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High Heels #12

Jeopardy in High Heels

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#1 Amazon, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling series! When death hits a contestant on America's favorite game show, fashion designer turned amateur sleuth is on the case!

I'll take "What is Murder" for $200 please, Alex?

Maddie Springer may know more about fabulous heels than tough trivia, but she's thrilled when her hairdresser-to-the-stars stepfather, Fernando, earns a spot on a celebrity edition of American's favorite game show. But she's not so thrilled when, after taping ends, one of the other contestants dies, the media are suddenly everywhere, and one reporter in particular is threatening to not only point the finger at Fernando, but also expose his biggest secrets to the world!

The victim was Doggy Z, a famous rap artist turned recreational marijuana supporter turned cooking show co-host. And it seems everyone in his life had a reason to want him dead—from the 4 ex-wives he was serially unfaithful to, to his deceptively wholesome looking cooking show co-host, to the network executive seen arguing with Dog just before his death, and even the soap opera star who competed against him on the trivia show. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through the suspects and figure out just which person the rapper may have wronged enough to want him dead. With the help of her Hollywood BFF, her hot homicide detective husband, and her endearingly meddling mom, can Maddie track down a cold blooded killer... before she finds herself in final jeopardy?

The High Heels
#1 Spying in High Heels
#2 Killer in High Heels
#3 Undercover in High Heels
#3.5 Christmas in High Heels (short story)
#4 Alibi in High Heels
#5 Mayhem in High Heels
#5.5 Honeymoon in High Heels (novella)
#5.75 Sweetheart in High Heels (short story)
#6 Fearless in High Heels
#7 Danger in High Heels
#8 Homicide in High Heels
#9 Deadly in High Heels
#10 Suspect in High Heels
#11 Peril in High Heels
#12 Jeopardy in High Heels

What critics are

"Ms. Halliday is the undisputed queen of the she knows how to blend fashion, suspense, laughter, and romance in all the right doses."
~ Fresh Fiction

"A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible."
~ Chicago Tribune

"Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!"
~ Publishers’ Weekly, *starred review*

"Maddie Springer is like a cross between Paris Hilton and Stephanie Plum, only better. The dialogue is snappy and the suspense beautifully interwoven with Ms. Halliday's unique humor. This is one HIGH HEEL you'll want to try on again and again."
~ Romance Junkies

This story does not contain any graphic violence, language, or sexual encounters. Its rating would be similar to PG-13 or what you would find on a Hallmark Channel movie or TV series.

241 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2020

207 people are currently reading
406 people want to read

About the author

Gemma Halliday

95 books1,892 followers
Gemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.

Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.

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5 stars
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107 (32%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books491 followers
October 7, 2020
JEOPARDY IN HIGH HEELS, the twelfth book in the High Heels Mystery series, is co-written by Gemma Halliday and Catherine Bruns. While I’ve read several books in this hysterically funny mystery series, I haven’t read them all… much to my chagrin and I plan on catching up soon. That said, this newest release is easily read as a standalone with just enough backstory to give a glimpse of the character development throughout the series to whet a reader’s appetite. The supporting characters surrounding protagonist, Maddie Springer, are zany and their madcap antics kept me laughing out loud and turning pages.

With the setting of Los Angeles, the authors capture the flavors and the area’s popular culture accurately… goat yoga anyone?!?! I could both laugh and relate with the over-the-top inclusion of several things since I live in the area. The mystery was well-plotted and the clues unfolded as Maddie and her gal-pal, Dana, tried to figure out who murdered bad-boy Scottish bagpipe rapper, Doggy Z. Once again the authors threw in tongue-in-cheek humor that emphasizes some of the zany people who capture today’s social media headlines. With fast-paced intrigue, the action and witty dialog never let up which added to the overall entertainment of this lighthearted and humorous read!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Julesy.
536 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2020
Welcome to Celebrity Jeopardy!

Maddie with her mom and friends attend the special Celebrity Jeopardy! game show with host Alex Trebek to raise funds for charity. Maddie's father-in-law Fernando, a hairdresser for the wealthy and famous, is a contestant. The other celebrity contestants are Angela Gold, a soap opera TV actress (imagine Susan Lucci), and Doggy Z, a Scottish bagpipe rap singer (imagine a hybrid of Snoop Dog, Eminem, and KoRn). One of the contestants is later found dead in their home and the death is suspicious. Maddie is intent on finding out what happened. While investigating, the suspects list seem to grow endlessly. Maddie needs to find out who the killer before they come after her.

What makes this one different from the previous books in the series is that it is co-written with Catherine Bruns. I have read a few books by Catherine Bruns and love her writing, which is filled with humor and little quips. I found myself chuckling and LOL'ing a few times. This series continues to be entertaining and I always look forward to reading about Maddie's antics and investigative prowess.

I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
November 17, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Missi Martin (Stockwell).
1,129 reviews34 followers
November 4, 2020
A book written by Gemma Halliday AND Catherine Bruns.....well reading that is a no brainer !!! These two authors are amazing by themselves but when put together their writing talent is explosive !!!!

Jeopardy in High Heels is the twelfth book in the High Heels Mystery series and you are going to be in love !! There is so much within this book to capture readers attention and continue its firm grasp on it until you finish the book.

Main character Maddie has a busy life. She is married to a police detective, has twins in preschool, is a fashion shoe designer, has a best friend, Dana, who is an actress and family that she will do anything for !!

In Jeopardy in High Heels Maddie's step-father who is the owner of Fernando's which is a hair salon that caters to the famous and rich is a contestant on Celebrity Jeopardy. Maddie and Dana are in the audience with Maddie's mom and her best friend to cheer him on. The other two contestants are an actress on a soap opera and a rapper by the name of Doggy Z. During the taping of the show it appears that Doggy Z is more out of it than he usually is. It is rumored that he is always high but during the taping he looks like he is completely out of it.

That evening Maddie's husband, Ramirez, is called into work. It isn't until later that evening that she learns that the case that he was called into was for Doggy Z. He was found dead at him home that evening. Of course Maddie cannot stop thinking about his performance during the taping of Jeopardy and when a gossip reporter finds out that her husband is working on the case, she wants insider information. Maddie refuses to give in to her until she threatens to out Fernando for the fraud that he is which could destroy his business. So Maddie, Dana and gossip reporter Tina "work together" to solve the case keeping Fernando's secret safe.

There is a LONG list of suspects regarding Doggy Z's murder...... and 4 of them are his ex-wives !! Maddie and Dana take it upon themselves to look into his death and though Maddie has a lot on her plate and her husband is the detective assigned to the case and they should really just let him do his job, they are pulled into it.....

Jeopardy in High Heels is such a fun story to read with the characters and the storyline. Readers cannot help but enjoy it....who doesn't like Jeopardy ? We may not know the answers or who killed Doggy Z but what's the harm of riding along with Maddie while she looks into it ??

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and knowing it was written by a dynamic duo made it that much better. Halliday and Bruns alone are magnificient in their storytelling abilities but when paired together, it is a masterpiece !!!
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
October 20, 2020
I believe I have read most, if not all, the books in this series and they just keep getting better and better. The characters are great and all work together to make the book a fabulous read. I could only wish for more scenes with the children.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,781 reviews19 followers
February 13, 2022
Loved it

I have loved the dynamic of the characters in this series from the very beginning. Maddie and her friends really keep you entertained. Hope there will be more in this series.
Profile Image for Beth.
Author 53 books173 followers
November 2, 2020
Loved, loved, LOVED it!
Profile Image for Kara Rutledge.
407 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2020
Jeopardy in High Heels (High Heels, #12) is the latest installment of the High Heel Mysteries book series. Maddie Springer is thrilled to learn that her hairdresser-to-the-stars stepfather, Fernando, has been selected to appear on a celebrity edition of Jeopardy! But, when another contestant, bagpipe rapper Doggy Z, dies after the taping of the show, a tabloid reporter points the finger at Fernando and threatens to expose his secrets.

Gemma Halliday never fails to disappoint, and Jeopardy in High Heels was no exception. From the get go, I was sucked into the storyline and couldn't wait to find out "whodunit". And, I can honestly say that I didn't guess who the killer was, which is refreshing to say the least.

I loved that all my favorite characters made an appearance, especially Jack Ramirez, who had a larger part in this edition compared to other books in the series. Even the twins made an appearance, and their characters were more developed.

Another thing I enjoyed was that the television game show Jeopardy and Alex Trebek were incorporated into the plot because it's one of my favorites game shows to watch. With that being said, I found myself saddened that Alex Trebek died in real life while I was reading the book.

This particular series is one of the better cozy mystery book series in my opinion as it has a bit of everything in it . . . romance, comedy, and of course, mystery. It's also a comfort read for me because it's always like "going home again". I gave Jeopardy in High Heels (High Heels, #12) five out of five stars.


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Profile Image for Carole Craddock.
282 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2020
Well done! I just love Jeopardy! and using this beloved game show in the plot made this book extra special. Maddie and Dana are crime-fighting, again. This time, all eyes are on Maddie's stepfather and his secret will be revealed if Maddie does not act fast! There is a character from another of Ms. Halliday's series, Tina from Hollywood Headlines, that plays a major role in this one. Oh, and Dana is becoming a movie star more and more with each book! I always look forward to the next one of this series, hope it's soon!
2,522 reviews
November 18, 2024
free ebook
part of a series i like
she has twins, boy and girl, married to cop, and she designs shoes high heels

her step dad is on jeopardy and another contestant is killed with anti freeze
a reporter blackmailed her into looking to see who did it by threatening to expose her step dads secret (he is from ohio , owns beverly hills salon)

so she investigated with the help of her friends and it was the mans son who killed him for being such a bad person

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews
November 26, 2024
This is the first of Gemma’s books I’ve read. I would read it average. Normally if I leave a response it’s when I’m thrilled. in my opinion, it’s like the author hasn’t quite decided what she wants to be. Or I should say what type of mystery she wants to write. for a while, she’ll go along and she’ll have me guessing as it should be and then it’s like she’s lost her way. I’ll read some more of hers with his main character but It’s not quite enough direction to keep me intrigued
Profile Image for Veronica.
386 reviews
April 8, 2025
I remember taking a break from this series a few years ago as it was released in time with Alex Trebeck’s passing.

As always, you roll your eyes at Maddie and her detective antics (even if protesting as she follows along with her friends), while trying to solve the mystery yourself as a reader.

3.5 out of 5 stars
1,690 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2020
A fantastic addition to the High Heels mystery collection. A combination of a taping of Jeopardy, a dead body and a super sleuth mommy of adorable twins. What could be better? Gemma Halliday works her magic in Jeopardy In High Heels.
Profile Image for Marcia-Lee Finocchio.
604 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2020
Maddie catches a killer!

Another entertaining story involving Maddie and friends. This time it’s a murder of a contestant on the Jeopardy show, which her step dad is on! Great reading!
51 reviews
December 21, 2020
Reasonable but.....

Would a young mother of little children really take the chances she does with her life? Especially with a top detective for a husband? Kinda of insulting to him & reckless with the children she adores.
Profile Image for ShayLyn Ostrow.
61 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2021
Jeopardy in High Heels!

I have been reading this series for years and I love every single one of the books. Right from the first page I’m pulled in and always have the hardest time putting them down!
258 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2021
More fun and games on jeopardy.

What not to do when you get invited to watch jeopardy at the studio. How to keep your nose out of police business and driving 101 not for a beginner. Some fails for our Maddie.
495 reviews
October 13, 2020
Fantastic new book in the Maddie Springer "High Heels" mystery series! This is maybe the best book yet in this wonderful series. Maddie Springer continues to entertain with her amateur sleuthing. All the favorite characters come out to play in this one and it's all coupled with an outstanding plot involving her step-father's participation on Celebrity Jeopardy! When a game contestant dies the Hollywood secrets start seeping from every corner of the backstage lot. Fortunately Maddie has a BFF that works in TV. Maddie and Dana start poking around along with a member of the press they can't seem to shake off. Who killed Doggy Z and who wants Maddie to leave it all alone? Maddie's hottie husband / detective Ramirez is on the case, but Maddie needs to look out for Fernando's reputation. All the while juggling her twins. I am absolutely in love with this series!
13 reviews
October 22, 2020
One of Gemma Halliday's Best

As usual, more fun and hijinks for Maddie and gang. Her family is a hoot, and her husband, Ramirez, is sex on a stick.
180 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2020
I have read every book in the series. I can't get enough of Maddie and her crazy cast of characters, never mind her twin babies and sexy detective hubby. These books do not disappoint!
Profile Image for Jennifer Artiles.
478 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2020
Jeopardy Hijinks

Maddie strikes again with all the gang in tow. Another great whodunit with lots of twists and turns, as well as the wit we know and love. Highly recommended.
164 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2020
Hollywood Homicide Hijinks

Maddie and Dana find murder on the set of Jeopardy while trying to protect Fernando/Ralph from overzealous tabloid reporter Tina.
128 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2020
I love HighHeels

I enjoy Maddie and the gang. Her mom and Faux Dad are so fun and when he is selected to appear on celebrity jeopardy things get really interesting.
318 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2020
Funny and lighthearted - The High Heel mysteries are always a fun read.
4,417 reviews43 followers
November 29, 2021
Who killed Dog and why??? I love Jeopardy, but never imagined this kind of stuff going off backstage!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.

Profile Image for E.
1,876 reviews
December 7, 2021
Fantastic

Love Maddy & friends. This one does not disappoint! Great writing and characters. I look forward reading the next book.
Profile Image for Lynnette.
444 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2021
Always lots of twists

And her cast of loony characters had just the right amount (limited) of exposure. It’s also fun when the folks from the tabloid series show up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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