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Sharp-Dressed Corpse #1
The Corpse Wore Stilettos
SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION
Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.
HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE
While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.
THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS
Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.
Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.
HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE
While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.
THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS
Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.
276 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
135 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O’Neill
5 books95 followersMJ O’Neill is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and literacy advocate.
Her love of mysteries started as a dyslexic child who relied on Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden to get through the dreaded book report. Now, she is a fierce advocate for literacy
.
Her professional writing adventure began when she owned a chocolate factory where writing mysteries was a safer bet than “murdering customers”. Currently, you might spot MJ rambling around the Pacific Northwest in her jeep, with her teenager and fierce Yorkie, on the hunt for bigfoot and her next captivating tale.
Her love of mysteries started as a dyslexic child who relied on Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden to get through the dreaded book report. Now, she is a fierce advocate for literacy
.
Her professional writing adventure began when she owned a chocolate factory where writing mysteries was a safer bet than “murdering customers”. Currently, you might spot MJ rambling around the Pacific Northwest in her jeep, with her teenager and fierce Yorkie, on the hunt for bigfoot and her next captivating tale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 11, 2019
This new cozy series kept me guessing and laughing until the end. The characters are quirky, hunky, and a bit frightening, but all of these just add to the story and will keep you riveted to your seat. I know I didn't want to put the book down even when my eyes were drooping at night.
This was one of my favorite lines in the book and really sets the book up for the rest of the characters and what might possibly happen next.
"Damn, you're like a moron crime magnet."
I'm not sure who my favorite character is in the book because they all contribute to the wackiness of the book. DC is Kat's best friend (or at least my interpretation) and he is a mess and a half and he sometimes steals the spotlight from Kat. Grand reminds me of Grandmother Mazur in the Janet Evanovich books - she is old and will do what she wants and she is probably more together than the rest of us. I had to chuckle every time she went "shopping" at their family home. Oh and the drag queen that buys Kat's shoes when she needs money, now there is a story I'm sure!
There is a potential romance between Kat and Burns McPhee so hopefully, there are more books to come that pursue this storyline. Kat deserves a break after her fiance dumped her once her father was arrested for racketeering.
I was totally gobsmacked when the killer was revealed and the whole reasoning behind it all. I never saw that coming but looking back there were a few subtle clues that might have clued someone in that something wasn't quite right with this character. There is a cliffhanger on several fronts so I am hoping that the author doesn't leave us hanging too long with the next installment.
We give this book 5 paws up and suggest you rush out and pick up your own copy
This was one of my favorite lines in the book and really sets the book up for the rest of the characters and what might possibly happen next.
"Damn, you're like a moron crime magnet."
I'm not sure who my favorite character is in the book because they all contribute to the wackiness of the book. DC is Kat's best friend (or at least my interpretation) and he is a mess and a half and he sometimes steals the spotlight from Kat. Grand reminds me of Grandmother Mazur in the Janet Evanovich books - she is old and will do what she wants and she is probably more together than the rest of us. I had to chuckle every time she went "shopping" at their family home. Oh and the drag queen that buys Kat's shoes when she needs money, now there is a story I'm sure!
There is a potential romance between Kat and Burns McPhee so hopefully, there are more books to come that pursue this storyline. Kat deserves a break after her fiance dumped her once her father was arrested for racketeering.
I was totally gobsmacked when the killer was revealed and the whole reasoning behind it all. I never saw that coming but looking back there were a few subtle clues that might have clued someone in that something wasn't quite right with this character. There is a cliffhanger on several fronts so I am hoping that the author doesn't leave us hanging too long with the next installment.
We give this book 5 paws up and suggest you rush out and pick up your own copy
July 14, 2019
Unfortunately, I could not finish this book There were just too many issues with it for my taste and more importantly my happiness. Too many characters are doing too many different things and I couldn't keep the 'bad guy' straight. There are secondary character's that are just downright annoying and unnecessary.
I got to about 30% before I gave up and let me say this, this would have been a damn good book considering the premise (former rich girl forced to used her minor in biology to work in a hospital morgue, father in jail for possibly being in the Mafia, family lost all their money and home, Grandmother with Alzheimer's but a hoot) had there been no murder!!! I also understand from reading other review's that there really is no conclusion to this book -it ends on a cliffhanger.
*ARC supplied by the author.
I got to about 30% before I gave up and let me say this, this would have been a damn good book considering the premise (former rich girl forced to used her minor in biology to work in a hospital morgue, father in jail for possibly being in the Mafia, family lost all their money and home, Grandmother with Alzheimer's but a hoot) had there been no murder!!! I also understand from reading other review's that there really is no conclusion to this book -it ends on a cliffhanger.
*ARC supplied by the author.
May 3, 2019
This is one of the best mysteries I've read. I really hope to read more about these characters. Action-packed, funny, great heroine, tons of story and a delightful combination of quirky and wonderful characters. Then there is the mystery. A dead reporter, dead prostitutes, and a crazy Russian stalker all mixed up with a dad in prison and a family trying to adjust to a more meager existence. Oh yeah, most of the characters work in a hospital morgue. Ms. O'Neill hit everything just right for me. I certainly hope to read more books by her.
June 29, 2019
The story went thus, Kat Walters was an aide at the morgue, helping the coroner with the external examination of corpses. During one such examination, Burns McPhee made an entrance trying to flirt with her to get her to take him to the corpse. In the interim, someone stole that corpse, and Kat was suspended on suspicion of body snatching.
My first book by author M. J. O'Neil, it was quite fun to read the way Kat worked to clear her name. A deal was made with Burns and through mutual sharing of information, they got to the perp. The reveal at the end was quite shocking, I didn't expect such a thing from the character in the book. That's what made this book entertaining.
Kat was etched intelligently by the author, Burns provided the brawn and the security detail. The book felt like a cozy whodunit too with its quirky, varied characters, and Kat's grandmother provided the humor. The book was funny in parts, clever in parts, and quite slow in larger parts of it.
Overall it was an easy fun read on a Saturday afternoon.
My first book by author M. J. O'Neil, it was quite fun to read the way Kat worked to clear her name. A deal was made with Burns and through mutual sharing of information, they got to the perp. The reveal at the end was quite shocking, I didn't expect such a thing from the character in the book. That's what made this book entertaining.
Kat was etched intelligently by the author, Burns provided the brawn and the security detail. The book felt like a cozy whodunit too with its quirky, varied characters, and Kat's grandmother provided the humor. The book was funny in parts, clever in parts, and quite slow in larger parts of it.
Overall it was an easy fun read on a Saturday afternoon.
November 25, 2019
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Kat Waters was one of the rich and privileged until her dad was arrested for racketeering. With assets frozen and the house seized she and her mother had to find a place to live. Also, Kat has had to get a job to support them both and her grandmother since they could no longer afford her pricey retirement home fees. In order to keep a roof over their head, fed, and buy medicine for her Grand, Kat supplements her income by selling her designer shoes, of which she has a lot. Well, less now. In a stroke of good luck, her Grand’s boyfriend has also been helping them. He got Kat a job at the county morgue and found them an apartment in a small house to rent. But Claude can only do so much, so it’s up to Kat to keep them afloat until the misunderstanding with her dad is straightened out. And then a body is stolen right out from under her nose. When it looks like she’s going to lose her job over it, Kat goes on the offensive to find out who stole the poor murdered woman and clear her name in the process. That’s when the fun begins. Well, fun for us. Not so much for Kat.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery to pleasantly pass an afternoon then this is the one for you. Kat is quite an interesting character and I like her a lot. Secondary characters shine and the world is interesting. The only problem I had is that it is, at times, a bit too cartoony. If that’s even the right word. But don’t let that stop you. I enjoyed it and I’m really hoping to see more of Kat and her group of eclectic friends. With the way things ended, I’m pretty sure that’s a given. Bring it on!
Kat Waters was one of the rich and privileged until her dad was arrested for racketeering. With assets frozen and the house seized she and her mother had to find a place to live. Also, Kat has had to get a job to support them both and her grandmother since they could no longer afford her pricey retirement home fees. In order to keep a roof over their head, fed, and buy medicine for her Grand, Kat supplements her income by selling her designer shoes, of which she has a lot. Well, less now. In a stroke of good luck, her Grand’s boyfriend has also been helping them. He got Kat a job at the county morgue and found them an apartment in a small house to rent. But Claude can only do so much, so it’s up to Kat to keep them afloat until the misunderstanding with her dad is straightened out. And then a body is stolen right out from under her nose. When it looks like she’s going to lose her job over it, Kat goes on the offensive to find out who stole the poor murdered woman and clear her name in the process. That’s when the fun begins. Well, fun for us. Not so much for Kat.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery to pleasantly pass an afternoon then this is the one for you. Kat is quite an interesting character and I like her a lot. Secondary characters shine and the world is interesting. The only problem I had is that it is, at times, a bit too cartoony. If that’s even the right word. But don’t let that stop you. I enjoyed it and I’m really hoping to see more of Kat and her group of eclectic friends. With the way things ended, I’m pretty sure that’s a given. Bring it on!
July 5, 2019
Loved this cozy mystery.
Had me totally laughing out loud.
Enjoyed the fun characters.
Story is well written and makes you want more
Looking forward to additional books with some of the quirky characters.
Thanks Books Go Social and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Had me totally laughing out loud.
Enjoyed the fun characters.
Story is well written and makes you want more
Looking forward to additional books with some of the quirky characters.
Thanks Books Go Social and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
May 2, 2019
SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION
I kept seeing Kat Waters as Elle Woods. You think she's all fluffy pens and designer shoes, but oh she is so much more.
Kat's father is supposedly in prison. Mob related. All of the family's assets are frozen and Kat is living with and supporting her socialite mother and her determined, but forgetful grandmother.
It turns out an Art Degree from Harvard isn't worth very much in the real world of obligations, rent and medical bills. Kat has swallowed her pride and taken a job in the morgue. And this is where our story begins. Kat is in the morgue prepping the latest body for autopsy when guys come in, snatch the body and run.
Running after them is the sexy Burns McPhee. Former Special Forces and now running his own security firm, he believes this girls death is related to the death of his best friend and isn't above using his charm to get some information out of our Kat.
When one of the crazies from the body snatching begins sending Kat flowers and cryptic notes and phones calls, she and Burns team up to catch the killer and keep her safe. Someone in the Morgue doesn't want her here. What better way to flush out a suspect than a party?
Kat may be a socialite working in a morgue, but she is one smart lady. Proving you can be smart and fashionable at the same time. Imagine?!
The characters make this story. At first I wasn't too sure about Kat. The story reminded me of Two Broke Girls and Legally Blonde. But Kat came into her own quickly and I loved the crazy little facts she tosses in so casually. Her mother and grandmother were hilarious characters and this entire book I laughed with them.
I hope we see more of Kat and Burns. There is definitely something there!
xx Patricia Fairweather Romero April 30th release.
I kept seeing Kat Waters as Elle Woods. You think she's all fluffy pens and designer shoes, but oh she is so much more.
Kat's father is supposedly in prison. Mob related. All of the family's assets are frozen and Kat is living with and supporting her socialite mother and her determined, but forgetful grandmother.
It turns out an Art Degree from Harvard isn't worth very much in the real world of obligations, rent and medical bills. Kat has swallowed her pride and taken a job in the morgue. And this is where our story begins. Kat is in the morgue prepping the latest body for autopsy when guys come in, snatch the body and run.
Running after them is the sexy Burns McPhee. Former Special Forces and now running his own security firm, he believes this girls death is related to the death of his best friend and isn't above using his charm to get some information out of our Kat.
When one of the crazies from the body snatching begins sending Kat flowers and cryptic notes and phones calls, she and Burns team up to catch the killer and keep her safe. Someone in the Morgue doesn't want her here. What better way to flush out a suspect than a party?
Kat may be a socialite working in a morgue, but she is one smart lady. Proving you can be smart and fashionable at the same time. Imagine?!
The characters make this story. At first I wasn't too sure about Kat. The story reminded me of Two Broke Girls and Legally Blonde. But Kat came into her own quickly and I loved the crazy little facts she tosses in so casually. Her mother and grandmother were hilarious characters and this entire book I laughed with them.
I hope we see more of Kat and Burns. There is definitely something there!
xx Patricia Fairweather Romero April 30th release.
June 25, 2019
What a fun book! It was a fast book that kept my attention til the very end! Loved the quirky characters and the mystery! In some ways Kat reminded me of Stephanie Plum. I really enjoyed the book!
June 30, 2019
As the author notes, The Corpse Wore Stilettos is a lighthearted, romantic mystery with a sweet twist. A very well written book, it had me devouring it in a few hours. The characters, the plot and the writing are all superb.
Definitely recommend.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
Definitely recommend.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
July 15, 2019
Follow Just A Girl High On Books for more reviews.
"Flowers are pretty, not functional. They're never necessary."
To begin with, The Corpse Wore Stilettos is a rather apt name for the book as a whole. The story started with Kat who had to work in a morgue after her father was sent to the prison for being linked to a mobster. (Was it the Italian mob? I can't remember it right now.) As of now, all of their assets are frozen, it takes a huge toll on Kat to manage her mother as well as her grandmother, both of who are used to living in money. Well, Kat is, too but at least she is working even though the job isn't her dream job.
In any case, it just so happens that one night, while Kat is on duty, two strangers arrive, taking her for someone else. DC, the person who was originally supposed to on duty that night, had to leave due to a "pet" emergency. Anyhow, so Kat ended up there and the corpse (that wore stilettos) the two strangers had arrived to take a look at, ended up getting stolen while Kat tried to argue with them as to why she couldn't let them see her.
That's where the story begins and believe me when I say, it IS a ride. It is a really amazing story and as it develops, so do the characters. My personal favourite was DC and Kat's grandmother. They created a lot of drama throughout and kept everything lively.
M.J. O'Neill's writing style was also rather addictive, although a little too descriptive. And Kat's character? Oh dear, she was irritating but in a funny way. Like, I knew the author was trying to show her as someone who thinks random things at random times and how that made her who she was (irritating, for that matter). But I loved her still. She, DC, grandmother, McFee. Yep, everyone was great. Haha! So yes, a rather amazing book. I guess had it been a little less descriptive, I would have rated it a 5 instead.
"Flowers are pretty, not functional. They're never necessary."
To begin with, The Corpse Wore Stilettos is a rather apt name for the book as a whole. The story started with Kat who had to work in a morgue after her father was sent to the prison for being linked to a mobster. (Was it the Italian mob? I can't remember it right now.) As of now, all of their assets are frozen, it takes a huge toll on Kat to manage her mother as well as her grandmother, both of who are used to living in money. Well, Kat is, too but at least she is working even though the job isn't her dream job.
In any case, it just so happens that one night, while Kat is on duty, two strangers arrive, taking her for someone else. DC, the person who was originally supposed to on duty that night, had to leave due to a "pet" emergency. Anyhow, so Kat ended up there and the corpse (that wore stilettos) the two strangers had arrived to take a look at, ended up getting stolen while Kat tried to argue with them as to why she couldn't let them see her.
That's where the story begins and believe me when I say, it IS a ride. It is a really amazing story and as it develops, so do the characters. My personal favourite was DC and Kat's grandmother. They created a lot of drama throughout and kept everything lively.
M.J. O'Neill's writing style was also rather addictive, although a little too descriptive. And Kat's character? Oh dear, she was irritating but in a funny way. Like, I knew the author was trying to show her as someone who thinks random things at random times and how that made her who she was (irritating, for that matter). But I loved her still. She, DC, grandmother, McFee. Yep, everyone was great. Haha! So yes, a rather amazing book. I guess had it been a little less descriptive, I would have rated it a 5 instead.
May 24, 2019
3 & 1/2 Stars! Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Corpse Wore Stilettos was so much fun! Suspense, murder, mystery, romance and fabulous shoes! To make ends meet after her wealthy father is unexpectedly arrested, Kat Waters is forced to take a job working in a morgue. When a body is stolen on her watch, Kat decides to play detective and solve the body snatching mystery in order to save her job. Several twists and turns and a fun cast of characters that will keep you guessing “who done it” until the end. This book is the 1st in a new series, and the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger. Already looking forward to book two!
May 6, 2019
Wealthy Kat Waters’s father is being charged with racketeering and she finds herself moving back home. With all the family assets frozen, Kat finds a job working at the local morgue to support her mom and grandma. They all have moved into a tiny apartment and she finds herself selling off her shoe collection to the local drag queens to help pay for grandma’s medicine and the rent. While processing a body in the morgue, Kat meets Burns McPhee who is trying desperately to get into the morgue to see the Jane Doe. During their brief meeting, someone steals the body and now Kat finds herself on probation.
This madcap adventure just keeps on going as Kat finds herself trying to absolve herself from the charges, attempting to discover what is going on at the morgue, forging a deal with Burns to work together, and keep her family from living in a homeless shelter. This is a hilarious cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, lots of mystery and action, a possible serial killer, the mob, and tons of twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This madcap adventure just keeps on going as Kat finds herself trying to absolve herself from the charges, attempting to discover what is going on at the morgue, forging a deal with Burns to work together, and keep her family from living in a homeless shelter. This is a hilarious cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, lots of mystery and action, a possible serial killer, the mob, and tons of twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
It was dreadfully boring in the beginning. But then I started laughing and then well... the rest is history.
"Damn, you're like a moron crime magnet"
I can't be the only one who remembers this line. And was I the only one getting complete Elle Woods vibes? This was like a cosy mystery twist on Legally Blonde. I literally did not quit grinning till I shut the book.
Kat was ridiculously fashion conscious but surprisingly competent [not everyone can run in stilettos].
A round of applause goes to the title and to the MC who is hilariously lovable.
"Damn, you're like a moron crime magnet"
I can't be the only one who remembers this line. And was I the only one getting complete Elle Woods vibes? This was like a cosy mystery twist on Legally Blonde. I literally did not quit grinning till I shut the book.
Kat was ridiculously fashion conscious but surprisingly competent [not everyone can run in stilettos].
A round of applause goes to the title and to the MC who is hilariously lovable.
July 16, 2019
First of all I just have to say the title is quite catchy! Right there I’m hooked! Seriously!
My favorite genre is the cozy mystery. There are many things that can make a cozy mystery good and I believe this book has them all!
Romance: there’s definitely some romantic tension not just from the main characters but also with the grandmother, Grand and her beau! Cute couple!
Interesting setting: you cannot get any closer to death than a morgue! The cast of characters in the morgue are all a bit quirky and keep you on your toes wondering who is involved in the murder?
Interesting main character: I loved her! I couldn’t identify with her riches and being an ex-socialite but I could understand the scramble for making the rent and keeping things afloat at home. I love her grandmother who keeps sneaking off to “lift” a few things from their former home.
Character building challenges: our beloved main character Kat has had to really switch gears in her life from having enough money to buy whatever she wants to working a job that she never thought she would ever do at the morgue! She also had to cope with her father who is in jail for possibly being involved with the mafia. That’s pretty stressful too besides the lowered economic status! She was interesting. She knew all the fashions and how much things cost. She was smart. She could go with the flow. I really liked her a lot!
Interesting mystery: this book definitely frosted my cake! Who steals a body at the morgue? Poor Kat has to figure this out and is able to enlist the help of new found friends, confidants and her family. She ends up having her hands full with the mafia and a secret stalker!
Satisfying ending: The author’s writing style is very easy to engage with. I felt immersed in the storyline. Numerous little twists and turns with the plot with colorful characters that stand out in your mind because they are quirky or funny… The ending wrapped things up as it should! I don’t like a mystery that isn’t wrapped up by the end of the book.
I give this book 5 stars and hopefully there’ll be more in the series!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and this review is all my own.
My favorite genre is the cozy mystery. There are many things that can make a cozy mystery good and I believe this book has them all!
Romance: there’s definitely some romantic tension not just from the main characters but also with the grandmother, Grand and her beau! Cute couple!
Interesting setting: you cannot get any closer to death than a morgue! The cast of characters in the morgue are all a bit quirky and keep you on your toes wondering who is involved in the murder?
Interesting main character: I loved her! I couldn’t identify with her riches and being an ex-socialite but I could understand the scramble for making the rent and keeping things afloat at home. I love her grandmother who keeps sneaking off to “lift” a few things from their former home.
Character building challenges: our beloved main character Kat has had to really switch gears in her life from having enough money to buy whatever she wants to working a job that she never thought she would ever do at the morgue! She also had to cope with her father who is in jail for possibly being involved with the mafia. That’s pretty stressful too besides the lowered economic status! She was interesting. She knew all the fashions and how much things cost. She was smart. She could go with the flow. I really liked her a lot!
Interesting mystery: this book definitely frosted my cake! Who steals a body at the morgue? Poor Kat has to figure this out and is able to enlist the help of new found friends, confidants and her family. She ends up having her hands full with the mafia and a secret stalker!
Satisfying ending: The author’s writing style is very easy to engage with. I felt immersed in the storyline. Numerous little twists and turns with the plot with colorful characters that stand out in your mind because they are quirky or funny… The ending wrapped things up as it should! I don’t like a mystery that isn’t wrapped up by the end of the book.
I give this book 5 stars and hopefully there’ll be more in the series!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and this review is all my own.
December 10, 2019
I loved, loved, loved this book.
Kat Waters has to come home to help support her family while her father is in prison. Of all the places to get a job, Kat finds herself working in the morgue. Which is all well and good until a body goes missing from the morgue and Kat tries to solve this mystery.
so many brilliant supporting characters and loads of fun throughout the book. Twists and turns and a cliffhanger to end on.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
Kat Waters has to come home to help support her family while her father is in prison. Of all the places to get a job, Kat finds herself working in the morgue. Which is all well and good until a body goes missing from the morgue and Kat tries to solve this mystery.
so many brilliant supporting characters and loads of fun throughout the book. Twists and turns and a cliffhanger to end on.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
May 22, 2019
I seldom give low ratings because I don't read far in a book if I'm not interested. However, I do rate low if I read a book to the end and feel cheated by a cliffhanger ending. I understand leaving some open threads for the next book in a series, but I expect the main mystery to be solved. Unfortunately, I did not find this ending satisfying.
Readers who like quirky characters, humor along with murder and mayhem, convoluted plots, and lots of twists and suspicious characters--and cliffhanger endings--will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which is my honest opinion.
Readers who like quirky characters, humor along with murder and mayhem, convoluted plots, and lots of twists and suspicious characters--and cliffhanger endings--will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2019
Wow, what a wild and exciting book mystery ride M.J. O'Neill has created! I am in book "love" with whole quirky, humorous and lovable cast of characters! A trivia talking gorgeous high society heroine, a grandmother who smokes imaginary cigarettes and is sharp as they come, a best friend who dreams of being a superhero, the Russian mob, co-workers you love or hate, handsome men, a pet pig named Marynell...did I mention the strippers & drag queens with hearts of gold? This was one of the books that I purposefully didn't read all at once - I didn't want it to end!
Katherine "Kat" Waters is your normal high society twenty-something - until her father is convicted of a white collar crime and put into prison. A crime Kat doesn't believe he committed. Kat, her mother and grandmother are left to fend for themselves after all their money and property is confiscated by the government....well, except what Grand recovers, during nightly raids, with her senior boyfriend, Claude. To make ends meet, Kat works at the morgue. A particularly sad case, where a body is stolen from the morgue, throws Kat into an adventure of a lifetime...if she survives!
I absolutely loved the book! Kat is a loveable main character. She's independent, smart and determined to find justice for her father. I enjoyed the light romantic angle and the fact that Kat needed a partner - not a rescuer. The supporting characters are well-written and each one has a story that you'll love to discover. The dialogue is witty and has subtle bantering between Kat and her partner Burns. Love that type of book! While there is humor and amazing characters, the mystery is not something that you can easily figure out. While the reader may know "whodunit", the questions of why and who, among Kat's friends or acquaintances is betraying her, becomes the real mystery. Red herrings are all over the place in the book!
The book is fast-paced (don't start it at night unless you can sleep in), has a "keep you guessing mystery", a humorous cast of characters and a main character you'd want for a best friend! I can't wait for the next adventure!
I received an ARC from Netgalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
Katherine "Kat" Waters is your normal high society twenty-something - until her father is convicted of a white collar crime and put into prison. A crime Kat doesn't believe he committed. Kat, her mother and grandmother are left to fend for themselves after all their money and property is confiscated by the government....well, except what Grand recovers, during nightly raids, with her senior boyfriend, Claude. To make ends meet, Kat works at the morgue. A particularly sad case, where a body is stolen from the morgue, throws Kat into an adventure of a lifetime...if she survives!
I absolutely loved the book! Kat is a loveable main character. She's independent, smart and determined to find justice for her father. I enjoyed the light romantic angle and the fact that Kat needed a partner - not a rescuer. The supporting characters are well-written and each one has a story that you'll love to discover. The dialogue is witty and has subtle bantering between Kat and her partner Burns. Love that type of book! While there is humor and amazing characters, the mystery is not something that you can easily figure out. While the reader may know "whodunit", the questions of why and who, among Kat's friends or acquaintances is betraying her, becomes the real mystery. Red herrings are all over the place in the book!
The book is fast-paced (don't start it at night unless you can sleep in), has a "keep you guessing mystery", a humorous cast of characters and a main character you'd want for a best friend! I can't wait for the next adventure!
I received an ARC from Netgalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
May 29, 2019
I just finished MJ O’Neill’s, "The Corpse Wore Stilettos" This was my introduction Ms O'Neill and to the first book in what I see as a long series. We are introduced to Kat Waters, a graduate in Art History from Harvard with prestigious job at a Boston Art Gallery.
That's when her father is indicted for racketeering and possible money laundering for the Mob; her fiancé breaks off their engagement; her mother is kicked out of their home as part of the money laundering/racketeering investigation and her grandmother is kicked out of her senior living residence because all of the family assets have been frozen.
Kat gives up her job in Boston and moves back home to take care of her now homeless family. Due to the investigation into her family, the only job Kat can find is as a morgue technician with a salary barely enough to pay the rent and feed her family. What else can go wrong? Well, how about a corpse stolen from the morgue when Kat is the only one working, then an anonymous tip that Kat is the one responsible for the corpse theft. Think Stephanie Plum, and you will have the theme here. There are lots of laughs a minute as Kat tries to keep her head above water and out of jail.
Definitely a book I recommend to all mystery lovers. Five stars for keeping me entertained and laughing out loud.
I am so looking forward to the next book . . . after all, dear old dad's still in the "Hoosegow".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That's when her father is indicted for racketeering and possible money laundering for the Mob; her fiancé breaks off their engagement; her mother is kicked out of their home as part of the money laundering/racketeering investigation and her grandmother is kicked out of her senior living residence because all of the family assets have been frozen.
Kat gives up her job in Boston and moves back home to take care of her now homeless family. Due to the investigation into her family, the only job Kat can find is as a morgue technician with a salary barely enough to pay the rent and feed her family. What else can go wrong? Well, how about a corpse stolen from the morgue when Kat is the only one working, then an anonymous tip that Kat is the one responsible for the corpse theft. Think Stephanie Plum, and you will have the theme here. There are lots of laughs a minute as Kat tries to keep her head above water and out of jail.
Definitely a book I recommend to all mystery lovers. Five stars for keeping me entertained and laughing out loud.
I am so looking forward to the next book . . . after all, dear old dad's still in the "Hoosegow".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The cast of characters are very likable, entertaining and unique! The setting is also a bit unusual! The main character, Kat Waters, is a socialite who’s family has fallen on hard times and she takes a job in the morgue to help support her mother and grandmother. A body is stolen from the morgue during her shift and in order to clear her name and keep her job she begins her own investigation to find out who the Jane Doe was and why her body was stolen. Kat’s spouting of trivia when she got nervous was amusing! I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
July 16, 2019
A witty, snarky, courageous story of a girl who gives up everything to take care of her grandmother & mother when her father is arrested for alleged ties to the mob. Overnight she goes from riched to rags.
With the help of a book for wanna be detectives, a mismatched crew of hacker, detective, doctor, reporter and more, this smart, super intelligent girl will rock your world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With the help of a book for wanna be detectives, a mismatched crew of hacker, detective, doctor, reporter and more, this smart, super intelligent girl will rock your world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly. Rich girl goes detective.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2019
Unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Wonderful job developing the characters.
Can't wait for the next one from MJ O'Neill.
Wonderful job developing the characters.
Can't wait for the next one from MJ O'Neill.
June 26, 2019
Intriguing, suspenseful, dynamic suspense starting
with the stealing of a body from the morgue.
Kat Waters whose current job is assisting the Medical
Examiner is on duty when a corpse wearing stilettos
arrives. Soon after her arrival, Kat is confronted by
a mysterious, Former Special Ops operator who now
Runs his own security firm. He expects to examine
the body before the Medical Examiner. Will he is
trying to convince Kat to allow this someone breaks
into the morgue and steals the corpse wearing the
stilettos. The chase is on.......
Kat is only working in the morgue due to the arrest
of her father for racketeering. His assets were frozen.
Therefore Kat needs to provide money for her mother,
grandmother and herself to be able to live. Now she
is put on probation. She decides to find this security
man who denied her story to find out what is going
on. Little did she know she would find herself in the
investigation of dead prostitutes, a dead reporter
and a crazy Russian stalker who goes from snatching
the body to sending Kat flowers, notes and calling her.
You will meet an array of well created, well defined,
vivid, quirky and unconventional characters to keep
you thoroughly engrossed.
The story is very detail oriented making the reader
feel as if they are part of this uniquely plotted story.
A Highly Recommended Read.
I volunteered to read The Corpse Wore Stilettos.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity. My opinion
is my own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
with the stealing of a body from the morgue.
Kat Waters whose current job is assisting the Medical
Examiner is on duty when a corpse wearing stilettos
arrives. Soon after her arrival, Kat is confronted by
a mysterious, Former Special Ops operator who now
Runs his own security firm. He expects to examine
the body before the Medical Examiner. Will he is
trying to convince Kat to allow this someone breaks
into the morgue and steals the corpse wearing the
stilettos. The chase is on.......
Kat is only working in the morgue due to the arrest
of her father for racketeering. His assets were frozen.
Therefore Kat needs to provide money for her mother,
grandmother and herself to be able to live. Now she
is put on probation. She decides to find this security
man who denied her story to find out what is going
on. Little did she know she would find herself in the
investigation of dead prostitutes, a dead reporter
and a crazy Russian stalker who goes from snatching
the body to sending Kat flowers, notes and calling her.
You will meet an array of well created, well defined,
vivid, quirky and unconventional characters to keep
you thoroughly engrossed.
The story is very detail oriented making the reader
feel as if they are part of this uniquely plotted story.
A Highly Recommended Read.
I volunteered to read The Corpse Wore Stilettos.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity. My opinion
is my own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2019
Thanks to BooksGoneSocial and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Reviews of the book had me excited to read it. I was looking forward to those laugh out loud moments.
In this book, Kat has to leave her rich social life to take care of her mother and grandmother after her father is jailed (looks like mob ties on the surface). She ends up taking a job at the morgue, and after a body is stolen while she is on duty, takes up the search to find out who took it and why. She gets embroiled in something that may or may not have ties to her father's situation. And are those missle launch codes really?
I've rated this just ok because there are so many improbabilities in the book. Some of the characters (lke DC) are just too over the top and charicature. I feel like the author was reaching for Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum type MC, and for me, it fell short. The premise, a body stolen right out of the morgue, had great promise, but there was just (for me) too many sidebars and variables introduced.
Reviews of the book had me excited to read it. I was looking forward to those laugh out loud moments.
In this book, Kat has to leave her rich social life to take care of her mother and grandmother after her father is jailed (looks like mob ties on the surface). She ends up taking a job at the morgue, and after a body is stolen while she is on duty, takes up the search to find out who took it and why. She gets embroiled in something that may or may not have ties to her father's situation. And are those missle launch codes really?
I've rated this just ok because there are so many improbabilities in the book. Some of the characters (lke DC) are just too over the top and charicature. I feel like the author was reaching for Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum type MC, and for me, it fell short. The premise, a body stolen right out of the morgue, had great promise, but there was just (for me) too many sidebars and variables introduced.
August 6, 2019
Find this review and many more on my blog Sometimes Leelynn Reads
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to BookSirens and Red Adept Publishing, LLC for this free copy.
I knew there was a reason why I was liking cozy mysteries. I would totally count this one as a cozy mystery because no sex and the content wasn’t super heavy. Although I will say I’m curious to know whether or not this is going to have a sequel, because that’s what the Epilogue sounded like it was setting up.
Katherine “Kat” Waters serves as our protagonist in this novel. She has a Riches to Rags story that we don’t really know about yet. The only backstory we have is that her father was apparently accused of being involved in the mob, although none of the other women in the family seem to think so. He’s been in jail for over a month, and Kat has had to get a job at the morgue to ensure that her mother and grandmother (affectionately called “Grand”) don’t wind up homeless. Even though she was a graduate of Harvard – top of her class – in Art History, her minor in Biology and her skills with makeup give her special skills needed to work in the morgue. It actually works out for her because she is not skirmish of dead bodies, and wants to be able to learn the story that each body tells her. I believe she may also suffer from Tourette’s Syndrome, as she has the tendency to blurt out random – but seemingly useless – facts when she gets nervous. I may be wrong though, so please correct me if I’m wrong. This tic reminded me of Vincent Nigel-Murray from the TV show Bones.
Burns McPhee is one of the gentlemen that tries to take a look at the latest corpse that Kat is in charge of overseeing when – plot twist – the body gets snatched by a third party. He is very good at his job when it comes to providing security, and seems to genuinely care about Kat’s safety and well-being. Whether it’s because he sees Kat as a challenge or because he’s just trying to do his job seems to be up for debate, but that doesn’t seem to hinder any parts of the story. He is one of the men that seems to be vying for Kat’s affections, and the fact that she has lost her money doesn’t seem to deter him – or any of them – in any way.
The rest of the side characters help to keep the operation going. For me, I wasn’t able to really bond with any of them except for maybe Neutron, and even then I don’t really know about him. I think I just felt for him because people constantly underestimated him because he looked so young. Then there was Grand, who is a cranky but sharp old lady if I ever met one. She’s a feisty one too.
Everything seems to stem from the fact that Kat’s father was arrested due to his alleged connections to the mob. The police don’t seem to know which mob family, and apparently it seemed to have come out of nowhere, but this arrest affected the family so dramatically that they are indeed in poverty. That connection seemed to lead to Kat being framed for the Jane Doe being snatched because an anonymous tip was called in just minutes before saying that she was in on it. Clearly, someone else in the Morgue is out to get her, and she doesn’t know why.
From there, the mystery continues and Kat and the gang work together to find out who the missing Jane Doe is, what happened to her, and why Kat was framed. Kat using her deductive skills to solve the clues in front of her, and gets into some trouble along the way thanks to her sidekick DC. I wouldn’t call her a damsel in distress though, because it seems like she can handle herself a little more than some others can. She just wants to make sure she’s dressed stylish for the part, regardless of her current economic status.
Romance was definitely not a big deal in this novel, which I appreciated as it kept with cozy mystery theme. There was a very quick, one liner about how a character was murdered, but that was the extent of it being graphic. The plot flowed well enough.
The rest of my review is on my blog for sake of space!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to BookSirens and Red Adept Publishing, LLC for this free copy.
I knew there was a reason why I was liking cozy mysteries. I would totally count this one as a cozy mystery because no sex and the content wasn’t super heavy. Although I will say I’m curious to know whether or not this is going to have a sequel, because that’s what the Epilogue sounded like it was setting up.
Katherine “Kat” Waters serves as our protagonist in this novel. She has a Riches to Rags story that we don’t really know about yet. The only backstory we have is that her father was apparently accused of being involved in the mob, although none of the other women in the family seem to think so. He’s been in jail for over a month, and Kat has had to get a job at the morgue to ensure that her mother and grandmother (affectionately called “Grand”) don’t wind up homeless. Even though she was a graduate of Harvard – top of her class – in Art History, her minor in Biology and her skills with makeup give her special skills needed to work in the morgue. It actually works out for her because she is not skirmish of dead bodies, and wants to be able to learn the story that each body tells her. I believe she may also suffer from Tourette’s Syndrome, as she has the tendency to blurt out random – but seemingly useless – facts when she gets nervous. I may be wrong though, so please correct me if I’m wrong. This tic reminded me of Vincent Nigel-Murray from the TV show Bones.
Burns McPhee is one of the gentlemen that tries to take a look at the latest corpse that Kat is in charge of overseeing when – plot twist – the body gets snatched by a third party. He is very good at his job when it comes to providing security, and seems to genuinely care about Kat’s safety and well-being. Whether it’s because he sees Kat as a challenge or because he’s just trying to do his job seems to be up for debate, but that doesn’t seem to hinder any parts of the story. He is one of the men that seems to be vying for Kat’s affections, and the fact that she has lost her money doesn’t seem to deter him – or any of them – in any way.
The rest of the side characters help to keep the operation going. For me, I wasn’t able to really bond with any of them except for maybe Neutron, and even then I don’t really know about him. I think I just felt for him because people constantly underestimated him because he looked so young. Then there was Grand, who is a cranky but sharp old lady if I ever met one. She’s a feisty one too.
Everything seems to stem from the fact that Kat’s father was arrested due to his alleged connections to the mob. The police don’t seem to know which mob family, and apparently it seemed to have come out of nowhere, but this arrest affected the family so dramatically that they are indeed in poverty. That connection seemed to lead to Kat being framed for the Jane Doe being snatched because an anonymous tip was called in just minutes before saying that she was in on it. Clearly, someone else in the Morgue is out to get her, and she doesn’t know why.
From there, the mystery continues and Kat and the gang work together to find out who the missing Jane Doe is, what happened to her, and why Kat was framed. Kat using her deductive skills to solve the clues in front of her, and gets into some trouble along the way thanks to her sidekick DC. I wouldn’t call her a damsel in distress though, because it seems like she can handle herself a little more than some others can. She just wants to make sure she’s dressed stylish for the part, regardless of her current economic status.
Romance was definitely not a big deal in this novel, which I appreciated as it kept with cozy mystery theme. There was a very quick, one liner about how a character was murdered, but that was the extent of it being graphic. The plot flowed well enough.
The rest of my review is on my blog for sake of space!
July 20, 2019
This is a portion of the review on my blog, Trails of Tales
‘The Corpse wore Stilettos‘ is a pleasant surprise. The beginning to a series that sounds incredibly interesting to me, this turned out to be one of those books that I would love to watch as a movie. I am normally not an advocate for book to movie adaptations but this would work. It positively would.
M. J. O’Neill, as a debut author has portrayed excellent understanding in creating her characters. And I don’t just mean the protagonists but also the supporting characters.
Each of the characters is more layered than they initially seem. It is also impressive that even though the storyline of ‘The Corpse Wore Stilettos’ has multiple branches to include the supporting characters, they all come into a cohesive whole. At no point, does it feel like a digression.
I adored the character of Kat’s best friend Daryl Claiborne, better known as DC. A friend like that is what we all need. Even though he could be a complete diva at times (most of the time, actually), he was still ready to stick out his neck for Kat and Burns. His sense of humor and affability would turn even the most stone hearted ones into fans.
Another one of the author’s lovable supporting characters is Kat’s Grand who is suffering from Alzheimer.Her zeal for life is worth applauding. As is her fierce loyalty to family despite the occasional tiffs with Kat’s mother. Grand also seems to have a happy love life, something that I direly lack. Any notes for me, Grand?!
The character of our heroine, Katherine Waters has been given a perfect balance of rough and smooth edges. On one hand she has her vast knowledge of fashion, on the other hand, her observation skills and people instincts are absolutely on point. You cannot help but marvel at Kat’s intelligence and resoluteness.
The situational comedy in ‘The Corpse Wore Stilettos‘ effortlessly puts you at ease and the action scenes are well thought out.
Kat and Burns light hearted banter wrapped in romantic undertones was capable of giving me a heart flutter which is saying something, because I am not the fluttery heart kind of a person. (It wasn’t a big flutter though, I don’t do huge flutters…What? You don’t believe me?!)
Keep pace with Kat as she runs in her heels to catch the body snatcher. Don’t underestimate a woman running in heels!
‘The Corpse wore Stilettos‘ is a pleasant surprise. The beginning to a series that sounds incredibly interesting to me, this turned out to be one of those books that I would love to watch as a movie. I am normally not an advocate for book to movie adaptations but this would work. It positively would.
M. J. O’Neill, as a debut author has portrayed excellent understanding in creating her characters. And I don’t just mean the protagonists but also the supporting characters.
Each of the characters is more layered than they initially seem. It is also impressive that even though the storyline of ‘The Corpse Wore Stilettos’ has multiple branches to include the supporting characters, they all come into a cohesive whole. At no point, does it feel like a digression.
I adored the character of Kat’s best friend Daryl Claiborne, better known as DC. A friend like that is what we all need. Even though he could be a complete diva at times (most of the time, actually), he was still ready to stick out his neck for Kat and Burns. His sense of humor and affability would turn even the most stone hearted ones into fans.
Another one of the author’s lovable supporting characters is Kat’s Grand who is suffering from Alzheimer.Her zeal for life is worth applauding. As is her fierce loyalty to family despite the occasional tiffs with Kat’s mother. Grand also seems to have a happy love life, something that I direly lack. Any notes for me, Grand?!
The character of our heroine, Katherine Waters has been given a perfect balance of rough and smooth edges. On one hand she has her vast knowledge of fashion, on the other hand, her observation skills and people instincts are absolutely on point. You cannot help but marvel at Kat’s intelligence and resoluteness.
The situational comedy in ‘The Corpse Wore Stilettos‘ effortlessly puts you at ease and the action scenes are well thought out.
Kat and Burns light hearted banter wrapped in romantic undertones was capable of giving me a heart flutter which is saying something, because I am not the fluttery heart kind of a person. (It wasn’t a big flutter though, I don’t do huge flutters…What? You don’t believe me?!)
Keep pace with Kat as she runs in her heels to catch the body snatcher. Don’t underestimate a woman running in heels!
June 20, 2019
~High society socialite turned high class sleuth
~First, I’ll state that I received this book as a gift from the author to read and review.
~This story seems to me to be trying a little too hard to be unique. The main character was a rather well-to-do socialite,…until daddy got caught doing some creative accounting…she was used to giving orders to staff and now is required to take orders from an employer…she has a job assisting the Medical Examiner…her qualifications being, mostly that she has some sort of degree in makeup and she knew someone…she has a pet pig…due to her prior high society standing, she is able to identify high quality and expensive clothing, especially shoes.
She knows Big Sheila, a professional Drag Queen, by her own admission rather unlikely “…and my sex life, when I had one, was boring and normal, devoid of fetishes…”
Our main character makes pocket money by selling expensive designer shoes from her extensive collection to the local Drag Queens. She can get away with this because she has been “…blessed to have particularly large feet for a girl. I was size eleven which made me popular with the drag crowd…”
She also has the ability to remember and spout off obscure crime related facts and figures.
~All the characters were just a little bit over the top… From the reporter…not just a journalist but a, “…misinformed truth-butchering crime beat reporter…” to the wise-cracking Grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. And there is Granny’s ‘boyfriend’ who helps the family to steal furniture and other family items from their former home…which is an active police crime scene. We are also introduced to the very mysterious Burns…former Special Ops, currently head of a security firm…who’s very mention of his name causes bad guys AND good guys to tremble in their boots.
~I have a little trouble finding her a believable character…even for a fictional amateur sleuth. I did finish reading it…there was just enough to keep me interested in getting to the end of the story. It was left open at the end of the book for a sequel…however, for me one is enough.
~First, I’ll state that I received this book as a gift from the author to read and review.
~This story seems to me to be trying a little too hard to be unique. The main character was a rather well-to-do socialite,…until daddy got caught doing some creative accounting…she was used to giving orders to staff and now is required to take orders from an employer…she has a job assisting the Medical Examiner…her qualifications being, mostly that she has some sort of degree in makeup and she knew someone…she has a pet pig…due to her prior high society standing, she is able to identify high quality and expensive clothing, especially shoes.
She knows Big Sheila, a professional Drag Queen, by her own admission rather unlikely “…and my sex life, when I had one, was boring and normal, devoid of fetishes…”
Our main character makes pocket money by selling expensive designer shoes from her extensive collection to the local Drag Queens. She can get away with this because she has been “…blessed to have particularly large feet for a girl. I was size eleven which made me popular with the drag crowd…”
She also has the ability to remember and spout off obscure crime related facts and figures.
~All the characters were just a little bit over the top… From the reporter…not just a journalist but a, “…misinformed truth-butchering crime beat reporter…” to the wise-cracking Grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. And there is Granny’s ‘boyfriend’ who helps the family to steal furniture and other family items from their former home…which is an active police crime scene. We are also introduced to the very mysterious Burns…former Special Ops, currently head of a security firm…who’s very mention of his name causes bad guys AND good guys to tremble in their boots.
~I have a little trouble finding her a believable character…even for a fictional amateur sleuth. I did finish reading it…there was just enough to keep me interested in getting to the end of the story. It was left open at the end of the book for a sequel…however, for me one is enough.
May 8, 2019
I cannot stress enough how much fun this book was to read. I loved every bit of it! Poor Katherine Waters is in a bit of a pickle. Her dear old dad is in the slammer for what she believes are trumped up charges related to the Russian Mafia. All of the family assets have been frozen, and they have been forced to live in a cramped apartment in a seedy part of town. In effort to keep the family afloat, Katherine puts her beauty skills to work… at the local mortuary. All is going well (as well as it can, in those circumstances, that is) until the day she is left alone at the mortuary. The lead mortician gives her the heads up that a body is coming in and he is running late. Katherine is to get started on the body as this is supposedly a high profile case.
So Katherine gets started, noting the beautiful woman (despite her bruised up face) with the upscale hair, the hooker clothes, and extremely expensive stilettos. And that’s when it happens. She hears someone talking and next thing she knows two men appear and steal the body. A pursuit takes place, but the men get away. Next thing Katherine knows, she is being framed for being part of the heist.
Now, I’m not going to spill the beans on how this turns out, but I will tell you that the situations are downright comical. I mean, I was busting a gut with this book. It’s hard to make death humorous, but MJ O’Neill has done a terrific job with this book.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book, and this is my honest to goodness opinion. I rate this book 6 out of 5 stars, and give it high recommendation.
So Katherine gets started, noting the beautiful woman (despite her bruised up face) with the upscale hair, the hooker clothes, and extremely expensive stilettos. And that’s when it happens. She hears someone talking and next thing she knows two men appear and steal the body. A pursuit takes place, but the men get away. Next thing Katherine knows, she is being framed for being part of the heist.
Now, I’m not going to spill the beans on how this turns out, but I will tell you that the situations are downright comical. I mean, I was busting a gut with this book. It’s hard to make death humorous, but MJ O’Neill has done a terrific job with this book.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book, and this is my honest to goodness opinion. I rate this book 6 out of 5 stars, and give it high recommendation.
June 23, 2019
This one started out really good, with a former socialite having to take a job at a morgue when her father is arrested and all their assets are frozen. She risks losing her job when a body is stolen under her watch, so she starts investigating the murder in order to find the body. I really liked that the main character Kat actually had some education that made her somewhat qualified for the job, something that showed during the first scene in the book when she is prepping for the autopsy. I was also intrigued when Burns (a potential love interest) was introduced. Unfortunately this book just fell a little flat for me, the humour didn’t really work for me and there were so many characters introduced that it was hard to keep track of them all. There was also to many similarities to the Stephanie Plum series (which I love) for my taste, I mean did this book really need a kooky grandmother, a quirky black best friend and two love interests? The love triangle felt a bit unnecessary, especially as one of the men had nothing to add to the story other than being a contrast to the other love interest. The mystery was ok and was what kept me reading as I wanted to know how it all was connected.
All in all this didn’t really work for me, but it might work for you. There are definitely some quirky characters and fun situations and if you like the chick lit type of mystery you might like it.
Thank you to @netgalley and the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
All in all this didn’t really work for me, but it might work for you. There are definitely some quirky characters and fun situations and if you like the chick lit type of mystery you might like it.
Thank you to @netgalley and the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
The Corpse Wore Stilettos by MJ O'Neill
Katherine Waters is a socialite who had a lucrative career and a fiancé in Boston until her father was sent to prison for racketeering. Her fiancé dumps her and she leaves her job to move back to St. Louis to help her mom and grandmother since all of their finances have been frozen. They also had to leave their elegant family home. Grandma’s friend Claude, helps them find a small house they can rent, he also helps Kat find employment at a hospital morgue utilizing her minor in biology.
Things go amok for Kat when a body is stolen from the morgue one evening while covering for a fellow employee. The cast is full of oddball characters that range to fellow employees, doctors, hospital security, and the Russian mob. Kat takes it upon herself to try to recover the stolen body, or at least find out what happened to her since the detectives don’t seem to appreciate the details of the crime she gives them. The over-the-top storyline is humorous as it twists into areas I would have never expected. While the story arc of the corpse is resolved there is a larger arc that concerns Kat’s father’s incarceration. And who exactly is Claude? And will Kat ever give Burns McPhee a chance to become more than a friend? And what does Simon think Kat has that belongs to him? Dun, dum, dunnnnnn…
FYI: **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** July 15, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.
Katherine Waters is a socialite who had a lucrative career and a fiancé in Boston until her father was sent to prison for racketeering. Her fiancé dumps her and she leaves her job to move back to St. Louis to help her mom and grandmother since all of their finances have been frozen. They also had to leave their elegant family home. Grandma’s friend Claude, helps them find a small house they can rent, he also helps Kat find employment at a hospital morgue utilizing her minor in biology.
Things go amok for Kat when a body is stolen from the morgue one evening while covering for a fellow employee. The cast is full of oddball characters that range to fellow employees, doctors, hospital security, and the Russian mob. Kat takes it upon herself to try to recover the stolen body, or at least find out what happened to her since the detectives don’t seem to appreciate the details of the crime she gives them. The over-the-top storyline is humorous as it twists into areas I would have never expected. While the story arc of the corpse is resolved there is a larger arc that concerns Kat’s father’s incarceration. And who exactly is Claude? And will Kat ever give Burns McPhee a chance to become more than a friend? And what does Simon think Kat has that belongs to him? Dun, dum, dunnnnnn…
FYI: **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** July 15, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.
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