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Amber Reed Mystery #5
Stop The Beat
Amber’s back in another humorous romantic mystery. This time it’s a case of music, mayhem and murder!
The Rosemont Music Festival is packed with thousands of partying people, all of whom could be in danger if Amber doesn’t find who has it in for one of the festival’s top acts – the pop star Prima Donna.
Kidnappings, murder attempts, death threats, theft and arson – they’re all in a day’s work for Amber when she’s working on a case.
Unfortunately, in this instance, Prima Donna has been such a bad girl that there’s a pretty hefty list of people who might be tempted to stop her taking to the stage and performing – for good!
Can Amber catch the bad guys before Prima Donna is history? As they say, the show must go on – whether there’s a killer on the loose or not...
The Rosemont Music Festival is packed with thousands of partying people, all of whom could be in danger if Amber doesn’t find who has it in for one of the festival’s top acts – the pop star Prima Donna.
Kidnappings, murder attempts, death threats, theft and arson – they’re all in a day’s work for Amber when she’s working on a case.
Unfortunately, in this instance, Prima Donna has been such a bad girl that there’s a pretty hefty list of people who might be tempted to stop her taking to the stage and performing – for good!
Can Amber catch the bad guys before Prima Donna is history? As they say, the show must go on – whether there’s a killer on the loose or not...
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2016
221 people are currently reading
161 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 28, 2018
Stop the Beat - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A romantic comedy that's no 5 in the Amber Reed Mystery Series, by the entertaining novelist Zanna Mackenzie, Stop the Beat tells of trainee Agent Amber Reed's involvement with new partner Agent Dan and the twosome's investigation of the threats against spoilt pop princess Prima Donna.
As her stage name suggests, Donna is prone to treating everyone as if their only purpose is to satisfy her every whim and pouting and sulking if those whims are unsatisfied even for a moment.
So it's no surprise there are ample suspects, when the diva's dulcet tones are threatened with being silenced permanently...but the show must go on, as they say!
Set against the backdrop of the Rosemont Music Festival Amber's part of a love triangle of a kind, with Charlie, her beau from Book 4, (who's absent in this novel, due to having hurt his back) and newcomer Agent Dan. With an audience of thousands of fans to contend with, sorting out her love-life will have to fade into the background, if Amber's to find the culprit(s) before it's too late.
A must for cozy-mystery fans everywhere, get your copy today and spread the good word!
A romantic comedy that's no 5 in the Amber Reed Mystery Series, by the entertaining novelist Zanna Mackenzie, Stop the Beat tells of trainee Agent Amber Reed's involvement with new partner Agent Dan and the twosome's investigation of the threats against spoilt pop princess Prima Donna.
As her stage name suggests, Donna is prone to treating everyone as if their only purpose is to satisfy her every whim and pouting and sulking if those whims are unsatisfied even for a moment.
So it's no surprise there are ample suspects, when the diva's dulcet tones are threatened with being silenced permanently...but the show must go on, as they say!
Set against the backdrop of the Rosemont Music Festival Amber's part of a love triangle of a kind, with Charlie, her beau from Book 4, (who's absent in this novel, due to having hurt his back) and newcomer Agent Dan. With an audience of thousands of fans to contend with, sorting out her love-life will have to fade into the background, if Amber's to find the culprit(s) before it's too late.
A must for cozy-mystery fans everywhere, get your copy today and spread the good word!
June 18, 2019
First, I found nothing comedic or humorous about this book. What I did find was a SERIOUS case of no proofreading. How can the author have so little regard for her work to allow it to be published with the many grammatical errors that are contained therein. The reader should not have to add words to a sentence for it to make sense. Takes the joy out of reading.
Additionally, Amber should find another line of work. It is imperative that anyone involved in the sometimes dangerous line of investigation be capable of dismissing all other personal and sundry things in his/her mind when involved in the pursuit, literal or mental, of a person or persons or solution to the case being worked on. Unfortunately, Amber cannot do this, as in the middle of a tense situation her mind reverts to Charlie and his recovery. This not only puts her in possible danger, but also her partner. Both Charlie and Dan realize this and I think it is about time Amber did before she gets herself and others killed because of her inability to concentrate on the matter at hand.
I rather think I will pass on this series.
Additionally, Amber should find another line of work. It is imperative that anyone involved in the sometimes dangerous line of investigation be capable of dismissing all other personal and sundry things in his/her mind when involved in the pursuit, literal or mental, of a person or persons or solution to the case being worked on. Unfortunately, Amber cannot do this, as in the middle of a tense situation her mind reverts to Charlie and his recovery. This not only puts her in possible danger, but also her partner. Both Charlie and Dan realize this and I think it is about time Amber did before she gets herself and others killed because of her inability to concentrate on the matter at hand.
I rather think I will pass on this series.
November 4, 2016
Amber is back, and this time without Charlie! As Charlie is fighting to recover from his injuries from the last book, Amber is sent on a new mission for work halfway across the globe. She has to keep her wits about her and finish the job, but with her feelings for Charlie and anxiety running high, it's not an easy task. Then, throw in handsome Dan, the agent she's assisting who has made it clear that he's the better choice for her, and you have one tangled web.
Charlie has been my favorite character in this series, so I was a little bummed he wasn't in this one much. However, I'm starting to think Dan isn't such a bad catch after all. This book is fast-paced and will suck you into the drama. Amber and Dan are electric together, and I ended up enjoying this just as much or more as the other books in the series. I can't wait to find out what happens to Amber (and Dan) next!
Charlie has been my favorite character in this series, so I was a little bummed he wasn't in this one much. However, I'm starting to think Dan isn't such a bad catch after all. This book is fast-paced and will suck you into the drama. Amber and Dan are electric together, and I ended up enjoying this just as much or more as the other books in the series. I can't wait to find out what happens to Amber (and Dan) next!
July 1, 2019
British read
I’m not sure that I understood some of the sentences that are worded differently than we have in the USA. Love her books though. She weaves a good story about Amber’s crazy CCIS agent tricks. I can relate to her, act before thinking the consequences completely through. She gets herself into trouble, only to have a good looking man to get her out of the mess she made. Would recommend this series.
I’m not sure that I understood some of the sentences that are worded differently than we have in the USA. Love her books though. She weaves a good story about Amber’s crazy CCIS agent tricks. I can relate to her, act before thinking the consequences completely through. She gets herself into trouble, only to have a good looking man to get her out of the mess she made. Would recommend this series.
September 13, 2019
This is the 5th in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Amber. She is an agent at CCIA and is working a case with Dan. Her boyfriend Charlie has broken up with her and Dan would like to take his place. They are to protect a client, Prima Donna but almost lose her and themselves to the people behind all this. It's a good book but sometimes is weighted down by a bunch of memories and such. It was a good book but not a favorite.
November 10, 2019
A singer Prima Donna is soon to perform on stage but somehow it turned in to a nightmare for everyone. There was a humor going around that she stole her sisters husband away from her . The crowd were booing and yelling things at her. She had a team of security who were to protect her. People go missing, a old ring her grandma had given her disappears the light go off and the show goes crazy. She tried to apologize to the fans but they weren't listening.
April 15, 2020
I am really enjoying this series!
Isn’t it great that a ruggedly handsome Special Agent always rescues Support Officer Amber Reed just in the nick of time? What I can’t figure out is why she cannot seem to follow rules or direction? I wish I had that girl’s good luck.
As with the earlier books in this series, this story is a clean, fun, and easy read. Even though this tale is less than believable, it is a more than entertaining story of murder and romantic mayhem.
Isn’t it great that a ruggedly handsome Special Agent always rescues Support Officer Amber Reed just in the nick of time? What I can’t figure out is why she cannot seem to follow rules or direction? I wish I had that girl’s good luck.
As with the earlier books in this series, this story is a clean, fun, and easy read. Even though this tale is less than believable, it is a more than entertaining story of murder and romantic mayhem.
September 13, 2022
Sleuth in training
I found this book hard to put down. The story flows well and the characters are believable even though at times you just want to say out loud how stupid Amber is at times. Really hope she takes things further with Dan though. I will have to get the other books to find out
I found this book hard to put down. The story flows well and the characters are believable even though at times you just want to say out loud how stupid Amber is at times. Really hope she takes things further with Dan though. I will have to get the other books to find out
October 31, 2019
Humorous story?
This was the 5 book in the series, I read number 3 first ( it was free), then purchased the rest in the series. Found very little humor, and too much romance thinking about some one who dumps you! Why do Authors make them look so stupid?
This was the 5 book in the series, I read number 3 first ( it was free), then purchased the rest in the series. Found very little humor, and too much romance thinking about some one who dumps you! Why do Authors make them look so stupid?
March 22, 2021
Stop the Beat
Another great fun read. I love the characters in this series. Amber continues to challenge her position in the CCIA. If you like action, romance, and challenges then you need to read this series. I'm looking foto the next book. Love this author.
Another great fun read. I love the characters in this series. Amber continues to challenge her position in the CCIA. If you like action, romance, and challenges then you need to read this series. I'm looking foto the next book. Love this author.
April 7, 2021
Fast paced
It's a good mystery with lots of frantic unsuspected tragedies. It's a good story although Amber frustrates me with her middle school behavior in regards to her heart throb and divided attention from where she needs to be focused.
It's a good mystery with lots of frantic unsuspected tragedies. It's a good story although Amber frustrates me with her middle school behavior in regards to her heart throb and divided attention from where she needs to be focused.
April 28, 2021
Good mystery!
Amber, Charlie, Dan and Martha work for a secret agency in England. This was a great story regarding a super Diva singer and the the person trying to kill her. The down side of this book is Amber’s obsession with Charlie and always thinking about him all the time!
Amber, Charlie, Dan and Martha work for a secret agency in England. This was a great story regarding a super Diva singer and the the person trying to kill her. The down side of this book is Amber’s obsession with Charlie and always thinking about him all the time!
August 15, 2022
Up or down
Cute story, but this girl has some serious self esteem issues. Racing to and fro trying to prove that she is capable and worthy of praise for her heroic actions and ending up in danger and in need of rescue herself.
Cute story, but this girl has some serious self esteem issues. Racing to and fro trying to prove that she is capable and worthy of praise for her heroic actions and ending up in danger and in need of rescue herself.
October 21, 2018
Great series
One book left to go and I don’t want it to end! I’m loving this series so much I will reread and get this author’s other books.
One book left to go and I don’t want it to end! I’m loving this series so much I will reread and get this author’s other books.
February 18, 2019
Good
The young woman in this series continues to have dangers things happen during the investigation that she is involved with.
The young woman in this series continues to have dangers things happen during the investigation that she is involved with.
February 25, 2019
Another great entry in the Amber Reed series, looking forward to the next book.
June 17, 2019
Amber and Dan have a job of security for a pop prima Donna isn’t easy. The list of people she has made made is long. Another fun time with Amber and the new interest, of mayhem and adventure.
June 24, 2019
Excellent, interesting and entertaining
June 26, 2019
Humorous indeed
Mass pandemonium. This story has everything. Vicious family in fighting. Prima Donas pop star. Kidnapping and threats and bombs-oh my! And romance too!
Mass pandemonium. This story has everything. Vicious family in fighting. Prima Donas pop star. Kidnapping and threats and bombs-oh my! And romance too!
July 2, 2019
This was one huge confusing hot mess. I only got through reading this by stopping to try to figure things out. Fairly demeaning to women, I didn't find that funny at all.
July 12, 2019
Great read
Interesting, romantic pulls, with a good mystery thrown into the mix. I can't wait to see where it goes next!
Interesting, romantic pulls, with a good mystery thrown into the mix. I can't wait to see where it goes next!
August 29, 2019
This was a funny , fresh book to read. Amber gets herself into some pretty messes, but somehow manages to walk away. I think if you enjoy humorous, romantic mysteries you will enjoy this book.
Read
November 4, 2019Dan?
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding this book. I don’t know whether to root for Charlie or Dan, since she has feeling for both.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding this book. I don’t know whether to root for Charlie or Dan, since she has feeling for both.
July 2, 2021
This is better than the last one. I don't have the next book, but I do have the one after it, so I will read that next before I decide if I want to purchase it or just skip it.
July 3, 2021
Amber Reed
Another enjoyable Amber Reed. Mystery thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to the next one in this series of cosy mysteries
Another enjoyable Amber Reed. Mystery thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to the next one in this series of cosy mysteries
November 15, 2023
Stop the Beat
Excellent book. I love the way they solve the mystery. This is a great series with lots of exciting action.
Excellent book. I love the way they solve the mystery. This is a great series with lots of exciting action.
April 11, 2023
I like the story, but I think Amber isn't really cut out to be an agent as she tends to run off on her own and someone has to rescue her. The mystery is good with twists and turns until the villain is revealed.
July 10, 2022
Who is after Serena and what happened to Greg??? There is really a hate campaign, isn’t there??? You never know who to trust!!! They can’t come up and rescue us. The bomb could go off at any second. I enjoyed this fast-moving story - except for Charlie getting hurt - and recommend the book.
February 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
This was a hilarious mystery book. I loved Amber. I definitely will miss her.
This was a hilarious mystery book. I loved Amber. I definitely will miss her.
May 18, 2019
She works with Dan this time
A music festival. A client from a crazy family. Threats, thefts, bombs. And Amber deals with feelings for both men. Humorous and exciting.
A music festival. A client from a crazy family. Threats, thefts, bombs. And Amber deals with feelings for both men. Humorous and exciting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews