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Lacey & Alex #1

The Dagger of Ill Repute

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Lacey & Alex, roommates in San Francisco, are a barista and a cook by day. By night though, Lacey is a part time private investigator and Alex talks to plants. And they talk back.

In this book, they get dragged into hunting for a lost dagger. Of course, it winds up being so much more than simply a lost dagger.

The pair spend a couple of action-filled weeks travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Barstow to Vegas and all parts between in their hunt for the elusive artifact.

They meet up with loose cannon Stevie and step it up a notch with exploding cars and tension of a whole nother kind, as she makes it clear what she thinks of Lacey.

Olive from Jane Bond shows up with a little tiny insignificant part (heh) and Jane herself has a cameo.

Join Lacey & Alex and Stevie as they have the adventure of a lifetime! Talking plants, explosions, gunfire, mayhem, magic and a little bit of romance all enter the picture before the end, in this slightly humorous, slightly serious, and always fun mystery.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2020

49 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

V.R. Tapscott

17 books33 followers
V.R. Tapscott lives in the desert wastes of Eastern Washington, out among the spiders, snakes and sagebrush. In a house, of course. With a cat, a spousal unit, a mortgage and thirteen computers. The cat makes most of the decisions.

V.R. would love to hear from you at vrtapscott@electrikink.com, and is also on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/VRTapscott.

If you get desperate, you can always visit V.R.’s website at www.electrikink.com.

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5 stars
72 (57%)
4 stars
40 (32%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Darin Miller.
Author 17 books434 followers
May 22, 2024
As a fan of both Jane Bond and V.R. Tapscott in general, it was inevitable that I would cross paths with this titular duo at some point, and as it was selected as the “Book for May” by the Mystic Shadows Facebook group, now seemed like an appropriate time.

The introduction to Lacey and Alex—as well as their introduction to each other—comes at the beginning of a girls’ night out on the town hosted by a mutual friend, Janey. Janey has a van that will almost accommodate the small group of friends, but Janey can’t find her car keys. A quick consult with the waiflike and somewhat mysterious Alex reveals the location of the keys in short order and acts as a sort of “heads-up” to Alex’s innate power of divination, not that Lacey is all that interested. At least, not at first.

The next day, Lacey is approached by a woman while at her day job where she pours coffee and serves treats as a barista. The woman wants to hire Lacey for her actual vocation, private investigation, to locate a missing object. It’s a gold inlaid dagger that is described as little more than a fancy letter opener, but its sentimental family value cannot be underestimated. The pay seems a little exorbitant for finding a family keepsake, but Lacey could use the cash, so she accepts the assignment and sets out to locate the piece. She’s fairly surprised when Alex turns up, offering surefooted guidance on where to find the dagger. Evasive about her sources, Alex is nevertheless correct, and when she shares that Janey has kicked her out of her house, Lacey offers to let Alex crash at her place for a while. Perhaps emboldened by Lacey’s generosity, Alex entrusts her with the source of her secret soothsaying capabilities: she can communicate with plants, and plants observe far more than you might ever anticipate.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

The dagger they recovered appears to be of little value, but there are several other versions floating around out there, and before Lacey has an opportunity to gain any clarification from her client, her client’s murdered body is deposited by the door of Lacey’s day job. Coincidence or warning? Things only get weirder when the murdered woman, apparently a socialite, shows up alive and well on television hours later. Mysterious bundles of cash keep getting delivered to Lacey’s apartment, as if encouraging her to keep pursuing the case and giving her the financial means to do so, so who is Lacey to argue? She and Alex embark on an investigation that will lead them to Los Angeles and Las Vegas before all is said and done.

Along the way, they meet the vexing Stevie, a mysterious operative with her own agenda whose impressive training suggests some sort of covert ops; the only thing obvious about Stevie is she is instantly smitten with Lacey. Together, the three make quite an extraordinary team as they work towards recovering the real dagger and finding out why it has such a nasty reputation.

Steeped in Tapscott’s trademark witty snark, these characters are immediately likeable as they learn about each other on this maiden voyage. Lacey is an open book, wearing her heart on her sleeve and saying exactly what she thinks. There’s never really any doubt where anyone stands with her. Stevie is nearly the opposite, cloaking herself in mystery while making her presence altogether known. She’s always three steps ahead of Lacey. She doesn’t know why she’s so compelled to step out of her comfort zone with Lacey, but she’s completely on board with seeing where things might go, and slowly begins revealing little nuggets of herself along the way. As for Alex—well, she’s the biggest mystery of all. Her ability to communicate with vegetation aside, she’s hiding behind shrugs and smiles, offering little insight into her true motivation. In fact, many chapters end with private little “asides” to readers from Alex’s point of view, suggesting she’s foreseen some sort of future with Lacey that is inescapable and might not end well.

How badly is anyone’s guess because Tapscott did the unthinkable, and I was even forced to ding the overall rating a half-star for this grievous faux pas—the story ended on a freaking cliffhanger! GAH!!! I haven’t dealt well with cliffhangers since (POTENTIAL SPOILER) Han Solo was sealed in carbonite in the final moments of “The Empire Strikes Back,” and I had to wait an interminable three years to find out what happened to him. Time moves pretty flippin’ slowly when you’re thirteen, and I STILL haven’t forgiven George Lucas for that one…

On the plus side, there are already four books total in the series, so we don’t have to wait—although I believe I’ll sit and scowl for a while before diving into #2. That’ll teach Tapscott a lesson. Also on the plus side, there are cameo appearances from Jane Bond, Laney, and Olive from Tapscott’s other series, and it DOES ease the pain, if only a little…

Since most platforms don’t allow for half-stars, the rating will naturally be rounded up to a five star on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Tapscott has introduced another winning ensemble, and I look forward to following their future escapades!
Profile Image for Tambi Smith.
205 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2024
Hold on to your seats, because "Lacey & Alex: The Dagger of Ill Repute" is one wild ride you won't want to miss! From the beginning, V.R. Tapscott throws readers into a whirlwind of intrigue, eagerness, and supernatural wonders. We meet the ever-curious Lacey and the enigmatic Alex through their mutual friend, Janey, and from the get-go, Alex's mysterious aura captivates Lacey. This magnetic pull leads Lacey to invite Alex to be her roommate in the bustling heart of San Francisco. Lacey, a part-time private investigator who moonlights as a barista extraordinaire, secures Alex a cooking gig at the same café. But things take a fantastical twist when Alex reveals she can communicate with plants—and they talk back!
Their seemingly ordinary lives take a chilling turn when a mysterious woman hires Lacey to track down a lost dagger, dismissively calling it a "letter opener,” leading them on the path to DeVil’s Puppies Unlimited, a company that is owned by VCC (Venture Capital Corp). Could this be the connection they are looking for? The plot thickens when this woman is found dead, her body ominously left at the café's doorstep—a possible warning for Lacey to drop her investigation. But wait—Channel 24 News later shows this supposedly dead woman alive at a swanky party with high-profile people from celebrities to political hacks! Determined and undeterred, Lacey dives deeper into the enigma of the Dagger of Ill Repute, with Alex and her botanical allies by her side. Their adventure takes them from the foggy streets of San Francisco to the glitz of Hollywood and the neon lights of Las Vegas, meanwhile encountering the intriguing Stevie, whose ambiguous actions keep readers guessing.
The characters in this book are a delightful mix of humor, wit, and emotional connections with their flirtatious innuendoes. Lacey's unwavering trust in others, as well as her selflessness and altruistic qualities, are both her strengths and her vulnerabilities, while Alex's sweet, shy nature and her unique ability to talk with plants make her an endearing and memorable cinnamon roll character. Stevie is a wild card, constantly hovering between friend and foe, leaving readers eager to see what she’ll do next. In addition, fans of V.R. Tapscott’s Jane Bond series will be thrilled with cameo appearances from Olive and Jane, adding an extra layer of excitement.
"The Dagger of Ill Repute" is an electrifying read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its captivating storyline, unexpected twists, and mind-bending cliffhanger, it’s a book that promises a rollercoaster of thrills. V.R. Tapscott masterfully weaves a narrative filled with ambiguity and depth, forcing readers to question characters and events. The uncertainty only heightens the tension and satisfaction of this enthralling tale. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a blend of humor, explosive action, and supernatural intrigue. Fasten your seatbelts, because this book is a standout addition to any fantasy lover’s bookshelf!
510 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2022
Quirky and fun but the mystery is disorganized
Audiobook version: 4 stars overall, 4 stars story, 5 stars narration

I was quite charmed and entertained by this fun and quirky LGBTQ urban fantasy and mystery set in San Francisco and few nearby cities. This book has an intriguing cliffhanger, and it is a continuous story over 4 books. I loved the two main characters, Lacey and Alex, but don’t expect any romance. The story is mostly cozy. There is occasionally a little violence and a few sexual references. I don’t remember any bad language. The story is told in first person mostly from the perspective of Lacey, a lesbian barista in her late 20s who is a part-time private detective, and a few short chapters from the perspective of Alex. Alex is an underfed young woman who has the psychic powers of communicating with plants and a little bit of precognition.
While I am planning on listening to the next book, I am slightly annoyed at a couple of issues with the writing that caused me to rate it 4 stars instead of 5. First, the author doesn’t organize the mystery very well or think through the details of the mystery. For example, when a lady is murdered and the same lady still seems to be alive, the detective should at least think about how that could happen. Lacey and Alex don’t speculate at all; therefore, Lacey is not a very good detective. Mystery readers might find this annoying like I do. Secondly, the wacky plot twists took me by surprise and changed the genre during the book. At first I didn’t like it, but I can forgive an urban fantasy for doing this kind of thing.
The narrator Carol Schneider did an excellent job. She elevated the text to a higher level with her distinctive character voices, great comic timing, and deftly nuanced emoting. I love her voices for Lacey and Alex. Carol Schneider really brings though the building friendship between them and their witty banter and makes the book sound cozy. There were a few mispronounced words but not enough to bother me.
I requested and received a free audiobook code from the #Flock group, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #Flock, #AudiobookObsession
Profile Image for H.C Harper.
Author 5 books5 followers
June 7, 2023
We are introduced to the captivating world of Lacey and Alex, two roommates with unconventional day jobs and extraordinary hidden talents. This delightful adventure takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the bustling streets of San Francisco, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the flashy casinos of Las Vegas.
By day, Lacey is a skilled barista, serving up delicious cups of coffee to the locals, while Alex works her magic as a talented cook, tantalizing taste buds with her culinary creations. However, when the sun sets, their lives take an intriguing turn. Lacey becomes a part-time private investigator, using her sharp wit and relentless determination to solve mysteries. On the other hand, Alex possesses a unique ability to communicate with plants, uncovering secrets that lie hidden beneath the earth. This unusual dynamic duo forms the backbone of the story and infuses it with an enchanting blend of humor and wonder.
The narrative unfolds when Lacey and Alex find themselves entangled in the search for a lost dagger, a seemingly straightforward task that quickly escalates into a complex and thrilling adventure. As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to Stevie, a loose cannon character whose unpredictable nature adds an extra layer of excitement to the story. The dynamics between the three protagonists are masterfully crafted, rife with tension, explosive encounters, and unexpected twists.
V.R Tapscott skillfully balances humor and seriousness throughout the novel!
Profile Image for C.L. Rowe.
Author 1 book4 followers
May 7, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ THE DAGGER OF ILL REPUTE - VR TAPSCOTT.

Finished my first indie pick, and easily the most foreign genre departure for me. I had no idea what I was walking into. I do not EVER read stuff like this. It's never appealed to me, and it's certainly the only title like it on my Kindle.

I do however now understand why people read these books. Tapscott is funny as hell, and her light-hearted prose takes you far enough from reality to give you a reprieve from the world, whilst keeping you close enough to be invested in the story.

The talking plants were probably my favourite aspect of escapism.

"What did the ficus say to the rhodie?"

🤣🤣🤣

I guess this is Tapscott's way of reminding the reader to never take things too seriously, and as someone who profoundly struggles with writing 'light-hearted' storylines, I really did appreciate the narrative on this premise. It also didn't conclude quite as I expected it to, which is more than I can say for the numerous books I read with predictable plot twists. #nospoilers.

Quirky. Clever. Funny. Light.
Couldn't we all use a bit more of that? 🤷
Profile Image for Stephanie Augustine.
Author 1 book27 followers
August 2, 2023
Honestly I just don't think this book was for me. I felt like the writing wasn't cohesive and at the same time the humor I was expecting was not there. The story itself felt very jumbled and didn't feel flushed out. As someone who reads multiple detective and mystery books, decisions that Lacey made didn't make a lot of sense. I was hoping the characters would save the story but they felt flat as well.

There are some people out there who will enjoy it - I was not.

AUDIO REVIEW
I think the only reason why I made it through was because I listened to it on audio. The narration itself wasn't bad but I wasn't a fan of Alex's voice. I thought it was a little too off.

*I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review*
91 reviews
August 26, 2020
A quirky fun read

Oh we all get by with a little help from our friends. Lacy meets Alex. Alex is a little different and helps Lacey. Lacey helps Alex when she ends up needing a new place to stay. During their adventure they meet Stevie, Stevie helps them. Stevie becomes a friend . It just keeps happening! Jane Bond and Olive get involved..... And yes they help out too. See what I mean?
The story is written in an entertaining style, and the characters are just that, real characters. I liked it enough to take the time to write a review which I do for only a handful of the many books I read every year.
14 reviews
February 5, 2021
Story relies somewhat on characters from a previous series that you may not have read.

Decent story line with few errors. Nothing very objectionable and a pretty fast read. Characters from prior stories probably should have been further defined and described.

Profile Image for Jim.
755 reviews
March 16, 2021
Enjoyable

Lacy and Alex become roommates in San Francisco. Lacy is a part time PI and is hired to find the dagger. Things are not as they seem and the adventures begin. A great story.
42 reviews
September 7, 2021
Love the girls!!

Quite the departure from my usual SciFri- I’m very happy discovering these delightful characters! Don’t tell me they aren’t real! I can see them in my brain clear as anything! Thank you for introducing them!!
Sincerely
Lurky old white dude
Profile Image for Wilbur G. Lloyd, Jr..
93 reviews
December 30, 2021
You will love this book

Even if you hadn't read the Jane Bond books you will want to read this series. It gas Olive as one of the characters from Jane Bond in it doing teleporting thingy.
68 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2020
Excellent

Good writing, good plot, not boring. A mystery that keeps changing into an adventure. You will enjoy the characters as well
335 reviews24 followers
August 1, 2020
Interesting, and fun

An interesting plot, liked the mc and other friends of the mc.It will be interesting to see where this goes!
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,637 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2020
Great story

I have enjoyed this story of Lacey and Alex and their adventures with the dagger of ill repute it was very funny.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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