Jeopardy in High Heels earns 5/5 Buzzers...Clever, Engaging Fun!
“I can’t believe we’re actually here.” Maddie, her mother decked out in an Alex Trebek t-shirt, her mother’s friend and part-time psychic Mrs. Rosenblatt, and Maddie’s friend Dana have scored tickets to a taping of a special celebrity version iconic Jeopardy! game show. Maddie’s step-father has been selected as a contestant, and with his manufactured Spanish persona, he hopes to win. The other contestants include long-time “Queen of Mean” soap star Angela Gold and bagpipe rap sensation and co-host of a cooking show Doggy Z. However, an altercation before the taping, suspicious behaviors, and limited participation grabs Maddie’s attention. Doggy Z incoherent manner, seemingly oblivious to how to use the buzzer, and his tantrum on set is definitely destined to go viral. But it’s later when Maddie’s Homicide Detective husband gets the call and the world learns...Doggy Z is dead! And after learning of some eavesdropping on a police scanner, it seems it’s murder! But, Maddie learns one tabloids reporter is looking into more than Doggy Z’s murder. The reporter from The L.A. Informer may have uncovered information that could “out” her step-father to his Beverly Hills rich and famous clients. No, not for being gay, it’s worse...for being a Midwesterner.
The Answer is...Brilliant! Although written and released before the “breaking news” of Alex Trebek’s sad passing, Gemma Halliday and Catherine Bruns have ultimately provided a nice nod to the iconic Jeopardy! host...cozy mystery style. With a double dose of engaging writing styles, rich characters, clever mystery, twists and misdirection, and witty banter, this tale is quite a page-turner. Maddie’s investigation starts out as a way to find out what the reporter may know and put up roadblocks to protect her step-dad’s hidden identity, but soon she’s embroiled in a dangerous murder mystery with several suspects and motives ranging from greed and jealousy to ambition and revenge. However, it’s the characters I totally enjoy, realistic and identifiable as friends and maybe family. Maddie is delightfully smart, protective of her family and friends, despite their quirks, and her relationship with her detective husband is supportive and often collaborative. And all this as a mother of twins! Her mother and Mrs. Rosenblatt add great spice, and Marco is absolute fun! The series is compelling entertainment, and despite the fact so much as changed, like life, this story is perfect for the newbie...in or out of heels!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.