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Fleming Investigations #1
Patent Pending and Death
Fiona Fleming is back, and, just her luck, the bodies keep piling up! Happily married and diving into her new career, Fee finds herself once again embroiled in the heart of mysteries she can’t seem to stop solving. At least this time she’s actually legit. Acting as local investigator for her co-owned Fleming Investigations private eye firm while her father, John, takes care of things more far flung, Fee not only uncovers the wrongdoings she's been hired to solve, but stumbles yet again over death, mayhem and murderers bent on keeping their secrets to themselves.
Welcome back to Reading, Vermont, the cutest (and deadliest!) town in America!
Welcome back to Reading, Vermont, the cutest (and deadliest!) town in America!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2019
295 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Patti Larsen
301 books547 followersI write a lot of paranormal books for someone who is afraid of the dark. And I wonder why I have to sleep with the lights on. Sometimes life is a teenaged B horror movie and I'm the one who investigates when the scary music is playing. But the voices are calling and resistance is… Yes. I am a Star Trek geek, too. And a fan of RPG’s. With a slight coolness factor since I've been told I'm allowed to join the pops.
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 13, 2021
Felt left out
Several references to the past gave me the feeling that I was missing important facts and starting in the middle of the story.
Several references to the past gave me the feeling that I was missing important facts and starting in the middle of the story.
July 30, 2021
3 1/2 ⭐
October 2, 2020
3.75 Stars
I went back and forth as to whether or not I liked this book. In the end, it came down to my pros/cons list which (with weighting) was pretty neutral.
Pros:
There's an inordinate amount of women in positions of authority.
The main character is not, for the most part, reliant on a man/men for her day to day activities.
The major plotline was wrapped up by the end of the story.
Cons:
The main character is constantly belittled for her qualifications (or lack thereof).
The main character admits to having "fudged" her qualifications to push her PI license through.
A friendship that appears to have been long-term is abandoned with little or no explanation.
Too many of the side-stories were left without resolution.
To sum up, I didn't gel with the main character, Fee, but the story was interesting and held my attention long enough to get to the end. On the other hand, there was a tonne of negative energy - enough to become almost oppressive. Even at the end of my review, I'm still on the fence.
I went back and forth as to whether or not I liked this book. In the end, it came down to my pros/cons list which (with weighting) was pretty neutral.
Pros:
There's an inordinate amount of women in positions of authority.
The main character is not, for the most part, reliant on a man/men for her day to day activities.
The major plotline was wrapped up by the end of the story.
Cons:
The main character is constantly belittled for her qualifications (or lack thereof).
The main character admits to having "fudged" her qualifications to push her PI license through.
A friendship that appears to have been long-term is abandoned with little or no explanation.
Too many of the side-stories were left without resolution.
To sum up, I didn't gel with the main character, Fee, but the story was interesting and held my attention long enough to get to the end. On the other hand, there was a tonne of negative energy - enough to become almost oppressive. Even at the end of my review, I'm still on the fence.
January 15, 2020
Fantastic -- this is a new series, but really is a continuation of the Fiona Fleming Cozy Mysteries. The series ended last year, with wrapping up ALMOST everything but now this new series begins where the old one left off. I'm happy, I have been missing Ms. Fleming and I finally got my Fee fix!! This one doesn't disappoint, and I am hoping this is the first of many books in this series. Fiona Fleming has started a new career in this one, one that she has dreamed of all her life, but there are some snags and hurdles in the way. But Fiona is not going to let anything stop her from fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a private investigator! Bravo Ms. Larsen, nice job in helping Fiona start this new chapter in her life! I am already anxiously waiting for the next, and the next, just like the previous series.
March 8, 2020
So excited to have Fiona and clan back again!
I can not tell you how much I love this book... And all the others with my dear Fiona in it. It's an escape from dreary reality needed. It allows me to dream of happy days ahead. I've been beaten down by life once more the past year and am often devoid of hope for the future. I thank you Patti Larsen for giving me hope again. I know it's kind of silly to get that from a female sleuth book but , nonetheless, it's true. I am a most devoted fan. I will be looking for the next right away. Seriously, like right away!!! Well done!
I can not tell you how much I love this book... And all the others with my dear Fiona in it. It's an escape from dreary reality needed. It allows me to dream of happy days ahead. I've been beaten down by life once more the past year and am often devoid of hope for the future. I thank you Patti Larsen for giving me hope again. I know it's kind of silly to get that from a female sleuth book but , nonetheless, it's true. I am a most devoted fan. I will be looking for the next right away. Seriously, like right away!!! Well done!
February 3, 2020
I love the book!
I read the entire Fiona Fleming series it was like being able to open a door and stilling down with a coffee and some old friends. Great book
I read the entire Fiona Fleming series it was like being able to open a door and stilling down with a coffee and some old friends. Great book
March 19, 2021
Pros: A decent mystery mixed with a tiny bit of suspense. Background information on patents and all the hoops an inventor must jump through was enlightening.
Cons: Too many long sentences with multiple prepositional phrases were drudgery to slog through. Cozy mysteries that require actual work to decipher the author's meaning aren’t my idea of a fun read.
This was also written in first person narrative which means the reader gets full access to the main character's thoughts, feelings, and personality. I usually enjoy this intimate point-of-view, but due to the main character's (Fee Fleming) constant anger issues toward everyone--past, present, and future--it was difficult to finish. Fee seemed to be angry on every other page. (She wanted to punch, kick, and knock down several different people including friends.) For example, life is wonderful (or so she says), but she verbally lashes out at her husband. She gets to be a detective (her dream come true), but she still blames her father (who is quite encouraging in the book) who dissuaded her from becoming a cop over 10 years ago. All her bad relationships, her inability to keep a job, finish college, etc. were her father's fault. Her constant excuse for her negative attitude and anger issues was everyone else and her red hair.
Now, I've got anger issues just writing about Fee. 😁
Cons: Too many long sentences with multiple prepositional phrases were drudgery to slog through. Cozy mysteries that require actual work to decipher the author's meaning aren’t my idea of a fun read.
This was also written in first person narrative which means the reader gets full access to the main character's thoughts, feelings, and personality. I usually enjoy this intimate point-of-view, but due to the main character's (Fee Fleming) constant anger issues toward everyone--past, present, and future--it was difficult to finish. Fee seemed to be angry on every other page. (She wanted to punch, kick, and knock down several different people including friends.) For example, life is wonderful (or so she says), but she verbally lashes out at her husband. She gets to be a detective (her dream come true), but she still blames her father (who is quite encouraging in the book) who dissuaded her from becoming a cop over 10 years ago. All her bad relationships, her inability to keep a job, finish college, etc. were her father's fault. Her constant excuse for her negative attitude and anger issues was everyone else and her red hair.
Now, I've got anger issues just writing about Fee. 😁
November 5, 2020
Fiona Fleming is a red head with the personality befitting her hair color! She loves investigating and is actually a co-owner of a a PI firm with her Dad. She is almost about to get her full fledged PI license when stuff keeps happening. You will end up laughing at the internal conversations she has with herself!!
She is overseeing a convention of inventor's while her Dad and husband are off on a hush hush case. It is supposed to be an easy assignment-----until someone is electrified by one of the inventions! Fee is bound and determined to find out what and why it happened. While investigating she saves a young girl from making a bad mistake and uncovers a lot more then just who did the deed.
This is definitely a series that I am going to follow!! You will LOVE Petunia--her little pug who lives to eat!!
She is overseeing a convention of inventor's while her Dad and husband are off on a hush hush case. It is supposed to be an easy assignment-----until someone is electrified by one of the inventions! Fee is bound and determined to find out what and why it happened. While investigating she saves a young girl from making a bad mistake and uncovers a lot more then just who did the deed.
This is definitely a series that I am going to follow!! You will LOVE Petunia--her little pug who lives to eat!!
July 15, 2024
Fiona Fleming revels in the nearing achievement of following her father’s footsteps into law enforcement. She has taken a roundabout route, but she should be receiving her private investigating license shortly. But first, she has to handle one more case for the firm she runs with her husband and father. An old nemesis and a few new ones threaten to keep her from realizing that dream, however. Can the inventors she has been hired to protect help inspire her to accomplish her goals despite these odds. Or will her dreams crumble around her like those of an inventor denied a patent for their life’s work?
The author writes as if they are the main character, like a sitcom where they keep addressing the camera. Definitely a quick, amusing read to cleanse the mental palate between more disturbing storylines.
The author writes as if they are the main character, like a sitcom where they keep addressing the camera. Definitely a quick, amusing read to cleanse the mental palate between more disturbing storylines.
August 9, 2025
I almost did not get past the first two chapters. In 18 pages, there were 20 sentences that desperately needed editing. This appears to be a common problem in Larsen’s books. Many sentences were over five lines in length, were crammed with poorly related ideas, or contained no subject. On the first page, after the story had begun, there was even a comment included in parentheses, advocating that the reader reads the first two books before reading this. There were a few characters that had little or no bearing on the story and we saw the demise of a friendship that was never properly explained, nor was it resolved.
The writing did improve a little but, even though the story itself had potential, I would not recommend this book.
The writing did improve a little but, even though the story itself had potential, I would not recommend this book.
February 16, 2023
Oh that irascible Fiona Fleming, she's back! This time she's just getting started as an official P.I...almost. There are a few hitches along the way as her qualifications, despite her found body count, are questioned by those with the power of revoking said qualifications. Her hot headed temper gets the better of her more than once in this mystery but because of that temper, and her inability to do as she's told, she is once again the heroine of the hour.
Favorite Line ~ "I was rather surprised to realize I wasn't afraid. Too many times on this side of the muzzle, I suppose. Since when did being held at gunpoint become blasé?"
Favorite Line ~ "I was rather surprised to realize I wasn't afraid. Too many times on this side of the muzzle, I suppose. Since when did being held at gunpoint become blasé?"
May 15, 2021
If you ever wondered what it would be like to go from a nosy B&B owner to a private investigator, dig into this novel. It was an enjoyable, fun read, particularly if you liked doing things Fee's way. She has a unique style that some appreciate, some despise. In this story she pushed a little too much when she should have backed off and done things just a bit differently. She definitely upset some people she didn't need to. The story unfortunately leaves some hanging threads.
In all if you enjoy cozy mysteries you will like this read.
In all if you enjoy cozy mysteries you will like this read.
September 26, 2020
Feels Up
I absolutely enjoyed this cozey mystery filled with charm as much intreage and humor as well as compassion you could hope for .The caracters surrounding this mystery are as vibrant as ever and challenging in so many ways all by themselves , then you throw in a murder with a complication surrounding it and you get "Patent Pending and Death "an outrageous murder mystery. Aquier a copy today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😌😖🤔😋😎🙄😀Kat
I absolutely enjoyed this cozey mystery filled with charm as much intreage and humor as well as compassion you could hope for .The caracters surrounding this mystery are as vibrant as ever and challenging in so many ways all by themselves , then you throw in a murder with a complication surrounding it and you get "Patent Pending and Death "an outrageous murder mystery. Aquier a copy today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😌😖🤔😋😎🙄😀Kat
September 27, 2020
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Getting a Private Investigator licence is a hard thing to accomplish. It takes time and knowledge and being supervised by a licensed investigator. Fiona Fleming wants to be a part of her husband and father's investigation office. As part of her training she is to help with an inventors convention. When a speaker is murdered she begins to investigate and gets into trouble since she isn't fully licenced yet.
Getting a Private Investigator licence is a hard thing to accomplish. It takes time and knowledge and being supervised by a licensed investigator. Fiona Fleming wants to be a part of her husband and father's investigation office. As part of her training she is to help with an inventors convention. When a speaker is murdered she begins to investigate and gets into trouble since she isn't fully licenced yet.
November 10, 2020
What a delightful book!
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The story is well thought out and is fast paced, which keeps you turning pages. I like it when there is another mystery within the cozy murder mystery. Here we have several going on with inventors and the patent claiming process. So many shady deals going down and our heroine reveals them all. She saves more than lives, she saves livelihoods as well! Great read for any age YA and up.
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The story is well thought out and is fast paced, which keeps you turning pages. I like it when there is another mystery within the cozy murder mystery. Here we have several going on with inventors and the patent claiming process. So many shady deals going down and our heroine reveals them all. She saves more than lives, she saves livelihoods as well! Great read for any age YA and up.
December 24, 2020
Loved the Fionna Flemming that is involved with her father and husband in the Flemming Investigation business. While doing security at a convention for inventors, a death occurs and the suspects are many. Lance Dustin is out to make sure she never gets her license to be a PI, along with her crazy, dangerous cousin Robert who should still be in prison. Lots of different directions to go and silliness too.
January 18, 2021
2 star
This one didn't work for me and I only finished it because i hate giving a negative review without being sure things didn't turn around. First off, a big chunk of the story relies on an event from a previous series of books, with a parenthetical reference telling to go read them in early pages). The actual mystery doesn't start until the end of ch 15 and I was underenthused about the mystery itself.
This one didn't work for me and I only finished it because i hate giving a negative review without being sure things didn't turn around. First off, a big chunk of the story relies on an event from a previous series of books, with a parenthetical reference telling to go read them in early pages). The actual mystery doesn't start until the end of ch 15 and I was underenthused about the mystery itself.
February 27, 2022
ok
Well I read this book straight after reading the first in series of the paranormal books patti writes that I really enjoyed. Not this one so much, in fact I just fast forwarded to 90 % to get the ending of the story. Truly the main characters depression or mental illness, diagnosed or not, really got to me as we were constantly ‘in her head’, and it wasn’t a pleasant place to be. Her husband was unrealistic. Good to know authours can hit it good and not so good.
Well I read this book straight after reading the first in series of the paranormal books patti writes that I really enjoyed. Not this one so much, in fact I just fast forwarded to 90 % to get the ending of the story. Truly the main characters depression or mental illness, diagnosed or not, really got to me as we were constantly ‘in her head’, and it wasn’t a pleasant place to be. Her husband was unrealistic. Good to know authours can hit it good and not so good.
February 16, 2021
I liked this book but didn't really get too excited about the characters. In my opinion they had no depth. I didn't even become too curious about "who did it". Some of the sentences go on and on but not for any real apparent reason. That being said it was easy reading and I didn't figure out who did it before the reveal.
February 23, 2021
A mixed review
A mixed review for sure. I knew who the killer was early on but not the why until it was revealed. That was nice. I do enjoy a little mystery. I do not however enjoy horrible grammar. It made the story, for me at least, difficult to keep my attention. While there were many questions left unanswered, I won’t be reading the next book to find those answers
A mixed review for sure. I knew who the killer was early on but not the why until it was revealed. That was nice. I do enjoy a little mystery. I do not however enjoy horrible grammar. It made the story, for me at least, difficult to keep my attention. While there were many questions left unanswered, I won’t be reading the next book to find those answers
August 5, 2021
Enjoyable Adventure
Once again, I enjoyed Fiona in her challenges and gut feelings. Also liked learning about the rules on patents and the cheating that can occur. I do however wish your editor could get rid of the many incomplete sentences and grammar snafus without running Fiona's thought processes. :-)
Once again, I enjoyed Fiona in her challenges and gut feelings. Also liked learning about the rules on patents and the cheating that can occur. I do however wish your editor could get rid of the many incomplete sentences and grammar snafus without running Fiona's thought processes. :-)
October 4, 2020
Interesting read.
Plot was ok, character development was reasonable.
Story was moving along most of the time.
Main character seemed to not know which direction she was heading.
Not bad, but could have been better.
Plot was ok, character development was reasonable.
Story was moving along most of the time.
Main character seemed to not know which direction she was heading.
Not bad, but could have been better.
January 7, 2021
Loved it! Great mystery & action...I highly recommend! Makes you visualize and feel like you are there with Fee!
I read a lot of mysteries, Patti made me feel like I was walking beside her as she described the hotel room, the ballroom and her frustrations with some characters
I read a lot of mysteries, Patti made me feel like I was walking beside her as she described the hotel room, the ballroom and her frustrations with some characters
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February 6, 2021I loved this book. Fee and Crew what a cute couple. All of the characters are very well developed and interesting. I did not want to put it down. The twists and turns were awesome. This is a must read book. Romance and mystery are both in this book.
April 30, 2021
Cannot stop reading
A wonderful beginning, middle, and end. Fiona, petunia, crew, john, Lucy, Jill, and the others make this a book you don’t know how to stop reading till there isn’t any more to read. Thank you for this series that ties into the Fiona Fleming mysteries.
A wonderful beginning, middle, and end. Fiona, petunia, crew, john, Lucy, Jill, and the others make this a book you don’t know how to stop reading till there isn’t any more to read. Thank you for this series that ties into the Fiona Fleming mysteries.
January 20, 2020
Didn’t disappoint!
I was so excited to start this new series. Patti doesn’t disappoint in her stories. Now I must wait for book #2!!
I was so excited to start this new series. Patti doesn’t disappoint in her stories. Now I must wait for book #2!!
April 21, 2020
Though I had hoped to see the backside of some characters, who will remain nameless, I thoroughly enjoyed jumping back into investigating Fiona Fleming style.
October 1, 2020
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
November 28, 2020
The story was pretty good, but some of her sentences seemed to be incomplete thoughts
December 27, 2020
Non stop thriller
I couldn’t stop reading this book! Down loaded it and read through eating dinner out and on the way home. Stayed up reading in bed until I finished it.
I couldn’t stop reading this book! Down loaded it and read through eating dinner out and on the way home. Stayed up reading in bed until I finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews