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Flamingo Realty Mystery #4
Duplex Double Trouble
A closed room murder Stella could die for."Mystery with characters I could be friends with!"Stella's newest client, Charlie Booker, wants to sell his half of a duplex but before he can sign the listing papers, he's murdered. Even stranger, there are only one set of footprints leaving the house, with none showing up as entering the home. The police mark it as a robbery gone wrong and target a local group of petty thieves. Stella can't shake the feeling that something else happened.Stella doesn't have any evidence to give the police- she can't have anyone arrested on bad vibes. She might have dropped it, until the letter arrives--no postmark or return address-- that drags her in.The more she digs around, the more convinced she is that there's something hidden in that house. But what could be in there that's worth committing murder for? Meanwhile, Stella finds out more about her past... and her mother. The secrets are starting to unfold and Stella is holding all the men in her life accountable. She's just as determined to know the whole truth as they are determined to keep her from finding out.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 14, 2026
Duplex Double Trouble by CeeCee James
Synopsis /
Stella's newest client, Charlie Booker, wants to sell his half of a duplex but before he can sign the listing papers, he's murdered. Even stranger, there are only one set of footprints leaving the house, with none showing up as entering the home. The police mark it as a robbery gone wrong and target a local group of petty thieves. Stella can't shake the feeling that something else happened.
Stella doesn't have any evidence to give the police- she can't have anyone arrested on bad vibes. She might have dropped it, until the letter arrives--no postmark or return address-- that drags her in.
The more she digs around, the more convinced she is that there's something hidden in that house. But what could be in there that's worth committing murder for? Meanwhile, Stella finds out more about her past... and her mother. The secrets are starting to unfold and Stella is holding all the men in her life accountable. She's just as determined to know the whole truth as they are determined to keep her from finding out.
My Thoughts /
Book #4, and I'm settling into another comfortable reading session with Stella O'Neil and the gang at Flamingo Realty.
With this series, author, CeeCee James, manages to balance your classic 'locked-room' mystery with loads of 'small-town charm'. What sets it apart from others in this heavily crowded genre is that it distinguishes itself through a deeply personal, character-driven focus that reaches beyond the typical 'murder-of-the-week' formula – and I'm all for that.
At the heart of the series is Stella O’Neil, whose return to her hometown of Brookfield is motivated as much by a desire for professional stability as by a quest for family reconciliation. The narrative is anchored by the complex, and often stubborn relationships within the O'Neil family; specifically the estrangement between Stella’s father and her retired FBI agent grandfather, Oscar O’Neil. This, coupled with the overarching mystery of Stella’s incarcerated or "missing" mother, provides a continuous emotional arc that makes the characters relatable. The reader gets to see that their lives are just as messy as the rest of us.
In this instalment the mystery kicks off with a high-stakes hook. Stella’s new client, Charlie Booker, is preparing to sell his half of a duplex, however, before the listing papers can be signed, he is found dead in what appears to be a locked-room scenario. The crime scene is uniquely puzzling because it’s a snowy day, and while there are footprints leading away from the house, there are absolutely none leading to it. While local police dismiss the incident as a botched robbery by petty thieves, Stella isn't buying it, and suspects the killer is someone close to Charlie.
As Stella digs deeper, the narrative shifts into a tense game of cat-and-mouse within the duplex itself; and she finds herself clashing with her two main suspects: Charlie’s hostile girlfriend, who seems desperate to keep Stella away from the property, and the mysterious neighbour who owns the other half of the building.
A thread running parallel to the main mystery is Stella's investigation into her own family history. She knows that her father and grandfather are gatekeeping secrets about her mother and this just strengthens her resolve to dig deeper. And this instalment sees her uncovering some home truths about her mother she wasn't aware of.
This series has proved itself to be a rollercoaster for this reader. What began as a good beginning, has ebbed and flowed its way along averagely ever since, and this instalment is no exception. Having said that, character-driven stories are my jam, so I'm here and will continue to be until they fail me as well.
Synopsis /
Stella's newest client, Charlie Booker, wants to sell his half of a duplex but before he can sign the listing papers, he's murdered. Even stranger, there are only one set of footprints leaving the house, with none showing up as entering the home. The police mark it as a robbery gone wrong and target a local group of petty thieves. Stella can't shake the feeling that something else happened.
Stella doesn't have any evidence to give the police- she can't have anyone arrested on bad vibes. She might have dropped it, until the letter arrives--no postmark or return address-- that drags her in.
The more she digs around, the more convinced she is that there's something hidden in that house. But what could be in there that's worth committing murder for? Meanwhile, Stella finds out more about her past... and her mother. The secrets are starting to unfold and Stella is holding all the men in her life accountable. She's just as determined to know the whole truth as they are determined to keep her from finding out.
My Thoughts /
Book #4, and I'm settling into another comfortable reading session with Stella O'Neil and the gang at Flamingo Realty.
With this series, author, CeeCee James, manages to balance your classic 'locked-room' mystery with loads of 'small-town charm'. What sets it apart from others in this heavily crowded genre is that it distinguishes itself through a deeply personal, character-driven focus that reaches beyond the typical 'murder-of-the-week' formula – and I'm all for that.
At the heart of the series is Stella O’Neil, whose return to her hometown of Brookfield is motivated as much by a desire for professional stability as by a quest for family reconciliation. The narrative is anchored by the complex, and often stubborn relationships within the O'Neil family; specifically the estrangement between Stella’s father and her retired FBI agent grandfather, Oscar O’Neil. This, coupled with the overarching mystery of Stella’s incarcerated or "missing" mother, provides a continuous emotional arc that makes the characters relatable. The reader gets to see that their lives are just as messy as the rest of us.
In this instalment the mystery kicks off with a high-stakes hook. Stella’s new client, Charlie Booker, is preparing to sell his half of a duplex, however, before the listing papers can be signed, he is found dead in what appears to be a locked-room scenario. The crime scene is uniquely puzzling because it’s a snowy day, and while there are footprints leading away from the house, there are absolutely none leading to it. While local police dismiss the incident as a botched robbery by petty thieves, Stella isn't buying it, and suspects the killer is someone close to Charlie.
As Stella digs deeper, the narrative shifts into a tense game of cat-and-mouse within the duplex itself; and she finds herself clashing with her two main suspects: Charlie’s hostile girlfriend, who seems desperate to keep Stella away from the property, and the mysterious neighbour who owns the other half of the building.
A thread running parallel to the main mystery is Stella's investigation into her own family history. She knows that her father and grandfather are gatekeeping secrets about her mother and this just strengthens her resolve to dig deeper. And this instalment sees her uncovering some home truths about her mother she wasn't aware of.
This series has proved itself to be a rollercoaster for this reader. What began as a good beginning, has ebbed and flowed its way along averagely ever since, and this instalment is no exception. Having said that, character-driven stories are my jam, so I'm here and will continue to be until they fail me as well.
April 10, 2022
No spoilers
These books get better with each one. I'm glad I picked them up. Looking forward to the next book Mid Century Murder.
These books get better with each one. I'm glad I picked them up. Looking forward to the next book Mid Century Murder.
May 25, 2019
Duplex Double Trouble is Book 4 is the FANTASTIC Flamingo Realty Mystery Book Series.
Stella is back and her new client wants to self half of a Duplex but he's found murdered before he can sign the papers. The police call it a robbery but Stella has other ideas. She has trouble finding any real evidence so she starts digging around the duplex to see what she can find, determined that is the motive for the murder.
I loved this book. This series is so FANTASTIC. The protagonist, Stella is so relatable and likeable . All of the characters are quirky and oveable. The mystery is well thought out and unexpected. I enjoyed the personal side of Stella's story as she starts to learn more about her mom. I can't give a way too much! I'm not a spoiler kind of girl!
This is a series that I really love because the story is so well written, the characters are complex and the concept is unique and fresh. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this book.
Stella is back and her new client wants to self half of a Duplex but he's found murdered before he can sign the papers. The police call it a robbery but Stella has other ideas. She has trouble finding any real evidence so she starts digging around the duplex to see what she can find, determined that is the motive for the murder.
I loved this book. This series is so FANTASTIC. The protagonist, Stella is so relatable and likeable . All of the characters are quirky and oveable. The mystery is well thought out and unexpected. I enjoyed the personal side of Stella's story as she starts to learn more about her mom. I can't give a way too much! I'm not a spoiler kind of girl!
This is a series that I really love because the story is so well written, the characters are complex and the concept is unique and fresh. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this book.
July 15, 2019
Uncle Chris, the owner of Flamingo Realty, revealed a secret about Stella's mother. As a result, Stella has been very depressed recently, trying to deal with the news. When she finally goes into the office, Kari says she is under the weather and asks Stella to do a house showing for her.
The client, Charlie Booker, wants to sell his half of a duplex and Stella O'Neil has an offer all lined up. Charlie and Stella agreed to meet at the duplex at 3:00 PM, but when Stella shows up with the paperwork, nobody answers her knock.
When Stella returns later that day, she learns that Charlie Booker has been murdered. She sees Maribel, Charlie's sister, holding her personal notebook and realizes that she must have left it in the duplex earlier during the showing. Shortly thereafter, Stella starts getting threatening messages.
Who killed Charlie? Why was he killed? Who is threatening Stella? With her family issues causing such a burden, can Stella stay focused on current tasks?
This story gives a lot more background details on Stella and her family, while keeping a link to the mystery. This is a familiar scenario for anybody who has ever had personal issues overshadowing outside issues. I am looking forward to reading more of how Stella handles the personal issues while still making a living in real estate.
The client, Charlie Booker, wants to sell his half of a duplex and Stella O'Neil has an offer all lined up. Charlie and Stella agreed to meet at the duplex at 3:00 PM, but when Stella shows up with the paperwork, nobody answers her knock.
When Stella returns later that day, she learns that Charlie Booker has been murdered. She sees Maribel, Charlie's sister, holding her personal notebook and realizes that she must have left it in the duplex earlier during the showing. Shortly thereafter, Stella starts getting threatening messages.
Who killed Charlie? Why was he killed? Who is threatening Stella? With her family issues causing such a burden, can Stella stay focused on current tasks?
This story gives a lot more background details on Stella and her family, while keeping a link to the mystery. This is a familiar scenario for anybody who has ever had personal issues overshadowing outside issues. I am looking forward to reading more of how Stella handles the personal issues while still making a living in real estate.
February 7, 2022
There were sure a lot of scattered clues this time, but Stella eventually put those all together. A few clever clues eventually told me whodunit, then it dawned on Stella as well.
Meanwhile, she'd finally snagged a visitation at the prison with her mom, but a message from someone who cared about her was trying to stop it.
Stella's got two nice guys interested in her, but she's not sure about either one or getting too serious right now since she's had her mom on her mind for so long since she found out she was alive and living fairly close in a prison. Moving right along to the next book!
Meanwhile, she'd finally snagged a visitation at the prison with her mom, but a message from someone who cared about her was trying to stop it.
Stella's got two nice guys interested in her, but she's not sure about either one or getting too serious right now since she's had her mom on her mind for so long since she found out she was alive and living fairly close in a prison. Moving right along to the next book!
December 26, 2023
Stella is a brat
July 26, 2019
Family reality is not always happy
Even though this was the first book I read in this series, it was easy to read and the author did a good job of making it as a stand alone and adding tidbits from the other books to easily catch me up. The mystery was good and I foresee a romantic interest with two interested men for Stella affections. Stella is also learning more about her mother that she thought had abandoned her when she was a young child. I look forward to reading how things progress with Stella and her suitors and also if she gets to finally meet her mother in the next book.
Even though this was the first book I read in this series, it was easy to read and the author did a good job of making it as a stand alone and adding tidbits from the other books to easily catch me up. The mystery was good and I foresee a romantic interest with two interested men for Stella affections. Stella is also learning more about her mother that she thought had abandoned her when she was a young child. I look forward to reading how things progress with Stella and her suitors and also if she gets to finally meet her mother in the next book.
June 6, 2019
More mystery and mayhem
Stella and the others are back again after the huge bombshell that ended the previous book. The story was great and felt like the pages flew by. I love the unexpected support she is getting from the men in her life, as in Richie, Carlson and the gym owner. Her dad, uncle and grandfather are great as well and there are a few nice surprises from them. The other mystery in the book was really good but Stella's own family mystery is better, the next book needs to come out asap! It's kind of a cliffhanger. Well done with this book!
Stella and the others are back again after the huge bombshell that ended the previous book. The story was great and felt like the pages flew by. I love the unexpected support she is getting from the men in her life, as in Richie, Carlson and the gym owner. Her dad, uncle and grandfather are great as well and there are a few nice surprises from them. The other mystery in the book was really good but Stella's own family mystery is better, the next book needs to come out asap! It's kind of a cliffhanger. Well done with this book!
June 25, 2019
Stella is one of my most loved mystery book characters. Duplex Double Trouble is my new current favorite in this series, and I have loved them all.
Despite being floored by revelations from her uncle about family matters that occurred in the past, Stella is back to work, and as usual, she finds herself involved in a baffling murder mystery.
Very intriguing mystery, awesome characters and a bit of possible romance on the side.
Highly recommended.
Despite being floored by revelations from her uncle about family matters that occurred in the past, Stella is back to work, and as usual, she finds herself involved in a baffling murder mystery.
Very intriguing mystery, awesome characters and a bit of possible romance on the side.
Highly recommended.
April 11, 2022
A realtor with a kind heart and a mind for solving murders! I love Stella - she's kind, funny, resilient, smart and just the type of person you'd want for a best friend. With her quirky family and friends helping and sometimes not helping, Stella will make that sale and solve that crime!
In Duplex Double Trouble, Stella finds herself just about to make a sale when Charlie Booker, the person buying it, dies before he can sign the papers. Stella's curiosity leads her into a mystery that will keep you reading! The second mystery, about Stella's family, is complex and keeps you wondering. I enjoy books that have a "mystery within a mystery" and the author does an excellent job of keeping each story progressing without one overshadowing the other.
I can't wait for the next book!
In Duplex Double Trouble, Stella finds herself just about to make a sale when Charlie Booker, the person buying it, dies before he can sign the papers. Stella's curiosity leads her into a mystery that will keep you reading! The second mystery, about Stella's family, is complex and keeps you wondering. I enjoy books that have a "mystery within a mystery" and the author does an excellent job of keeping each story progressing without one overshadowing the other.
I can't wait for the next book!
August 10, 2019
I'm partial to character-driven mysteries and, in "Duplex Double Trouble" by CeeCee James, I was immediately drawn into the main character's story. As Stella tries to figure out who murdered one of her clients and who is threatening her, she also struggles with several personal issues, which made her a complex and "real" person - and which made me care about what happened to her.
May 26, 2020
Stella’s newest client cannot be dead. Only minutes before, she had called to set up the appointment to present him with a buyer’s contract so fresh the ink was still wet. Surely a murder couldn’t have been committed in that short amount of time. This is unreal. Her curiosity piqued, Stella embeds herself in the investigation, sharing the clues she runs across with her favorite lawman.
On the home front…Stella’s Uncle Chris has spilled the beans on the family mystery, and it centers around her mother. Her mother, the woman her father never talked about. Stella is mad enough to spit nails. How could her father, uncle, and grandfather have kept this from her? Now her infamous curiosity centers on learning more about the woman who is her mother.
This is a fun, clean, and easy read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys an entertaining whodunit. As a bonus to the story, I do believe I may detect a bit of romance in the air.
On the home front…Stella’s Uncle Chris has spilled the beans on the family mystery, and it centers around her mother. Her mother, the woman her father never talked about. Stella is mad enough to spit nails. How could her father, uncle, and grandfather have kept this from her? Now her infamous curiosity centers on learning more about the woman who is her mother.
This is a fun, clean, and easy read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys an entertaining whodunit. As a bonus to the story, I do believe I may detect a bit of romance in the air.
June 28, 2019
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel A Flamingo Realty Mystery book 4: Duplex Double Trouble by CeeCee James and this review was given freely.
Two mysteries seamless melded together to form one complex story filled with both family and workplace drama, interesting characters, danger and a little romantic rivalry in the form of Officer Carlson, Richie the neighbor, the gym owner, and the mall shoe salesman. Recovering after learning her mother was in prison, Stella returns to work only to find the owner of her next house murdered before he can sign the closing papers and the only clue is a suspicious set of footprints. Coincidence and threats lead to a surprising long list of suspects. Friends try to help Stella cope with information regarding her mother including the suspenseful ending hook.
I purchased a copy of the novel A Flamingo Realty Mystery book 4: Duplex Double Trouble by CeeCee James and this review was given freely.
Two mysteries seamless melded together to form one complex story filled with both family and workplace drama, interesting characters, danger and a little romantic rivalry in the form of Officer Carlson, Richie the neighbor, the gym owner, and the mall shoe salesman. Recovering after learning her mother was in prison, Stella returns to work only to find the owner of her next house murdered before he can sign the closing papers and the only clue is a suspicious set of footprints. Coincidence and threats lead to a surprising long list of suspects. Friends try to help Stella cope with information regarding her mother including the suspenseful ending hook.
July 30, 2022
I thought it was a interesting book. But I failed to notice it was to be continued till I read the last sentence . Oh no, gotta read the next one to find out what happened with her Mom. Stella was in real estate. She was sent to settle on sale of a duplex house. Turned out a no go. The owner was dead when she got there. She lost the sale. Stella liked to do investigating on her own .She had a cop friend Carlson who was on the case. Some one started sending her threatening letter in the mail and on her car windshield. Hinting at her to mind her own business. She also was dealing with what happened to her when she was little and where was her mom. She wanted to find out the truth once and for all.SHe was under a lot of stress.
July 19, 2019
I was learning more and more that family wasn’t necessarily blood
With more twist and turns than a road map, Stella's fourth adventure is filled with self-discovery, determination, a bit of danger, and happy resolutions.
You won't believe the things she discovers along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat from the first page right through to the last.
As usual though, she solves the crime, all while finding it's time to let her heart lead her head. I'm looking forward to her next adventure!
With more twist and turns than a road map, Stella's fourth adventure is filled with self-discovery, determination, a bit of danger, and happy resolutions.
You won't believe the things she discovers along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat from the first page right through to the last.
As usual though, she solves the crime, all while finding it's time to let her heart lead her head. I'm looking forward to her next adventure!
June 5, 2019
If walls could talk
A cozy mystery that gets more interesting with each book!:. Events from years ago have shaped Stella and now her dysfunctional family is trying to reconcile for Stella's good. Two men are interested in getting to know her better, her mom could get out of prison and Stella helps solve a murder investigation while still remodelling her cottage and selling real estate! Enjoyed this character driven story.
A cozy mystery that gets more interesting with each book!:. Events from years ago have shaped Stella and now her dysfunctional family is trying to reconcile for Stella's good. Two men are interested in getting to know her better, her mom could get out of prison and Stella helps solve a murder investigation while still remodelling her cottage and selling real estate! Enjoyed this character driven story.
June 13, 2019
Interesting
Sometimes the story seemed to beg for having read the previous books in the series, which I hadn’t. Also the ending left me hanging and realizing I was going to have to buy the next book to find out what happens. Too bad it isn’t all in one book, it’s more like a serial. Otherwise I liked the characters and the ending did surprise me...I mean who the, “bad guy” turned out to be. Pretty good writing, good plot. Will read more.
Sometimes the story seemed to beg for having read the previous books in the series, which I hadn’t. Also the ending left me hanging and realizing I was going to have to buy the next book to find out what happens. Too bad it isn’t all in one book, it’s more like a serial. Otherwise I liked the characters and the ending did surprise me...I mean who the, “bad guy” turned out to be. Pretty good writing, good plot. Will read more.
January 16, 2022
I'm really enjoying this cozy mystery series set in Brookfield, Pennsylvania at the Flamingo Realty Company. This is book 4. Stella has moved back to get home town to work at her Uncles company, selling houses. She's also there to try to mend fences between her Dad, her Uncle and their Father (her Grandfather ). The story running through these books is the story of her Mother who was incarcerated for murder, Stella is trying to get her released.
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
June 19, 2019
I'm enjoying the Flamingo Realty mystery series. It is almost a continuation of the Baker Street mysteries by the same author.... some of the same characters but with a different, younger, protagonist. I miss Georgie's POV and her story, but Stella is growing on me and I do plan to finish the series but must wait till publication in August 2019 to read the final book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Enjoyable cozy
I don't like that there were multiple unsolved mysteries, but I enjoyed the primary mystery that was the focus of the book. It was really just a backdrop for the main character, though, a young woman who's falling apart because she's learning family secrets. It was easy to care about the people here
I don't like that there were multiple unsolved mysteries, but I enjoyed the primary mystery that was the focus of the book. It was really just a backdrop for the main character, though, a young woman who's falling apart because she's learning family secrets. It was easy to care about the people here
June 3, 2019
Another riveting cozy
Stella os at it again with a riveting cozy.
I loved the storyline,cast of charactersand most of all the twists and turns.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers
Stella os at it again with a riveting cozy.
I loved the storyline,cast of charactersand most of all the twists and turns.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers
June 11, 2019
Stella is dealing with personal issues in this story.
The title of my review says all I am going to say about this story. I have enjoyed every one of these stories and have the entire series...so far. The characters are wonderful, the storylines are marvelous, I truly enjoy every one of them
The title of my review says all I am going to say about this story. I have enjoyed every one of these stories and have the entire series...so far. The characters are wonderful, the storylines are marvelous, I truly enjoy every one of them
June 11, 2019
A good read
My one complaint is that every one of these books ends with a cliffhanger! I think it’s really a cheap trick to make you buy the next book. Other than that I’ve liked getting to know the characters and I enjoy trying to solve the mystery.
My one complaint is that every one of these books ends with a cliffhanger! I think it’s really a cheap trick to make you buy the next book. Other than that I’ve liked getting to know the characters and I enjoy trying to solve the mystery.
August 15, 2019
Double trouble deluxe
Stella tries to keep her life from spiraling while trying to solve another murder. I usually refuse to read episodic novels, but this series has been compelling. I'm anxious to learn more about her family.
Stella tries to keep her life from spiraling while trying to solve another murder. I usually refuse to read episodic novels, but this series has been compelling. I'm anxious to learn more about her family.
August 23, 2019
The real estate part of the story is very scary
I have been a real estate broker for 30 years and fortunately have not had them happen to me. I'm not sure I would have stayed in the business.
I have been a real estate broker for 30 years and fortunately have not had them happen to me. I'm not sure I would have stayed in the business.
August 27, 2019
Okay!
So, we now have another murder mystery to figure out and Stella has had her breakdown do to finding out about her Mom. This has been another wonderful mystery and I look forward to the next book.
So, we now have another murder mystery to figure out and Stella has had her breakdown do to finding out about her Mom. This has been another wonderful mystery and I look forward to the next book.
April 19, 2020
This is a great series
Wow these books are fantastic. Great story. Great characters. Keeps you guessing and wanting to keep going. Leaves you with a cliffhanger! Need to go find next sequel!!
Wow these books are fantastic. Great story. Great characters. Keeps you guessing and wanting to keep going. Leaves you with a cliffhanger! Need to go find next sequel!!
July 30, 2020
Wow, just when you think a book can't possibly get any better than this one, you pick up another
One of CeeCee James' books and it does get better! Great read can hardly wait for the next one!!!! On to the next one,,,
One of CeeCee James' books and it does get better! Great read can hardly wait for the next one!!!! On to the next one,,,
September 8, 2020
Realtor fun series
Fun light reading easy to follow from one book to the next the characters grow and you learn just a little more about this family and the secrets that bind and divide them.
Fun light reading easy to follow from one book to the next the characters grow and you learn just a little more about this family and the secrets that bind and divide them.
May 29, 2021
WHAT
The end is a surprise I did not expect. When are those 2 men going to step up and take Stella for theirs wake up guys. And Stella hasn't sold a house yet, how is she making money?
The end is a surprise I did not expect. When are those 2 men going to step up and take Stella for theirs wake up guys. And Stella hasn't sold a house yet, how is she making money?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews