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The San Francisco Mystery #1
Bourbon Chase
Librarian Note: An alternative cover edition for ASIN B01MSDC8XQ can be found
here
Jen Dawson is an emergency room physician training for a triathlon in San Francisco. Her boyfriend, Tommy Vietti, is an experienced detective who is loyal to the police force, his Italian family, and Jen.
Amanda Hawthorne is a charismatic District Attorney who prosecutes criminals while fending off attacks from mobsters. As San Francisco's most eligible lesbian, Amanda has her choice of female companions, so why is she attracted to Jen, who is supposedly straight?
When one of Jen's colleagues becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, Tommy and Amanda invade Jen's professional life. Jen sticks up for her physician colleague but discovers she has more in common with Amanda than just butting heads. Will Jen stay with Tommy or choose Amanda?
Jen Dawson is an emergency room physician training for a triathlon in San Francisco. Her boyfriend, Tommy Vietti, is an experienced detective who is loyal to the police force, his Italian family, and Jen.
Amanda Hawthorne is a charismatic District Attorney who prosecutes criminals while fending off attacks from mobsters. As San Francisco's most eligible lesbian, Amanda has her choice of female companions, so why is she attracted to Jen, who is supposedly straight?
When one of Jen's colleagues becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, Tommy and Amanda invade Jen's professional life. Jen sticks up for her physician colleague but discovers she has more in common with Amanda than just butting heads. Will Jen stay with Tommy or choose Amanda?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
291 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Alexi Venice
21 books399 followersAward-winning author Alexi Venice’s legal and crime thrillers with sapphic leads serve up deadly appetizers, spicy main dishes, and HEA desserts. Both the San Francisco Mystery Series and the Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Thirty-four years of practicing law informs Venice’s legal, medical, and crime fiction. Her heart and imagination are pesto on the pizza. When she isn’t writing, Venice is wrangling grandchildren and playing on the lake.
Instagram: alexivenice_author
Twitter: @VeniceAlexi
Website: www.alexivenice.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexivenicenovels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 11, 2019
3.5 stars!
Good introduction with this first installment: intense scenes,it's very intriguing,suspenseful, mystifying and an interesting storyline. Also good plot twists,good supporting cast and adorable leads that the author took the time in writing their side & back stories -- even with chaotic events surrounding them. Readers will get to see their relationship developed from the start. A recommended ongoing series to everyone!
Good introduction with this first installment: intense scenes,it's very intriguing,suspenseful, mystifying and an interesting storyline. Also good plot twists,good supporting cast and adorable leads that the author took the time in writing their side & back stories -- even with chaotic events surrounding them. Readers will get to see their relationship developed from the start. A recommended ongoing series to everyone!
June 24, 2019
OMG! Another epic crime series to add to my favorites. Next to J.M. Redmann’s Mickey Knight (3 books in at this moment) and Max Ellendale’s Four Point series (2 books in so far), I am now totally hooked on Alexi Venice’s San Francisco Mystery series.
Holy cow, Bourbon Chase was an epic start. If you are tempted to start reading this as well, you might as well commit to buy the whole set because it ends on a to be continued and you really want to read on after that, believe me.
Alexi Venice writes a solid murder/mystery with a tight plot and a juicy romance on the side. Boy, do things get intense! We alternate between the pov of District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne, emergency room physician Jen Dawson and her boyfriend, detective Tommy Vietti.
I love the combination of legal (Amanda), police procedure (Tommy) and medical (Jen). All done perfectly (the author has a legal background and she has really done her homework on the other two parts). All characters are well formed and get an equal amount of the spot light. You can tell this author has another successful series under her belt already. She’s the real deal!
The impossible love triangle is handled with integrity from the part of Amanda and Jen. Amanda has worked with Tommy for over 10 years and Jen has been his girlfriend for 3 years. Tommy even proposed to Jen (which she turned down) and has no clue his heart is going to be broken. Both women care for Tommy and don’t want to hurt him but their growing mutual attraction is bigger and cannot be denied.
f/f hot and heavy and very sensual but not a blow by blow account
Themes: San Fran, a murdered colleague, I thought I was straight but who am I kidding, a toaster oven for the DA, I feel bad for Tommy but at the same time I am cheering for Amanda and Jen.
5 stars
Holy cow, Bourbon Chase was an epic start. If you are tempted to start reading this as well, you might as well commit to buy the whole set because it ends on a to be continued and you really want to read on after that, believe me.
Alexi Venice writes a solid murder/mystery with a tight plot and a juicy romance on the side. Boy, do things get intense! We alternate between the pov of District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne, emergency room physician Jen Dawson and her boyfriend, detective Tommy Vietti.
I love the combination of legal (Amanda), police procedure (Tommy) and medical (Jen). All done perfectly (the author has a legal background and she has really done her homework on the other two parts). All characters are well formed and get an equal amount of the spot light. You can tell this author has another successful series under her belt already. She’s the real deal!
The impossible love triangle is handled with integrity from the part of Amanda and Jen. Amanda has worked with Tommy for over 10 years and Jen has been his girlfriend for 3 years. Tommy even proposed to Jen (which she turned down) and has no clue his heart is going to be broken. Both women care for Tommy and don’t want to hurt him but their growing mutual attraction is bigger and cannot be denied.
f/f hot and heavy and very sensual but not a blow by blow account
Themes: San Fran, a murdered colleague, I thought I was straight but who am I kidding, a toaster oven for the DA, I feel bad for Tommy but at the same time I am cheering for Amanda and Jen.
5 stars
June 2, 2022
Humph- not sure about this: a thriller with les-rom backdrop, though angsty as boyfriend ( yes, boyfriend) of one very much part of the tale, so uncomfortable. Rest of series looks equally 'uncomfortable' so not for me.
February 7, 2017
A great mystery that builds up the main characters while keeping you reading to the next page looking for clues about who is the killer! The unexpected romance and sex you just won't find in most mystery novels. I really loved the characters and can't wait to see where Alexi Venice is going to take them next. This book would make a great ski weekend or spring break read!
February 10, 2017
While feeling stressed with daily life issues, I found Bourbon Chase to be a perfect escape. As characters Tommy and Amanda worked to solve a murder, there were many intriguing twists and turns, and then there was romance; unexpected, steamy romance. This book was an intense story that will easily draw readers into the passion and emotion of each character. The story is complete in itself, but I was thrilled to read the final words...." To be continued." I can't wait!
March 13, 2017
I just finished reading Bourbon Chase by Alexi Venice.... Two days and very sad I couldn't put it down because now I am anxiously awaiting the next book....
I was concerned it wasn't a Pepper continuation but shouldn't have been.... It is a great book and the beginning of many more in the series I hope...
Keeps you reading, trust me!!!!
Great job Alexi!!!!
If you haven't read the Pepper series, you need to.... start with the first and read all of them!!! Great books....
I was concerned it wasn't a Pepper continuation but shouldn't have been.... It is a great book and the beginning of many more in the series I hope...
Keeps you reading, trust me!!!!
Great job Alexi!!!!
If you haven't read the Pepper series, you need to.... start with the first and read all of them!!! Great books....
February 3, 2020
I found this story slightly weird it felt like two stories that might overlap, but were really separate. The murder investigation is all Tommy, even though Amanda occasionally makes an appearance. Then there is the ‘romance’ between Jen and Amanda even though Tommy is meant to be Jen’s boyfriend. In terms of number of pages, Tommy is actually the dominant character.
The story developed quite well, although at times I really didn’t understand Jen, her reactions to Tommy and Amanda were bizarre, as if she had real anger management issues. As for the investigation, this wasn’t bad, but it seemed to go over the same information time and time again and felt a bit ‘clunky’.
The story isn’t without it’s problems, including the ending and it could probably have been a little shorter, but overall I enjoyed the book enough for me to want to read the next one.
The story developed quite well, although at times I really didn’t understand Jen, her reactions to Tommy and Amanda were bizarre, as if she had real anger management issues. As for the investigation, this wasn’t bad, but it seemed to go over the same information time and time again and felt a bit ‘clunky’.
The story isn’t without it’s problems, including the ending and it could probably have been a little shorter, but overall I enjoyed the book enough for me to want to read the next one.
April 13, 2020
Venice is a fabulous crime/mystery and suspense writer. She knows and understands the legal system and that is conveyed in her storytelling. The action and drama feels very authentic. The interplay between the police and the DA’s office is written with a keen eye, keeping it quite realistic. Additionally, the story is nicely paced; readers are engaged from the first page and yearn for more. Even though Bourbon Chase is titled a mystery, it contains a lovely undercurrent of romance. The romance is beautifully threaded throughout the story and contributes wonderfully to the overall story arc.
The three main characters are what really drive this series. Jen is a talented, but fiery, ER physician. She has a mind of her own and doesn’t easily fall prey to the whims of others. She is highly competitive and fiercely loyal. People are drawn to her classic Nordic good looks and radiant sunshiny smile. Amanda and Tommy, especially, can’t seem to resist her charm…
Amanda is a go-getter, high powered San Francisco District Attorney that is as equally strong willed as Jen. However, Jen is her newfound weakness, and she’s one that Amanda can’t seem to resist. She is captivated by Jen the moment they meet. For the hint of something more, Amanda is willing to risk just about anything, even her ten year friendship with Tommy…
Tommy is an honorable man working an honorable job. He proudly serves and protects the citizens of San Francisco, working as a detective for the Hall of Justice. He was born into a close-knit, hard working Italian family that nurtures and supports him. He longs for a life with Jen and envisions a future filled with love and family, much like his own. The only question is…does Jen long for that, too?
I started The San Francisco Mystery Series backwards, reading #SandyBottom first. Once I finished it though, I knew I had to go back to the beginning and learn more about these characters. I needed to know their backstory and how it all began. Let me tell you, I’m so glad I did! This book sets the stage for a wonderfully compelling series. The characters are beyond intriguing. Yes, they are a bit flawed and their relationships are somewhat messy, but they’re each so likable. Their vulnerabilities make them alluring and charming characters. Plus, the legal drama that binds this story together is both captivating and enthralling; it is an engrossing a page turner.
I highly recommend this book. Venice is a skilled writer. She has earned her stripes, penning a story that is both gripping and provocative. Bourbon Chase, book one of The San Francisco Mystery Series, provides a fantastic foundation for the series. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this set. I’d encourage anyone that enjoys a well plotted mystery full of intrigue and romance to pick this book up and begin the series.
The three main characters are what really drive this series. Jen is a talented, but fiery, ER physician. She has a mind of her own and doesn’t easily fall prey to the whims of others. She is highly competitive and fiercely loyal. People are drawn to her classic Nordic good looks and radiant sunshiny smile. Amanda and Tommy, especially, can’t seem to resist her charm…
Amanda is a go-getter, high powered San Francisco District Attorney that is as equally strong willed as Jen. However, Jen is her newfound weakness, and she’s one that Amanda can’t seem to resist. She is captivated by Jen the moment they meet. For the hint of something more, Amanda is willing to risk just about anything, even her ten year friendship with Tommy…
Tommy is an honorable man working an honorable job. He proudly serves and protects the citizens of San Francisco, working as a detective for the Hall of Justice. He was born into a close-knit, hard working Italian family that nurtures and supports him. He longs for a life with Jen and envisions a future filled with love and family, much like his own. The only question is…does Jen long for that, too?
I started The San Francisco Mystery Series backwards, reading #SandyBottom first. Once I finished it though, I knew I had to go back to the beginning and learn more about these characters. I needed to know their backstory and how it all began. Let me tell you, I’m so glad I did! This book sets the stage for a wonderfully compelling series. The characters are beyond intriguing. Yes, they are a bit flawed and their relationships are somewhat messy, but they’re each so likable. Their vulnerabilities make them alluring and charming characters. Plus, the legal drama that binds this story together is both captivating and enthralling; it is an engrossing a page turner.
I highly recommend this book. Venice is a skilled writer. She has earned her stripes, penning a story that is both gripping and provocative. Bourbon Chase, book one of The San Francisco Mystery Series, provides a fantastic foundation for the series. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this set. I’d encourage anyone that enjoys a well plotted mystery full of intrigue and romance to pick this book up and begin the series.
April 1, 2018
The performance was terrible. The pace was so fast it reminded me of a high school speech class. The story premise was interesting but the execution failed to bring the characters to life.
June 25, 2019
Dr. Jen Dawson has been dating SFPD Detective Tommy Vietta for three years. Dr. Dawson works at San Francisco Community Hospital and Tommy works in Homicide. Amanda Hawthorne is the District Attorney who works closely with Tommy on prosecuting homicide cases.
Natasha Farber, the ultrasound tech at Community Hospital is found dead in her apartment and one of the main suspects is Dr. Lane Wallace who has befriended Natasha after she split from her abusive husband Blake. The trouble is, Dr. Wallace has also taken ill with the same type of malady that killed Natasha Farber.
Meanwhile, Tommy decides that three years is enough time to have dated Dr. Dawson, so he asks her to marry him. Enter DA Hawthorne to throw a wrench into that plan!
Yes, there are a lot of people in this book, but each of them has a role to play.
This is a wild ride through the investigation and litigation of Natasha's death, and I have found that Alexi Venice's books get their hooks into you and they don't let go. This is the first of a series of (so far) five books. I have read this one, the second one and am half finished with the third one at this moment. I don't usually get too involved with series, but this is such a good story that I can't wait to get to the rest of the books!
Natasha Farber, the ultrasound tech at Community Hospital is found dead in her apartment and one of the main suspects is Dr. Lane Wallace who has befriended Natasha after she split from her abusive husband Blake. The trouble is, Dr. Wallace has also taken ill with the same type of malady that killed Natasha Farber.
Meanwhile, Tommy decides that three years is enough time to have dated Dr. Dawson, so he asks her to marry him. Enter DA Hawthorne to throw a wrench into that plan!
Yes, there are a lot of people in this book, but each of them has a role to play.
This is a wild ride through the investigation and litigation of Natasha's death, and I have found that Alexi Venice's books get their hooks into you and they don't let go. This is the first of a series of (so far) five books. I have read this one, the second one and am half finished with the third one at this moment. I don't usually get too involved with series, but this is such a good story that I can't wait to get to the rest of the books!
October 20, 2019
Murder, mystery & medicine wrapped up in love & broken hearts
“Inconvenient truths had emerged that would set her on a course she hadn’t anticipated. A course that would upset her world as she knew it. As Tommy knew it. As her family knew it.”
“Amanda was the disturbance in Jen’s life, shattering her ordinary and predictable route.”
+ • + • + • +
An action-packed, entertaining story. The characters were very relatable & likeable along with a storyline that was well developed, effectively paced & intriguingly engaging.
Its a police investigation, sexual realization & unleashed passions storyline built on malice, murder, mystery, mistakes, medicine, manipulation, misery & moments.
Looking forward to the next book of this series, how this story evolves & where it will take us.
“Inconvenient truths had emerged that would set her on a course she hadn’t anticipated. A course that would upset her world as she knew it. As Tommy knew it. As her family knew it.”
“Amanda was the disturbance in Jen’s life, shattering her ordinary and predictable route.”
+ • + • + • +
An action-packed, entertaining story. The characters were very relatable & likeable along with a storyline that was well developed, effectively paced & intriguingly engaging.
Its a police investigation, sexual realization & unleashed passions storyline built on malice, murder, mystery, mistakes, medicine, manipulation, misery & moments.
Looking forward to the next book of this series, how this story evolves & where it will take us.
February 7, 2021
A hot romance with a crime story as background. Even though I figured the crime out not even a quarter through the book, the plot for that wasn't that comlicated to see through, the hot romance kept me spellbound till the end.
Hot district Attorney Amanda Hawthorne and emergency doctor Jen Dawson had no idea what would hit them the first time they'd meet, neither how complicated their relationship might turn out. How this resolved, of course, is what makes this book such a gripping read, so ... sorry ... no spoilers!
Here are two accomplished professional adult women, who hadle their irresistible attraction with great difficulty, not because they have persoal hangups, but because of the case they both get involuntarily involvd in. I'll definitely grab the next two of the series, too.
Hot district Attorney Amanda Hawthorne and emergency doctor Jen Dawson had no idea what would hit them the first time they'd meet, neither how complicated their relationship might turn out. How this resolved, of course, is what makes this book such a gripping read, so ... sorry ... no spoilers!
Here are two accomplished professional adult women, who hadle their irresistible attraction with great difficulty, not because they have persoal hangups, but because of the case they both get involuntarily involvd in. I'll definitely grab the next two of the series, too.
January 19, 2023
I did not care for this book. The prose and dialogue are clunky and the story is uninteresting. The wealthy beautiful lesbian district attorney of San Francisco teams up with a detective who is dating a beautiful doctor. The daughter of a billionaire is murdered in what may be a domestic dispute and the da thinks it would be politically helpful for her to take the case. But she is distracted by the cop's girlfriend.
Not believable that an astute politician in a city as large as San Francisco would behave that way. Hand the case to a trial attorney and take the credit if a conviction and pass the blame if not. The doctor is a dolt and the co understandably upset. Messy butnot in a good way.
Not believable that an astute politician in a city as large as San Francisco would behave that way. Hand the case to a trial attorney and take the credit if a conviction and pass the blame if not. The doctor is a dolt and the co understandably upset. Messy butnot in a good way.
November 24, 2018
This book (heck, the whole series) is FANTASTIC! Rarely do books get into my thoughts like these did - I would think about them during the day at work. The two main characters, Amanda & Jen, are people I wish were my real friends (maybe I need to get out more?) Anyhow, the books are so good & I cannot recommend them highly enough. As Venice writes, she occasionally throws in thoughts that the characters have in their minds which I really liked. It was one of the ways that made the characters so real to me. The story line is great, the writing is great, my only complaint is that there aren't more books to the series! More! More! More Venice! :)
September 3, 2017
Bourbon Chase was a wonderful mystery set in San Francisco it follows a detective and DA as they investigate the death of an ultrasound tech several people including an er doctor are investigated another main character is also a female er doc who gets drawn into the investigation as a witness
This is the start of a brand new series that looks to be a good one!
The characters are well drawn out and the action in the investigation keeps the book moving forward. Will be looking forward to more from this new to me author
This is the start of a brand new series that looks to be a good one!
The characters are well drawn out and the action in the investigation keeps the book moving forward. Will be looking forward to more from this new to me author
March 28, 2022
Murder mystery
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of action and drama and a lot of emotion. I like the characters John, Amanda, and Tommy. I found a plot very engaging and well written. The plot begins with murder but it includes a lot more and there’s revolved around the lives of the three characters as they try to solve the mystery. I would recommend this book for all mystery readers.
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of action and drama and a lot of emotion. I like the characters John, Amanda, and Tommy. I found a plot very engaging and well written. The plot begins with murder but it includes a lot more and there’s revolved around the lives of the three characters as they try to solve the mystery. I would recommend this book for all mystery readers.
October 5, 2022
Hot. Hot. Hot.
So hot … and oh, yes, there’s a murder, and a complicated investigation going on, too. But, did I say this book has some real hotness to it! I really liked the working relationship between the D.A. and the detective … but, after the tumultuous love triangle, will there be a working relationship? Will the doctor come to regret her decision, or has she finally begun to live her authentic life? Had to read this in one day, now I must read the rest!
So hot … and oh, yes, there’s a murder, and a complicated investigation going on, too. But, did I say this book has some real hotness to it! I really liked the working relationship between the D.A. and the detective … but, after the tumultuous love triangle, will there be a working relationship? Will the doctor come to regret her decision, or has she finally begun to live her authentic life? Had to read this in one day, now I must read the rest!
March 21, 2022
Bang Out of the Box
What a wonderful way to start a series. I immediately felt in love with Amanda and Jen. These two women are people I want to sit down and have a glass of wine and discuss the day. Their romance is real and full of fire. I even had feelings for Tommy. I cannot wait to continue reading this series.
What a wonderful way to start a series. I immediately felt in love with Amanda and Jen. These two women are people I want to sit down and have a glass of wine and discuss the day. Their romance is real and full of fire. I even had feelings for Tommy. I cannot wait to continue reading this series.
November 26, 2023
Hate to admit, but I think I like Amanda Hawthorne even more than I like Midwestern prosecutor Monica Spade. (Though you should really read that series too.) San Francisco is a great setting for escapism.
It's so satisfying to read dialog that sounds like real people talking. Coupling that with a fast-paced thriller makes for a really nice read.
It's so satisfying to read dialog that sounds like real people talking. Coupling that with a fast-paced thriller makes for a really nice read.
September 12, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters. Sometimes you just get knocked on the head with attraction and you can't fight it. I thought the attraction was well written.
I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters. Sometimes you just get knocked on the head with attraction and you can't fight it. I thought the attraction was well written.
April 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was great, it gripped me from the beginning until the end. I am glad that I have the next book in the series. I can't wait to continue the story.
I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
October 1, 2021
This book is great. A slow burn love story that turns HOT! And a murder mystery mixed in. What's not to love? My two favorite things combined. Terrific writing. Captivating, some great one-liners, and two hot women. I'm in!
April 6, 2022
Alexi thank you so much for your email, I really appreciate it. The whole series of The San Francisco Mystery Series is absolutely a must read, from the start with number 1 up to number 6. Really one of my favorites.
October 5, 2022
I liked it enough to start the 2nd one. It is a suspense plus a romance. I like the F MC's but the way they get together is a little off. I like them together though which bodes well for the next books. The main plot (a murder) is well done.
March 4, 2017
I have read all of Alexi Venice's books. Each one is better than the last. Bourbon Chase stretched Venice's writing to a new level. I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 10, 2018
Book 1, success!
This was a really good story, I can’t say much without giving it away but it’s definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where Jen, Amanda and Tommy go.
This was a really good story, I can’t say much without giving it away but it’s definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where Jen, Amanda and Tommy go.
June 30, 2019
This was hot! Story was pretty good, I liked the characters except Jen was a little too dramatic (or reactionary).
July 27, 2020
Interesting characters with a great relationship triangle, suspenseful scenes, easy to read sentences and paragraphs. Will check out the next book in the series soon.
October 16, 2020
Got hooked! Perfect mix of mystery and romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews