Malice in Miami

Jamie Quinn Mystery #6

by Barbara Venkataraman

Reluctant family law attorney Jamie Quinn is loving life--and why wouldn't she? Her boyfriend Kip is back from Australia, her long-lost dad finally has his visa and she's about to start her dream job at an art foundation. But it all falls apart when Jamie is accused of stealing priceless art from a rare book collection. If she can't find out who framed her, she can kiss her dream job good-bye--and her law license too. Meanwhile, Kip has problems of his own. Now an environmental activist, he uncovers a deadly secret--one that just might get him killed. Jamie's in trouble, Kip's in danger, and Duke Broussard has gone AWOL. How could Jamie's favorite P.I. abandon her at a time like this?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Short Stories, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

218 pages, ebook

Published November 22, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author Barbara Venkataraman is an attorney and mediator specializing in family law. Her works include: "The Fight for Magicallus", a children's fantasy; "If you'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place", a humorous short story; and three books of humorous essays: "I'm Not Talking about You, Of Course," "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "A Smidge of Crazy", from her series, "Quirky Essays for Quirky People."

Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malice in Miami is the long-awaited next novel in the Jamie Quinn Mysteries. I read the previous ones several years ago and was eager to grab a copy of this one. It was released last month, and I bought it earlier this month... a light morning after opening gifts, so I spent some time finishing the book. What fun!

If you enjoy cozies with a twist, legal knowledge, and humor, you'll be fond of this series. I like the main characters fun POV. This time, she's in trouble, not only because of art theft, but snakes! My favorite character is Duke Broussard, though. I'm so glad what happened to him in this book. He has a way of making readers smile. Add to it Jamie's new job, process serving nightmares, and the friends from the past, I was glad to read this one.

Jamie's relationship has always been at the crux for me. She puts up with so much! Kip is a nice guy, but he can't ever sit still. I couldn't possibly keep up, so I give her credit. Some view life as an opportunity to do everything and anything... helping others and being the best human possible. Others try to balance their days. I'm in the middle there... but I like reading about different personalities, so this always makes for a good 3-hour read. Start at the beginning with the series!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Quinn is winding down her lawyerly activities – finalizing her last few cases – to begin her new career as a trustee of the Andrea Lowenthal Art Fund. She’s looking forward to the research she’ll do at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – until she’s accused of stealing art pieces and finds herself arrested.

Meanwhile, Jamie’s boyfriend Kip has finally returned from Australia and has started his own new job as an environmental activist. But Kip’s job leads him into danger when he uncovers secrets he isn’t supposed to know. With Jamie being framed and Kip in dire trouble, her thoughts turned to her accomplished PI – Duke Broussard. Could he find the answers to Jamie’s dilemma? Maybe he could – if she knew where he was…

Malice in Miami is the 6th in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series by Barbara Venkataraman and although slow to begin with, the pace picked up toward to middle and raced to the end. There is plenty of mystery in various situations in Malice in Miami, and once again Jamie is her impulsive, jump-in-headlong self, which invariably puts her in danger. Another enjoyable episode in this cozy mystery series which I recommend.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and I’m sad to know this is the last one for now !! This mystery came a bit late in the book for me but otherwise it was great ! I do wish there was some more at the end about what happened to the culprit 😈

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author, Barbara Venkataraman, for providing me with a digital copy of her latest mystery in the Jamie Quinn series! In this outing, Jamie is winding down her family law practice to begin a new position as the face of the Andrea Lowenthal Art Fund. She'll have to hobnob with wealthy patrons of the arts and needs a new wardrobe of evening gowns, much to her chagrin.

But before she can even begin her new job, she gets drawn into a paternity suit which claims the wealthy and powerful Sugar King of Florida, Eduardo Matteo, is the father of twins with medical issues whose mother is under the age of consent. Meanwhile, Kip is back and working in the Everglades catching pythons. Yikes! He discovers something out there that may just tie both cases together.

These books are witty and fun but also address some important social issues. I enjoy the developing relationships between Jamie and her friends, family. As always, this was a very entertaining, quick read.

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received from the author for review, with thanks!*

I’ve enjoyed all the Jamie Quinn mysteries, and this entry was as much fun as the others. Jamie is a self-deprecating narrator, who always manages to see some humor in the situations she finds herself in. Now that she has her new job running an art foundation, she’s trying to wrap up her last few active cases so she can close down her law practice. But despite herself, she gets dragged into a big paternity case, which, thanks to her process server, Duke, blows up in her face.
Duke has been one of my favorite supporting characters throughout the series, as he reminds me a bit of a private investigator/process server I’ve known and worked with for many years.

Jamie has misadventure after misadventure, with anything that can go wrong doing so, sometimes hilariously. And I learned some stuff, about art and how art foundations work, and in one of my favorite bits of the book, about snake wrangling. I’ll say this, Jamie is a braver woman than I. If my boyfriend took me out at night to hunt snakes, well, I probably would refuse to get out of the car and he might not be my boyfriend the next day!

I enjoyed the banter between Jamie and Kip, and Jamie and Duke. The plot was unpredictable, I never knew what to expect next. Jamie’s life sometimes resembles the old screwball comedies. If you’re new to the series, I recommend you start from the beginning. Each book is a fun and breezy read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read book five, but I had no issue’s picking right back up on the series. The characters are realistic and interesting. The mystery is full of twists and turns. I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up, giving Jamie the satisfaction of justice.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

“Malice in Miami” sends readers on a tour of Miami with a look into seedy people of power.

Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘They say no knowledge is ever wasted. I say some knowledge can get you killed.’

Life is looking good for Jamie Quinn. Her boyfriend Kip is (finally) back from Australia, her dad has his visa to stay in the USA and she is winding down her family law practice to start her new (dream) job with an art foundation. Jamie has just a few cases to finalise first.

But wait, this is Florida and Jamie’s life is never straightforward. Her dad is struggling to settle into life in the USA, Kip has a new job – with one long term benefit but a few short-term (and some dangerous obstacles). And when is he going to propose? Meantime, Jamie agrees to help a fellow lawyer with another case which has some very disturbing consequences. P.I. Duke Broussard has a creative solution to one problem but is looks like it might cost Jamie her dream job. Can she snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?

‘What a year this week had been, and it was only Wednesday.’

I have been reading the Jamie Quinn mysteries since the beginning, and they have grown on me. This is the sixth instalment, and it was great to catch up with Duke Broussard (doesn’t his life take a surprising twist?) and the rest of Jamie’s team. There is a lot happening in this novel: a few unexpected twists, plenty of humour and watch out for the pythons!

Thank you, Ms Venkataraman. I do hope that there are more Jamie Quinn mysteries in my future.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so impressed with this author’s writings!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and looked forward to this specific book for a while now. I was not disappointed!! There was so much action and twists in the story, it was so good I couldn’t put it down!! I love it when an author comes up with their own “sayings” and this one in this book really got to me!! “ Otherwise my mind would screen a scary movie in the middle of the night and my insomnia would bring the popcorn.” I love it!!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it took me a while to get started on reading this book, because life kept getting in the way. (Don't you hate that?) But when I finally carved out some time, I couldn't put it down. (Sorry dishes that needed washing, floor that needed finishing and garden that needed weeding.) This book is awesome!! (Of course! This is a wonderfully talented author!)
Our heroine is involved in espionage while trying to clean up Florida. She and her crew are after a truly bad guy that is destroying the Everglades while protecting the good guys. Meanwhile her hero (Although, I gotta tell ya, she's really her own hero) is finally home and ready to settle down. The job he wants is dangerous to land. (There are snakes!!! EEEK!!)
A fun book and sooo very hard to put down! Enjoy!

[Trinity Waddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Jamie Quinn adventure. Sadly Duke wasn't as prominent in this book but the couple of times he surfaced - he did so with a big surprise! There was mystery, subterfuge and plenty of action. Everything I've come to expect from a Jamie Quinn mystery.

[Charlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had almost forgot about Jamie Quinn. Her wit, charisma, keen intelligence and amazing ability to get herself into trouble without even trying. It's hard to not like her. Even though it's been a while since I last visited her world, I was able to get sucked right back in and start up where I left off without missing a beat. She's the Jamie I remember and the fast ride she takes you on is always entertaining. This book was just as lively and exciting as the others. I found the environmental aspect interesting and was taken by surprise a few times. I have to say, I wouldn't attempt to read this one as a standalone. You definitely need to know about some of the key characters to get an understanding for what is going on. Definitely a series I would recommend to any mystery fan who likes some fun and humor in their stories.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malice in Miami earns 5/5 “Florida Man” Headlines...Engaging Fun!

Jamie Quinn is an attorney by education, family law by practice, and honorable by reputation, but a “too good to pass” opportunity has arisen precipitating a career change as the trustee of The Andrea Lowenthal Memorial Foundation. Sure there’s an crash course in art history, dress-up galas, and millions of dollars to manage, the prospect is exciting! But exciting turns larcenous!

There’s a few outstanding court cases to close out, but fellow attorney Nelda Santos desperately needs Jamie’s expertise with a very emotional lawsuit against a large corporation. Her part will be a quick and easy: find a way to serve previously hard to serve papers and set up a DNA confirmation. But, when the case evolves from workman comp demands to complicated paternity issues to personal injury claims that could translate into millions...not so quick, not so easy, and not so devoid of danger.

With legal complications, family issues, and trips to museums that end her in jail, Jamie finds comfort with her boyfriend Kip Simons, but his passion for all things flora and fauna leads him to the Everglades...be careful!

Barbara Venkataraman has woven several issues into a engaging drama which seems to epitomize the David and Goliath scenario; it may be greed vs humanity or man vs environment or just man vs man or woman. Whatever the battle, Barbara provides realistic situations for the characters to manage, avoid, and solve. The drama is at times intense with a realism that might make you question whether it’s “based on true events.” Beyond a seemingly cut and dry lawsuit and the challenges with her foundation work, there was just the right amount of peril “shot” at the characters, and a big fist-pump “Yes” at the end. Barbara uses in a first-person narrative from Jamie’s perspective giving me a vicarious role as “I.” It is steady-paced with easily consumed chapters. Although the real drama and peril seemed slow to rev up, it’s definitely the journey that made this a real page-turner. Her descriptive language does well to paint the Florida settings, the museums and art work, Everglades, and the various characters from fashionable to alligator boots, and the dialogue, witty and informative, illustrates well the characters’ personalities which make this series and ensemble easy to recommend.

I don’t just read. I read. I learn. Then I explore and learn. Then read and learn some more. In Barbara’s book, I googled pythons, python hunting, and other flora and fauna native or imported to Florida, but it was the tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida, that gets added it to my bucket list. Then the language lessons! My favorite is “kuchi zamishi, a Japanese phrase for when you’re not hungry but you eat because your mouth is ‘lonely.’” Wow! My mouth must be so despondent!

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'd read the 5th book in the series a while back, I had no trouble jumping into this one. Jamie's life seems to be going great and she's looking forward to a career move. Jamie agrees to do a favor for Nelda, to lend a hand in her case. Jamie turns to her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard. Something that should've been easy has led to one backlash to the next putting Jamie in an unfortunate position on all fronts.

This was an enjoyable read and aside from the mystery, plenty of other things were entertaining me. The snake roundup, Duke being followed, but finding out his past coming back to haunt him in a good way. Duke's alarm had me laughing out loud. One of the places that Jamie had to get acquainted with for her new career was Vizcaya, a magnificent museum, that piqued my interest to learn more about it online. I, also; enjoyed Kip keeping Jamie on her toes by guessing what he was up to.

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun to get to hang out with Jamie Quinn while she finds some trouble in the art world. Jamie and Kip are finally in the same country and life is going to be great. Jamie is accused of stealing priceless sketches and Kip is trying his hand at being an environmentalist not so successfully. A little danger and a lot of laughs Jamie Quinn style. Barbara has created a fun series that gives a not so typical legal base. Besides being entertained I learn something from every adventure with Jamie. This book could be read as a standalone but the story does reference past books. A great addition to the series and always looking forward to the next adventure.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are finally looking up for Jamie Quinn. Things start to go downhill when her boyfriend Kip’s new job isn’t looking all that great and Jamie is accused of stealing valuable art. She’s convinced someone is framing her but why and who?

With Kip’s life on the line and her own career in jeopardy, Jamie tries to find answers. It’s not easy but she’s determined to prove her own innocence and save Kip at the same time.

I so enjoy my visits into Jamie Quinn’s life. Fay Annette, the narrator, has a great storytelling manner that makes me feel like I’m listening to an old friend telling me a story. Her tone fits perfectly for this story.

The mystery moves at a fast-pace and I find myself caring more about Jamie than the actual mystery. She’s the type of character I’m really rooting for. I want to see her do well. I want good things for her. I cringe when things go wrong.

Although the mystery is solved in this story, I feel like the reader needs to start with book #1. I’ve read the series from the beginning and can appreciate it so much more that way. I suggest starting with the first book and reading straight through. It’s 100 times more fun that way. It gives the reader a chance to get to know Jamie and all the wacky people surrounding her.

I hope the author will continue with this mystery series.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free audio book copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lonny Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slightly odd mystery. The murder occurs late in the book and it's solution is almost incidental to the plot. Jamie Quinn has decided to get out of the family law business. She will be the administrator of the Andrea Lowenthal Foundation. Boyfriend Kip has returned from Australia and has taken a job catching Burmese Pythons in the Everglades. As Jamie winds down her last 5 divorce cases her officemate Nelda Santos asks for her help with a paternity case that arises from a workman's comp case involving birth defects caused by the mother's exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace. The problem is the father is Eduardo Matteo, owner of Florida Sugar. He is as wealthy and powerful as anyone in Florida. The book gets off to a slightly slow start as we catch up on Jamie's life and the changes happening in it. Then everything falls apart. Jamie is sued by Matteo for defamation of character; she's arrested for art theft; 10001 dollars shows up in her bank account attracting the IRS; Kip discovers mutated frogs and pollution dumping in the Glades; the FBI wants her help with an sting involving the Russian Mob; and Duke gets Jamie and her friend Grace a lot of unwanted publicity with a process serving stunt. Once the action starts, it proceeds at a fast pace to a satisfying denouement. As I said it's a bit offbeat, but a good read. It delves into the abuse of power, pollution and the corruption that often allows it, the world of art theft and money laundering and Jamie is at ground zero. A quick read worth the time of any fan of straight forward mysteries.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jamie Quinn and not simply because she hates mornings! She frequently becomes embroiled in complicated scenarios as she's always well-intentioned and trying to do the right thing because she simply can't say "No!" to anyone that needs her help. This time Jamie is almost free of her remaining cases as a family law attorney and ready to embrace her new role working for 85-year-old Herb Lowenthal as trustee for "The Andrea Lowenthal Art Fund" created in memory of his daughter.

One of the best delights of Barbara Venkataraman's writing is the humor that flows through this series.

In this novel favorites were:
• Condo commandos on guard from the breakfast nooks in the community where her father lives
• Herb explaining the needs of Jamie's new wardrobe

Jamie's boyfriend Kip is back home in Miami and he's obviously a great guy who cares for the environment. However, let me just say that I'm glad Kip is Jamie's significant love interest not mine particularly in this novel. Marmaduke Broussard III (Duke to his friends) always helps Jamie out on her cases making interesting connections and discoveries but this time someone has made a fascinating discovery and connection to Duke that adds extra smiles to all readers who love Duke. [As a hint to all Sue Grafton fans, let me suggest that Duke reminds me of Ranger. Enough said.]

I must mention Mr. Paws again (especially for all who love felines) as Jamie Quinn was not a fan of cats at the start of their relationship. Following her Mother's death, Jamie inherited Mr. Paws and they barely tolerated each other. Now Jamie's heart seems to be melting a little. Although Jamie will only commit to having a de-escalation of their mutual hostilities and still occasionally refers to him as "Mr. Pain-in-the-Axx" she did arrange for a neighbor to feed him when she was going to unexpectedly be away overnight. On the part of Mr. Paws he has still been known to knock a few things over if he needs to make a point (e.g. dinner's late) but will curl up on the recliner with Jamie for a TV night and purr "like a little motor boat."

After reading "Malice in Miami" I looked up the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as I've never been to Miami and know hardly anything about the city. The Vizcaya website https://vizcaya.org/ further highlights all the attributes described in the novel and it's definitely been added to my travel dreams with my first touring wish to begin in the gardens.

This novel can be read as a stand-alone but as with many series part of the enchantment is enjoying not only the author's style as with the humor infused in the character of Jamie Quinn but also the excitement as friendships evolve and relationships progress as in real life. I hope this series continues for a long time as I'm definitely looking forward to catching up with Jamie for another one of her adventures.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, easy, and fun listen of a story about life with a touch of mystery.

Jamie is happy that her boyfriend, Kip, is back and her father is near-by with a legal visa. Jamie has decided to give up her law practice and take on a totally new position as an executive officer for a local art foundation. Jamie is friends with the organization’s founder who has convinced her to take on the job even though she knows very little about art. The employer has created a whole notebook with a study plan and a calendar of society events.

Although Jamie is closing down her practice, another attorney in her building cajoles her into helping with a paternity lawsuit. She agrees before she learns that the suspected father is a wealthy and corrupt Florida Sugar mobster who controls many politicians throughout the state. She engages her irreverent PI, Duke Broussard to help track down the man.

Before beginning her new job, Kip invites Jamie on an adventure in the Everglades. They meet friends and, to Jamie’s dismay, they go python hunting. Jamie manages to get through the event while Kip revels in the excitement.

As Jamie begins her study program, she is suddenly accused of stealing priceless art. Clearly, she is being framed and will have to figure out why and who. Meanwhile Kip has started a new job which puts him in a location to discover an environmental problem. The couple don’t realize that their difficulties might converge.

The story has fun adventure mixed with legal challenges, murder and danger. I enjoyed the exploits hunting the pythons. The mystery doesn’t really begin until a bit into the story and moves along quickly. There is good rapport between Jamie and Kip and some emotional issues with Jamie’s father. Being an attorney, I appreciate the legal issues and concerns which are not too complex for a non-legal person to follow. I also enjoyed the setting of the story since I am familiar with South Broward County and the Everglades. This package is a fun story and easy listen. I recommend the series to fans of easy mysteries with a female protagonist and a touch of legal issues.

Audio Notes: Fay Annette does a fine job with the narration. Her presentation provides distinct voices, captures the easy humor, and makes the story an enjoyable listen.

Source: Audible Code from Author. My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

There is so much going on in this story that I am finding it difficult knowing where to start.

I have read all the books in this series. I would not recommend attempting to read this story as a stand alone. There are friends and colleagues whom you should meet and a boyfriend, Kip, who works in parks and with endangered species or species which have been introduced into environments where they became destructive. Kip's new job has him working nights so the couple spends little time together.

In this story Jamie, a family lawyer, is winding down her legal practice because she has been offered a job to promote a deceased artist(Also part of a previous book.) and her works who was also an expert art forger. While "training" for that job she is set up with stolen art sketches being planted in her possession. And then there is the help she has been asked to give her friend, another attorney, who is attempting to prove that the owner of a massive sugar production is the father to twins born with birth defects to a 17-year-old girl.

We also have her father and step-mother as part of the story. His efforts to enter the USA were a large part of previous books. He's here now and plays a small part in this ongoing series.

This story is told from Jamie's POV. And she finds it difficult trying to balance these various concerns in her life. Someone is murdered, she is sued and may lose her license to practice law and then there is the fact that she is hoping, is expecting, a proposal from her boyfriend.

Parts of this book give us real life situations i.e., hunting for python snakes which endanger the balance of nature in the Everglades. ("With no natural predators pythons have decimated the small mammal population of the Everglades.")

The author of this series is also an attorney so she speaks from experience...I am sure...as to how that profession has a balancing act on many days...as does Jamie Quinn. I enjoyed this story and it kept me turning pages.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Malice In Miami" is book #6 in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series by Barbara Venkataraman. Jamie is winding down her family law practice in order to start her dream job heading up an art foundation. Her boyfriend Kip is back from Australia and her dad has his visa to stay in the USA. Life is good!

Aw, but not so fast... Her dad is having a hard time adjusting to being back in the USA, Kip's new job leads him to some disturbing discoveries. As for Jamie? While trying to help a fellow lawyer with one last case, she also winds up being framed for art theft! Oh and favorite PI Duke goes AWOL! As usual, Jamie finds herself embroiled in all kinds of drama!

I LOVE this series! Barbara has a way of drawing the reader into the story. Jamie's relationships with her family and friends feels real - as does the dialogue!

She gives us background on the subjects without overwhelming us - well, more than I wanted to know about pythons but no nightmares!

A wonderful blend of drama, intrigue, twists and some danger. Toss in a generous dose of humor and witty asides to keep us amused and you have a must read mystery!

[laura8759 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Barbara venkataraman for the pdf download of malice in Miami jamie quinn (book 6) another amazing book in the series the writing is good a great mystery and whodunit leaves you guessing to the end my favorite characters are jamie,kip, grace and Duke in this book her father is now in Miami and Jamie is now working for herb on the Andrea trust fund trying to find his daughters art as usual jamie quinn finds her self in trouble so much happened to her in this book your going to have to read it to find out lets just say its not the best week for jamie she goes on somecpretty cool adventures in this book we als learn some surprising things about Duke I hopecthe author writes another book it has romance, suspense and a little bit of adventure all rolled into one the writing just flowed it felt like you were right there in the story an amazing story to read during quarantine I would recommend this book to my friends and family laura8759.

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it's been like 3 years since I read book 5, picking up Malice in Miami was like meeting an old friend for coffee.

Loved Jamie's latest adventures in trying to stay out of adventures. Just as hilarious as I remember, and all of the nods to current society made me feel right at home. Jamie is relatable, and funny. The cast of these stories is perfection. So many great characters, and back stories for all of them. You can also tell how much research goes into these books, as they are so realistic.

This installment was met with growth for many people, and ended on the highest note possible! Can't wait to see what is in store for Jamie!

You'll love this book if you love cozy mysteries, lawyer/legal/crime mysteries, hilarious dialog with a hint of romantic relationships mixed in.

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie is at it again – she speaks without thinking, tends to enter into situations without considering consequences and does some really dumb stuff. She’s trying to close her cases so she can move on from family law, and is now studying to become the head of a new art foundation. Boyfriend Kip is back from his latest , and now he’s playing with pythons in the Everglades. It’s fairly easy to assume (if you’ve read about Jamie previously) that she’s going to find at least one body, will make a few people irate, and put herself and a few friends in jeopardy. There’s a lot of humor included, usually over something that’s quite implausible. Overall, this sixth in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series is a really good read, and I’m looking forward to the next in the saga of Jamie Quinn’s fascinating life.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see that the author was continuing this series. The author does such a nice job that it could be read on its own. However, I happily went back into Jamie’s world and her mind that works at super speed. All the characters I enjoyed in previous books are there with their own drama going on.

One thing I enjoy about this story is that Jamie’s life moves forward. She is not stuck in a time or a situation outside of the mystery. She has grown as a person and as a professional. Some how the author is able to make all the crazy scenes with Jamie’s life believable! And then there is Duke, a reoccurring character that just makes me smile whenever I see his name – he is about to have his own exploit!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th in the series. I loved it. The main character is Jamie. She is a lawyer and the new trustee of the Andrea Lowenthal Art Fund. She has a couple of old cases to finish up and then no more lawyer, Then the lawyer in the next office asks for help on a case and things go to hell in no time flat. Within in a short time she is arrested, has a deposit of $10,001 deposited and her account is froze and the FBI are involved and her best friend is mad at her. She isn't sure where it is all coming from. Her boyfriend is shot and then the FBI wants her help to take care of her problem Can she figure this all out and before someone gets killed ?.

[Tammy Kenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series.
Jamie's boyfriend Kip is back from Australia and is in search of another job that will help him save the environment. Jamie is transitioning from her job as a lawyer to the head of the Andrea Lowenthal charitable art fund. Once again they find themselves in the middle of another mystery after she's accused of stealing art pieces from the Vizcaya Museum. With the help of Duke Broussard and her friends Grace & Nick they manage to solve the case.
I found this to be another fun read and enjoyed all the content about saving the environment. Python hunting though ... not for me!!

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been quite a while since I last read a Jamie Quinn mystery, (I just had a quick look and it's actually four years since I read the last one) and I was keen to get back into it. It wasn't long before I was remembering my favourite characters from the previous books, particularly the fantastic Duke, the private investigator that Jamie uses.
I think that the best thing about this series is the combination of the mystery itself, the humour, and the added little incidental storylines. For example, in this installment, Jamie finds herself hunting pythons, an introduced pest (much like possums and others here in New Zealand). Not only was learning about them fascinating, but I also really enjoyed the humour and excitement of it all.
The only thing that I would say about this series, is that I'm glad that we live in a much less litigious society. Jamie finds herself taking legal action (hardly surprising, as she is still a lawyer, even if she is moving away from that line of work) but also finds herself the subject of legal action as a result. It all seemed a little mad!
This is a fantastic series and I hope that there is more to come. Who wouldn't love to read more about Jamie, Kip, Duke, and her other friends and family? If you haven't yet, then I suggest you give them a go.

[Michelle Nakagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even tell you how much I love this series! Jamie Quinn is a fantastic character who constantly finds herself in the middle of trouble, but always manages to get out pretty much unscathed, though there have been some pretty close calls.

In this book, she is finding her way out of family law and into the amazing world of art. Of course, big problems arise and she becomes embroiled in a ferocious battle with a big wig businessman.

There is some comic relief in the form of my new favorite P.I., Duke, that helps to lighten up the tense happenings and it made me laugh out loud.

[linda a morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Jamie Quinn cozy mystery! What a natural and smooth progression to a crazy mixed-up world of good-natured excitement in a way that only Jamie could manage! I could not put this book down; I read it all in one sitting! Jamie’s down-to-earth personality makes me feel like she’s a good friend of mind, and I couldn’t wait to see how she got out of each of her messes!!!! Venkataraman did not disappoint with this one! I hope she puts out another Jamie Quinn mystery very soon!!!!