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Life Coach Mystery #3
Coached in the Act
As East Hampton's go-to life coach, Cat Cooper and her BFF, Gilley, delve into the exclusive personal lives of the rich and infamous. But with local gossip growing vicious, knowing too much information can be a death sentence....
Wild rumors are swirling in the Hamptons over Twelve Angry Men, a ruthlessly revealing one-woman show written and performed by Yelena Galanis. The well-known socialite dated her way through some of the East End's most eligible bachelors, and now she's sparing few details while spilling their humiliating secrets to scandalized crowds. It's a mean-spirited spectacle that urges Cat to make a beeline for the theater exit during the first act - only to later discover that Yelena was found stabbed to death during intermission that same evening....
Adding to the disturbing news, Cat realizes she may have had a close encounter with the murderer. But when the one lead gives way to another violent death, her newest client - romantically linked to Yelena - gets tagged as the prime suspect. Believing 11 other barely anonymous men had reasons to kill the thespian for playing a cruel game of kiss and tell, Cat teams up with her sidekick, Gilley, to track down Yelena's list of rejected lovers and identify the vengeful culprit stalking around the seaside community, lingering frighteningly close to home....
Wild rumors are swirling in the Hamptons over Twelve Angry Men, a ruthlessly revealing one-woman show written and performed by Yelena Galanis. The well-known socialite dated her way through some of the East End's most eligible bachelors, and now she's sparing few details while spilling their humiliating secrets to scandalized crowds. It's a mean-spirited spectacle that urges Cat to make a beeline for the theater exit during the first act - only to later discover that Yelena was found stabbed to death during intermission that same evening....
Adding to the disturbing news, Cat realizes she may have had a close encounter with the murderer. But when the one lead gives way to another violent death, her newest client - romantically linked to Yelena - gets tagged as the prime suspect. Believing 11 other barely anonymous men had reasons to kill the thespian for playing a cruel game of kiss and tell, Cat teams up with her sidekick, Gilley, to track down Yelena's list of rejected lovers and identify the vengeful culprit stalking around the seaside community, lingering frighteningly close to home....
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2021
43 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
46 books3,175 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 28, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries series. I’m a big fan of Victoria Laurie and her series, I like how the characters overlap. The main characters in this series are Cat Cooper (Abby’s sister, from the Psychic Eye series) and Gilley, from the Ghost Hunter Mysteries.
A well known and controversial woman is killed, and one of Cat’s coaching clients is a suspect. Cat, with help from Gilley, wants to clear his name and find the real killer. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it, and the identity of the killer was a surprise until the very end! Great writing and an interesting plot. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A well known and controversial woman is killed, and one of Cat’s coaching clients is a suspect. Cat, with help from Gilley, wants to clear his name and find the real killer. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it, and the identity of the killer was a surprise until the very end! Great writing and an interesting plot. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 4, 2021
Cat decides to take her best friend, Gilley, who has been living separately from his husband during lockdown, to go out and have fun by attending the hot new show, Twelve Angry Men at Bay Street Theater. Only... the star of the one-woman show, Yelena Galanis, ends up being murdered during the intermission. When the police investigation turns the suspect to one of Cat's clients, whom she believes with all her heart couldn't possibly be the killer, Cat and Gilley decide to do some sleuthing by themselves to find the truth
First of all, I was rather worried when the word pandemic and lock down appeared in the first chapter! Can't help it, I still live in a country where currently Covid-19 is still turning high cases, and I don't want to read it on my fiction!! Luckily, the story seems to set in the world where the pandemic IS over. So yay!
I enjoy the story, like always with this series. Cat and Gilley work well together, especially when they have to plan something glamorous. I wonder why Cat don't decide to be fabulous party planner with Gilley instead of being a life coach *lol*. They work wonder to figure out clues about Yelena's boyfriend, with Cat sharp mind and Gilley's attention to famous people's life. Of course the case take a shocking turn and brings pressure to Cat's boyfriend, Detective Steve Shepherd!! Because, of course, twist and turn is needed!
I don't want to spoil a lot of course, but Cat pulls through. Gilley adopts a dog. I wonder how his marriage is going to end up. AND, I kind of wish that instead of Shep, Cat is dating that lawyer, Marcus Brown 😜
The ARC is provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
First of all, I was rather worried when the word pandemic and lock down appeared in the first chapter! Can't help it, I still live in a country where currently Covid-19 is still turning high cases, and I don't want to read it on my fiction!! Luckily, the story seems to set in the world where the pandemic IS over. So yay!
I enjoy the story, like always with this series. Cat and Gilley work well together, especially when they have to plan something glamorous. I wonder why Cat don't decide to be fabulous party planner with Gilley instead of being a life coach *lol*. They work wonder to figure out clues about Yelena's boyfriend, with Cat sharp mind and Gilley's attention to famous people's life. Of course the case take a shocking turn and brings pressure to Cat's boyfriend, Detective Steve Shepherd!! Because, of course, twist and turn is needed!
