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Press Pass Cozy Mysteries #1
Dead Before Wed
Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B07NVXX2P7.
Senator Morgan Maxwell's fiancée is dead and it's not the first time.
It's 1996 and Boston reporter, Ali Loukas, has her sights set on advancing from radio newscaster to TV correspondent, so when the Maxwell story practically drops into her lap, she seizes the opportunity to solve the murder, scoop her competitors, and move up the broadcasting ladder.
But gaining access to evidence and witnesses without stepping on the toes of family friend, Detective Ryan McGuire, could be tricky.
Despite a knife wedged in her front door and opposition from the police, Ali is determined to prove that she can find the answers, solve the crime and earn the dream job...if she can stay alive to make it all happen.
If you love Mary Higgins Clark Mysteries, grab this one today!
Content Notes: PG equivalent - No swearing, sex or graphic violence.
Senator Morgan Maxwell's fiancée is dead and it's not the first time.
It's 1996 and Boston reporter, Ali Loukas, has her sights set on advancing from radio newscaster to TV correspondent, so when the Maxwell story practically drops into her lap, she seizes the opportunity to solve the murder, scoop her competitors, and move up the broadcasting ladder.
But gaining access to evidence and witnesses without stepping on the toes of family friend, Detective Ryan McGuire, could be tricky.
Despite a knife wedged in her front door and opposition from the police, Ali is determined to prove that she can find the answers, solve the crime and earn the dream job...if she can stay alive to make it all happen.
If you love Mary Higgins Clark Mysteries, grab this one today!
Content Notes: PG equivalent - No swearing, sex or graphic violence.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
874 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 22, 2020
I wasn't sure how I was going to rate this one. On the one hand, I did want to keep reading the story. On the other hand, I felt like there were plot inconsistencies as well as a lack of character development. I didn't love the story, but I didn't hate it. I wasn't excited to pick it up when I had time to read, but I did want to finish it. This one was just okay for me. 2.5 to 3 stars.
I purchased this book and read it for a virtual book club. My review is my honest opinion and not influenced in any way.
I purchased this book and read it for a virtual book club. My review is my honest opinion and not influenced in any way.
July 7, 2022
I will say, I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to.
I have been putting off reading this for a while and I didn't really know why it just didn't appeal to me. I got 30% into this and I was terribly bored. It did however pick up and I did finish this thinking OK it wasn't so bad.
It won't be on the top books of 2022 for myself but it also won't be my worse either. I think I'm interested enough to try #2
I have been putting off reading this for a while and I didn't really know why it just didn't appeal to me. I got 30% into this and I was terribly bored. It did however pick up and I did finish this thinking OK it wasn't so bad.
It won't be on the top books of 2022 for myself but it also won't be my worse either. I think I'm interested enough to try #2
Read
June 4, 2019Three stars because the writing is good. Only three stars because the plot had so many implausible elements: finding material the police would have already had; CSIs going back to a scene and finding additional fingerprints they would have found the first time around; a high level member of the detective branch giving a reporter carte blanche. None of this rings true in the real world.
August 8, 2020
Fast Paced but Confusing
This fast paced mystery, while entertaining, was hard to follow along with. There were several places where it felt like paragraphs, if not pages, were missing and it was a little confused toward the end.
Overall, it was a pleasant read.
This fast paced mystery, while entertaining, was hard to follow along with. There were several places where it felt like paragraphs, if not pages, were missing and it was a little confused toward the end.
Overall, it was a pleasant read.
October 13, 2022
So good
I found out about this series after getting a Novella by April in a multi author event and had to go back and learn about the characters. This is such a cute story. I love all the characters.
I found out about this series after getting a Novella by April in a multi author event and had to go back and learn about the characters. This is such a cute story. I love all the characters.
March 14, 2020
April Anderton launched her cozy mystery series Press Pass Mysteries with Previous Engagements.
The series pairs Ali Loukas, an ambitious late night radio host with her eyes on landing an investigative journalist spot on Boston's Channel 7, and Detective Ryan McGuire, a fairly new addition to Boston's men in blue.
The secondary characters include Ali's mom Anisa and Ryan's mom Maggie (friends from nursing school) and Ryan's dad who is a retired detective from the same department his son currently serves at as detective.
Through these three characters Anderton successfully brings both humor and realism to her story.
Previous Engagements was my first contact with Ms Anderton's writing. I found her story unfolded in a purposeful manner where her plot was revealed at a pace which allows the reader a chance to jump in and make their own attempt to solve the whodunnit.
A great read for cozy mystery fans!
The series pairs Ali Loukas, an ambitious late night radio host with her eyes on landing an investigative journalist spot on Boston's Channel 7, and Detective Ryan McGuire, a fairly new addition to Boston's men in blue.
The secondary characters include Ali's mom Anisa and Ryan's mom Maggie (friends from nursing school) and Ryan's dad who is a retired detective from the same department his son currently serves at as detective.
Through these three characters Anderton successfully brings both humor and realism to her story.
Previous Engagements was my first contact with Ms Anderton's writing. I found her story unfolded in a purposeful manner where her plot was revealed at a pace which allows the reader a chance to jump in and make their own attempt to solve the whodunnit.
A great read for cozy mystery fans!
April 24, 2021
While this was a fun cozy with an interesting character who looks like she'll develop well, the improbability of the CSI team having missed those fingerprints and strands of hair are baffling. Also, the commissioner's acceptance of Ali to work with the police and to give her access to all the evidence was highly unlikely. That would have compromised their case. The victim is a State Senator, a former fiancee would be part of his record and the police would have been aware of her. Ali and Ryan look to be a good team as long as they continue to develop. The secondary characters need a lot of development to really flesh them out. The story was interesting, but so unlikely as to be farcical. In my mind, that took away from the story quite a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
Set in the mid 1990s, this is a delightful trip into my pre-kids/marriage youth, with references to some of my favorite music and other pop culture from that time. Ali Loukas moves to Boston as a cub reporter for a radio station, her sights set on working in TV some day, following in the footsteps of her idol. When she dives into the murder of a prominent citizen, she gets to meet her idol, only to discover she’s the exact opposite of what Ali imagined. As a viscous rivalry develops between the two, Ali is determined to solve the mystery first. Her sleuthing sends her directly into the path of dreamy Detective Ryan McGuire, the son of her mother’s best friend, making things doubly complicated, and then triply so when Ali discovers Ryan might just have reciprocal feelings for her. But before long, Ali somehow asks the wrong person the wrong question, putting her directly in the crosshairs.
Plot
The primary focus is the mystery – who killed Senator Maxwell’s fiancee. But there are a couple of solid subplots involving Ali’s career and her budding romance with Detective McGuire. The mystery is well done, with several twists and a culprit, who I did suspect from time-to-time, I never really latched onto as the one. The author expertly foreshadows everything, though, so the big reveal feels inevitable. Because the story takes place more than twenty years ago, there are some fun things the author takes advantage of, including the fact that smart phones weren’t a thing and the internet was still dial-up for a lot of the population.
Characters
The characters were awesome. Ali is instantly likable as a determined reporter, who is maybe a bit naive, but tenacious enough to overcome it. Ryan is swoon-worthy as her foil and potential love interest, and the moms are the absolute best, driving some of the funniest moments in the book.
Top things I Enjoyed About PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
1. Ali. She’s funny, smart, and will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
2. Ryan. He’s all about the rules. At least until he meets Ali.
3. The 1990s. Showing my age here, but the 90s were my favorite decade from the music, to movies, and TV shows. The pop cultural references were a blast from my past.
4. The Mystery. It was well done and kept me guessing.
5. Humor. A lightheartedness to the story kept it from getting too dark and had me laughing throughout.
Bottom Line
A fun cozy mystery with a nostalgic edge and a lighthearted romance.
Plot
The primary focus is the mystery – who killed Senator Maxwell’s fiancee. But there are a couple of solid subplots involving Ali’s career and her budding romance with Detective McGuire. The mystery is well done, with several twists and a culprit, who I did suspect from time-to-time, I never really latched onto as the one. The author expertly foreshadows everything, though, so the big reveal feels inevitable. Because the story takes place more than twenty years ago, there are some fun things the author takes advantage of, including the fact that smart phones weren’t a thing and the internet was still dial-up for a lot of the population.
Characters
The characters were awesome. Ali is instantly likable as a determined reporter, who is maybe a bit naive, but tenacious enough to overcome it. Ryan is swoon-worthy as her foil and potential love interest, and the moms are the absolute best, driving some of the funniest moments in the book.
Top things I Enjoyed About PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
1. Ali. She’s funny, smart, and will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
2. Ryan. He’s all about the rules. At least until he meets Ali.
3. The 1990s. Showing my age here, but the 90s were my favorite decade from the music, to movies, and TV shows. The pop cultural references were a blast from my past.
4. The Mystery. It was well done and kept me guessing.
5. Humor. A lightheartedness to the story kept it from getting too dark and had me laughing throughout.
Bottom Line
A fun cozy mystery with a nostalgic edge and a lighthearted romance.
December 13, 2023
DNF
Too farfetched. I know cozy mysteries aren't realistic but come on!
Ali finds a lead in a paper article from the past that the police don't know about?
Somehow the radio station she works at is given two press passes to the murder victim's funeral and she ends up going even though she's only on air for 15 minutes at 2:45 AM??
Her neighbour just happens to work for the fiancé of the murder victim and agrees to let her interview her???
At the funeral the fiancé is overheard expressing his love for the victim's sister and telling her they need to keep it cool until they can say they turned to each other for comfort????
Someone breaks in and she stays two nights in the guest room of a man she just met the day before???
That same man is a police officer and he's handsome and he's okay with her being semi-involved in the investigation with him. He actually calls HER with an update?????
Her radio station is bought out by a company that owns a tv station and she's on air with their most famous female news anchor within days (who also happened to be her hero growing up)??????
Someone tries to run her over and she gets a sprained arm because the handsome police officer slash roommate saves her and yet she still wants to go stay in her own home and work the next night???????
When someone broke in they left a whole bunch of red silk scarves in her dresser drawer. When she goes back two days later she assumes the new one she finds in the drawer was accidentally left behind by the police crime scene folks???????
That's only some of it and I stopped at only 36% read. I just couldn't keep on.
Too farfetched. I know cozy mysteries aren't realistic but come on!
Ali finds a lead in a paper article from the past that the police don't know about?
Somehow the radio station she works at is given two press passes to the murder victim's funeral and she ends up going even though she's only on air for 15 minutes at 2:45 AM??
Her neighbour just happens to work for the fiancé of the murder victim and agrees to let her interview her???
At the funeral the fiancé is overheard expressing his love for the victim's sister and telling her they need to keep it cool until they can say they turned to each other for comfort????
Someone breaks in and she stays two nights in the guest room of a man she just met the day before???
That same man is a police officer and he's handsome and he's okay with her being semi-involved in the investigation with him. He actually calls HER with an update?????
Her radio station is bought out by a company that owns a tv station and she's on air with their most famous female news anchor within days (who also happened to be her hero growing up)??????
Someone tries to run her over and she gets a sprained arm because the handsome police officer slash roommate saves her and yet she still wants to go stay in her own home and work the next night???????
When someone broke in they left a whole bunch of red silk scarves in her dresser drawer. When she goes back two days later she assumes the new one she finds in the drawer was accidentally left behind by the police crime scene folks???????
That's only some of it and I stopped at only 36% read. I just couldn't keep on.
May 3, 2022
What an exciting and endearing story! Ali Loukas is amazing. Smart, intuitive, persistent, funny, very friendly and adorable. And also very brave, sometimes to her own detriment. Thank goodness she also seems to be pretty lucky.
Ali has a good nose for a news story, and when there is an unusual murder, she gets on the scent of the murderer right away. But wait! Not so fast! The clues may be too obvious. Has someone been set up? And when Ali starts digging, she runs into Detective Ryan McGuire, who as it turns out, is the son of Ali's mother's best friend. Small world! But this all makes the story more fun. Ali and Ryan's personal lives are intertwined while their professional lives keep developing, too.
Did I mention that Ali works as the night reporter for a local radio station? She's connected to the news of the day and quickly uses her insight and abilities to become a valuable resource for the police. There are many fun and interesting side stories in this book, which made it such a pleasure to read!
Ali has a good nose for a news story, and when there is an unusual murder, she gets on the scent of the murderer right away. But wait! Not so fast! The clues may be too obvious. Has someone been set up? And when Ali starts digging, she runs into Detective Ryan McGuire, who as it turns out, is the son of Ali's mother's best friend. Small world! But this all makes the story more fun. Ali and Ryan's personal lives are intertwined while their professional lives keep developing, too.
Did I mention that Ali works as the night reporter for a local radio station? She's connected to the news of the day and quickly uses her insight and abilities to become a valuable resource for the police. There are many fun and interesting side stories in this book, which made it such a pleasure to read!
August 15, 2019
Ali made the move from Washington DC to Boston to do a late night radio broadcast. It seemed like good news to her when tv channel 7 news bought the radio station- all jobs post internally first, so maybe one day she will finally get a chance at tv.
Of course a nasty Eliza does what she can to ruin any chance Ali might have. On the up side, dinner with a college friend of her mom introduces her to the two McGuire homicide detectives- the elder retired, Jack the younger very recently promoted, around the same age as Ali, with an Italian mama to match her own Greek mom. Mmmmm tasty homemade food! Ok, the hot detective sounds not so bad too!
The adventures in Boston are only beginning for Ali!
Of course a nasty Eliza does what she can to ruin any chance Ali might have. On the up side, dinner with a college friend of her mom introduces her to the two McGuire homicide detectives- the elder retired, Jack the younger very recently promoted, around the same age as Ali, with an Italian mama to match her own Greek mom. Mmmmm tasty homemade food! Ok, the hot detective sounds not so bad too!
The adventures in Boston are only beginning for Ali!
August 26, 2019
A Pressing Pass
Ali Loukas is new to town and ready to show every one she has what it takes to be a T.V. reporter not just a late night radio news announcer. In a matter of weeks Ali is embroiled in a murder storey not just on the broadcast side but personally into the thick of things. Her mother's old college friend is married to a retired cop with a son newly appointed to the homicide squad. Together Ali and Ryan search for the truth behind the death of a senator's fiancee. An excellent array of caracters carreing you into intreage and murder with an edge of humor. A fabulous read for any time of the day or evening of cozey mystery enjoyment .🙄 Kat
Ali Loukas is new to town and ready to show every one she has what it takes to be a T.V. reporter not just a late night radio news announcer. In a matter of weeks Ali is embroiled in a murder storey not just on the broadcast side but personally into the thick of things. Her mother's old college friend is married to a retired cop with a son newly appointed to the homicide squad. Together Ali and Ryan search for the truth behind the death of a senator's fiancee. An excellent array of caracters carreing you into intreage and murder with an edge of humor. A fabulous read for any time of the day or evening of cozey mystery enjoyment .🙄 Kat
August 14, 2020
Some books are full meals (Grisham, Ayn Rand, Twain). This is dessert, actually cotton candy. Sometimes you want a full meal, other times you want cotton candy. This is well done cotton candy. The story is clean, sweet and complete with no dangling threads. The characters are easy to like. There is no touch of reality to weigh it down. Veteran police officers, in fact two complete police departments cannot discover the clues are baby investigative reporter discovers. When you want cotton candy, this is a great book. When you want the full meal, this will leave you hungry. I will probably read more by this author, when I am the mood for her style of writing.
June 20, 2021
Ali is a night-time radio personality. Then the death of a supermodel sparks a cover story and a chance to move up in the ranks.
Could a senator have something to do with it? After all, he proposed to her just 3 days before her death.
As Ali researched the case, she learns that the senator had another fiancé that never made it to the altar. Now it seems that she’s getting too close to the truth and someone wants to keep her story out of the headlines.
Character is witty and relatable. A journalist is putting her neck on the line to solve a murder and to be taken seriously.
A juicy mystery from the press side!
Could a senator have something to do with it? After all, he proposed to her just 3 days before her death.
As Ali researched the case, she learns that the senator had another fiancé that never made it to the altar. Now it seems that she’s getting too close to the truth and someone wants to keep her story out of the headlines.
Character is witty and relatable. A journalist is putting her neck on the line to solve a murder and to be taken seriously.
A juicy mystery from the press side!
June 6, 2019
A terrific start to a series! I loved this book. Great characters, danger, suspense, murder, and meddling moms; what more could you ask for? Ali is a great main character, a journalist looking for the right focus for her career. Detective Ryan McGuire is working on the case and is usually level-headed, but his mom did need to chastise him for not listening to Ali. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
August 10, 2020
Quick read, but don't expect too much
Once you accept that.some information is going to missing in the tale you can relax and read a lighthearted murder mystery. After the first few chapters you can predict the ending. A local radio reporter will solve the case, wind up with the big career and get the handsome detective. Just accept the idea and relax. The improbable becomes the real in spite of the real world.
Once you accept that.some information is going to missing in the tale you can relax and read a lighthearted murder mystery. After the first few chapters you can predict the ending. A local radio reporter will solve the case, wind up with the big career and get the handsome detective. Just accept the idea and relax. The improbable becomes the real in spite of the real world.
October 26, 2020
Review of Dead before Wednesday
Very interesting book about Big City Police, But City News Reporting and dealing with Family Expectations. The most interesting part of the story was how the Police get laser focused on a subject and concentrate their efforts on their original suspect. I also enjoyed the main character having to deal with her Mother meddling in her life and her mother steering her in the right direction.
Very interesting book about Big City Police, But City News Reporting and dealing with Family Expectations. The most interesting part of the story was how the Police get laser focused on a subject and concentrate their efforts on their original suspect. I also enjoyed the main character having to deal with her Mother meddling in her life and her mother steering her in the right direction.
October 11, 2025
It didn't ring true with me at all. The night news radio reporter gets a scoop, and the police boss says to include her in subsequent interviews because she is good at getting people to talk and seems real, not like typical reporters. And the neighbor shows her the hidden space above their apartments, And she's new to Boston but immediately fits in to every aspect. It seemed too simplistic and the ultimate bottom line to the story made me shake my head.
July 6, 2019
Good, Clean, Cozy with a Well-Developed Plot
This was a great book! Sometimes “cozy” mysteries are too simplistic to me, but this one was very enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. The main characters are likable, and the conflict was presented well without being too drawn out.
This was my first book by the author, but it won’t be my last.
This was a great book! Sometimes “cozy” mysteries are too simplistic to me, but this one was very enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. The main characters are likable, and the conflict was presented well without being too drawn out.
This was my first book by the author, but it won’t be my last.
August 4, 2020
The making of a reporter
Fast paced murder mystery investigated by a young radio reporter looking for her big break in television. Ali is new to Boston and new to the late night spot on radio, but she doesn’t let that stop her from going after what she wants and getting a senator cleared of a murder charge.
Fast paced murder mystery investigated by a young radio reporter looking for her big break in television. Ali is new to Boston and new to the late night spot on radio, but she doesn’t let that stop her from going after what she wants and getting a senator cleared of a murder charge.
December 20, 2020
Almost perfect
The action and plot were well laid out, although a little on the unbelievable side. This would be improved by a little more time spent getting to know the main characters a bit more in depth. Kudos for letting the reader figure out who the culprit was before the main characters did. Makes us feel really smart, I guess.
The action and plot were well laid out, although a little on the unbelievable side. This would be improved by a little more time spent getting to know the main characters a bit more in depth. Kudos for letting the reader figure out who the culprit was before the main characters did. Makes us feel really smart, I guess.
June 2, 2022
Who killed J.J?
Ali recently moved to Boston and is on the radio later at night, an investigative reporter. She really wants to move to TV news and gets her chance to present when she learns more about the murder of J.J. , the supermodel. Thrilling and family match makers make life even more interesting.
Ali recently moved to Boston and is on the radio later at night, an investigative reporter. She really wants to move to TV news and gets her chance to present when she learns more about the murder of J.J. , the supermodel. Thrilling and family match makers make life even more interesting.
February 26, 2020
Really enjoyed the story, and the writing was very good, I just couldn't stand the main character. She struck me as the stereotypical reporter. I also found it kind of a stretch with how willing all the police were to give her all the info and access they did, otherwise, pretty good.
March 25, 2020
Fun mystery novel that kept me guessing until the end. Some stuff in the story was a little *too* easy, (police releasing information because they like you. . . ) but overall it was a really fun book to read! I will probably continue to read more in this series.
August 4, 2020
This is a good mystery that I liked. It is not possible in real life as the reporter is allowed to help the police detective, even encouraged to help solve the crime. But I like how the sleuth & detective had respect for one another.
August 5, 2020
Ali's Raising
Ali was a night shift news reporter on a radio station. She wanted to be a TV investigative reporter and her friendship with Detective Ryan McGuire might be her ticket to her goal.
Ali was a night shift news reporter on a radio station. She wanted to be a TV investigative reporter and her friendship with Detective Ryan McGuire might be her ticket to her goal.
August 11, 2020
A great mystery!
I always enjoy reading a great mystery and this was one that I highly recommend! A lot of twists and turns and I pretty much figured out who committed the murder before the end. I hope everyone who likes a good mystery will read this one!
I always enjoy reading a great mystery and this was one that I highly recommend! A lot of twists and turns and I pretty much figured out who committed the murder before the end. I hope everyone who likes a good mystery will read this one!
September 9, 2020
Very good cozy
This is a fun, fast read. It's a typical cozy which includes a young attractive woman, a law enforcement man, a murder, and, oh, there were no pets! The storyline is interesting as well as the characters and it moves along quickly.
This is a fun, fast read. It's a typical cozy which includes a young attractive woman, a law enforcement man, a murder, and, oh, there were no pets! The storyline is interesting as well as the characters and it moves along quickly.
October 22, 2020
A wonderful cozy mystery
I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I hated to have to put it down when I had to do something else. It is a wonderful page turner. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I hated to have to put it down when I had to do something else. It is a wonderful page turner. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
March 30, 2021
Cozy mystery
Overall I loved this. There were a few parts that had me annoyed but overall the story is fun. The characters ate interesting and grow into their own overtime. The mystery is pretty obvious but it was still an interesting story.
Overall I loved this. There were a few parts that had me annoyed but overall the story is fun. The characters ate interesting and grow into their own overtime. The mystery is pretty obvious but it was still an interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews