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Murder At The Studio
Snow, Stars - and murder!
When Bernie, the star of breakfast show TV Rise & Shine, is murdered in her dressing room, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agents Abi and Jake are sent undercover just before Christmas to catch the killer.
With suspects aplenty, the snow building up outside and the holidays fast approaching, they’ve certainly got their work cut out!
When Bernie, the star of breakfast show TV Rise & Shine, is murdered in her dressing room, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agents Abi and Jake are sent undercover just before Christmas to catch the killer.
With suspects aplenty, the snow building up outside and the holidays fast approaching, they’ve certainly got their work cut out!
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2019
70 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Zanna Mackenzie
40 books153 followersZanna Mackenzie lives in the UK with her husband, 3 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 25, 2020
The murder mystery was good. It just felt a bit slow Being book 1, I suppose foundation of the characters were being laid down, so I got to know more about Abi and Jake.
September 17, 2020
Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Books 1-4 by Zanna Mackenzie
Review of book 1:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella MURDER AT THE STUDIO: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 1 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Short and fast paced, this is not your usual Holiday novel. When daytime TV Rise & Shine’s talk show host Bernie Reivers is found murdered in her dressing room, special Agent Abi Anderson tries to set aside her grief over the death of her fiancé two Christmases ago while fighting a strong attraction to her partner Jake Smith.
Review of book 2:
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder at Midnight: A fun Cozy Mystery: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 2 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
A fast paced easy flowing interlude with a built of a build and suspense but then ends abruptly.
When Special Agent Abi is volunteered to work a “Hogmanay” aka New Year’s Eve party two days after the host Sir Ralph McDonald, former Clan Chief is murdered in his secluded Scottish Collzean Castle, Abi finds herself at a disadvantage, dressed as a cat and the surprise partner of Jake.
Review of book 3:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder Most Vintage: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 3 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Another fast paced, easy flowing, rapidly solved mystery combined with the slow progression of Agents Abi and Jake’s romance. When Vintage clothing celebrity blogger Polly is murdered in her store, Abi and Jake follow the clues of jealousy and greed to find the killer.
Review of book 4:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder Most Floral: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 4 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Complex, short, easy flowing and fast paced. Good for a long lunch break or short afternoon read.
When Daniel Cosgrove the field manager for Michael Fraser Moss, the former lead singer for the band Flower Petals and owner of the Greenward Isle Flower Farm, is murdered, Agents Abi and Jake team up to solve a case involving multiple suspects, false leads, physical harassment and jealousy.
Review of book 1:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella MURDER AT THE STUDIO: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 1 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Short and fast paced, this is not your usual Holiday novel. When daytime TV Rise & Shine’s talk show host Bernie Reivers is found murdered in her dressing room, special Agent Abi Anderson tries to set aside her grief over the death of her fiancé two Christmases ago while fighting a strong attraction to her partner Jake Smith.
Review of book 2:
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder at Midnight: A fun Cozy Mystery: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 2 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
A fast paced easy flowing interlude with a built of a build and suspense but then ends abruptly.
When Special Agent Abi is volunteered to work a “Hogmanay” aka New Year’s Eve party two days after the host Sir Ralph McDonald, former Clan Chief is murdered in his secluded Scottish Collzean Castle, Abi finds herself at a disadvantage, dressed as a cat and the surprise partner of Jake.
Review of book 3:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder Most Vintage: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 3 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Another fast paced, easy flowing, rapidly solved mystery combined with the slow progression of Agents Abi and Jake’s romance. When Vintage clothing celebrity blogger Polly is murdered in her store, Abi and Jake follow the clues of jealousy and greed to find the killer.
Review of book 4:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the post military and entertainment business based novella Murder Most Floral: Abi Anderson Cozy Mysteries Book 4 by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Complex, short, easy flowing and fast paced. Good for a long lunch break or short afternoon read.
When Daniel Cosgrove the field manager for Michael Fraser Moss, the former lead singer for the band Flower Petals and owner of the Greenward Isle Flower Farm, is murdered, Agents Abi and Jake team up to solve a case involving multiple suspects, false leads, physical harassment and jealousy.
March 20, 2020
A great little mystery all wrapped up in less than 50 pages.
I read this book in one sitting. I highly recommend this short mystery as a light, fun, and easy read. Considering this as a short story, I acknowledge that it may have seemed rather rushed in some areas. But even in its brevity, the mystery was cleverly written and engaged my interest from beginning to end.
Having read some of this author’s previous works, I was familiar with the CCIA. The Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency is a private government-sanctioned police unit serving the rich and famous. The books I have read by Zanna Mackenzie thus far are all connected in some way with the CCIA. I enjoy this connection. I feel as though I know these characters and enjoy them popping in for a visit while their coworkers are busy solving their cases.
So, If you are looking for a good mystery that you can read through at lunch, this book is for you. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I read this book in one sitting. I highly recommend this short mystery as a light, fun, and easy read. Considering this as a short story, I acknowledge that it may have seemed rather rushed in some areas. But even in its brevity, the mystery was cleverly written and engaged my interest from beginning to end.
Having read some of this author’s previous works, I was familiar with the CCIA. The Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency is a private government-sanctioned police unit serving the rich and famous. The books I have read by Zanna Mackenzie thus far are all connected in some way with the CCIA. I enjoy this connection. I feel as though I know these characters and enjoy them popping in for a visit while their coworkers are busy solving their cases.
So, If you are looking for a good mystery that you can read through at lunch, this book is for you. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 8, 2020
A quick short but satisfying coffee break read
A surprisingly really good read. Yes it is only a coffee break read but you get an introduction to the characters and a feel for them whilst the plot is clever and engaging. I must admit that i did guess the culprit before the end but it was still a great read.
A tv show personality is being blackmailed and has called in a special detective agency. One that is know for it's discretion and speed. Our hero ad heroine are from the agency abduction at first cannot spot the blackmailer. However the tone soon changes when the blackmailed woman is found strangled in her locked dressing room. Is it her lover, his wife, the blackmailer or someone else? The only clue that they can find is a bottle of perfume. Will it lead them to the killer?
A surprisingly really good read. Yes it is only a coffee break read but you get an introduction to the characters and a feel for them whilst the plot is clever and engaging. I must admit that i did guess the culprit before the end but it was still a great read.
A tv show personality is being blackmailed and has called in a special detective agency. One that is know for it's discretion and speed. Our hero ad heroine are from the agency abduction at first cannot spot the blackmailer. However the tone soon changes when the blackmailed woman is found strangled in her locked dressing room. Is it her lover, his wife, the blackmailer or someone else? The only clue that they can find is a bottle of perfume. Will it lead them to the killer?
March 18, 2021
An interesting introduction to Abi and Jake. Their crime solving approach is conventional but the solution came out of left field unexpectedly. The real charm of the story is the burgeoning relationship between the pair despite Abi's skittish nature.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Page-turner. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Also known as "Christmas, Chaos & Second Chances: A Romantic Comedy Mystery Short Story" in "Candy Canes and Corpses," borrowed via Kindle Unlimited on November 20, 2018.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Page-turner. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Also known as "Christmas, Chaos & Second Chances: A Romantic Comedy Mystery Short Story" in "Candy Canes and Corpses," borrowed via Kindle Unlimited on November 20, 2018.
December 26, 2019
Not one of the author's better efforts
I'm very disappointed in this story. Lots of missing procedure explanations. No mention of calling in the forensic team. The team just appears. No explanation of why the regular police weren't called or that the crime scene wasn't taped as being off limits or a search warrant being obtained.
I'm very disappointed in this story. Lots of missing procedure explanations. No mention of calling in the forensic team. The team just appears. No explanation of why the regular police weren't called or that the crime scene wasn't taped as being off limits or a search warrant being obtained.
November 14, 2019
Potential
It is hard to explain how this book could be better, but the pacing is off. Truth be told, author is spot/on with first-person narrator a truly closed-off individual. I will definitely read more in series.
It is hard to explain how this book could be better, but the pacing is off. Truth be told, author is spot/on with first-person narrator a truly closed-off individual. I will definitely read more in series.
March 21, 2020
A short quick mystery story.the
The mystery takes place in a movie studio. It was a good story, that made one smile. Perhaps one does expect a fun murder, but it worked well in this story. Enjoy a quick read before bed.
The mystery takes place in a movie studio. It was a good story, that made one smile. Perhaps one does expect a fun murder, but it worked well in this story. Enjoy a quick read before bed.
December 7, 2021
This is the first in the series. The main characters are Abi and Jake. They are agents for CCIA. They start out looking at a blackmail scheme that turns into a murder. Can they figure this out before it's to late ?
November 20, 2019
Disappointing
Zanna MacKenzie 's books are ALWAYS amazing. Unfortunately this book fell short. It felt like the whole story was rushed and hard to follow. Sorry
Zanna MacKenzie 's books are ALWAYS amazing. Unfortunately this book fell short. It felt like the whole story was rushed and hard to follow. Sorry
April 17, 2020
Cute quick read
July 29, 2020
Too short
The story barely started and it was over. No real sleuthing was involved. The romance didn’t feel real as far as I could tell.
The story barely started and it was over. No real sleuthing was involved. The romance didn’t feel real as far as I could tell.
April 4, 2022
The abrasive star is found dead in her dressing room. Who had reason to do it?
June 2, 2022
Enjoyed this first addition in the Abi Anderson Cosy Mysteries and I recommend this book
October 25, 2022
Short and sweet.
May 18, 2023
Who killed Bernie Reivers and why??? You never know, do you??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews