What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mall Cop Mystery #1
Die Buying
Emma-Joy Ferris likes mall cop work, even though it's a bit more humdrum than the military policing she did in the army. But there's no time to be bored when someone 'liberates' a 15-foot python from the Herpetology Hut, and a mannequin turns out to be a very real corpse.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
384 people are currently reading
1787 people want to read
About the author
Laura DiSilverio
20 books393 followersI'm the author of the Swift Investigations, Mall Cop and Readaholics mystery series.
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 20, 2022
I loved the setting of Fernglen Mall and I loved following the mall cops on their patrols, but I didn't love the mystery itself.
Even though I've never been to Fernglen Mall, I feel like I have before. The mall is a familiar place to me, a place where I used to hang out with my friends to shop, where we'd hang out by the fountain or the food court with our treats. It's nostalgic to read about a mall cop cruising through on her Segway, stopping by all kinds of small businesses on her patrol.
EJ, the MC, is a military veteran turned mall cop. She dreams of becoming a traditional cop, but is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that she'll likely never become one due to the knee injury she sustained while in the military. She's a determined character who has a group of interesting people around her, from her family to her fellow mall cops.
My favourite part about the book were the mall cops! My favourite parts of the book were watching the mall cops interact with one another. They're a fun and eclectic bunch of characters who have to deal with a whole host of issues at the mall from loose snakes to serial car vandalizers to murderer(s).
As for the mystery itself, I personally found it just OK. I personally think there were too many elements and loose ends for one book. It made it kind of hard to follow and to sleuth along, which are two things I usually love doing in cozies.
There were also a couple of deus ex machina moments that I really didn't enjoy. For example, it it's awfully convenient that EJ's grandfather is also a retired spy who still chats with his old friends about American intelligence-gathering.
If you love evocative settings in your cozies, this one might be for you, but if you're more interested in the mystery component, maybe I'd consider a different one.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Even though I've never been to Fernglen Mall, I feel like I have before. The mall is a familiar place to me, a place where I used to hang out with my friends to shop, where we'd hang out by the fountain or the food court with our treats. It's nostalgic to read about a mall cop cruising through on her Segway, stopping by all kinds of small businesses on her patrol.
EJ, the MC, is a military veteran turned mall cop. She dreams of becoming a traditional cop, but is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that she'll likely never become one due to the knee injury she sustained while in the military. She's a determined character who has a group of interesting people around her, from her family to her fellow mall cops.
My favourite part about the book were the mall cops! My favourite parts of the book were watching the mall cops interact with one another. They're a fun and eclectic bunch of characters who have to deal with a whole host of issues at the mall from loose snakes to serial car vandalizers to murderer(s).
As for the mystery itself, I personally found it just OK. I personally think there were too many elements and loose ends for one book. It made it kind of hard to follow and to sleuth along, which are two things I usually love doing in cozies.
There were also a couple of deus ex machina moments that I really didn't enjoy. For example, it it's awfully convenient that EJ's grandfather is also a retired spy who still chats with his old friends about American intelligence-gathering.
If you love evocative settings in your cozies, this one might be for you, but if you're more interested in the mystery component, maybe I'd consider a different one.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
January 22, 2020
Emma-Joy Ferris (EJ to friends and associates), enjoys the people she works with and her friends at the mall where she is a mall cop. There's not much really big going on and she'd really like to work with a regular police force, but the injury to her knee she got in Afghanistan while in the military is causing problems with that ambition. Then someone sets all the snakes, turtles and lizards loose in the Herpetology Hut one night after breaking in. That same morning a naked body is discovered by a mall walker in a storefront window. The local detective is not really interested in her opinions or her knowledge of crime scene procedure. And the reptiles are not overly anxious to be found, especially a 15 foot python named Agatha. Also, she hates her boss and the mall manager. But her best friend is running her aunt's shop in the mall so it gives her a place to go and vent on break.
EJ also has other problems occupying her attention. Her grandfather lives in the same time and refuses to consider himself as retired from the CIA. He's always spying on people and tailing them - occasionally some in the mall. He's always looking for something to get up to and injures himself moer than once. He expects the CIA to call him back to service any time......
I would probably enjoy reading the rest of these for a break when I need some entertainment and relaxation. Not serious, but not dull.
EJ also has other problems occupying her attention. Her grandfather lives in the same time and refuses to consider himself as retired from the CIA. He's always spying on people and tailing them - occasionally some in the mall. He's always looking for something to get up to and injures himself moer than once. He expects the CIA to call him back to service any time......
I would probably enjoy reading the rest of these for a break when I need some entertainment and relaxation. Not serious, but not dull.
January 16, 2016
Emma-Joy Ferris (EJ) was serving her country in Iraq when shrapnel from an IED blast mangled her knee and lower leg and got her medically discharged and sent home. Her dream is to work for any police department stateside but all she has received is rejections. The only job similar that she now has is being a mall cop for Fernglen Galleria just outside of Vernonville, Virginia.
Most days are spent deterring shoplifters, giving directions, and cruising the mall on her Segway. Today is much more interesting, vandals are painting bible passages on vehicles in the parking lot, someone has liberated all the reptiles from the Herpetology Hut, including Agatha, a 15 foot python, and oh yes, a dead naked man was found in a boutique window.
EJ's feathers get ruffled when an arrogant police detective brushes her off as just a mall cop. There are snakes loose in the mall and a killer on the loose in Vernonville and EJ plans to round them all up by herself if necessary. With her military experience and the help of her grandfather who is retired from the CIA she knows she can solve the case before the police and is determined to do just that unless she gets herself killed first.
An pleasing debut to what should be a very interesting series. I love EJ, and could feel her pain both internal and external as she fights for what she wants but has to settle for what her body allows her to do. This resonates very personally with me. I am very interested in where the author takes this character in the future. A mall can be ripe with possibilities.
As for the mystery and the plot, they were both very good and while very entertaining were needing more depth, which I am sure will come as the author grows more comfortable with these characters and setting. This is definitely a series to watch, the foundation has been set and the possibilities are endless.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Most days are spent deterring shoplifters, giving directions, and cruising the mall on her Segway. Today is much more interesting, vandals are painting bible passages on vehicles in the parking lot, someone has liberated all the reptiles from the Herpetology Hut, including Agatha, a 15 foot python, and oh yes, a dead naked man was found in a boutique window.
EJ's feathers get ruffled when an arrogant police detective brushes her off as just a mall cop. There are snakes loose in the mall and a killer on the loose in Vernonville and EJ plans to round them all up by herself if necessary. With her military experience and the help of her grandfather who is retired from the CIA she knows she can solve the case before the police and is determined to do just that unless she gets herself killed first.
An pleasing debut to what should be a very interesting series. I love EJ, and could feel her pain both internal and external as she fights for what she wants but has to settle for what her body allows her to do. This resonates very personally with me. I am very interested in where the author takes this character in the future. A mall can be ripe with possibilities.
As for the mystery and the plot, they were both very good and while very entertaining were needing more depth, which I am sure will come as the author grows more comfortable with these characters and setting. This is definitely a series to watch, the foundation has been set and the possibilities are endless.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 11, 2020
What a cute, funny, light hearted book!!
August 27, 2011
As a former Woman Marine (USMC) I really enjoyed the main sleuth, E.J. Ferris. Our E.J is a true Veteran of Afghanistan/Iraq. Having received a military Medical Discharge, E.J's heart is still in law enforcement but her war injuries has her working as a 'Mall Cop.' Do not feel sorry for E.J though, she is a determined, strong-willed, and smart Cop.
Whether it is a dealing with environmental, animal,religious protestors, or with blatant murders, E.J. is on top of the cases, to the annoyance of the local police department.
This debut book had humor, clever plots, characters, I really enjoyed, even some of the naughty ones, and a pace that kept me reading. I really want to know what happens next to E.J. as I truly liked her.
Thanks to Author, Laura DiSilverio for daring to write about a maimed Veteran and do it with pride and strength.
Whether it is a dealing with environmental, animal,religious protestors, or with blatant murders, E.J. is on top of the cases, to the annoyance of the local police department.
This debut book had humor, clever plots, characters, I really enjoyed, even some of the naughty ones, and a pace that kept me reading. I really want to know what happens next to E.J. as I truly liked her.
Thanks to Author, Laura DiSilverio for daring to write about a maimed Veteran and do it with pride and strength.
October 8, 2020
EJ is a mall cop patrolling the stores. Her day stars with a break-in at the Reptile Hut with a bunch of snakes and lizards and whatnots possibly loose in the mall. Yikes!
The whole thing reads kind of slow with character intros and mall layouts. Just nothing but stale mall shenanigans. Kinda boring.
It’s lame that these mall cops have military experience and try to act tougher than they are. Not a good read.
The whole thing reads kind of slow with character intros and mall layouts. Just nothing but stale mall shenanigans. Kinda boring.
It’s lame that these mall cops have military experience and try to act tougher than they are. Not a good read.
July 10, 2024
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
This one sounded interesting and I am glad I got a copy. Die Buying is a cozy mystery set at a mall where main character EJ Ferris works as a mall cop. This setting was quite different from the usual small town setting of most cozies, but I thought it made for a fun chance of location. I liked reading about the mall and in a sense the mall felt a bit like it's own little town.
This book grabbed my attention from the start, the unique setting and the writing style both worked for me and I quickly got pulled into the story. There are plenty of suspects and some interesting twists and turns. The mystery kept me guessing, although I did manage to guess the killer correctly. I liked how the main character mostly figures it out before the killer confronts her. I enjoyed seeing the mystery progress and the way EJ investigated things. There is some clashing with the law enforcement that felt a bit typical for the genre and I don't particular care for, but at least the detectives seemed competent enough.
I liked reading about EJ Ferris, I thought her characterization was well done and her actions all felt in-character. There were times I didn't always like her behavior, she could be a bit judgemental and argumentative at times, but I always felt it made sense the way she acted and fit her character. She felt real with her struggles and past, the way she used to be in the military and now a mall cop and how she felt about that. I thought it made sense why she got involved in the mystery. She handled things in a smart manner most of the time and the times she didn't, it made sense given her thoughts and emotions in those scenes.
Besides EJ there are some interesting side characters, from her co-worker Joel to her grandfather who is a retired CIA operative. Not all characters are likable, but there is a nice cast of characters with varying personalities and I liked seeing the characters come to life.
This was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed Andrea Emmes style for this book. It was pleasant to listen to and enough variety in voices for all the characters. I would happily listen to books she narrates again.
To summarize: I had a great time listening to this cozy mystery. The mall setting felt fresh and was fun to read about. The mystery kept me guessing for a while, but I managed to figure out who the killer was before the main character did. I like how the main character figured most of it out before the confrontation. I liked reading about EJ Ferris, she felt like a realistic character and it made sense why she acted the way she did. There were a few times I didn't like her behavior especially when she acted judgmental or argumentative, but I felt her behavior made sense given her personality and the situation. The narrator was pleasant to listen to and I liked the variety in the voices she did. I look forward to continuing the series!
This one sounded interesting and I am glad I got a copy. Die Buying is a cozy mystery set at a mall where main character EJ Ferris works as a mall cop. This setting was quite different from the usual small town setting of most cozies, but I thought it made for a fun chance of location. I liked reading about the mall and in a sense the mall felt a bit like it's own little town.
This book grabbed my attention from the start, the unique setting and the writing style both worked for me and I quickly got pulled into the story. There are plenty of suspects and some interesting twists and turns. The mystery kept me guessing, although I did manage to guess the killer correctly. I liked how the main character mostly figures it out before the killer confronts her. I enjoyed seeing the mystery progress and the way EJ investigated things. There is some clashing with the law enforcement that felt a bit typical for the genre and I don't particular care for, but at least the detectives seemed competent enough.
I liked reading about EJ Ferris, I thought her characterization was well done and her actions all felt in-character. There were times I didn't always like her behavior, she could be a bit judgemental and argumentative at times, but I always felt it made sense the way she acted and fit her character. She felt real with her struggles and past, the way she used to be in the military and now a mall cop and how she felt about that. I thought it made sense why she got involved in the mystery. She handled things in a smart manner most of the time and the times she didn't, it made sense given her thoughts and emotions in those scenes.
Besides EJ there are some interesting side characters, from her co-worker Joel to her grandfather who is a retired CIA operative. Not all characters are likable, but there is a nice cast of characters with varying personalities and I liked seeing the characters come to life.
This was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed Andrea Emmes style for this book. It was pleasant to listen to and enough variety in voices for all the characters. I would happily listen to books she narrates again.
To summarize: I had a great time listening to this cozy mystery. The mall setting felt fresh and was fun to read about. The mystery kept me guessing for a while, but I managed to figure out who the killer was before the main character did. I like how the main character figured most of it out before the confrontation. I liked reading about EJ Ferris, she felt like a realistic character and it made sense why she acted the way she did. There were a few times I didn't like her behavior especially when she acted judgmental or argumentative, but I felt her behavior made sense given her personality and the situation. The narrator was pleasant to listen to and I liked the variety in the voices she did. I look forward to continuing the series!
January 4, 2020
This started with the mad escape of creatures from the Herpetology Hut and E.J. Ferris, the mall cop has that and a local developer found dead in a window display of an expensive clothing shop. E. J. was not a typical mall cop but ex-CIA operative who had extensive damage to her knee, so much that she could not continue to work. E. J. had not given up, she was still applying to police departments in her off time. I really liked the portrayal of her cat, Fubar and of her Grandfather who understood why she wanted to keep going in her occupation rather than take it easy and being bored to death with her mother's plans for.
My only disappointment was there were too many characters and that dampened the interest a bit with the mystery. You have her mother and father, grandfather, co-employees, best friend and her old boyfriend, the shop owners and employers and many added suspects. More depth and fewer characters would be the way to go. Grandfather, Fubar and her best friend would great for any future cozy and more detail about them would have been welcomed.
I really enjoyed the humor in this cozy, great funny situations and turns of phrases.
I bought this paperback myself and enjoyed it quite bit but there were ways to improve it.
My only disappointment was there were too many characters and that dampened the interest a bit with the mystery. You have her mother and father, grandfather, co-employees, best friend and her old boyfriend, the shop owners and employers and many added suspects. More depth and fewer characters would be the way to go. Grandfather, Fubar and her best friend would great for any future cozy and more detail about them would have been welcomed.
I really enjoyed the humor in this cozy, great funny situations and turns of phrases.
I bought this paperback myself and enjoyed it quite bit but there were ways to improve it.
August 30, 2020
Die Buying is the first in the Mall Cop series. This series was recommended to me multiple times by multiple cozy readers but I’ve never picked it up because,quite frankly, the theme did nothing for me, a mall cop or malls in general just didn’t seem appealing. I really regret now that I didn’t because this series ended up having a rather short run, a 3 book series, and it really is excellent. The protagonist is a veteran on military medical discharge. She was an MP and hasn’t had any luck finding civilian police work and took the closest work to it. The story line is well done and there is an interesting cast of supporting characters. A well written engaging cozy mystery. I am going to finish the series.
August 22, 2017
This one fell a little flat to me. I just didn't find EJ to be a great character, but I loved her grandpa. The mystery was okay. Some of the parts that were supposed to be surprising were too predictable.
July 15, 2024
Emma-Joy is a mall cop while trying to get into a police dept and recovering from a knee injury sustained in combat. Emma-Joy is not a joy 🙄👀🤐 there’s a snake lurking in the mall, a murder to solve and Emma is being rude to everyone
November 26, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this, my chuckling keeping hubby awake!
October 29, 2011
I loved this book. The main character is flawed and I like that about her. She was injured while serving in the military police, her knee is in such bad shape that she can't work in the civilian police. She still seems to have nightmares about what happened. I like that she's a little self consious about how her leg looks, but isn't obsessed with it like a lot of 'cozy' mystery characters are with their physical flaws. The closest she can get to working police work is being a mall cop, which normal cops seem to look down on. The author did a great job working some smaller mysteries into the main murder mystery. Christian car graffitti and a break-out from the pet store of its snakes, turtles, etc. bring some interesting side-twists. Her military experience has the main character sharing a lot of detail, but it isn't overwhelming. I also like that some of the character's secrets aren't revealed in the story, I'm hoping that the author will reveal more about them in the second book. Her grandfather is one of my favorite characters in this book.
July 29, 2012
I honestly didn't expect much from this book, so I was pleasantly surprised. My dubiousness had a lot to do, I admit, with the fact that I don't particularly like shopping. (Huh. I used to loathe it; I wonder when that stopped being true?)
Anyway, E.J. Ferris is an engaging heroine, determined to make her own way in the world; yet the fact that she doesn't, strictly speaking, *have* to actually makes it more credible that she does things that could easily jeopardize her job. The ex-CIA grandfather is, perhaps, pushing it a bit, but he's so much fun that it's hard to care while the book is going on.
The novel also features a pretty good whodunit, a police detective who doesn't stop to listen often enough, and a passel of escaped reptiles. Or rather, "liberated" reptiles. DiSilverio properly follows the rule of Chekhov's gun (I was quite looking forward to that for a good chunk of the book) and weaves two ongoing mall security problems into the story along with the murder thread to good effect. All in all, a satisfying book.
Anyway, E.J. Ferris is an engaging heroine, determined to make her own way in the world; yet the fact that she doesn't, strictly speaking, *have* to actually makes it more credible that she does things that could easily jeopardize her job. The ex-CIA grandfather is, perhaps, pushing it a bit, but he's so much fun that it's hard to care while the book is going on.
The novel also features a pretty good whodunit, a police detective who doesn't stop to listen often enough, and a passel of escaped reptiles. Or rather, "liberated" reptiles. DiSilverio properly follows the rule of Chekhov's gun (I was quite looking forward to that for a good chunk of the book) and weaves two ongoing mall security problems into the story along with the murder thread to good effect. All in all, a satisfying book.
November 11, 2012
average mystery with some very cliched characters...the annoying or unlikable men are described as varying shades of blond, the super successful black best friend, etc. Boring! Also, the protaganist has a serious chip on her shoulder..she used to be a military cop, but because of injuries can not be hired as a cop stateside...so she is working as a mall cop but gets angry because local law enforcement doesn't take her seriously, nor will they compromise their investigation by sharing details with her. well duh! Why doesn't she become a private investigator?? Then it turns out, she's the child of a movie star to boot PLUS her grandfather is a former CIA agent. Sigh. This one is just all over the place. no realism at all.
June 21, 2013
An interesting first book in the Mall Cop mystery series. The author uses her military background as background for her protagonist, a retired military security police officer who has been wounded in action and is now downgraded to the position of mall cop. I enjoyed the interaction of the protagonist and the other characters, although the "real" police officers' characterization often felt cliched. There was too much going on in this book for my taste, from finding and returning missing reptiles that had been released from from the Herpes Hut, to multiple murders, and then the "mystery" surrounding Jay, the cookie entrepreneur who may or may not be a police officer himself. At times, the progress of the story seemed unfocused.
December 29, 2019
Enjoyable and Entertaining!
As a retail employee who spent 5 years working at a mall like the one EJ polices, I could not pass up this first entry to the Mall Cop series. I was drawn in from the beginning. The writing and characterization is superb and makes me want more. EJ is genuinely sharp and her wit is devastatingly hilarious. I downloaded the next 2 books in the series before I was even finished with this one. Lots of fun and I can't wait to see what else EJ gets into!
As a retail employee who spent 5 years working at a mall like the one EJ polices, I could not pass up this first entry to the Mall Cop series. I was drawn in from the beginning. The writing and characterization is superb and makes me want more. EJ is genuinely sharp and her wit is devastatingly hilarious. I downloaded the next 2 books in the series before I was even finished with this one. Lots of fun and I can't wait to see what else EJ gets into!
August 10, 2011
Spending time with mall cop E.J. Ferris is nearly as much fun as shopping the after-Christmas sales! She’s bright, thoughtful, and spunky with a great backstory that makes her oh-so-human. In fact, Emma Joy (E.J.) is the perfect antidote to buyer’s remorse. With its twisty plot and sparkling cast of secondary characters, Laura DiSilverio’s latest book deserves a spot on your “must buy” list.
September 12, 2018
I seem to be in gulping-down-light-mysteries mode and I just can't get out of it--as the "serious" books accumulate on my library holds shelf....Laura DiSilverio's "mall cop" series seems like a fun one to be stuck in, though--interesting, engaging protagonist, odd murder, nice side stories, and excellent dialog. Moving on to book 2.
August 23, 2011
Not a bad read...not stellar, but not bad. The main character is a bit abrasive, but I think she could grow on me. Loved her grandpa! I'll read the next one.
January 19, 2013
very very good. a very different kind of heroine! Already reading the next one.
November 21, 2023
Air Force veteran Emma Joy (EJ)Ferris is now a mall guard, trying to make a difference, and not loving it. She gets an unexpected chance to prove herself when she discovers a murdered body in the display window of one of the mall's shops.
And, I want to like the MC, but this book is way too convenient, with EJ too lackluster. I think that I am most disgusted by the cop love interest treating her with zero respect (the first time he talks to her he tells her to go fetch him a sandwich), and her constantly going, 'well he's a jerk, but so hot!' Makes my skin crawl...
Clues and opportunities fall out of nowhere into EJ's lap. Some things that happen make zero sense. Two evangelists are trying to evangelize by graffiting people's cars? And they hit EIGHT malls every night??? How is that fricking possible? Even if that's physically possible, they're a couple of bozos, not criminal geniuses, how are they never caught?
The book ends even more disappointingly than it progressed. EJ is getting nowhere, so the killer pops out and tries to kill her because she's "getting too close". Said killer can't shoot EJ when she's running away on a Segway. Then when EJ hides in the bushes the killer orders her to come out instead of shooting her dead.
Really tepid all over, the attempt to be suspenseful in the end being by far the worst.
And, I want to like the MC, but this book is way too convenient, with EJ too lackluster. I think that I am most disgusted by the cop love interest treating her with zero respect (the first time he talks to her he tells her to go fetch him a sandwich), and her constantly going, 'well he's a jerk, but so hot!' Makes my skin crawl...
Clues and opportunities fall out of nowhere into EJ's lap. Some things that happen make zero sense. Two evangelists are trying to evangelize by graffiting people's cars? And they hit EIGHT malls every night??? How is that fricking possible? Even if that's physically possible, they're a couple of bozos, not criminal geniuses, how are they never caught?
The book ends even more disappointingly than it progressed. EJ is getting nowhere, so the killer pops out and tries to kill her because she's "getting too close". Said killer can't shoot EJ when she's running away on a Segway. Then when EJ hides in the bushes the killer orders her to come out instead of shooting her dead.
Really tepid all over, the attempt to be suspenseful in the end being by far the worst.
November 28, 2021
A cozy mystery series set at a large shopping mall?
YES, PLEASE!
As soon as I discovered these, I bought all three volumes at once. Malls have an odd fascination for me on a number of levels, so whenever I find a book, a YouTube video, or a movie that features one, I'm all over it.
(This isn't my first cozy mystery series, mind you, but the setting was certainly the primary factor that drew me in here!)
The main character is a mall cop, a veteran--with a bad knee wounded in battle--who really wants a regular police job but has a hard time finding one due to the injury. So meanwhile, she helps old ladies find their cars and chases down graffiti artists who like to tag mall customers' vehicles with Bible verses.
That is, before a murder happens at a high-end mall boutique and makes things a little more interesting than usual!
This was a fun one and didn't disappoint in the least. The side characters are quite colorful at times and are often just as interesting as the heroine.
And the references to mall culture that I came looking for were certainly there in spades. I loved it!
YES, PLEASE!
As soon as I discovered these, I bought all three volumes at once. Malls have an odd fascination for me on a number of levels, so whenever I find a book, a YouTube video, or a movie that features one, I'm all over it.
(This isn't my first cozy mystery series, mind you, but the setting was certainly the primary factor that drew me in here!)
The main character is a mall cop, a veteran--with a bad knee wounded in battle--who really wants a regular police job but has a hard time finding one due to the injury. So meanwhile, she helps old ladies find their cars and chases down graffiti artists who like to tag mall customers' vehicles with Bible verses.
That is, before a murder happens at a high-end mall boutique and makes things a little more interesting than usual!
This was a fun one and didn't disappoint in the least. The side characters are quite colorful at times and are often just as interesting as the heroine.
And the references to mall culture that I came looking for were certainly there in spades. I loved it!
October 26, 2023
4.5 Stars
On the night that someone allowed all the serpents to slither free from the mall pet store, a more nefarious deed was afoot. Alerted by a scream the following morning, mall security officer EJ Farris discovered the body of a nude male posed inside one of the upmarket clothing stores. Thwarted by her efforts to work with the local police, EJ decides to take on the case herself to solve it before the mall gains an unsavoury reputation.
I knew I was going to like this story. I did not realize I was going to love it. From the start, EJ won me over with her nonsense attitude that was at odds with her droll sense of humour. Slightly snarky and more than a little worse for wear, EJ has returned from a tour of duty with the US Air Force with a souvenir in the form of a damaged knee. Rather than letting her disability stand in her way, she's adjusted to her new reality and is still working to improve her situation. So admirable!
And, when I looked at the author's credentials, it became readily apparent that Laura DiSilverio has the background to build such a solid world. I am looking forward (with great anticipation) to many more books from the author.
On the night that someone allowed all the serpents to slither free from the mall pet store, a more nefarious deed was afoot. Alerted by a scream the following morning, mall security officer EJ Farris discovered the body of a nude male posed inside one of the upmarket clothing stores. Thwarted by her efforts to work with the local police, EJ decides to take on the case herself to solve it before the mall gains an unsavoury reputation.
I knew I was going to like this story. I did not realize I was going to love it. From the start, EJ won me over with her nonsense attitude that was at odds with her droll sense of humour. Slightly snarky and more than a little worse for wear, EJ has returned from a tour of duty with the US Air Force with a souvenir in the form of a damaged knee. Rather than letting her disability stand in her way, she's adjusted to her new reality and is still working to improve her situation. So admirable!
And, when I looked at the author's credentials, it became readily apparent that Laura DiSilverio has the background to build such a solid world. I am looking forward (with great anticipation) to many more books from the author.
September 5, 2017
This is a great start in a detective series. The main character is a war veteran that works as a mall cop at a large shopping mall in Virginia. A leg injury suffered on the battlefield has perverted EJ 'Emma Joy' Ferris for doing what she wanted more then ever to become a police officer, the only carreer she can muster is as a mall security guard, where her days include pursuing shoplifters, rounding up reptiles, and looking for vandals, that is until one day she spots the body of a big shot mall developer propped up in one of the store displays. She decides to "play" detective and show the real cops that she's one of them. The rest of the story is very entertaining and interesting. The mystery is great to figure out. I definitely like the idea of a mall cop with PTSD in other then in an action hero movie, it's toned down for that semi cozy mystery fell, but feels more like crime fiction.
December 8, 2019
If you're a fan of Sue Grafton or Donna Andrews then DIE BUYING by Laura DiSilverio may be right up your alley. It's a little edgier than your average cozy and features an ex-military cop named E.J who, due to her injuries suffered in the line of duty, is currently working security at the local mall.
She's got a grandpa in his 80's whose ex-CIA, a dad whose a Hollywood big-wig, a few quirky friends around the mall, an abrasive relationship with the local cop (of course he's a hunk....this is a cozy and that's SOP) and a definite knack for finding trouble in the form of dead bodies.
Ms. DeSilverio herself is ex-military and seems to have a special place in her heart for this protagonist. She has taken mystery and personal drama to create a highly entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
She's got a grandpa in his 80's whose ex-CIA, a dad whose a Hollywood big-wig, a few quirky friends around the mall, an abrasive relationship with the local cop (of course he's a hunk....this is a cozy and that's SOP) and a definite knack for finding trouble in the form of dead bodies.
Ms. DeSilverio herself is ex-military and seems to have a special place in her heart for this protagonist. She has taken mystery and personal drama to create a highly entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
December 17, 2020
Enjoyable read
Good book with interesting characters, loved Grandpa haha. I like the unusual setting of working as security in a mall. It’s a fresh idea I haven’t seen before. The main character back story is great and makes her all the more interesting. Its nice to see a female lead who has a strong past and isn’t tied into a love gone wrong angle. The book moves at a pretty good pace and kept me interested. My only negative would be that at times I felt some on the characters were too physically described. I like the idea of knowing what characters look like but felt it was over done at times. Over all I liked this book and will add this series to my list of To Be Read Books.
Good book with interesting characters, loved Grandpa haha. I like the unusual setting of working as security in a mall. It’s a fresh idea I haven’t seen before. The main character back story is great and makes her all the more interesting. Its nice to see a female lead who has a strong past and isn’t tied into a love gone wrong angle. The book moves at a pretty good pace and kept me interested. My only negative would be that at times I felt some on the characters were too physically described. I like the idea of knowing what characters look like but felt it was over done at times. Over all I liked this book and will add this series to my list of To Be Read Books.
October 19, 2019
Die Buying is a well-written cozy mystery with plenty of suspects, motives, and twists and turns. Plus, a few red herrings are thrown in to keep it lively. EJ is likable with a good head on her shoulders. Grandpa is quite a character. It was nice reading about an 80-year-old man who is still spry and full of life. Detective Helland isn't your usual blustering cop. He wants EJ to keep her nose out of police business but he is willing to listen to what she has to say and be reasonable. Jay is an enigma. I didn't like the fact that EJ's boss is an incompetent jerk. So cliche. This is my first book by this author but I will be reading more of her work.
April 11, 2021
Surprisingly good!
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a freebie and I expected it to be a quick fluff read, however, it was good. I see lots of potential for future books in this series. EJ is smart and a lot more than a mall cop. One of my favorite parts of the book is her grandpa. EJ not only is a veteran, her dad is a famous actor, and she is quick on her feet while taking in all the details, this book was good. I also like the writer's style. The dialog between characters was done extremely well. Plus, who doesn't like a bunch of reptiles and a huge python named Agatha on the loose in a mall? This book has a lot to like.
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a freebie and I expected it to be a quick fluff read, however, it was good. I see lots of potential for future books in this series. EJ is smart and a lot more than a mall cop. One of my favorite parts of the book is her grandpa. EJ not only is a veteran, her dad is a famous actor, and she is quick on her feet while taking in all the details, this book was good. I also like the writer's style. The dialog between characters was done extremely well. Plus, who doesn't like a bunch of reptiles and a huge python named Agatha on the loose in a mall? This book has a lot to like.
November 1, 2017
This is the second of this series that I’ve read – But in order it is the first of the series. EJ Ferris is a wounded military policewoman who now works as a mall cop and gets around on a Segway. EJ’s grandpa is an ex-CIA operative who likes to keep his hand in –not always with EJ’s blessing. Starting with a “Freedom” group freeing all the reptiles from the pet store (including a 15 foot python) EJ has her hands full when she discovers a nude male body in the window of an upscale women’s clothing store. More bodies are to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews