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Life Coach Mystery #2
To Coach a Killer
Soaking up a luxurious new chapter alongside her saucy bestie, Cat Cooper plans on emerging as the premier life coach in East Hampton by summertime. All she has to do is survive an offseason replete with desolate beaches, slow business, and murder . . .
As the Hamptons drags through early spring, Cat's shot at becoming the toast of the town in time for Memorial Day is dwindling--and fast. The only client she can find has been housebound for decades and claims to be the victim of a devasting curse. Then there's the matter of Detective Shepherd's intense jealousy over Maks Grinkov, the handsome bad boy who approaches Cat with an unusual offer she can't stop thinking about. Havoc finally breaks loose when a string of murders rocks the coastal community, landing Maks on the hook as the culprit . . .
While the body count rises, Cat goes from life coaching to sleuthing for the truth about Maks's less-than-wholesome background. But after digging deeper, she questions if Detective Shepherd had an unwitting hand in a related homicide case after tangling with the wrong people. With a storm approaching shore and no one to trust, Cat and her sharp-tongued best friend, Gilley, must solve a client's curse and a series of violent deaths before a killer sends them all sailing to their doom . . .
As the Hamptons drags through early spring, Cat's shot at becoming the toast of the town in time for Memorial Day is dwindling--and fast. The only client she can find has been housebound for decades and claims to be the victim of a devasting curse. Then there's the matter of Detective Shepherd's intense jealousy over Maks Grinkov, the handsome bad boy who approaches Cat with an unusual offer she can't stop thinking about. Havoc finally breaks loose when a string of murders rocks the coastal community, landing Maks on the hook as the culprit . . .
While the body count rises, Cat goes from life coaching to sleuthing for the truth about Maks's less-than-wholesome background. But after digging deeper, she questions if Detective Shepherd had an unwitting hand in a related homicide case after tangling with the wrong people. With a storm approaching shore and no one to trust, Cat and her sharp-tongued best friend, Gilley, must solve a client's curse and a series of violent deaths before a killer sends them all sailing to their doom . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2020
62 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
46 books3,174 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 14, 2020
To Coach a Killer is the second book in Victoria Laurie's The Life Coach Mystery series. Cat Cooper is trying her best to make her life coach business a success and her best friend and assistant, Gilley Gilespie, is there to help her every step of the way. Cat has a lot going on in her life right now. She has a new client who claims to be cursed and helping him turns out to be more complicated than she thought, and she's also having a hard time deciding who to choose between her two love interests, Detective Shepherd and handsome bad boy, Maks Grinkov. When Maks becomes the main suspect in the murder of a local businessman, she decides to do some digging and once again, finds herself caught up in a dark mystery, involving spies, a mob boss, and an assassin. As bodies continue to pile up, Cat realizes that she can't trust anyone, not even her two suitors.
This is an entertaining and fast-paced cozy mystery, with plenty of humor, twists and turns, and romance. It had me on the edge of my seat and like Cat, I didn't know who to trust or believe. Cat and Gilley are fun, lovable characters, and I look forward to many more adventures with them. This series is a lot darker than the average cozy mystery, so keep that in mind if you're interested in reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an entertaining and fast-paced cozy mystery, with plenty of humor, twists and turns, and romance. It had me on the edge of my seat and like Cat, I didn't know who to trust or believe. Cat and Gilley are fun, lovable characters, and I look forward to many more adventures with them. This series is a lot darker than the average cozy mystery, so keep that in mind if you're interested in reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2021
To Coach a Killer by Victoria Laurie is the second book in the cozy The Life Coach Mysteries series. While this is the beginning of a new series the characters involved seem to have ties to the author’s two previous cozy series. Cat Cooper is the sister of the lead in the Psychic Eye Mysteries and Cat’s best friend was in the Ghost Hunter Mysteries. Not having read either series myself I can’t say how big a part these characters had or how much is a spin off into this new series. The books in this series though are like most cozy mysteries and can be read in any order or as a standalone with them containing their own mystery with character development carrying over from book to book for those that follow from the beginning.
Cat Cooper has just started her life over again in the Hampton’s after having gone through a divorce. She had sold her marketing firm which had given her enough to live comfortably while building a new home with a guest house for her friend and starting a new career as a life coach. With this now being the down season in town Cat hasn’t exactly been pulling in a ton of clients so when a new one arrives she’s determined to help him out despite his insistence that his troubles are due to a curse. Meanwhile, Cat’s friend, Maks Grinkov, admits to being involved in some shady business which lands him on the suspect list of a local murder leaving Cat to try to find the real killer.
When I finished reading the first book of this series I had some up and down feelings and thought I would go ahead and try the next book or two. With the characters being from other series I felt a bit like I was missing some backstory but I did really like them regardless and I still really do like Cat and Gilley. However, that being said my other thought on the first was some of the content seemed a bit too heavy for a cozy and this book seemed to dive into that side even further which I really wasn’t a fan of but the life coaching client side is hilarious and fun so I’m disappointed that wasn’t more the focus. I’ve already got book three to read but after this one only rated two and a half stars I’m not sure it will pick back up for me or not.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Cat Cooper has just started her life over again in the Hampton’s after having gone through a divorce. She had sold her marketing firm which had given her enough to live comfortably while building a new home with a guest house for her friend and starting a new career as a life coach. With this now being the down season in town Cat hasn’t exactly been pulling in a ton of clients so when a new one arrives she’s determined to help him out despite his insistence that his troubles are due to a curse. Meanwhile, Cat’s friend, Maks Grinkov, admits to being involved in some shady business which lands him on the suspect list of a local murder leaving Cat to try to find the real killer.
When I finished reading the first book of this series I had some up and down feelings and thought I would go ahead and try the next book or two. With the characters being from other series I felt a bit like I was missing some backstory but I did really like them regardless and I still really do like Cat and Gilley. However, that being said my other thought on the first was some of the content seemed a bit too heavy for a cozy and this book seemed to dive into that side even further which I really wasn’t a fan of but the life coaching client side is hilarious and fun so I’m disappointed that wasn’t more the focus. I’ve already got book three to read but after this one only rated two and a half stars I’m not sure it will pick back up for me or not.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 11, 2021
An entertaining mystery that gave me that ‘James Bond’ movie feel. My favorite character is Gilley, the protagonist’s best friend.
A major plot flaw that jumped out at me was that the killer is soooo obvious. I never suspected anyone but this one person. That was a disappointment. This story also contains sporadic foul language and light, adult situations and is not a traditional cozy mystery. However, the novel is full of spy action and moves quickly.
A major plot flaw that jumped out at me was that the killer is soooo obvious. I never suspected anyone but this one person. That was a disappointment. This story also contains sporadic foul language and light, adult situations and is not a traditional cozy mystery. However, the novel is full of spy action and moves quickly.
June 2, 2020
This is the second book in the life coach series. Catherine Cooper and her friend Gilley are settling in to their new business. Their new client believes he is cursed and that bad things happen whenever he enters a new place for the first time. Cat does her very best to help him, even after a fire starts in her office building and a hot air balloon crashes next to her on the beach. Cat is also still going between the two men in her life, the cop, Detective Steve Shepard, and possible mob boss Maks. A murder occurs and Maks is soon arrested so Cat lies and says she was with him during the time of the murder. I thought the mystery was so well done. Towards the end I had a hard time deciding if some of the characters were good guys or bad guys. I loved how everything was wrapped up in the end. Love the characters in this series and loved that we got to see Heath from the authors ghosthunter series. I do think the first book needs to be read first to understand part of the storyline, but I think the author does a good job of giving enough information that you could read this without having read the previous book. Definitely a series I will be continuing.
August 29, 2020
Cat Cooper is trying to make her new business as a life coach in East Hampton a success. Her trusty best friend and assistant Gilley Gillespie is by her side to help her every step of the way.
Cat is excited to learn she has a new client, but it’s not going to be an easy case. The client has been locked in his home for years believing he has been cursed and anyone he goes near is in danger. It’s up to Cat to convince him there is no curse. She quickly learns that is not going to be so easy when her own life is threatened.
To add to Cat’s problems, she’s juggling two potential romances - a detective, Steve Shepherd, and the town bad boy, Maks Grinkov. When Maks drags her into a dangerous case, Cat’s life is on the line. She doesn’t know who to trust, but the dead bodies keep turning up and she has to do something to help crack this case.
This is the second book in the Life Coach mystery series. I didn’t read the first one, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of this one. The author included background information throughout the book. However, I do want to go back and read book #1. I think it would have been even better had I read them in order.
I loved the camaraderie between Cat and Gilley. Two people who really know and love each other as only best friends can. You can feel their closeness through their dialogue and actions. Their relationship is very well written.
The author gives us an exciting, fast-paced mystery to keep us guessing until the end. She threw in quite a few twists and turns along the way. Like Cat, I didn’t know who to believe or who to trust. The climax of the mystery was explosive and had me at the edge of my seat. This looks to be an intriguing series and I look forward to reading more of it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Cat is excited to learn she has a new client, but it’s not going to be an easy case. The client has been locked in his home for years believing he has been cursed and anyone he goes near is in danger. It’s up to Cat to convince him there is no curse. She quickly learns that is not going to be so easy when her own life is threatened.
To add to Cat’s problems, she’s juggling two potential romances - a detective, Steve Shepherd, and the town bad boy, Maks Grinkov. When Maks drags her into a dangerous case, Cat’s life is on the line. She doesn’t know who to trust, but the dead bodies keep turning up and she has to do something to help crack this case.
This is the second book in the Life Coach mystery series. I didn’t read the first one, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of this one. The author included background information throughout the book. However, I do want to go back and read book #1. I think it would have been even better had I read them in order.
I loved the camaraderie between Cat and Gilley. Two people who really know and love each other as only best friends can. You can feel their closeness through their dialogue and actions. Their relationship is very well written.
The author gives us an exciting, fast-paced mystery to keep us guessing until the end. She threw in quite a few twists and turns along the way. Like Cat, I didn’t know who to believe or who to trust. The climax of the mystery was explosive and had me at the edge of my seat. This looks to be an intriguing series and I look forward to reading more of it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2020
This book had me at page one. The writing flows, the characters gel and the mystery builds nicely. To Coach a Killer is paced well and the characters have personality. There are twists and turns and aha moments. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
August 14, 2020
To Coach a Killer by Victoria Laurie is the 2nd book in the Life Coach Mystery series, and it is great. I have been a long time fan of Ms. Laurie, having read all her books, so I was excited to read a new book. Catherine, Cat, Cooper is the sister of Abby Cooper in the psychic eye series. If you have not read the psychic eye books, you will not be lost reading this book, but I suggest reading Coached to Death first. Cat is starting over as a life coach in East Hampton, after a unexpected divorce. Cat and her best friend Gilley, and assistant are busy trying to get Cat more clients. Cat's new client proves to be a challenge, and Cats doesn't know who to trust between her two possible suitors. This book has everything, humor, excitement and romance. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I strongly recommend this book to all cozy book lovers, you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 14, 2020
Love this series so much, not as much as Abby, but almost. Gilley is hilarious and I so enjoy the friendship that Cat and him have. I was sad the book ended.
Recommend.
Recommend.
July 15, 2020
The book drew me in immediately because the dialogue and plot were easy to follow. I haven’t read the first book and at no point was I confused because the author did a great job recapping what happened in the previous book and how things in this book tied together.
It was a quick read that was surprisingly funny and intriguing. The side story was also fun and I liked how it tied into her previous book series, as well as the main plot of this book. Never in my life did I think I would read about a wild alpaca orgy, but man… did I laugh.
The romance was also fun, but not overly done. The last 6 chapters were fast-paced and I could not read fast enough. It was a very high stakes situation and I felt my internal monologue screaming into the raging winds or whispering to try and not be heard.
My only confusion is the title. I thought she was going to be life coaching the killer, but instead she coaches the cursed man while trying to find a killer.
Overall, I enjoyed it and I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series.
It was a quick read that was surprisingly funny and intriguing. The side story was also fun and I liked how it tied into her previous book series, as well as the main plot of this book. Never in my life did I think I would read about a wild alpaca orgy, but man… did I laugh.
The romance was also fun, but not overly done. The last 6 chapters were fast-paced and I could not read fast enough. It was a very high stakes situation and I felt my internal monologue screaming into the raging winds or whispering to try and not be heard.
My only confusion is the title. I thought she was going to be life coaching the killer, but instead she coaches the cursed man while trying to find a killer.
Overall, I enjoyed it and I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series.
August 29, 2020
SPOILERS AHEAD
Cat and Gilley are back ...
This book still has a connection to Coached to Death; in that book, the assassin that made Cat's life hell escaped. This time, well, the Angel of Death is no more. Yep, she's dead. Which is quite a relief, although the case that has to do with the Chechen mafia -- and one of the men in Cat's life, Maks Grinkov -- isn't completely over. One of their informants has gone missing, and I don't know whether that means Maks will reappear in Cat's life. I mean, this book seems to set Shepherd as Cat's love interest now, by that last chapter.
ANYWAY, this is not much of a review, more like plot reminder (thus the spoiler warning). Cat and Gilley take a case of a man believed he is cursed (and actually, he IS!) at the same time, trying to solve the motivation behind the murder of Detective Steve Shepherd's ex-wife all those years ago. Because that Chechen assassin is the one who murdered her, but nobody could understand the connection to the mafia boss.
Well, apparently it's all about a spurned lover. Ha!
I enjoyed this book, of course. The plot is probably over-the-top but heck, it's entertaining. It's fun reading about Cat and Gilley. There's alpacas in this one!! And there's cameo from Heath (M.J.'s husband!). I wish Abby can show up too; but well, she has her own series *lol*
Cat and Gilley are back ...
This book still has a connection to Coached to Death; in that book, the assassin that made Cat's life hell escaped. This time, well, the Angel of Death is no more. Yep, she's dead. Which is quite a relief, although the case that has to do with the Chechen mafia -- and one of the men in Cat's life, Maks Grinkov -- isn't completely over. One of their informants has gone missing, and I don't know whether that means Maks will reappear in Cat's life. I mean, this book seems to set Shepherd as Cat's love interest now, by that last chapter.
ANYWAY, this is not much of a review, more like plot reminder (thus the spoiler warning). Cat and Gilley take a case of a man believed he is cursed (and actually, he IS!) at the same time, trying to solve the motivation behind the murder of Detective Steve Shepherd's ex-wife all those years ago. Because that Chechen assassin is the one who murdered her, but nobody could understand the connection to the mafia boss.
Well, apparently it's all about a spurned lover. Ha!
I enjoyed this book, of course. The plot is probably over-the-top but heck, it's entertaining. It's fun reading about Cat and Gilley. There's alpacas in this one!! And there's cameo from Heath (M.J.'s husband!). I wish Abby can show up too; but well, she has her own series *lol*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
5 stars
This is the second book int he Life Coach mystery series by Victoria Laurie.
Wow, this series is just my jam, my cup of tea, my cozy place to fall. I am still trying to get my hands on all the Psychic Eye series so I can devour those and then this little baby falls into my lap and I am in love. Cat and Gilly, Maks and Shepherd, just can’t get enough of them.
This mystery is compelling, sure. But it is the background, the community and the people that just keep me coming back for more. I like how the relationship between Cat and Maks and Cat and Shepherd have expanded in this book and how undecided she still is about which of them is for her.
Don’t skim over the ending. The author really scared the pants off of me in the finale of the story. Sheesh, don’t give a girl a heart attack. But I still loved it all.
Highly recommended. Love both of her series and suggest them to everyone.
If you like cozy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed in this series. Take a deep dive into this fantastic series!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book int he Life Coach mystery series by Victoria Laurie.
Wow, this series is just my jam, my cup of tea, my cozy place to fall. I am still trying to get my hands on all the Psychic Eye series so I can devour those and then this little baby falls into my lap and I am in love. Cat and Gilly, Maks and Shepherd, just can’t get enough of them.
This mystery is compelling, sure. But it is the background, the community and the people that just keep me coming back for more. I like how the relationship between Cat and Maks and Cat and Shepherd have expanded in this book and how undecided she still is about which of them is for her.
Don’t skim over the ending. The author really scared the pants off of me in the finale of the story. Sheesh, don’t give a girl a heart attack. But I still loved it all.
Highly recommended. Love both of her series and suggest them to everyone.
If you like cozy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed in this series. Take a deep dive into this fantastic series!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 28, 2020
Wow this was an unexpectedly wild ride. This book was definitely more dramatic, action packed and downright dangerous than the first. I really enjoyed this second installment, but it seemed less cozy than I was expected, maybe because of the dramatic story surrounding Cat's new client AND all the mafia stuff. I love some good spy drama and there was definitely a complicated web of covert happenings in this book that I don't want to spoil, but I can say there were many twists and surprises.
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I really like the main characters Cat and Gilley. Their relationship with each other and also their personality quirks had me constantly smiling. They are strong, but also lean on each other so much. Their snooping skills are great and I enjoyed watching them detect and try to help others even when it's so dangerous.
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The ending, wow. High drama and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I had to slow down just to digest all the revelations and put together the pieces in my head. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
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I really like the main characters Cat and Gilley. Their relationship with each other and also their personality quirks had me constantly smiling. They are strong, but also lean on each other so much. Their snooping skills are great and I enjoyed watching them detect and try to help others even when it's so dangerous.
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The ending, wow. High drama and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I had to slow down just to digest all the revelations and put together the pieces in my head. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
August 25, 2020
Cat's divorce is final and she was hoping that now that her new normal has started that her life coaching business would take off. With only one new client on the books she's worried that her new life isn't going to go the way she planned. Her new client says he is the victim of a curse that has been with him since he was born and hopes that he can find a solution that will banish from his life. Meanwhile both Detective Shepherd and Maks have both popped up back into her life. Shepherd is still trying to figure out who killed his ex-wife and Maks still seems to be mixed up with the mob. Soon a string of murders catch Cat's attention, she has been trying to help Shepherd figure out who killed.his ex but without his knowledge. Maks has asked her for her help and has Cat lying when she wouldn't normally do such a thing. Follow along as Cat does her best to fix her new client, find a killer, and choose between two men who make her feel more than she knew she could. This was a fun read filled with an exciting plot and some truly interesting characters!
August 24, 2020
I have been a fan of this author for a very long time, in fact from when I was a bookseller for Waldenbooks. I was happy to see this spinoff series from the Psychic Eye mysteries and Ghost Hunter. Cat is an interesting character in the first series, and I liked her. This book was interesting from the beginning to end, and I think Gilley is probably my favorite character (sorry, Cat, I like you but not the best), and I really liked the two love interests. I’m not sure, though, I liked who she ended up with at the end (no spoilers!), but we’ll see how the next book goes. The two interweaved plots were great, especially with how it all played out. This was a nice cozy with a little bit of paranormal, but it wasn’t all light-hearted, just to warn readers. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 3, 2020
What a fantastic read I enjoyed a lot! This is a cozy mystery series that read well as a stand alone, but I am definitely hooked and will be reading the first book ASAP!
I had fun reading this and the characters were all a joy to read about! Nothing like murders in the East Hampton to immerse myself in for a fun summer read!
I cannot wait to read more of Ms Laurie’s amazing books!
I had fun reading this and the characters were all a joy to read about! Nothing like murders in the East Hampton to immerse myself in for a fun summer read!
I cannot wait to read more of Ms Laurie’s amazing books!
June 8, 2020
This series is everything I never knew I needed as a reader. Humor, check. Mystery, check. Characters I care about, check. This writer has such a way with words, you are finished with the book before you even realize you started it and never put it down. I have read previous series by this author, and I love how the previous series are touched on in this one. It’s like visiting old friends.
April 24, 2023
To Coach a Killer by Victoria Laurie is the 2nd book in the Life Coach Mystery series. Life Coach Cat Cooper takes on a client who has been housebound due to a curse and continues to look into Detective Shepherd's wife's murder. Seemingly a continuation of events in the first book with a known assassin being hunted as well as mafia involvement. I like both Cat and Gilly who work well together but the mystery seemed rather jumbled although coming together in an overly dramatic ending. An entertaining mystery although it seemed to be overdone.
May 13, 2020
Very enjoyable!! Although I haven't read the first book of this series, I was still totally engaged by this second book. There were several surprising twists that kept me intrigued and guessing throughout my reading journey. The job of a life coach sparked my curiosity and the well paced plot kept me reading. Very entertaining! I will definitely check out future books in this captivating series!
July 28, 2020
I received a copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After finally launching her new business and surviving the Angel of Death, Cat has hit a bump in the road. The problem? Her life coaching business is not taking off like she thought it would. However, things are looking up because she just got a new client who is convinced he’s cursed. Not sure how this applies to her skill set, she’s determined to help while she dives into a new murder mystery that has her two love interests staring daggers at each other.
I was pretty excited to start this book only for my excitement to die in its tracks early on. Unfortunately, Cat’s new client is convinced he was cursed by a Roma woman while he was still a fetus. The “g” slur was used as well, so it was rather disheartening to read such a prejudicial and stereotypical characterization in a book coming from an author I’ve been following for years. To top things off, this character also believes that he was born a little person because of this curse, which did not sit well with me at all. This all occurs right at the beginning of the book and it really made me not want to continue reading. However, I did agree to read this book in exchange for an honest review when I got it from netgalley, so I forged ahead and here we are.
I had a really hard time getting into the story for the above reasons on top of just being bored. After two books, I am now sure that I liked Cat much better as a supporting character because she’s just not interesting enough to keep my attention from wandering. I keep finding myself wishing that there was a different protagonist leading this story, so I don’t think this is something that will change for me however long this series runs.
I do think that the murder mystery was truly wild. It reminded me why I’ve almost always loved Victoria Laurie’s books. She’s got a way with her mystery plots that always keeps me coming back. They’re entertaining and sometimes quite complex. I truly enjoyed the mystery aspect of this cozy once it got rolling, which is also when I got into the story. At that point, I really wanted to see what was going to be revealed next. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed with how the mystery plot concluded. It was unexpected, wild, and entertaining while gut wrenching at the most crucial moments.
All in all, this is the final book in the series for me. Cat as a protagonist just does not hold my attention, so I will not continue to follow her adventures. Plus, I’m disappointed with Laurie’s usage of a prejudicial characterization for her cursed storyline.
After finally launching her new business and surviving the Angel of Death, Cat has hit a bump in the road. The problem? Her life coaching business is not taking off like she thought it would. However, things are looking up because she just got a new client who is convinced he’s cursed. Not sure how this applies to her skill set, she’s determined to help while she dives into a new murder mystery that has her two love interests staring daggers at each other.
I was pretty excited to start this book only for my excitement to die in its tracks early on. Unfortunately, Cat’s new client is convinced he was cursed by a Roma woman while he was still a fetus. The “g” slur was used as well, so it was rather disheartening to read such a prejudicial and stereotypical characterization in a book coming from an author I’ve been following for years. To top things off, this character also believes that he was born a little person because of this curse, which did not sit well with me at all. This all occurs right at the beginning of the book and it really made me not want to continue reading. However, I did agree to read this book in exchange for an honest review when I got it from netgalley, so I forged ahead and here we are.
I had a really hard time getting into the story for the above reasons on top of just being bored. After two books, I am now sure that I liked Cat much better as a supporting character because she’s just not interesting enough to keep my attention from wandering. I keep finding myself wishing that there was a different protagonist leading this story, so I don’t think this is something that will change for me however long this series runs.
I do think that the murder mystery was truly wild. It reminded me why I’ve almost always loved Victoria Laurie’s books. She’s got a way with her mystery plots that always keeps me coming back. They’re entertaining and sometimes quite complex. I truly enjoyed the mystery aspect of this cozy once it got rolling, which is also when I got into the story. At that point, I really wanted to see what was going to be revealed next. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed with how the mystery plot concluded. It was unexpected, wild, and entertaining while gut wrenching at the most crucial moments.
All in all, this is the final book in the series for me. Cat as a protagonist just does not hold my attention, so I will not continue to follow her adventures. Plus, I’m disappointed with Laurie’s usage of a prejudicial characterization for her cursed storyline.
May 5, 2020
This is the second book in this intriguing series by Victoria Laurie.
Cat is settling in as a life coach, and her assistant, Gillie is right by her side.
To Coach a Killer is a wild combination of the author’s other series, which makes for a great story.
Something is fishy about the upstairs tenant in Cat’s building, but she can’t resist his rogue demeanor.
Also in the picture is Detective Steve Shepherd, and he also has his eye on her tenant as well.
When things begin to unravel, Cat & Gillie find themselves in the middle of a diabolical plan that directly impacts the detective’s life.
I read this book in less than 3 hours. I had to find out what happened in the end, and I was really glad I finished it.
This is a must read!
Cat is settling in as a life coach, and her assistant, Gillie is right by her side.
To Coach a Killer is a wild combination of the author’s other series, which makes for a great story.
Something is fishy about the upstairs tenant in Cat’s building, but she can’t resist his rogue demeanor.
Also in the picture is Detective Steve Shepherd, and he also has his eye on her tenant as well.
When things begin to unravel, Cat & Gillie find themselves in the middle of a diabolical plan that directly impacts the detective’s life.
I read this book in less than 3 hours. I had to find out what happened in the end, and I was really glad I finished it.
This is a must read!
September 11, 2020
Read ebook. I’ve read everything this author has written, and have a super soft spot in my heart for her so rated way up. This was really only. 2.5-3 star book for me. I just don’t love this series compared to her previous Abby Cooper psychic eye series, and her MJ Potter ghost hunter series. This story circled around and could have been so much shorter. It really played off the previous book which I didn’t expect and barely remembered. I also just don’t love the main character, Cat, but Gilley helped me limp through this. Glad to move on to something new.
December 21, 2021
Another entertaining read. Cat and Gilly once again annoyed me at times. I think Gilly’s husband being away when something happens is a cop out plot device. I’d also like to mention said husband called him fat last book and that was never resolved.
The love triangle is put to bed and I’ll say, neither was a bad choice. But I’m slightly disappointed.
This book isn’t rock science and takes liberties at plausibility, but a page turner none the less.
I do have to say I’m not as excited to pick up the next book given the obvious choice of partners was made. I saw it coming but that didn’t take all the sting out.
The narrator again was fantastic. Nailed every line and drew me more into the story. Let’s hope same narrator for book 3.
The love triangle is put to bed and I’ll say, neither was a bad choice. But I’m slightly disappointed.
This book isn’t rock science and takes liberties at plausibility, but a page turner none the less.
I do have to say I’m not as excited to pick up the next book given the obvious choice of partners was made. I saw it coming but that didn’t take all the sting out.
The narrator again was fantastic. Nailed every line and drew me more into the story. Let’s hope same narrator for book 3.
August 26, 2020
To much excitement
My goodness. Victoria does it again. Except I couldn't read this book fast enough. I love how he has brought up her characters from her other books. I so missed Heath and MJ. And Gilley and Cat are so delightful together. I just can't wait for the next adventure....oh and more Shepard!
My goodness. Victoria does it again. Except I couldn't read this book fast enough. I love how he has brought up her characters from her other books. I so missed Heath and MJ. And Gilley and Cat are so delightful together. I just can't wait for the next adventure....oh and more Shepard!
November 12, 2021
I just really love this series. This one definitely had me second guessing who I could trust. It was a wild ride, and I loved the new characters who were introduced. And it was so much fun having some of my favorite characters from the other series pop in. I'm so excited to see where things go from here.
July 30, 2020
Loved this book! I adore this series! I love Cat and Gilley. I can't get enough of this crime-solving duo.
January 17, 2021
This passed the time, but it didn't hold my interest the way the previous book did. Here's hoping book #3 is better!
June 26, 2021
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the book, but didn’t love it. I found the storyline just ok.
September 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery quite a bit. I like Cat and I think Gilley makes a great side kick. I really enjoyed the mystery and I like the slight paranormal aspect to the tale which was worked in really well. The only reason I knocked the rating half a star was because I really don't enjoy a love triangle but I was glad to see the author didn't use that as a ploy to get readers for the next book. Overall I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next one!
September 4, 2020
Oh, how I love Gilley! 💙
November 9, 2020
To Coach A Killer by Victoria Laurie
Cat Cooper plans on emerging as the premier life coach in East Hampton by summertime, All she has to do is survive the empty beaches, slow business, and murder.
This was a fast-moving cozy thriller. Good characters, but hard to keep up with them. Good plot with a twist at the end. I love Victoria Laurie’s books. I recommend this book.
Thank you Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.
Cat Cooper plans on emerging as the premier life coach in East Hampton by summertime, All she has to do is survive the empty beaches, slow business, and murder.
This was a fast-moving cozy thriller. Good characters, but hard to keep up with them. Good plot with a twist at the end. I love Victoria Laurie’s books. I recommend this book.
Thank you Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.
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