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The Alvarez Family #1-6
The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries: Vol 1-6
SIX DELICIOUSLY FUNNY DETECTIVE COZIES..! Lee Alvarez is a ferret. Not the cute, 4-legged kind but the cute 2-legged kind who sniffs out dastardly cybercrimes from the comfort of her gilded office. But when she gets up from her desk, she often falls over a dead body or two. Not to worry. Solving murders is what she and her family are good at. They run Discretionary Inquiries, a family-owned detective agency in the heart of Silicon Valley. This set is for cozy readers who can't get enough of a smart-mouthed woman sleuth out to please her never-had-a-bad-hair-day mother, computer-genius brother, gourmet chef uncle, and energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. Now you can get all six with one click-- delicious Kindle deal! “One of the funniest mystery authors around. You won’t be able to put her books down. A must-read 5-star series!" National Best Selling Author, Cindy Sample MURDER IS A FAMILY BUSINESS Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark, and handsome is that any reason to kill him? Lee Alvarez, half Latina, half WASP, and 100% detective doesn’t think so. Guilted by her aristocratic mother into tailing a friend’s husband to a seedy warehouse, he’s killed on her watch. She also finds an abandoned kitten destined to become hers. But in between kitty litter, kibble, and purrs, she’s determined to find out whodunit. Fans of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, and Lisa Lutz’s The Spellman Files will get a kick out of the Alvarez clan. “Heather Haven makes a stellar debut in Murder is a Family Business. Highly recommended.” Sheldon Siegel. NY Times Best Selling Author A WEDDING TO DIE FOR A groom arrested for murder puts a crimp in any wedding, no matter who designs the bridal gown. The nuptials of Lee Alvarez’s best friend is threatened, so Lee goes south of the border in search of the real killer. And maybe a little romance. Or is it a case of When Cupid’s Wings Start Flapping, Take Cover? “This cozy mystery has it all – romance, suspense, comedy, and a detective you’ll fall hard for.” BestThrillers Reviews DEATH RUNS IN THE FAMILY Competitive foot racers are dropping like flies, which sends Lee Alvarez to Vegas disguised as a dancer in a lounge lizard’s act. When she uncovers a multi-million dollar betting syndicate who kills off the competition, it’s time to hit the ground running in the Alvarez Family’s race with death. “I Just finished Death Runs in the Family and I loved it! This has turned out to be one of my favorite series and I sure hope there will be another installment in the near future!” Becky Carbone, Director Global Ebook Awards DEAD…IF ONLY A man who should be dead isn’t and Lee Alvarez’s very pregnant sister-in-law is about to be charged with a murder he recently committed in the Big Easy. Aided by the rest of the Alvarez Family, Palo Alto’s favorite P.I. kicks the Voodoo in the Who Do throughout New Orleans just as a hurricane hits. “Family plays a huge part in the plot, and what a family it is...For me, this was a great book. The writing was clever and I couldn’t stop laughing.” 100 Romances Project THE CEO CAME DOA It’s a Christmas wedding for Lee Alvarez complete with dead bodies, a missing groom, and a lethal but little known drug called Devil’s Breath. Just who planned this wedding, anyway? “I found the strongest part of the novel Lee Alvarez strong, competent, and witty, in a growing tradition of tough female detectives. All in all, this is a strong work in the genre of the mystery/thriller.” San Francisco Book Review.
1415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2020
977 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Heather Haven
30 books152 followersIn her varied career, Heather has written short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and had two one-act plays well-received in Manhattan. Once she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time. Heather’s first paying job was writing a love story for Moments of Love, published by Bantam Books. But it was her stint at New York City’s No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy – that helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 14, 2024
Very enjoyable read!
I bought the 6-pack of the Alvarez mysteries, and I’m so glad I did! The stories are interesting and surprising. I LOVE the dialog between the characters. It’s smart and witty and very engaging. I will definitely be going back to get the rest of this series and everything else this author has written! Thanks for the great entertainment!
I bought the 6-pack of the Alvarez mysteries, and I’m so glad I did! The stories are interesting and surprising. I LOVE the dialog between the characters. It’s smart and witty and very engaging. I will definitely be going back to get the rest of this series and everything else this author has written! Thanks for the great entertainment!
August 1, 2020
Nothing annoys me more than "facts" that are wrong - unless it's inconsistency. Someone please tell me what Gurn's cat's name is? In the six books, there were at least three different spellings.
Liana is fluent in Spanish, supposedly, but doesn't know the difference between "cajones" and "cojones"? She doesn't know that a "toque" is a hat, a "toque blanche" a white hat, and a "toque blanche" hat a white hat hat? Perhaps some proofreaders or copyeditors with language skills?
She's a PI - supposedly one who only does the desk stuff - but from the get-go has a meticulously stocked trunk full of PI tools? A common failing of the genre, but no less annoying. Nor is Richard's ability to use one laptop to do everything anywhere near believable.
WORSE, the author, and thus the character, doesn't know that a Colt Detective Special doesn't have an external safety, that a semi-automatic is no more lethal than a revolver, etc. Haven's knowledge of guns is abysmal.
All that is a shame, really, because the inconsistencies and flat-out mistakes take away from a good series. The characters are fun, if a bit one-dimensional, and the alert reader knows whodunit simply by noting details, but it's not overly obvious. The stories do tend to ramble on a bit after the actual ending, but ....
A fun series. With a good copyeditor and proofreader, could be a great series.
Liana is fluent in Spanish, supposedly, but doesn't know the difference between "cajones" and "cojones"? She doesn't know that a "toque" is a hat, a "toque blanche" a white hat, and a "toque blanche" hat a white hat hat? Perhaps some proofreaders or copyeditors with language skills?
She's a PI - supposedly one who only does the desk stuff - but from the get-go has a meticulously stocked trunk full of PI tools? A common failing of the genre, but no less annoying. Nor is Richard's ability to use one laptop to do everything anywhere near believable.
WORSE, the author, and thus the character, doesn't know that a Colt Detective Special doesn't have an external safety, that a semi-automatic is no more lethal than a revolver, etc. Haven's knowledge of guns is abysmal.
All that is a shame, really, because the inconsistencies and flat-out mistakes take away from a good series. The characters are fun, if a bit one-dimensional, and the alert reader knows whodunit simply by noting details, but it's not overly obvious. The stories do tend to ramble on a bit after the actual ending, but ....
A fun series. With a good copyeditor and proofreader, could be a great series.
March 24, 2025
I really enjoyed these mysteries - indeed I almost couldn't put it down, reading one after the other to the detriment of my crafting, lol! The dynamics of the Alvarez family contribute a lot to the flow of the stories - their joys, conflicts, and sorrows, and their interactions with each other and the others in the stories. Each story is a stand alone, and the "basic" info you need to understand in each story is succint and easily skipped if you want.
Starting as white collar, Silicon valley investigators, the resident PI gets involved in some down and dirty situations, sometimes to help family members, and sometimes stemming from the initial investigation. The dialogue is well written, and if there are some missteps in the writing, I put that down to proofreaders missing the mark.
Well written, with wonderful descriptions of everything from clothes to food to places, plots and twists, some happy endings, and conflict resolutions - what's not to like?
Starting as white collar, Silicon valley investigators, the resident PI gets involved in some down and dirty situations, sometimes to help family members, and sometimes stemming from the initial investigation. The dialogue is well written, and if there are some missteps in the writing, I put that down to proofreaders missing the mark.
Well written, with wonderful descriptions of everything from clothes to food to places, plots and twists, some happy endings, and conflict resolutions - what's not to like?
June 4, 2020
6 wonderful books about a Palo Alto family and their Silicon Valley business called Discretionary Inquiries. Full of terrific characters, the heart of which are the Alvarez family members. Each book is a complete story, but they bleed into the next with some characters and much talk about past events. The leading character/investigator is Lilia (Lee) Alvarez, a 30ish woman who can handle anything that comes her way and manage to come out on top.
Over the past few days, I have binge read this series, and I am sad to see it end! It has been full of family, love, humor, and danger...and I loved reading every word! I wish it didn't have to end!!
Over the past few days, I have binge read this series, and I am sad to see it end! It has been full of family, love, humor, and danger...and I loved reading every word! I wish it didn't have to end!!
April 27, 2020
This Collection Hooked Me
Quirky humor, exciting plot action and an entire family with which to fall in love made these books some of my all time favorites! The Alvarez family is one to aspire to and dream about! Their adventures and challenges are never ho hum stuff...and seem always new and off the beaten mystery 'psth'..not easily predictable and characterized by love, joy, danger and angst aplenty! The only sad thing will be when the last page is read and there are no more!
Quirky humor, exciting plot action and an entire family with which to fall in love made these books some of my all time favorites! The Alvarez family is one to aspire to and dream about! Their adventures and challenges are never ho hum stuff...and seem always new and off the beaten mystery 'psth'..not easily predictable and characterized by love, joy, danger and angst aplenty! The only sad thing will be when the last page is read and there are no more!
July 1, 2020
Gotcha
A family of investigators is never boring. For a group that supposedly investigates white collar crimes they seem to run afoul of the seedy underworld frequently. While each story references past events occasionally they can easily stand alone, or be read in any sequence. A great deal of love is shared between family and friends, along with respect for each other's skills. Murder tales don't usually end in a "happily ever after", but these tales will definitely give you a cozy feeling after reading.
A family of investigators is never boring. For a group that supposedly investigates white collar crimes they seem to run afoul of the seedy underworld frequently. While each story references past events occasionally they can easily stand alone, or be read in any sequence. A great deal of love is shared between family and friends, along with respect for each other's skills. Murder tales don't usually end in a "happily ever after", but these tales will definitely give you a cozy feeling after reading.
August 7, 2020
So much fun I couldn't stop reading
Lee Alvarez is a self-described " ferret". This is not a job description I had ever heard before, and it was both funny and accurate. The setting and characters kept me interested, and the mystery brought much needed diversion in this Covid-19 world. I was entertained and amused throughout the series and would gladly read more. Thanks for an intelligent and clever group of stories.
Lee Alvarez is a self-described " ferret". This is not a job description I had ever heard before, and it was both funny and accurate. The setting and characters kept me interested, and the mystery brought much needed diversion in this Covid-19 world. I was entertained and amused throughout the series and would gladly read more. Thanks for an intelligent and clever group of stories.
May 18, 2020
I almost didn't read the whole 6 book set, as the first book told the story rather than showing it through the characters' actions. But I liked the humor and the characters, so I stepped into the second book. Am I glad I did! It was a page turner and the writing got better with each book in the series. Heather Haven will stay on my reading list.
August 29, 2020
Just loved them all: the PI family who isn't anything like others PI's but designer clothing and stilettos and an uncle who is a highly accomplished chef. Live at the Alvarez family is never boring and often very dangerous but common sense and guts plus a close knit family will always prevail. Great book .
October 21, 2025
Crime solving family stories that portray individual and family loyalty. Each family members character traits described brings about real life characters each with their unique characteristics and quirks! Lots of twist and turns . The author is factual in the areas the scenes take place and also with language use of said area. It is a long read but very enjoyable !
July 25, 2020
Mystery to solve with funniest and love stories
Great books to read for fun light mysteries. Family dynamics are great. Love stories, comedic situations and mysteries to solve, what's not to love?
Great books to read for fun light mysteries. Family dynamics are great. Love stories, comedic situations and mysteries to solve, what's not to love?
April 16, 2021
I have never read a series as fast as the Alvarez Series, I thoroughly enjoyed the elements of surprise in each book. You could either read the series or book as a stand alone, however I do recommend to read the whole series. I truly wish I had a Sister like Lee she is my super hero.
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May 27, 2021Fantastic read
I absolutely love her writing style. The characters are so real and enjoyable. The story line grabs and doesn't let go. And her humor is so good: laugh out loud in places and subtle in others.
I absolutely love her writing style. The characters are so real and enjoyable. The story line grabs and doesn't let go. And her humor is so good: laugh out loud in places and subtle in others.
May 23, 2022
The series was fun to read
The mysteries were full of intrigue, your soliloquies kept me laughing, and the content was informative, as I thought Silicon Valley referenced an altered part of one’s anatomy. (Well, I am blonde.) I didn’t want the series to end.
The mysteries were full of intrigue, your soliloquies kept me laughing, and the content was informative, as I thought Silicon Valley referenced an altered part of one’s anatomy. (Well, I am blonde.) I didn’t want the series to end.
July 15, 2022
Very entertaining!
Lee gets herself into more trouble. She just can't say no when someone needs her help. Luckily, she has the whole Alvarez family and the business, DI, to help her out of some pretty harry situations.
I wish there were more in the series.
Lee gets herself into more trouble. She just can't say no when someone needs her help. Luckily, she has the whole Alvarez family and the business, DI, to help her out of some pretty harry situations.
I wish there were more in the series.
April 25, 2025
The Alvarez family murder mysteries
I have now read the 1st 7 books in this series Love them all She keeps you guessing Tell right near the end Easy read very enjoyable I highly recommend
I have now read the 1st 7 books in this series Love them all She keeps you guessing Tell right near the end Easy read very enjoyable I highly recommend
April 28, 2020
The alverez family murder mysteries
Absolutely one of the best set of books I have ever read. ..I loved every one of them...thank you for a great read
Absolutely one of the best set of books I have ever read. ..I loved every one of them...thank you for a great read
May 3, 2020
A fun read, loveable characters but please proofread the Spanish.
May 16, 2020
I admit I binged this series! What great character s. Such wonderful plots each book was better than the next! I so loved this bundle. Thanks for putting it together.
July 29, 2020
Excellent storylines
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
Good books
The Alvarez family business is PI. I liked all the characters and I am looking forward to reading book 7
The Alvarez family business is PI. I liked all the characters and I am looking forward to reading book 7
August 12, 2020
Everyone should have a Lee
Loved all the characters. The relationships with family was heart warming. Lee has a unique way of figuring out the mysteries.
Loved all the characters. The relationships with family was heart warming. Lee has a unique way of figuring out the mysteries.
September 13, 2020
Loved it!
Spicy,funny,cute. Lee and Tio were my two faves. So glad Lee found Gurn. Tugger and Baba were awesome too! A little predictable but just all around good clean fun!!
Spicy,funny,cute. Lee and Tio were my two faves. So glad Lee found Gurn. Tugger and Baba were awesome too! A little predictable but just all around good clean fun!!
October 31, 2020
Book one was great. After that there was too much of the same plot and pattern and characters became stale.
December 8, 2020
Very enjoyable
I couldn’t leave the book until I finished it and I read six of them. I recommend them give them a try.
I couldn’t leave the book until I finished it and I read six of them. I recommend them give them a try.
February 6, 2021
was good.
February 27, 2021
Well Done 👏
Very well written, lots of fun and excitement. Great characters, each interesting and woven into the story well. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Very well written, lots of fun and excitement. Great characters, each interesting and woven into the story well. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
April 24, 2021
these were just plain fun.
July 11, 2021
This was an absolutely delightful group of mysteries! Such fun characters in the Alvarez family!
May 13, 2022
Please see individual stories for review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews