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Flamingo Realty Mystery #1
Mind Your Manors
Meet Stella O'Neil, retired FBI agent Oscar O'Neil's granddaughter. She's got a lot on her plate, trying to figure out her crazy, stubborn family, the hidden secrets that caused her grandfather's estrangement from her dad, and starting out as a real estate agent. Throw in a dead body found in what used to be the town's "royalty" family manor, and she's neck deep in a mystery.
She may be sweet, but she's pretty stubborn herself.
As Stella's curiosity leads her from one town resident to the next, a dramatic tale of family secrets starts to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth? A scary car chase in the dark has her nerves on edge, but she won't give up until she finds out who the skeleton once was. She's so close... but someone... maybe more than one person... will do anything to stop her.
She may be sweet, but she's pretty stubborn herself.
As Stella's curiosity leads her from one town resident to the next, a dramatic tale of family secrets starts to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth? A scary car chase in the dark has her nerves on edge, but she won't give up until she finds out who the skeleton once was. She's so close... but someone... maybe more than one person... will do anything to stop her.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
August 25, 2020
I couldn't resist the flamingo on the cover. This was a quick, easy read. The mystery in this is a bit different and is really the story of a crazy family. The main character, Stella, comes across the mystery while working for her Uncle and his real estate agency. At first no one knows if a murder even took place despite the discovery of a skeleton in the crazy family's house. So Stella goes about trying to learn more about them than actually investigating a crime. There is also a spooky element. It would be nice if there had been a little more depth but it was still a fun read. Also the ending was very sweet.
April 24, 2025
Mind Your Manors by CeeCee James
Synopsis /
Meet Stella O'Neil, retired FBI agent Oscar O'Neil's granddaughter. She's got a lot on her plate, trying to figure out her crazy, stubborn family, the hidden secrets that caused her grandfather's estrangement from her dad, and starting out as a real estate agent. Throw in a dead body found in what used to be the town's "royalty" family manor, and she's neck deep in a mystery.
She may be sweet, but she's pretty stubborn herself.
As Stella's curiosity leads her from one town resident to the next, a dramatic tale of family secrets starts to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth? A scary car chase in the dark has her nerves on edge, but she won't give up until she finds out who the skeleton once was. She's so close... but someone... maybe more than one person... will do anything to stop her.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up
You've gotta love a good pun, its what drew me to pick up this one, well that and the flaming pink flamingo on the cover!
Four Fast Fabulous Flamingo Facts:
🦩 A group of Flamingos is called a Flamboyance
🦩 Flamingo babies are called Flaminglets
🦩 Flamingo nests are made of mud
🦩 Flamingos get their pink colour from their food (a flamingo dines on algae and brine shrimp, its body metabolizes the pigments — turning its feathers pink)
But enough of the frippery (for now) and let me turn to the story.
If you (like me) are wondering where the Flamingo comes in? Well, Mind Your Manors is the first book in the Flamingo Realty Mystery series written by author, Ceecee James.
The story is set in the township of Brookfield, Pennsylvania, and the reader learns that our FMC, Miss Stella O'Neil, who has lived in Seattle for the last little while, has recently moved back to the area where she grew up. Stella's uncle owns and operates the local real estate business in Brookfield called Flamingo Realty and he has (very kindly) offered her a job.
Part of the reason Stella returned to Pennsylvania was to distance herself from her father, who, although being an exceptional businessman and incredibly wealthy, imposed very strict conditions on his only daughter. The other reason for the move, was that Stella wanted to reconnect with what was left of her remaining family – her uncle (Chris) and her grandfather.
Arriving for her first day at the realty office, Stella's first assignment is to prepare Valentine Manor fit for sale. The Manor house is currently owned by the Valentine family, sisters Gladys and Charity and brother, Richard. The Valentines are less than welcoming when Stella arrives at the Manor to discuss the sale, but not wanting to disappoint her uncle, Stella puts all the angst aside to get the job done. However, finding a skeleton in one of the upstairs rooms was not on her to-do-list!
As the daughter of a retired FBI agent, Stella is naturally curious and sets about trying to solve the mystery of the body in the upstairs room. Will the Manor house finally be sold??
Remembering this is the first book in the series, this one starts off slowly – establishing backgrounds and filling in blanks for the reader. The body in the room mystery was just one thread, with side bars being formed about Stella and her reasons for returning back home [so there's obviously more to come on that]. Characters written well enough that I'd like to keep coming back and a solid entertaining mystery with some humour thrown in for good measure.
Even though there were plenty of secrets and skeletons, there was not a live Flamingo within cooee (bit disappointed about that). A very enjoyable quick and easy read and this reader will be continuing with the series.
Synopsis /
Meet Stella O'Neil, retired FBI agent Oscar O'Neil's granddaughter. She's got a lot on her plate, trying to figure out her crazy, stubborn family, the hidden secrets that caused her grandfather's estrangement from her dad, and starting out as a real estate agent. Throw in a dead body found in what used to be the town's "royalty" family manor, and she's neck deep in a mystery.
She may be sweet, but she's pretty stubborn herself.
As Stella's curiosity leads her from one town resident to the next, a dramatic tale of family secrets starts to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth? A scary car chase in the dark has her nerves on edge, but she won't give up until she finds out who the skeleton once was. She's so close... but someone... maybe more than one person... will do anything to stop her.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up
You've gotta love a good pun, its what drew me to pick up this one, well that and the flaming pink flamingo on the cover!
Four Fast Fabulous Flamingo Facts:
🦩 A group of Flamingos is called a Flamboyance
🦩 Flamingo babies are called Flaminglets
🦩 Flamingo nests are made of mud
🦩 Flamingos get their pink colour from their food (a flamingo dines on algae and brine shrimp, its body metabolizes the pigments — turning its feathers pink)
But enough of the frippery (for now) and let me turn to the story.
If you (like me) are wondering where the Flamingo comes in? Well, Mind Your Manors is the first book in the Flamingo Realty Mystery series written by author, Ceecee James.
The story is set in the township of Brookfield, Pennsylvania, and the reader learns that our FMC, Miss Stella O'Neil, who has lived in Seattle for the last little while, has recently moved back to the area where she grew up. Stella's uncle owns and operates the local real estate business in Brookfield called Flamingo Realty and he has (very kindly) offered her a job.
Part of the reason Stella returned to Pennsylvania was to distance herself from her father, who, although being an exceptional businessman and incredibly wealthy, imposed very strict conditions on his only daughter. The other reason for the move, was that Stella wanted to reconnect with what was left of her remaining family – her uncle (Chris) and her grandfather.
Arriving for her first day at the realty office, Stella's first assignment is to prepare Valentine Manor fit for sale. The Manor house is currently owned by the Valentine family, sisters Gladys and Charity and brother, Richard. The Valentines are less than welcoming when Stella arrives at the Manor to discuss the sale, but not wanting to disappoint her uncle, Stella puts all the angst aside to get the job done. However, finding a skeleton in one of the upstairs rooms was not on her to-do-list!
As the daughter of a retired FBI agent, Stella is naturally curious and sets about trying to solve the mystery of the body in the upstairs room. Will the Manor house finally be sold??
Remembering this is the first book in the series, this one starts off slowly – establishing backgrounds and filling in blanks for the reader. The body in the room mystery was just one thread, with side bars being formed about Stella and her reasons for returning back home [so there's obviously more to come on that]. Characters written well enough that I'd like to keep coming back and a solid entertaining mystery with some humour thrown in for good measure.
Even though there were plenty of secrets and skeletons, there was not a live Flamingo within cooee (bit disappointed about that). A very enjoyable quick and easy read and this reader will be continuing with the series.
February 14, 2020
Lots of action and mystery in this one. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
March 26, 2019
Mind Your Manors is Book 1 in the Flamingo Realty Series. I LOVE FLAMINGOS! This is a great start to a new series that I am excited about.
The main character, Stella O’Neil needs to get out of the corporate world (who doesn't!!) and has moved back to her home town in PA and has been hired by her uncle to become a realtor at his company. Stella has some other ulterior motives for moving back, mainly finding out why her ad and uncle became distant from her grandfather, a retired FBI agent by the name of Oscar O'Neil.
I laughed when I saw the mascot for a real estate agency in PA was a flamingo, how funny!
Stella is training to become a realtor and she has been assigned to clean out and stage a huge home and of course on her first day she finds a skeleton in one of the closets. I love the play on words there, because there are definitely skeletons in the closet to be found, not only in her family, but the three sisters that own the home she is cleaning out.
I love Stella! She is so relatable and likeable. All the characters are quirky and loveable, even the grumpy ones. The story is well thought out and the mystery is unexpected and fresh. The family dynamics is so well written, and I definitely did not guess the ending. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The main character, Stella O’Neil needs to get out of the corporate world (who doesn't!!) and has moved back to her home town in PA and has been hired by her uncle to become a realtor at his company. Stella has some other ulterior motives for moving back, mainly finding out why her ad and uncle became distant from her grandfather, a retired FBI agent by the name of Oscar O'Neil.
I laughed when I saw the mascot for a real estate agency in PA was a flamingo, how funny!
Stella is training to become a realtor and she has been assigned to clean out and stage a huge home and of course on her first day she finds a skeleton in one of the closets. I love the play on words there, because there are definitely skeletons in the closet to be found, not only in her family, but the three sisters that own the home she is cleaning out.
I love Stella! She is so relatable and likeable. All the characters are quirky and loveable, even the grumpy ones. The story is well thought out and the mystery is unexpected and fresh. The family dynamics is so well written, and I definitely did not guess the ending. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 17, 2020
Questo è il primo libro di una serie che è una specie di spin-off di un'altra che mi piace molto. Sinceramente mi è piaciuto un po' meno, non sono riuscita a entrare subito in sincronia con la protagonista, ma credo che continuerò a leggere i successivi perché c'è un mistero familiare da risolvere, ancora.
October 13, 2019
I absolutely loved reading this book. Never a dull moment for Stella O’Neil. Moving back to Pennsylvania she starts a new job in real estate working for her uncle. Uncovering skeletons in family closets makes this book a great read. I definitely will add this author to my list.
January 18, 2019
A delightful new series with quirky characters & a well plotted murder mystery!
June 20, 2023
Cute cozy, nothing special a lot of telling you what happening.
August 24, 2020
I am so lucky - the Flamingo Realty Mystery series by Ceecee James is another great new-to-me cozy mystery series! I like reading about the main character Stella O'Neil and her adventures after her return to live and work in the town of her childhood: Brookfield, Pennsylvania.
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
January 14, 2019
This is the first book written by CeeCee that I've read and I'm not sorry I've bought it.
It's a cozy mystery and a very easy read. It's about Stella who moves back to the town she was born in. She needs a fresh start and that's what she gets :) She gets a job as a real estate agent with her uncle and has to help sell this big old house. The book leads you into all kinds of directions, but not in an annoying way. The end is completely different as what you'd expect and there is that mysterious grandfather she hopes to visit and speak to.
I've really enjoyed reading this book, it's catchy and the characters are very likable. I'm curious to see where they'll end up in the next book in the series. If you like cozy mysteries, this is the book for you!
It's a cozy mystery and a very easy read. It's about Stella who moves back to the town she was born in. She needs a fresh start and that's what she gets :) She gets a job as a real estate agent with her uncle and has to help sell this big old house. The book leads you into all kinds of directions, but not in an annoying way. The end is completely different as what you'd expect and there is that mysterious grandfather she hopes to visit and speak to.
I've really enjoyed reading this book, it's catchy and the characters are very likable. I'm curious to see where they'll end up in the next book in the series. If you like cozy mysteries, this is the book for you!
March 5, 2019
I have to say this is the first book I've read by this author and it didn't disappoint, looking forward to reading more in the series, when time permits.
Stella leaves the corporate world against her father's advice and heads off to a small town where her uncle has a job waiting for her as a realtor. Her Dad won't give up trying to persuade her to come home, but she's determined to make a success working for her uncle.
Her first job is to prepare an old mansion for sale. it's there that she discovers a dead body and where the mystery element kicks in. The police are useless therefore she starts a little investigation of her own and what she uncovers... Well, you'll have to read the book yourself to find out.
Great read, highly recommended.
Stella leaves the corporate world against her father's advice and heads off to a small town where her uncle has a job waiting for her as a realtor. Her Dad won't give up trying to persuade her to come home, but she's determined to make a success working for her uncle.
Her first job is to prepare an old mansion for sale. it's there that she discovers a dead body and where the mystery element kicks in. The police are useless therefore she starts a little investigation of her own and what she uncovers... Well, you'll have to read the book yourself to find out.
Great read, highly recommended.
February 15, 2019
It was a nice story with many surprises. I loved the surprise at the end just as much and it gave me chill bumps.
March 25, 2019
Stella O'Neil has recently moved from Seattle, WA back to where she grew up in Brookfield, PA. Her father and her uncle have not spoken to their father in many years and Stella wants to reconnect with him. She is offered and accepts a job with her Uncle Chris' Real Estate firm, Flamingo Realty. Her first assignment is to clean up the Valentine Manor and prepare it for sale.
The Valentine sisters, Gladys and Charity, are somewhat strange. Gladys, who goes by Ms. Valentine is somewhat overbearing and cruel, while Charity is almost child-like in her behavior. Their brother, Richard, has a reputation as a prankster and troublemaker. While preparing to clean one of the upstairs rooms, Stella finds a skeleton. Ms. Valentine, Gladys, insists it is probably an intruder who injured himself breaking into the house.
Who was the body in the upstairs room? How long has the body been there? How could the body decompose without being noticed? Can Stella figure out the mystery and get the Manor sold? Will she have the courage to face her grandfather?
As with many first in series books, this one starts a little slow in order to establish the backgrounds of the various characters. There is more to the mystery than just the sudden discovery of the skeleton, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
The Valentine sisters, Gladys and Charity, are somewhat strange. Gladys, who goes by Ms. Valentine is somewhat overbearing and cruel, while Charity is almost child-like in her behavior. Their brother, Richard, has a reputation as a prankster and troublemaker. While preparing to clean one of the upstairs rooms, Stella finds a skeleton. Ms. Valentine, Gladys, insists it is probably an intruder who injured himself breaking into the house.
Who was the body in the upstairs room? How long has the body been there? How could the body decompose without being noticed? Can Stella figure out the mystery and get the Manor sold? Will she have the courage to face her grandfather?
As with many first in series books, this one starts a little slow in order to establish the backgrounds of the various characters. There is more to the mystery than just the sudden discovery of the skeleton, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
January 9, 2021
I enjoyed this one! I thought it was a little more serious at first than some other cozies I have read, but it was still good. I am looking forward to learning more about Stella.
June 15, 2021
Fun enjoyable read.
May 14, 2021
4 stars
I purchased a copy of Mind Your Manors (A Flamingo Realty Mystery Book 1) by CeeCee James and this review was given freely.
A highly descriptive and detailed story containing small town life, a loving family and a mystery surrounding a creepy family. Raised by a strict and highly focused single father in Seattle, Stella returns to the mysterious town of her estranged relatives, Brookfield, Pennsylvania to work in her unconventional Uncle Chris' real estate office. Stella's new mentor Kari throws her into the deep end by abandoning her to clean and stage her first home, Valentine Manor, where not only does Stella find an odd family but also a dead body.
I purchased a copy of Mind Your Manors (A Flamingo Realty Mystery Book 1) by CeeCee James and this review was given freely.
A highly descriptive and detailed story containing small town life, a loving family and a mystery surrounding a creepy family. Raised by a strict and highly focused single father in Seattle, Stella returns to the mysterious town of her estranged relatives, Brookfield, Pennsylvania to work in her unconventional Uncle Chris' real estate office. Stella's new mentor Kari throws her into the deep end by abandoning her to clean and stage her first home, Valentine Manor, where not only does Stella find an odd family but also a dead body.
December 20, 2019
Wow...spooky old house..whacko family...fun fast read👍
February 13, 2021
Great series
Good murder mystery. Wholesome. Develops well. very enjoyable! I am still waiting for the next book in this series!
I keep watching for it!
Good murder mystery. Wholesome. Develops well. very enjoyable! I am still waiting for the next book in this series!
I keep watching for it!
December 13, 2019
This was a cute easy read. I would stack it next to Stephanie Plum on the mystery scale. Well rounded, humor, confusion, mystery, but the story wrapped up really fast which I’m not sure if I really liked or disliked. Either way, I plan to need to next one in the series when I’m looking for a light hearted read.
October 13, 2020
Excellent read, loved the main character. Loved the setting.
December 4, 2019
A mysterious mansion & a real estate agent = murder
I couldn't put this book down! Young Stella O'Neil, a returns to the town where she was born and takes a job as a real estate agent at her uncle's agency. When she is told to sell a mysterious mansion, she finds three siblings and a fascinating history. This book kept me guessing and wondering what she will find next. Sometimes spooky, but always fascinating.
I couldn't put this book down! Young Stella O'Neil, a returns to the town where she was born and takes a job as a real estate agent at her uncle's agency. When she is told to sell a mysterious mansion, she finds three siblings and a fascinating history. This book kept me guessing and wondering what she will find next. Sometimes spooky, but always fascinating.
August 25, 2020
As the first of a series, readers are introduced to the main character, Stella. There is a cursory explanation of her background and a semi-satisfying explanation of why she moved cross-country. Though from what we learn she could have accomplished her goals with a two week vacation.
But that would remove the catalyst for the series, a job at her uncle Chris’s real estate company. Stella is supposed to be mentored by Kari, a licensed agent she herself still in her probationary period. It seems for one reason or another, she mostly leaves Stella on her own.
This book is about selling an old Victorian house inhabited by right-out-of-central-casting “quirky” characters. Two elderly spinster sisters and their equally aged brother. The useless mentor abandons Stella in the house to clean and stage for an open house. Stella discovers a skeleton. Of course she does. Because qualified real estate agents wouldn’t have previously gone through the house to identify any defects that would require disclosure.
There’s nothing fresh here. Almost all clues are generated from unoriginal sources such as the local diner’s owner, a long employed postmistress and, surprise!, at the hair salon. She does make use of the library’s microfilm, a trope not appearing often in books published in the past 2 decades. Credit where credit is due, the author does not have Stella romantically involved with a police officer – but it is early in the series.
It’s hard to become invested in any periphery characters because none are given any depth or development. We do get a one time mention that Kari has a daughter. Overarching subplots that were not wrapped up include the rift between father and uncle, what happened to Stella’s mother and reconnecting with her paternal grandfather. With so little detail, it was very hard to care about any of these things.
As far as I can tell, within the past 4 years this author has pumped out 25 books in six series. Either Cee Cee is a pseudonym for a multi-writer coalition or she’s very prolific. She may want to consider slowing down to give her books a bit of depth and originality.
But that would remove the catalyst for the series, a job at her uncle Chris’s real estate company. Stella is supposed to be mentored by Kari, a licensed agent she herself still in her probationary period. It seems for one reason or another, she mostly leaves Stella on her own.
This book is about selling an old Victorian house inhabited by right-out-of-central-casting “quirky” characters. Two elderly spinster sisters and their equally aged brother. The useless mentor abandons Stella in the house to clean and stage for an open house. Stella discovers a skeleton. Of course she does. Because qualified real estate agents wouldn’t have previously gone through the house to identify any defects that would require disclosure.
There’s nothing fresh here. Almost all clues are generated from unoriginal sources such as the local diner’s owner, a long employed postmistress and, surprise!, at the hair salon. She does make use of the library’s microfilm, a trope not appearing often in books published in the past 2 decades. Credit where credit is due, the author does not have Stella romantically involved with a police officer – but it is early in the series.
It’s hard to become invested in any periphery characters because none are given any depth or development. We do get a one time mention that Kari has a daughter. Overarching subplots that were not wrapped up include the rift between father and uncle, what happened to Stella’s mother and reconnecting with her paternal grandfather. With so little detail, it was very hard to care about any of these things.
As far as I can tell, within the past 4 years this author has pumped out 25 books in six series. Either Cee Cee is a pseudonym for a multi-writer coalition or she’s very prolific. She may want to consider slowing down to give her books a bit of depth and originality.
January 18, 2019
Stella can no longer stand her job in the corporate world--she decides-against her Dad's advice to head off to her small hometown where her Uncle has a job at his Realty company waiting for her. Stella knows nothing about her past and the Grandfather who still lives in that small town. She wants to find out--so off she goes--
Her Uncle is a lot easier going then her Dad---but unlike her Dad he kind of wishes that maybe he can reconnect with his father. Her first assignment is to prep an old mansion for sale. The three octogenarians who live there are less then welcoming--or at least two of them aren't. As she is wandering around figuring out what to clean or have cleaned first she stumbles upon a dead body. She does tell the police--a lot of good that did. So she decided to "get to know" the other inhabitants of the town and see if she could figure out who the person was--
Things get dicey and Stella is stalked. Her Uncle is starting to worry and her Dad is still trying to entice her to come home.
So what were the mysteries surrounding this mansion and the family that lived there--you will find out--eventually.
The ending made me so very happy--but I won't tell you why--I think it is what the next book in this series will be about!!
Her Uncle is a lot easier going then her Dad---but unlike her Dad he kind of wishes that maybe he can reconnect with his father. Her first assignment is to prep an old mansion for sale. The three octogenarians who live there are less then welcoming--or at least two of them aren't. As she is wandering around figuring out what to clean or have cleaned first she stumbles upon a dead body. She does tell the police--a lot of good that did. So she decided to "get to know" the other inhabitants of the town and see if she could figure out who the person was--
Things get dicey and Stella is stalked. Her Uncle is starting to worry and her Dad is still trying to entice her to come home.
So what were the mysteries surrounding this mansion and the family that lived there--you will find out--eventually.
The ending made me so very happy--but I won't tell you why--I think it is what the next book in this series will be about!!
January 24, 2019
In this fun first book of the new series, Ms James has set the bar high for Stella O'Neil and her relocation to Pennsylvania. I loved the description of the Valentine estate, and was amazed that the oldest sister was able to keep her siblings in line as we learned more and more about their past. I enjoyed Stella's vivid imagination (was it just her imagination at work in the library?) and her unflappable attitude towards Ms. Valentine. I am sure many of us would have turned tail rather quickly if we were forced to work with her!
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see how Stella's interaction with her grandfather goes-especially after both her father and uncle have severed ties with him. I do hope she is able to establish a good relationship with him and perhaps learn about her family history from him. No matter what happens, I know it will be interesting and engaging. Mind Your Manors was both of those as well as accurate in historic details, and filled with fascinating characters. Don't take my word for it...read it and meet those characters as you join Stella on her move to Pennsylvania. You'll be glad you did!
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see how Stella's interaction with her grandfather goes-especially after both her father and uncle have severed ties with him. I do hope she is able to establish a good relationship with him and perhaps learn about her family history from him. No matter what happens, I know it will be interesting and engaging. Mind Your Manors was both of those as well as accurate in historic details, and filled with fascinating characters. Don't take my word for it...read it and meet those characters as you join Stella on her move to Pennsylvania. You'll be glad you did!
February 5, 2019
Stella O’Neil has moved back to her home town and has been hired by her uncle to become a realtor at his company. She has other reasons for moving back to town including finding out why her dad and uncle became estranged from her grandfather, retired FBI agent Oscar O’Neil.
On her first day of the job as a realtor trainee, she is tasked at clearing out and staging the colossal home of 3 elderly siblings with unfriendly personalities. Just Stella’s luck when she discovers a skeleton in one of the empty long forgotten bedrooms. With her sense of curiosity leading the way, Stella soon discovers dark family secrets which someone wants to remain hidden as she investigates the case.
What I really like about this new series are both the characters and the storytelling. Stella is a very likable character that finds herself in some peculiar situations. Her uncle, dad, and grandfather are all a bit stubborn but share one common goal and that is to protect Stella. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series to find out what happens to the O’Neil family. Will Stella be able to get the family back together?
On her first day of the job as a realtor trainee, she is tasked at clearing out and staging the colossal home of 3 elderly siblings with unfriendly personalities. Just Stella’s luck when she discovers a skeleton in one of the empty long forgotten bedrooms. With her sense of curiosity leading the way, Stella soon discovers dark family secrets which someone wants to remain hidden as she investigates the case.
What I really like about this new series are both the characters and the storytelling. Stella is a very likable character that finds herself in some peculiar situations. Her uncle, dad, and grandfather are all a bit stubborn but share one common goal and that is to protect Stella. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series to find out what happens to the O’Neil family. Will Stella be able to get the family back together?
December 31, 2018
Secrets and skeletons
A good read. Not the greatest but a decent plot and characters that should get better as the series progresses.
She has left her father and a cooperate job to return to the town she was born in and to start working for her uncle's reality business. Certainly not expecting her mentor to dump her at her first house, a mansion belonging to elderly siblings. Nor did she expect to find a skeleton in an attic bed. No-one seems to know who it is and the more she delves the more questions she has. An illicit child or another sibling? Getting nearly run off the road certainly doesn't help matters. Meanwhile her father is urging her to go back and not to contain her grandfather. Will she find out who the skeleton is? Will she find out how he died? If it was murder will she find the killer? Will she find out why her father and uncle have cut contact with their father?
A good read. Not the greatest but a decent plot and characters that should get better as the series progresses.
She has left her father and a cooperate job to return to the town she was born in and to start working for her uncle's reality business. Certainly not expecting her mentor to dump her at her first house, a mansion belonging to elderly siblings. Nor did she expect to find a skeleton in an attic bed. No-one seems to know who it is and the more she delves the more questions she has. An illicit child or another sibling? Getting nearly run off the road certainly doesn't help matters. Meanwhile her father is urging her to go back and not to contain her grandfather. Will she find out who the skeleton is? Will she find out how he died? If it was murder will she find the killer? Will she find out why her father and uncle have cut contact with their father?
July 9, 2019
I really only read this because it was a cozy mystery free with a kindle unlimited trial. It’s not great. The characters are bizarre in a way that is meant to be quirky but is really just annoying and underdeveloped. Really, there’s zero development for any of the characters, even the main one.
But more importantly, there’s zero mystery. Stella asks some people some questions, mainly out of curiosity, but she doesn’t have any reason to investigate and she doesn’t really do anything. The killer, easily guessable given how they’re described—this book is a string of easy guesses—randomly confesses at the end. And that’s it. It’s anticlimactic and unfulfilling.
There’s a subplot with Stella’s grandmother’s letters that both takes time and somehow only manages to appear on like five pages. If it’s not going anywhere, it’s not necessary to the plot. This book was easy to read, I’ll give it that, but it was all over the place and could’ve used an editor and a restructured plot.
But more importantly, there’s zero mystery. Stella asks some people some questions, mainly out of curiosity, but she doesn’t have any reason to investigate and she doesn’t really do anything. The killer, easily guessable given how they’re described—this book is a string of easy guesses—randomly confesses at the end. And that’s it. It’s anticlimactic and unfulfilling.
There’s a subplot with Stella’s grandmother’s letters that both takes time and somehow only manages to appear on like five pages. If it’s not going anywhere, it’s not necessary to the plot. This book was easy to read, I’ll give it that, but it was all over the place and could’ve used an editor and a restructured plot.
November 18, 2019
Love the whole “Pink Flamingo” ambiance as our protagonist perseveres through both her personal growth and resolving the conundrum. I delight in the humor as well as the character and story development in this Cee Cee James series. As I reached the end I slowed, reluctant to leave this world and rejoiced in anticipation of the next in the series. Thank you for a refreshing new series.
November 19, 2019
Interesting.
Amazingly good. Full of twists and turns and it was impossible to predict what would happen next. A must read.
Amazingly good. Full of twists and turns and it was impossible to predict what would happen next. A must read.
February 13, 2019
"I Loved This Story"
Stella O'Neil is a granddaughter of retired FBI agent Oscar O'Neil. Stella has a lot on her plate, just starting out as a real estate agent, as she has moved from Seattle back to her hometown in Pennsylvania. She get's involved in the mysteries of an old mansion being placed on the market. With investigation desires in her genes, she pursues the secrets within the mansion where she finds on the third floor a human skeleton. This is a very well written story, easy and quick to read, with memorable characters. I could not put it down. I'll be moving on too book two very soon. This author is very talented. Highly recommend.
Stella O'Neil is a granddaughter of retired FBI agent Oscar O'Neil. Stella has a lot on her plate, just starting out as a real estate agent, as she has moved from Seattle back to her hometown in Pennsylvania. She get's involved in the mysteries of an old mansion being placed on the market. With investigation desires in her genes, she pursues the secrets within the mansion where she finds on the third floor a human skeleton. This is a very well written story, easy and quick to read, with memorable characters. I could not put it down. I'll be moving on too book two very soon. This author is very talented. Highly recommend.
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