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Grime Fighters #1
Grime Beat
Her best friend missing, every cell in Dani Foster's body screams something is wrong.
Crime scene cleaning is the perfect job for relocated Dani Foster. But her orders to maintain a low profile and stay out of trouble mean little when her friend goes missing. Suspicions point to the handsome crime scene specialist, Jay Hunter, but he's also the only person willing to help Dani. Dare she trust him even when lies seem to surround him?
Dani amuses Jay. Her penchant for speaking and acting without regard to the consequences land her in the funniest situations. But her latest moves have thrust her into serious danger. As he learns more about her circumstances, the stakes rise until her very life is on the line. He has no time or inclination for romance, but this girl needs him, and she seems to have no one else. How can he turn his back?
This is the first episode of this Christian Mystery and Romance series set in Dallas, Texas. Dani's troubles and Jay's attraction are only just beginning!
Crime scene cleaning is the perfect job for relocated Dani Foster. But her orders to maintain a low profile and stay out of trouble mean little when her friend goes missing. Suspicions point to the handsome crime scene specialist, Jay Hunter, but he's also the only person willing to help Dani. Dare she trust him even when lies seem to surround him?
Dani amuses Jay. Her penchant for speaking and acting without regard to the consequences land her in the funniest situations. But her latest moves have thrust her into serious danger. As he learns more about her circumstances, the stakes rise until her very life is on the line. He has no time or inclination for romance, but this girl needs him, and she seems to have no one else. How can he turn his back?
This is the first episode of this Christian Mystery and Romance series set in Dallas, Texas. Dani's troubles and Jay's attraction are only just beginning!
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
About the author
Marji Laine
22 books499 followersMarji is a "graduated" homeschooling mom who's thrilled to avoid the empty nest for a while longer. She lives in the Dallas area with her hubby of 35 years, her twin daughters, and a rescue pup named Rosie (or Madam Barksalot, depending on the day).
When Marji isn't editing or formatting for her authors or writing on her own projects, she leads a ladies' Bible study, works with the women's ministry at her church, and sings alto in the adult choir. As often as possible, she's playing strategy games and card games with friends and family.
She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, Tex-Mex, white roses, and the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle from Bath & Body Works. Her watching preferences include Hallmark mysteries, NASCAR, NFL games, and Perry Mason reruns.
You can find her here on Goodreads or at her website MarjiLaine.com
When Marji isn't editing or formatting for her authors or writing on her own projects, she leads a ladies' Bible study, works with the women's ministry at her church, and sings alto in the adult choir. As often as possible, she's playing strategy games and card games with friends and family.
She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, Tex-Mex, white roses, and the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle from Bath & Body Works. Her watching preferences include Hallmark mysteries, NASCAR, NFL games, and Perry Mason reruns.
You can find her here on Goodreads or at her website MarjiLaine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 30, 2022
Characters: Dani was an enjoyable character with a penchant for trouble. Jay was interesting as well. His fear of missing details in his job made him seem human.
Language: Clean.
Moral/theme: This novel contained themes of friendship, loyalty, and love.
Plot: Plenty of suspenseful and mysterious moments kept the plot moving right along.
Romance: Clean. Just the very beginning stages of a developing romance between Dani and Jay :)
Writing: Marji Laine's clear, fast-paced style worked great for this book.
Overall: Grime Beat was an entertaining read that I'd recommend to lovers of Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
Language: Clean.
Moral/theme: This novel contained themes of friendship, loyalty, and love.
Plot: Plenty of suspenseful and mysterious moments kept the plot moving right along.
Romance: Clean. Just the very beginning stages of a developing romance between Dani and Jay :)
Writing: Marji Laine's clear, fast-paced style worked great for this book.
Overall: Grime Beat was an entertaining read that I'd recommend to lovers of Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
April 27, 2015
I had so much fun reading this story! It is classified as a novella and is the first in the Grime Fighters Novella Series. But, this is not a short story that will leave you feeling like it should have been more. The characters in Grime Beat are fully developed and I found the plot to be riveting.
The author did a great job of creating a mystery that is full of action and danger, laughable moments, a mysterious backstory for the heroine, likeable main characters, and a very tense plot. As I reached the end of the book, I felt satisfied with the outcome in Grime Beat, while at the same time excited to read future stories about Dani and Jay. I definitely recommend this novella to fans of mystery and suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of Grime Beat from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The author did a great job of creating a mystery that is full of action and danger, laughable moments, a mysterious backstory for the heroine, likeable main characters, and a very tense plot. As I reached the end of the book, I felt satisfied with the outcome in Grime Beat, while at the same time excited to read future stories about Dani and Jay. I definitely recommend this novella to fans of mystery and suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of Grime Beat from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 20, 2015
Grime Beat by Marji Laine was a fun and exciting read. Her characters are interesting and real. The plot had me flipping pages on my Kindle to see how it ended. Can't wait for book 2 to come out!
June 22, 2015
Dani Foster is a household cleaner with a difference—she works cleaning up crime scenes. But one day, her colleague and best friend doesn’t show up to work. She’s not at home, either, and her placed looks as though it’s been trashed. Dani finds herself arrested for breaking and entering, and now she’s depending on crime scene specialist Jay Hunter to get her out of trouble … and to help her solve the mystery.
Grime Beat is a fast-paced suspense novella with more than a hint of romance. Dani is an excellent character, and there are hints that she’s hiding something as well. While I don’t necessarily related to her compulsion for cleanliness (I’d rather read than clean), I had to like her—she’s hard-working, loyal and intelligent, and knows just enough about policing to get suspicious about some things. Jay is also a good character, honest and professional, and someone who doesn’t like finding he’s missed an important detail. And he suspects he’s missed more than a few here ...
The plot and writing in Grime Beat are excellent. Romantic suspense is my favourite genre, and I’ll look forward to reading further novellas in this series. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Grime Beat is a fast-paced suspense novella with more than a hint of romance. Dani is an excellent character, and there are hints that she’s hiding something as well. While I don’t necessarily related to her compulsion for cleanliness (I’d rather read than clean), I had to like her—she’s hard-working, loyal and intelligent, and knows just enough about policing to get suspicious about some things. Jay is also a good character, honest and professional, and someone who doesn’t like finding he’s missed an important detail. And he suspects he’s missed more than a few here ...
The plot and writing in Grime Beat are excellent. Romantic suspense is my favourite genre, and I’ll look forward to reading further novellas in this series. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
July 8, 2015
Dani Foster is a crime scene cleaner. She is also in the witness protection program and has a horrible case manager. When one of her coworkers disappears Dani takes it into her own hands to investigate and ends up on the wrong side of the investigating officer. Throughout the story she is unwilling to share her clues and info with local cops because she isn't sure if they are dirty. Having recently re-read the NF book Echoes in the Darkness I found this painful. During the trial in Echoes the DA asked someone "Did you call the State police, the FBI?" and that was how I felt. Okay you don't trust the local cops, Call the Texas Rangers, the FBI, the DOJ.
April 20, 2015
Dani is a spitfire who cleans up crime scenes for a living. Jay is a crime scene specialist. When a key piece of evidence goes missing, their worlds collide. Conspiracies surface. Their lives are in danger. Who can they trust? e.
Marji Laine's first installment of this series is a winner. I look forward to more of Dani and Jay. A delightful cozy mystery with plenty of fun and excitement. Dani's background is a mystery in itself that hopefully will be revealed as the series continues.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a favorable review.
Marji Laine's first installment of this series is a winner. I look forward to more of Dani and Jay. A delightful cozy mystery with plenty of fun and excitement. Dani's background is a mystery in itself that hopefully will be revealed as the series continues.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a favorable review.
June 10, 2015
I love Marji Laine's writing! This was a delightful read. I could hardly put it down.
July 14, 2015
Good
the story that is one makes you realize that the people who are in danger can't always trust the police.
the story that is one makes you realize that the people who are in danger can't always trust the police.
February 4, 2026
This is not a complete novel - Happy this Christian romance actually had prayer and faith in it!
I don’t understand why so many books are labeled Christian romance when they have absolutely nothing to do with God or going to church or praying. It’s really frustrating that you have to read so far into the reviews to find something about a book having real Christian values and actions. Thankfully, this one does have that right off the bat. I would’ve liked to have had a little more mention of church. But it seems like this is just the beginning.
This is not a complete story. It’s a start and I don’t know how many books include this story. I hate the dual part or multi part story. So I’m not sure what to expect here, but I’ll at least try the next book.
I don’t understand why so many books are labeled Christian romance when they have absolutely nothing to do with God or going to church or praying. It’s really frustrating that you have to read so far into the reviews to find something about a book having real Christian values and actions. Thankfully, this one does have that right off the bat. I would’ve liked to have had a little more mention of church. But it seems like this is just the beginning.
This is not a complete story. It’s a start and I don’t know how many books include this story. I hate the dual part or multi part story. So I’m not sure what to expect here, but I’ll at least try the next book.
April 6, 2020
Daini Foster works for a crime scene cleaning company, and only is friends with two of her co-workers, When one of those goes missing, she has to get involved. Along the way, after getting taken to jail, she enlists the help of the nice policeman who always checks with the cleaning crew to see if he missed anything. Romance is in the air but Dani is hiding something. A thought provoking Dani helps get to the bottom of the mystery. Flowing story-line at a quick pace leaves the reader wanting more. The first chapter of the next book at the end helped me decide quickly to keep reading! Great read!
June 11, 2020
This book is just annoying. A weirdo's BFF goes missing. Since cleaning crime scenes apparently qualifies her as an expert in all things investigative she embarks on a quest to locate her friend. A handsome crime scene investigator joins her in the hunt but neither is sure about the other.
This book is dopey. The heroine's first act is not to ask the cops to do a wellness check of her friend but to scale the multi-residential building where the friend lives. The characterization is inadequate and the story is laughable (not in a good way). Definitely one to miss.
This book is dopey. The heroine's first act is not to ask the cops to do a wellness check of her friend but to scale the multi-residential building where the friend lives. The characterization is inadequate and the story is laughable (not in a good way). Definitely one to miss.
March 24, 2021
If you’re looking for an enjoyable, page-turning suspense, look no farther. This book quickly draws you into the storyline and doesn’t let go until the last page. (At that point, I immediately downloaded the next book in the series!)
Laine kept me guessing who the villain is, if Dani would ever find her missing friend, and how Dani’s past plays into her trust issues. The ending is satisfying but leaves the door wide open for the next book. Highly recommend for readers of Christian romance and mystery.
Laine kept me guessing who the villain is, if Dani would ever find her missing friend, and how Dani’s past plays into her trust issues. The ending is satisfying but leaves the door wide open for the next book. Highly recommend for readers of Christian romance and mystery.
October 15, 2017
Nice little novella. Very well developed. The start of a series with Dani and her friends Tasha and Tyrone as crime scene cleaners. They work with the police after a crime. And one cop is handsome Jay. Tyrone and his wife are trying to set Jay and Dani up on some dates. But that’s not what brings them together! Could it be a crime scene? Mystery abounds and not just the present but the past starts to become significant in Dani’s life. Good start to an interesting series.
June 28, 2020
I Like This Author
Pleasantly surprised by her action-filled content and feasible scenes. Other inspirational crime writers tend to frustrate me with the set-backs in the progress solving the crimes. This one keeps the forward motion going. And, yay for the novella format. I wanted my series to be in the novella format. My publisher dissuaded me.
Pleasantly surprised by her action-filled content and feasible scenes. Other inspirational crime writers tend to frustrate me with the set-backs in the progress solving the crimes. This one keeps the forward motion going. And, yay for the novella format. I wanted my series to be in the novella format. My publisher dissuaded me.
March 29, 2021
Exciting
Well told , active, page turner. This is not a stand alone story. It is a teaser for the next in a series. If you want to know what got the main character into witness program look elsewhere, that is not in Grime Beat. She is still lying to her boyfriend as chapter (story) ends.
Well told , active, page turner. This is not a stand alone story. It is a teaser for the next in a series. If you want to know what got the main character into witness program look elsewhere, that is not in Grime Beat. She is still lying to her boyfriend as chapter (story) ends.
April 12, 2017
I loved this novella, an introduction to the Grime Fighters series.
The suspense propelled me forward from first word until last.
I loved the setting the characters and the storyline.
Marj Laine is a new author to me and I already have read the next two books in the series.
The suspense propelled me forward from first word until last.
I loved the setting the characters and the storyline.
Marj Laine is a new author to me and I already have read the next two books in the series.
May 5, 2018
This first story in a series is self-published, though I understand the author has now been picked up by a small publishing company. The story line is good, but the character development is minimal and the prose needs work. Maybe I should try a newer book and see if Laine's writing has improved.
April 6, 2020
You earned give stars all the way!
I'm this troubled time your book was a lifesaver.You have have me a book to read and get closer to my faith by the bible.Thanks for letting me read it keep them coming.
I'm this troubled time your book was a lifesaver.You have have me a book to read and get closer to my faith by the bible.Thanks for letting me read it keep them coming.
May 3, 2020
This is an intriguing beginning to a series. I want to know a whole lot more about the lead character, Dani, and her backstory. There are almost too many teasers tossed out to hook the reader into buying the rest of the series.
July 7, 2020
Great book!
This book was a great book and it kept me reading onto the night. With twists and turns throughout, it causes you to just want to read one more page, or two, or three......
This book was a great book and it kept me reading onto the night. With twists and turns throughout, it causes you to just want to read one more page, or two, or three......
April 11, 2021
Grime Beat is...
...my first book by this author, and loved it! The story is full of secrets - everyone seems to have one! This made it a page-turner! Can’t wait to read another book from this series!
...my first book by this author, and loved it! The story is full of secrets - everyone seems to have one! This made it a page-turner! Can’t wait to read another book from this series!
January 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this Christian mystery/romance by Marji Lane. Lane crafts her main characters, Dani, a crime scene cleaner, and Jay, a cop, into likeable persons you‘ll cheer for as you flip pages to discover whodunnit. Good twists!
July 27, 2019
Not a good crime story
I love good crime thrillers. This book was not one of them. It was full of loopholes and the overall story didn’t make much sense.
I love good crime thrillers. This book was not one of them. It was full of loopholes and the overall story didn’t make much sense.
February 12, 2020
This is a great novella. The title is perfect for the story. It is a wonderful mystery with a bit of romance. I loved it.
May 30, 2020
Great read
Good suspense, likable characters, and a fluid storyline made this a good read. In fact, I’m ready for the next book!
Good suspense, likable characters, and a fluid storyline made this a good read. In fact, I’m ready for the next book!
June 3, 2020
Endearing while intriguing
Loved the characters
Loved the plot twists while narrowing down suspects
Can't wait to see Jay and Dani evolve their relationship into book#2
Loved the characters
Loved the plot twists while narrowing down suspects
Can't wait to see Jay and Dani evolve their relationship into book#2
June 30, 2020
Great series start
Grime Beat is so well-written that I eagerly look forward to the next edition of the series. Two thumbs up.
Grime Beat is so well-written that I eagerly look forward to the next edition of the series. Two thumbs up.
February 7, 2021
Enjoyable
tbr-2
May 28, 2022Free on Amazon! (28.5.22)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews