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Patricia Fisher Adventure Mysteries #5
Diamonds, Dinner Jackets, and Death
She spent a fortune on the dress. It would have been cheaper to buy unicorn horn, but before she can even put it on, a scream splits the air …… and the first body is found.Patricia and her friends are the special guests of the world’s third richest man, her benefactor, the Maharaja of Zangrabar. At a banquet thrown to celebrate a new peace treaty between his country, and long-time hostile neighbour, Itarnia, the murder of Itarnia’s ambassador does not bode well.To prevent a return to war, Patricia and her team must unravel the clues to find the killer, but there’s more going on than a simple assassination, and it might be that even the Maharaja is lying to her.With the clock ticking down, another body appears, but just when she needs to create a distraction, so too do some old friends.Murder, mystery, and mayhem abound as her expensive dress sits unworn in its wrapper. Will she get to put it on? Will she be able to follow the breadcrumbs to the end of this mystery?Under pressure like never before, Patricia and her friends must keep two warring nations apart long enough to find the truth, but the truth in politics is an elusive beast, and there’s no telling what the killer’s motivation might be.Grab your copy of this unique cozy mystery because you don’t just read a Steve Higgs book, you get to live it right alongside the characters!
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
1012 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
547 books806 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 18, 2020
This story will keep you well entertained from exciting start, to incredible finish!
What starts as a special peace party in an hotel, ends up being much more like another case for Patricia Fisher. She is an honoured guest at an important event; a banquet which is being thrown by the Maharaja of Zangrabar to celebrate the recent tentative peace between Zangrabar and it's northern neighbour, Itarnia.
As the personal friend of the Maharaja, when the Ambassador for Itarnia is assassinated, the Maharaja begs Patricia on his bended knees, to please take the case! What can Patricia do or say but "I agree to do my best your Majesty!
Hoping she can do it in the brief amount of time she has; Patricia is concerned, as she is supposed to be joining the luxury cruise ship the Aurelia as soon as the banquet is over, so her time is limited. How she will catch the assassin is anyone's guess, but with the help of her friends and the resources of the Maharaja, she should be able to chase them out of the woodwork soon enough. But with mystery on top of mystery and people going missing, here, there, and everywhere; it could turn into a farce with dead people coming out of the woodwork but no sign of a killer. Patricia has her hands truly full in this story as she tries to keep two countries from going back to all out war.
What starts as a special peace party in an hotel, ends up being much more like another case for Patricia Fisher. She is an honoured guest at an important event; a banquet which is being thrown by the Maharaja of Zangrabar to celebrate the recent tentative peace between Zangrabar and it's northern neighbour, Itarnia.
As the personal friend of the Maharaja, when the Ambassador for Itarnia is assassinated, the Maharaja begs Patricia on his bended knees, to please take the case! What can Patricia do or say but "I agree to do my best your Majesty!
Hoping she can do it in the brief amount of time she has; Patricia is concerned, as she is supposed to be joining the luxury cruise ship the Aurelia as soon as the banquet is over, so her time is limited. How she will catch the assassin is anyone's guess, but with the help of her friends and the resources of the Maharaja, she should be able to chase them out of the woodwork soon enough. But with mystery on top of mystery and people going missing, here, there, and everywhere; it could turn into a farce with dead people coming out of the woodwork but no sign of a killer. Patricia has her hands truly full in this story as she tries to keep two countries from going back to all out war.
July 18, 2020
Because her life, and those of her friends, are in danger from a mysterious international crime boss, Patricia has packed her bags and whisked them off to a luxury hotel to meet her benefactor the Maharajah before setting off on another world cruise, with nearly no notice. Little does she expect that it will be up to her and her friends to prevent war with the neighboring land of Itarnia when the Itarnian ambassador is found dead in the next suite!
Fortunately the hotel is upon Swiss diplomatic territory so neutral authorities will take charge, if the feuding generals from both lands can be kept from jumping into conflict before they can arrive. Toss in jewel thieves, a tipsy housemaid walking Patricia's dogs, and the Lord Mayor of Kent and the mayhem reaches international proportions before dinner is even over.
How Patricia unravels this Gordian knot is truly mind-boggling but a lot of fun for us.
Fortunately the hotel is upon Swiss diplomatic territory so neutral authorities will take charge, if the feuding generals from both lands can be kept from jumping into conflict before they can arrive. Toss in jewel thieves, a tipsy housemaid walking Patricia's dogs, and the Lord Mayor of Kent and the mayhem reaches international proportions before dinner is even over.
How Patricia unravels this Gordian knot is truly mind-boggling but a lot of fun for us.
July 28, 2020
In this Patricia Fisher Mystery Adventure, Patricia travels to London for a fancy dinner with Barbie, Jermaine and her housemaid, Molly. She is being protected by Wayne Garrett from Scotland Yard to keep her safe from the Godmother.
Before she can even get her fancy new dress on, there is a scream and a dead Itarnian Ambassador Hossini. It is important to keep his death hidden from General Akbar Armand, head of Itarnian forces. The dinner is to bring Zangrabar and Itarnian together and to end their feuding.
More dead bodies show up and Patricia is at her wit's end. She must find the murderer for the Maharaja before everyone finds out and assumes that Zangrabar killed the Ambassador.
There are several funny scenes in the book as Patricia hurries to solve the crime(s).
I enjoyed seeing some of the familiar characters in this book that I have seen in the cruise stories.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Before she can even get her fancy new dress on, there is a scream and a dead Itarnian Ambassador Hossini. It is important to keep his death hidden from General Akbar Armand, head of Itarnian forces. The dinner is to bring Zangrabar and Itarnian together and to end their feuding.
More dead bodies show up and Patricia is at her wit's end. She must find the murderer for the Maharaja before everyone finds out and assumes that Zangrabar killed the Ambassador.
There are several funny scenes in the book as Patricia hurries to solve the crime(s).
I enjoyed seeing some of the familiar characters in this book that I have seen in the cruise stories.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
July 24, 2020
Good Show! Steve Higgs does it again!
Patricia, Jermaine, Barbie and Scotland Yard agent Wayne Garrett, Patricia's personal bodyguard for now, are taken to the Exclusive, a secret hotel where the Maharaja of Zangrabar and General Armand from Itarnia are to celebrate a historic peace deal.
Of course with Patricia, nothing is ever simple. The Itarnian Ambassador is murdered, his aide disappears, an Itarnian soldier is killed, and a possible jewel thief vanishes.
Add in dachshunds, David, the Lord Mayor, Akamu, Rick, Agnes, Mavis, knockout gas, Itarnian soldiers in their underwear, and a surprise ending, and this is a fantastic entry in the Patricia Fisher series.
After she solves the case, Patricia and co. go back to the Aurelia, where she plans to set a trap for the Godmother. See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya-the Godmother, that is!
Patricia, Jermaine, Barbie and Scotland Yard agent Wayne Garrett, Patricia's personal bodyguard for now, are taken to the Exclusive, a secret hotel where the Maharaja of Zangrabar and General Armand from Itarnia are to celebrate a historic peace deal.
Of course with Patricia, nothing is ever simple. The Itarnian Ambassador is murdered, his aide disappears, an Itarnian soldier is killed, and a possible jewel thief vanishes.
Add in dachshunds, David, the Lord Mayor, Akamu, Rick, Agnes, Mavis, knockout gas, Itarnian soldiers in their underwear, and a surprise ending, and this is a fantastic entry in the Patricia Fisher series.
After she solves the case, Patricia and co. go back to the Aurelia, where she plans to set a trap for the Godmother. See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya-the Godmother, that is!
November 2, 2020
Great Read
I am happy to note that there were less typos in this book than the previous ones. Notice I said less not none. I find myself wondering what life with Steve Higgs is like. I used to think it would be challenging to live with Robin Williams or Jim Carrey since they never seem to turn themselves off. I suspect the same is true with Mr. Higgs because he has admitted in his postscripts that he has lots of stories churning in his head and can’t seem to write them fast enough. But regarding this book I wish the storyline for Mr. Hingus concluded instead of just disappearing. I wanted him to get his just desserts. I also miss Angelica and her ongoing rivalry with Patricia. Any chance she could show up on the Aurelia, Steve?
I am happy to note that there were less typos in this book than the previous ones. Notice I said less not none. I find myself wondering what life with Steve Higgs is like. I used to think it would be challenging to live with Robin Williams or Jim Carrey since they never seem to turn themselves off. I suspect the same is true with Mr. Higgs because he has admitted in his postscripts that he has lots of stories churning in his head and can’t seem to write them fast enough. But regarding this book I wish the storyline for Mr. Hingus concluded instead of just disappearing. I wanted him to get his just desserts. I also miss Angelica and her ongoing rivalry with Patricia. Any chance she could show up on the Aurelia, Steve?
July 17, 2020
Another great book from the Patricia Fischer´s series. She gets involved in a conspiracy that might lead to war between two countries and at the same time is able to solve the mystery of the robberies that have been happening in the hotel sponsored by the Swiss Embassy. She does not loose her flair or her outward calm and beauty and gets the job done! It´s a very entertating and pleasant reading.
As a member of Steve Higgs´ ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
As a member of Steve Higgs´ ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 20, 2020
Diamonds, Dinner Jackets, and Death is the fifth book in the Patricia Fisher Mystery Adventures series. Steve Higgs is one of my favourite authors for his fabulous paranormal mysteries. He is able to weave a great tale with wonderfully quirky characters, murder, mystery, mayhem, and lots of laughter. In this case, Patricia and her friends have to solve a murder before there is a war in Zangrabar.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
August 3, 2020
Invited to London’s most Exclusive hotel — it’s named the Exclusive and has super-high security — by the Maharaja, Patricia and her posse find a maid in a suite with the dead body of the ambassador of Itarnia, which isn’t a good way to start a celebration of signing a peace treaty between Zangrabar and Itarnia. It’s up to Patricia, Jermaine (of course), and Barbie to track down the killer and keep the countries from resuming warfare. So much for the pricey ballgown she ordered. Another excellent mystery solved by one of Higgs’ most exceptional sleuths, the intrepid Mrs Fisher.
June 5, 2021
Another winner
As Patricia and friends wrap up investigative work, they head for London for a gala banquet hosted by the Maharaja. Supposedly, they are to stay at the Ritz Carlton in London but their chauffeured vehicles drive right by, passing them. Are they being kidnapped? You'll have to read it and find out for yourself.
If you're in America, you'll notice some obvious grammatical issues. Just move on by. Happens in every book he writes. The books are definitely worth reading.
As Patricia and friends wrap up investigative work, they head for London for a gala banquet hosted by the Maharaja. Supposedly, they are to stay at the Ritz Carlton in London but their chauffeured vehicles drive right by, passing them. Are they being kidnapped? You'll have to read it and find out for yourself.
If you're in America, you'll notice some obvious grammatical issues. Just move on by. Happens in every book he writes. The books are definitely worth reading.
September 28, 2025
I've read several of this series now, and I'm totally hooked on it. At first I wrote it was a "Very amusing little stories of an older, female detective who takes on some of the oddest cases." But now it's becoming a continuing, episodic saga of her struggle with a mysterious antagonist out to kill her and her friends in the nastiest ways imaginable. But still acceptable for a "cozy" mystery.
True the murders are kind of gruesome and some really nice people get the axe. But the writing style is so light, you barely notice.
True the murders are kind of gruesome and some really nice people get the axe. But the writing style is so light, you barely notice.
July 12, 2020
For a second time Patricia is helping out the Maharaja of Zangrabar and she does it spectacularly. Action packed, humorous and a little saucy in places Patricia gathers the clues to the Ambassador’s death hopefully in time to avert war between two countries. She also has to decide how she is going to deal with the Godmother’s attempts on her life and how to protect her friends. Once again, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
July 18, 2020
The Maharaja is in town and Patricia and her team have been invited to the banquet, but do things ever go as planned? This is another rip-roaring, action-packed wonderful story from Steve Higgs. It’s always an adventure to see what Patricia has to face and wait for that itch that tells her she’s on the right track. I love this series of books. They are well written, inventive, and clever. And I can’t wait for the next one.
July 21, 2020
Really fun!
I have just finished available Patricia Fisher books and am about to start on the False Gods series. I cannot tell you how much fun I am having trying to solve the mysteries along with Patricia. Mr. Higgs has done a great job of developing Patricias character throughout the series. In both the Blue Moon and the Patricia Fisher series I appreciate his including and featuring strong women. I cannot wait for the debut of the next!
I have just finished available Patricia Fisher books and am about to start on the False Gods series. I cannot tell you how much fun I am having trying to solve the mysteries along with Patricia. Mr. Higgs has done a great job of developing Patricias character throughout the series. In both the Blue Moon and the Patricia Fisher series I appreciate his including and featuring strong women. I cannot wait for the debut of the next!
December 2, 2020
Clever but predictable
Perhaps it's because I've read several Patricia Fisher Mysteries, but I actually solved the murders well ahead of the reveals. One thing I truly appreciate about these books is the author's discussion at the conclusion of each book. I like his explanations of how/why things were included, etc. One thing I don't like are the typos I often find in Kindle books. Grrrrrrr.
Perhaps it's because I've read several Patricia Fisher Mysteries, but I actually solved the murders well ahead of the reveals. One thing I truly appreciate about these books is the author's discussion at the conclusion of each book. I like his explanations of how/why things were included, etc. One thing I don't like are the typos I often find in Kindle books. Grrrrrrr.
July 17, 2020
Mr. Higgs has done it again. Another Stellar Agatha Christie type mystery. And no one does it better
than he. There must be some Agatha Christie DNA in his body. His characters are wonderful. His
story spot on. This is truly a WHO DUN IT. Kudos Mr. Higgs. A ten star book. Very Highly Recommended.
Received as an ARC book...this is my freely given, honest review.
than he. There must be some Agatha Christie DNA in his body. His characters are wonderful. His
story spot on. This is truly a WHO DUN IT. Kudos Mr. Higgs. A ten star book. Very Highly Recommended.
Received as an ARC book...this is my freely given, honest review.
July 17, 2020
Another mystery solved!
This is fun mystery series featuring a 50+ woman that is good at solving mysteries. The characters are well defined and the conversations flow naturally. The plot and subplots move quickly, with twists that make it hard to put the book down. Can't wait for the next installment.
This is fun mystery series featuring a 50+ woman that is good at solving mysteries. The characters are well defined and the conversations flow naturally. The plot and subplots move quickly, with twists that make it hard to put the book down. Can't wait for the next installment.
July 19, 2020
Love this series
I have read everything Mr. Higgs has written and will continue to read everything he writes. His quirky characters and outrageous situations make you forget everything else while you race to the last page. The way Patricia figures out who the killer is always amazes me. If Sherlock Holmes and Stephanie Plum had a baby, that would be Patricia. Awesome book.
I have read everything Mr. Higgs has written and will continue to read everything he writes. His quirky characters and outrageous situations make you forget everything else while you race to the last page. The way Patricia figures out who the killer is always amazes me. If Sherlock Holmes and Stephanie Plum had a baby, that would be Patricia. Awesome book.
July 29, 2020
Another entertaining book in the Patricia Fisher series.
Patty and her friends are leaving town, hoping to avoid being murdered by the Godmother.
On the way to the ship, they will be stopping off to visit the Maharaja.
A murder, a theft, and missing people will keep Patty busy. She has a short time frame to solve everything, because not solving the various crimes means war.
Love this series.
Patty and her friends are leaving town, hoping to avoid being murdered by the Godmother.
On the way to the ship, they will be stopping off to visit the Maharaja.
A murder, a theft, and missing people will keep Patty busy. She has a short time frame to solve everything, because not solving the various crimes means war.
Love this series.
August 22, 2020
Opposition amongst Opulence
Once again Patricia Fisher leads us on a seemingly impossible hunt for a murderer. Her instincts and/or hunches, as well as a keen mind, leave this reader reeling as she puts facts together I simply overlooked. Always fun from beginning to end, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Once again Patricia Fisher leads us on a seemingly impossible hunt for a murderer. Her instincts and/or hunches, as well as a keen mind, leave this reader reeling as she puts facts together I simply overlooked. Always fun from beginning to end, I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 5, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 8, 2022
Oh, Patricia. How do you get into the murder mysteries like you do. The Maharaja wants you to find out who killed someone’s of importance and with all the gusto in the world you dive into it full steam ahead. It was a wonderful trip following how you figured it out. Yay for Patricia and the quirky imaginings of Steve Higgs.
July 18, 2020
Another cracker from Steve Higgs. This, I presume, being the penultimate book in the Patricia Fisher series, I can’t wait for the final book coming out in August. My only complaint - I received the book yesterday and finished it yesterday!
July 18, 2020
4 stars
Another well written Patricia Fisher book. The characters are interesting and well drawn. I loved the plot of this one. Hopefully the next one will be in the not too distant future. Roll on the next book in any of your excellent series
Another well written Patricia Fisher book. The characters are interesting and well drawn. I loved the plot of this one. Hopefully the next one will be in the not too distant future. Roll on the next book in any of your excellent series
July 18, 2020
One of the best in the series
I’ve enjoyed all these books, but this one seems to me one of the best of the series. It will certainly make more sense if you’ve read the others, but having done so, I enjoyed it greatly and am looking forward to the next one!
I’ve enjoyed all these books, but this one seems to me one of the best of the series. It will certainly make more sense if you’ve read the others, but having done so, I enjoyed it greatly and am looking forward to the next one!
July 20, 2020
Great Gem of a book
I love these books. Mr. Higgs is such a skilled writer of cozy, modern English Mysteries. They aren't really long books that make you think 'Will it ever end?'.
They are just right.
If you haven't read one of the Patricia Fisher books, you should.
I love these books. Mr. Higgs is such a skilled writer of cozy, modern English Mysteries. They aren't really long books that make you think 'Will it ever end?'.
They are just right.
If you haven't read one of the Patricia Fisher books, you should.
August 11, 2020
Patty and the gang does it again
I love this series!!! I am looking forward to reading the next. I am going start reading a different series by this author because I enjoy his stories and characters. I highly recommend this author!!
I love this series!!! I am looking forward to reading the next. I am going start reading a different series by this author because I enjoy his stories and characters. I highly recommend this author!!
August 12, 2020
I love these books!
These Patricia Fisher books are amazing! They are easy to read, well written, with fabulous characters, and a damn good who done it, too! If you’re looking for a new series, these nooks are it!
These Patricia Fisher books are amazing! They are easy to read, well written, with fabulous characters, and a damn good who done it, too! If you’re looking for a new series, these nooks are it!
November 13, 2020
A time for some R&R...not!
Patricia and her crew head off for a peaceful getaway that ends up not peaceful at all! One thing after another happens to keep this story moving like a locomotive with no brakes! I love the twists and turns and how Patricia figures things out! Great read!
Patricia and her crew head off for a peaceful getaway that ends up not peaceful at all! One thing after another happens to keep this story moving like a locomotive with no brakes! I love the twists and turns and how Patricia figures things out! Great read!
June 27, 2021
Wow I read this in one sitting lol!
I never thought I would read this book in one sitting! It was so good I couldn't stop reading lol! It's now 4:40am thank God it's Sunday and I can sleep in! Now for the next book!
I never thought I would read this book in one sitting! It was so good I couldn't stop reading lol! It's now 4:40am thank God it's Sunday and I can sleep in! Now for the next book!
July 4, 2021
Bewitching
This book is thrill to read!! At first I was afraid it would be just a little bit too laid back, lol!! Absolutely thrilling from beginning to end. It's definitely a must read book!! Get your copy quickly!!
This book is thrill to read!! At first I was afraid it would be just a little bit too laid back, lol!! Absolutely thrilling from beginning to end. It's definitely a must read book!! Get your copy quickly!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews