all kinds of crazy. We get some romance!
I love and hate books that have the church involved because it’s always so mysterious and you never know how it will portrayed.
I didn’t expect the stuff with Nichelle’s mother that was interest.
I felt terrible for Kyle too, his feeling are alive a well but for Nichelle it is more friendship with affection I think from their past.
Again loving the narration.

[HENERY PRESS PUBLISHING]

“Walker's journalistic background fuels her snappy dialogue, thrill-of-the-chase plotting, and A-List fashion sense. Headlines in High Heels is a top-notch cozy mystery series readers will enjoy slipping into.” – Julia Spencer-Fleming, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of Through the Evil Days

[Laura (crofteereader)]

This one is by far my favorite in the series so far!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. We get to solve the mystery right alongside Nichelle. And now I’m curious about her own personal mystery.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nichelle vs. Another Murderous Case.

Nichelle, a top crime reporter in Richmond, Virginia gets mixed up in a grisly murder of a young homeless woman. Because it's Nichelle, it's truly not that simple to say the least. She manages to get into the toughest spots and has two different men who want to be the one that keeps her safe. It's almost good vs. evil with the two guys. Or nice guy vs. bad boy. Sure, it's a love triangle of sorts but that doesn't really bother me for some reason. Maybe because I really like both characters a lot.
And I really enjoy Nichelle as a main character quite a bit. She's smart and super courageous when it comes to getting her story-usually to her detriment as well as at least one of her guys. But she does get her story!

If you enjoy a smart but feisty lead character who manages to get involved in some pretty intricate murder cases with many layers, I'm sure you will enjoy checking out this series. I've liked and enjoyed them all. Recommended!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good mystery, getting exciting at the end.

But I wish Nichelle would decide which guy she loves already because her foreplay with both guys is almost exactly the same and it’s quite ridiculous.

Lots of ‘laugh out loud’ lines in this book. The funniest I found was when she described another woman’s hair as a ‘tight bun doubling as a facelift’.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Well-written solid suspense.
Likable heroine, smart and independent.
The romantic part gets a bit annoying. I wish she would make her mind and choose already.
Team Joey all the way 😋
Finally, finally she broke her 10 years long celibacy! Hurrah!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Nichelle Clarke is a crime reporter with excellent taste in fine footwear and she doesn’t let those high heels hold her back when she needs to climb to the latest crime scene. The scene she finds is just ghastly and almost beyond words. But her new competition, a blogger, has no problem putting all the gruesome details out there. The big question is where is she getting her information. Nichelle is supposed to have an exclusive agreement with the cops! for her help in the investigation. That investigation puts Nichelle’s life in danger but she will do anything to get the story and catch a killer. It doesn’t hurt that she has her old high school boyfriend, now ATF Agent Kyle and a hunk like Joey with his questionable underworld ties watching her back, but can they keep her safe this time?

This entire series is absolutely awesome. Each story is just full of action, thrills, romance and humor too! LynDee Walker just keeps topping herself!

I love the characters! Nicey is such a strong woman and she is always on a deadline. This time she receives help from a very unlikely person. She also never knows when bad-boy Joey (no last name) will appear but his kisses never fail to curl her toes. Kyle is still interested in rekindling their romance and while she knows his last name and he would offer her a more stable life there is just no toe curling. But he isn’t giving up. I also like her editor at the paper. He seems like a man with common sense in an industry that is changing on a daily basis. He fights hard for his job and for Nichelle and makes an excellent sounding board for her.

The plot is fantastic. The crime seems to be pure evil and the twists really add to the suspense. We also learn more about Nichelle and the story ends with quite a cliffhanger. LynDee Walker’s journalist’s skills shine and have made her an excellent mystery writer.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new Headlines in High Heels Mystery was probably one of my favorites. The story takes crime reporter Nichelle to the headquarters of a televangelist with shady practices. I laughed out loud when she was denied access to the church in her high heels and had to wear the guest flip flops instead. I love how the author gives the reader insight into investigative reporting, and I especially loved how Nichelle weighs her reporting against telling her readers that a mass murderer might be on the loose and possibly creating a panic if she writes about it in the paper. Her efforts are threatened by the appearance of a mysterious blog whose author beats her to headlines by a short amount of time and threatens her integrity with the local police. We also get to read more about her mafia friend and let me tell you, I love what's happening between him and Nichelle. Another interesting part of the new book is that we learn a little more about Nichelle's past and her mother. There were some hints in past books, but this time we get to meet her mother and hear more about her. I also liked that it seems that Nichelle and her nemesis Shelly at the paper seem to be getting closer because they are both trying to figure out who the mysterious blogger is. All in all, a great read, interesting character development and a must read for fans of investigative mysteries.

Copy provided through NetGalley

[Lauri Rottmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Once I picked it up, I read it straight through. Although it's the fourth in a series, it's the first one I've read. I loved the fact that I wasn't bogged down in back story from the previous books and only realized towards the end that the characters knew each other two well for there to have been just the one book. Excellent!

I love Nichelle, a journalist with a flair for detecting. I loved how the story was woven to where I wasn't sure what the outcome would be until it was revealed.

Nichelle is called to the scene of a murder by a cop who trusts her to get the story out and maybe talk to people who won't talk to the cops. As she starts investigating the story, she comes to connect the murdered girl to a large televangelist church.

After several visits out to the church and nosing around Nichelle becomes more convinced that the two are connected but lacks everything she needs to prove it.

There are two love interests for Nichelle. Joey, a guy with mob connections and Kyle, an ATF agent. These two add for a nice twist inside the story.

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fast paced, intriguing read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Net Galley and Henery Press for providing me with this title!! Here's my honest review.

I LOVE this series. Nichelle and her shoes crack me up. Her barbs with Shelby can't stop. They can't be friends. Ha!!

Seriously Nichelle Clark is a journalist working for a newspaper who is trying to stay one step ahead of the TV news. The things that she does are sometimes just downright hilarious and she's usually know to get into some prickly predicaments. She's kind of like a Stephanie Plum, but a lot smarter. And while there is a love triangle, I don't think it's as prevalent in these books.

I definitely recommend this series!!

[Lilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite in the series! While our heroine, Nichelle, is brainy, beautiful and brave, as Richmond's well-shod crime reporter, she still finds time for romance with two very different characters. What's not to love?

[Nichole Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the Nichelle series!!

[John Bohnert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This crime reporter series just keeps getting better and better.

[Mariya · Rating 2 out of 5]

55% DNF because DNC - do not care

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! Reporter, Nichelle Clarke, gets called to the scene of a grisly murder. She thought she could tolerate just about anything but the amount of blood, the way the poor victim was staged, the savagery involved, is enough to make her almost pass out. As she begins searching for clues as to the victim's identity and the events leading up to her murder, Nichelle finds the young woman had recently left a religious cult, one she refused to talk about and still feared. Pretty soon there are more questions than she has answers for. With the help of her detective friend (and ex boyfriend) Kyle, and a warning from her current love interest (he has ties to the Mob) to stay away from this one, Nichelle finds herself torn. But when has she ever walked away from a story? The sight of that poor girl would haunt Nichelle forever and if she can help bring the killer to
justice . . .

Another excellent story and writing job from this author. I am solidly hooked on her and can't wait to dig into the next book. I love the history between Nichelle and Kyle, and the hint of mystery surrounding Joey (it's not really clear what he does for the Mob or how deep his ties to the organization go). What is made clear is the depth of his feelings for Nichelle. Even though he battles with his conscience over their involvement, he can't seem to stay away from her. There's also some people at the paper who play an active role in Nichelle's life. Grant Parker, sports writer and friend who helps her from time to time. Former rival, Shelby, who is trying to make amends for the past, although Nichelle can't decide whether to trust her or not. And her boss, Bob, who is usually in her corner when she needs him to be. Oh, and let's not forget Darcy, Nichelle's beautiful Pomeranian. She's always waiting at the door to comfort her owner after a long hard day.

If you haven't read the series i would suggest you start at the beginning. Even though they can be read as standalones, you really get a feel for the characters and their personalities if you start with number one.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! Nichelle is someone to look up to and someone I'd love to be friends with. She loves her friends and family and adores her job as a reporter. She will do what it takes to get the job done, but she will not betray a confidence. She wants to right the wrongs she sees out there.
She is called in to the scene of a murdered young woman. She is appalled by the scene, but knows she can help. There is more to the murder than meets the eye. Clues lead to a huge church compound that creeped me right the heck out. Not always a big fan of organized religion, especially the mega ones that seem to only want to line their own pockets rather than help the congregation.
LynDee draws the reader in along for the ride and investigation with Nichelle. It's never precious or superhuman. Nichelle follows her gut and her heart and manages to get everything done that needs doing.
And LynDee wrote the best romantic scene I've ever read. I am not a big fan of a lot of romance in the books I read. I tend to skim past the woo-hoo scenes. I like action on the streets, not between the sheets. But....*woof*! The excellent scene between Nichelle and Joey......muh-rowr! I love them as a couple. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Nichelle doesn't take guff from either of her suitors, though. She's not a Helpless-Hannah. She's for Team Nichelle and I love that. She's not afraid to ask for help, but knows she can git'r'done.
Definitely recommend.

[J Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

LynDee does it again! Nichelle comes out with a bang in her fourth mystery. The book starts when Richmond cops are clueless about the death and murder of a young girl. Police suspect a serial killer. The case involves many suspects, including the homeless, the girl’s missing family, and mysterious church members involved in criminal activities. Nichelle’s love life also amps up with Kyle and Joey going head to head for her heart.

I enjoyed LynDee’s fourth book. It was full of lots of tension and mystery. It left me guessing and on edge. I really liked the details the author wrote in the text; it contributed to all the great twists and turns in the storyline. I love the new development of Joey’s, Kyle’s, and Nichelle’s relationship. We also get a little bit more information about Joey’s life. Overall, Devil in the Deadlines was artfully written. It’s a great new addition to the Headlines in Heels Mystery books and all Chic-lit Mysteries! Great Job LynDee!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joey sure is oblivious to the fact that every time he comes around to warn Niche against digging into things, he confirms her hunches. Maybe he is just using this as an excuse to see her? In that case, it sure goes against his sophisticated mafia persona.

BTW, Niche without high heels is like a de-clawed cat. She just can't defend herself.

Another mystery wrapped up, but some questions still remain. Who is Niche's father? Does this mean Niche chose Joey? Does Niche have a half brother? Is Girl Friday still competition for Niche now that she got fired from the PD? Guess I will start the next book to find out.

This series is a great example of keeping the readers' interest without ending on a cliffhanger. Love it!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery, great series.

This is a solid series with well developed characters, great pacing and smart mysteries. I enjoyed this book which centers around the murder of a homeless woman. Nicey's investigation was logical to follow. Her constant struggle to get the exclusive kept the story well paced.There was not as much office drama in this one which made the story more enjoyable. There is a bit of a romance triangle that is somewhat resolved by the end. However, the romance is not the main story. I really like Nicey and the staff at the paper. I like following her ethical pursuit of the crime beat. I have both ebook and audible. The narration is good. This is a great mystery series.

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nichelle is chasing a huge story involving a possible serial killer, mob connections, and a shady mega church and their staff. A grisly murder has her investigating the victim's identity and ties to a "family" that may have killed her. Working with her usual contacts in the PD and gathering more information only to be upstaged by a mysterious new blogger who's her scooping stories has Nichelle at her wits end. Testing out her feelings with Joey they delve further into their relationship, but Kyle is still hoping to reconnect. Another attempt on Nichelle's life has both men risking themselves for her. Can't wait to read the next in the series!

[Lucy Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in this series

I was ready to be disappointed and was delighted that I wasn't. LynDee Walker did an even better job of building suspense and a compelling narrative in this book than in the previous two in this Nichelle Clarke series. The only false note for me is how cavalierly Nicey treats her mother and how unbelievable it was that mom sleeps through a drive by shooting that leaves a big hole in her daughter's living room. If I hadn't seen my mom in a !ong time, and I love her lots, and she came for a visit I'd spend more than dinner with her. But then I'm not obsessed with my job as this main character investigative reporter is.

[Deborah Rusch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one of the NichelleClark series was darker than the previous ones. Nichelle gets mixed up in a grisly murder with her two beaux involved. I’m glad she’s finally hooked up with softhearted Joey and still friends with Kyle.I like the characters at the newspaper. Nichelle is a bit on the foolhardy side when she digs into crime beat stories, but she is likable. I think her love of expensive shoes is adorable. Easy read (listen on audible) and while not literary masterpieces, page turners nonetheless.

[Tim Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of this series, Nichelle is such a strong character - smart, loyal, funny and tenacious, and this is her best outing yet. A young homeless girl is found brutally murdered and this time the Richmond Police need Nichelle's help. Soon we are spellbound by a story that credibly interweaves the New Jersey mafia and a corrupt mega church. Throughout Nichelle's humanity shines through and we get a turbocharged conclusion. I've already got the next instalment in the adventures of Nichelle Clarke lined up.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Marika Lenee Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s first on the scene for an exclusive and the murder looks sacrificial. Could it be related to a huge church, or is that just what the killer wants the cops to think? Finding the identity of the victim is first priority. Nichelle goes after the wrong people and finds her life in danger too. Suspenseful and intriguing. Did not realize this is a series, so I now plan to start with the first in this series!