Stiff Competition

Madison Cruz Mystery #3

by Lucy Carol

Speed dating, cocktails, and dead bodies.
She got all dressed up for this?

With everything blowing up in her love life, her job life, and her confidence, Madison finds herself on the rebound, unable to sort out her feelings. Passionate kisses with a certain crime fighter provide a nice distraction, but things may not be what they seem. A singing telegram turns dangerous, a speed dating event runs riot, and a missing chef with a wild past pits Madison against the odds. Then someone puts murder on the menu.

A humorous mystery laced with romantic comedy.

Lucy Carol, winner of Chanticleer Book Review’s Mystery & Mayhem Award, delivers another fun page-turner that leaves you breathless with laughter and wanting more!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2015

About the author

Lucy Carol's top priority is to entertain you, and keep you turning pages. She writes mysteries for those who like it fun, fast, and don't mind losing a little sleep. Living and writing in the Pacific Northwest, she loves martinis, flowers, dancing, a good lipstick, and cake. Her background is in the performing arts, having been an actress, voiceover artist, choreographer, and singing telegram.

Reviews

[Melissa Storm]

Oh, this was so much fun! I constantly found myself taking mental notes on characterization and dialogue, because Lucy Carol's writing is THAT good. I felt a little lost coming into the series at book 3, but I still swooned for the romance and laughed out loud at pretty much every other scene. I look forward to Lucy's upcoming romantic comedy series, which is a bit more my speed. Definitely recommend to fans of chick lit. No rating, because I'm Lucy's web designer and assigning stars just wouldn't be kosher.

[Ken Bour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two of Lucy Carol's zany adventures with Madison Cruz and this one kept pace with its predecessors. Lucy has a comfortable writing style and her characters' dialogue is snappy, believable, and entertaining. I flew through this story looking forward each evening to Madison's myriad encounters, relationships, and reactions. I laughed out loud when I discovered, later in the plot, how the book got its title -- very clever! I was especially pleased to learn that Lucy's novels are now available via Amazon Prime Lenders Library. I have already added #4 to my "Want To Read" list... Highly recommended!

[M.A. Kropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison Cruz is back for her third adventure (misadventure?) here in "Stiff Competiton." She's been dating Jason, from book 2, but things are not going well. He wants her to conform to his idea of how their life should be, and that doesn't include Madison's acting career. Her career isn't going so well, either, and she is still picking up gigs as a singing telegram to pay the bills. She heads off to one at a swank restaurant, only to find there was a mix-up in assignments by her agent, and the gig gets dangerous quickly. Trying to sort that out, Madison stumbles on what may be an illegal operation at the restaurant, as well as a missing chef. On top of all that, she gets involved in helping a friend with her speed dating business which, in typical Madison style, goes off the tracks. Add to this the hunky FBI agent she's attracted to, who also happens to work for her mother, and you have a recipe for another zany, fun mystery to sort out.

I really enjoy these books. I am not usually a fan of romance stories, but I do love a good mystery and humor. The romance here is understated and doesn't get in the way of the story, as many seem to do. The main mystery is well plotted and resolves nicely. There are several sub-plots that provide their own mysteries, and those are tied up nicely, as well. The writing style is light and easy to read, and the humor is never forced feeling. There are many moments that made me laugh. Characters are rounded and have depth, and there is always something new to learn, even about some we've seen in all three books.

"Stiff Competition" is a good addition to the series, and one that will appeal to those who enjoy mysteries and humor, with a good dash of romance.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Madison Cruz mystery book (yes, I got them all out of order!), and I really enjoyed it. I got the feeling that stumbling over dead bodies was not so unusual for her. The mystery was well written and the characters were so well done that they seemed to come alive on the page! I definitely recommend this book. The pacing works well and the story line keeps the reader engaged! I look forward to catching up in the series and continuing with the new books as they are introduced.

[Krystyna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strippers, speed dating and matchmaking

What happened! I was expecting the Madison we all love but we got a different one. Where were the laughs and the kickass attitude. Sorry but this was really disappointing. The murders also seemed to be a last minute interjection into the plot. Hopefully the next one will be better.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the lighthearted Madeline Cruz series was more focused on Madeline's messy life and romantic tribulations than any mystery. There is no mystery for Madeline to solve, and while there are a couple of bodies very (very) late in the piece there is no mystery as the killer is outed in the next scene. Still a light fun read but not as interesting as the first couple of books.

[Michael Mcfarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

crazy twists

Another of Madison’s highly enjoyable, high-octane adventures. I call this et of books my crazy books. My wife only needs to know I’m reading a crazy book to understand my laughter

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable series that I can't get enough of. Only complaint, they end too quickly! I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Madison just can’t stop finding trouble…or does it find her? Either way, I enjoyed reading about her adventures, friends, and new/old relationships.

[Nanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying Lucy Carol's Madison Cruz Mystery series. Excellent writing. Characters are entertaining and fun.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the Madison Cruz series! If you like smart and fun chick lit, you will love this book. In this novel, Madison has both man trouble and career trouble. Despite her life being in turmoil, she gets sucked into her friends lives and helping with their own turmoil. Although, actually, she gets sucked into the turmoil of complete strangers. This leads to many very witty and funny scenes that will make you smile.

While it is book 3 in the series, it is a stand alone novel - however, it is so good that you'll want to read them all. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Lucy Carol's Madison Cruz books. The stories are not your typical cozy mystery fare, and Stiff Competition is no exception. This story involves a restaurant with a disappearing chef, two teenage boys who may or may not be involved in illegal goings-on, and a speed-dating service, while at the same time Madison faces big decisions about her love life and her future. Told with understanding, suspense, and humor, the fact that the book is set in my beloved Seattle is icing on the cake. I would recommend Stiff Competition to anyone who enjoys humorous mysteries with a little romance thrown in.

[Lyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Madison Cruz and her wonderful style of getting into trouble. Trouble pretty much sums up Stiff Competition. After being sent to the wrong place for her singing telegram, Madison just gets in deeper. Lucy Carol does her usual superb job of writing, making Madison Cruz one of my favourite Cozy characters.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to find out what Madison Cruz and the gang were up to. This addition to the series did not disappoint. Madison and crew’s crazy adventures made it a super fun, fast read! The ending has me anxiously waiting for the next installment!

[Christine Gevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and am sad when they end. This is another author that makes me feel like I am there..I can picture the places and feel the emotions of the characters. I really love this series. I was elated when I found out the next book will be coming out soon!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the rest of this series but this one was kind of all over the place. A lot of random internal comments. I'll keep reading though because it's got some really fun characters.