I don't want to spoil a lot of course, but Cat pulls through. Gilley adopts a dog. I wonder how his marriage is going to end up. AND, I kind of wish that instead of Shep, Cat is dating that lawyer, Marcus Brown 😜
The ARC is provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
September 17, 2021
I really loved the plot of this story (and Spooks was the cutest), but I found some of the characters a bit irritating. I feel that Cat carries this "I can do no wrong," personality, and it gets old and annoying pretty quick. I almost put the book down after a few chapters for this reason, but I did really want to know what happened. There were many surprises on the way, and I didn't hate this book, but not sure I would read another.
April 26, 2021
After the excitement of solving two murder mysteries prior to the COVID lockdown, Cat and Gilley have settled into a boring everyday home/office routine. Gilley is having marital problems - working on a relationship when his husband is working overseas is hard. To cheer him up Cat gets tickets to a one-woman show, 12 angry men, that is a total sell out. The star of the show is dishing the dirt on 12 well-known men that she has dated - and she is being really, really cruel.
It comes as no surprise that she is murdered, it also came as no surprise that Cat and Gilley get swept up in investigating whodunnit. They need to work out who the twelve men are from the clues the murder victim gave during the show. The investigation is played against a background of the MCs getting on with their everyday life. Cat has settled into her relation with the local police detective. Gilley, as I mentioned before, is dealing with his marital issues - by avoiding them. Puppies, parties, gourmet cooking, laughs, and rubbing shoulders with the ‘beautiful people’ is contrasted with murder, violence and attempted suicide as a mum ceases to cope with parenthood. Another great book in the series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and the author for this copy to read
It comes as no surprise that she is murdered, it also came as no surprise that Cat and Gilley get swept up in investigating whodunnit. They need to work out who the twelve men are from the clues the murder victim gave during the show. The investigation is played against a background of the MCs getting on with their everyday life. Cat has settled into her relation with the local police detective. Gilley, as I mentioned before, is dealing with his marital issues - by avoiding them. Puppies, parties, gourmet cooking, laughs, and rubbing shoulders with the ‘beautiful people’ is contrasted with murder, violence and attempted suicide as a mum ceases to cope with parenthood. Another great book in the series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and the author for this copy to read
June 12, 2021
Another fantastic book in this new series. I love Cat and Gilley and how they work as a team to figure out the mysteries. Whilst I had my suspicions about the murderer, there were enough twists and red herrings to keep me second-guessing myself until just before Cat figured it out.
Yelena Galanis's one-woman Broadway show, Twelve Angry Men, has taken NY by storm, and Cat and Gilley are lucky enough to score a pair of tickets to it. They both have very different opinions of the show, however, and Cat leaves halfway through, uninterested and uncomfortable with how things are being shared by the woman. The evening is turned upside down, however, when there is not one, but two, murders: Yelena and a man, covered in blood, who stumbled into the nearby coffee shop where Cat was waiting for Gilley.
They are once again drawn into the investigation when one of Yelena's ex-lovers becomes a prime suspect in her death, but Cat and Gilley wonder if there's more to it.
The clues are clever and the red herrings liberal, so it's a tricky mystery to figure out. Along with a good pace, it all makes for an excellent read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Yelena Galanis's one-woman Broadway show, Twelve Angry Men, has taken NY by storm, and Cat and Gilley are lucky enough to score a pair of tickets to it. They both have very different opinions of the show, however, and Cat leaves halfway through, uninterested and uncomfortable with how things are being shared by the woman. The evening is turned upside down, however, when there is not one, but two, murders: Yelena and a man, covered in blood, who stumbled into the nearby coffee shop where Cat was waiting for Gilley.
They are once again drawn into the investigation when one of Yelena's ex-lovers becomes a prime suspect in her death, but Cat and Gilley wonder if there's more to it.
The clues are clever and the red herrings liberal, so it's a tricky mystery to figure out. Along with a good pace, it all makes for an excellent read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
March 15, 2022
Cat and Gilley are one of my favorite sleuthing duos and they are at it again with this intriguing murder mystery with a dozen suspects and just as many motives. Just because someone is rich and famous doesn't mean they are mean and vindictive, and it is unsurprising that the murder victim is silenced after abusing 12 angry men on stage. Even though it may seem over the top, I love Cat and Gilley's sleuthing style and if they want to throw a lavish party just to question suspects, then I'll gladly join the ride. I have to say that I was completely shocked by a couple of the twists and the ending blew me away and also made me sad. There is a lot of emotion in this story for many of the characters and it definitely hit home in parts. I really enjoyed the story and am proud of Cat for putting it all together. I wish there was a bit more "life coaching" in this story, but it didn't take away from the story. I can't wait for more (and also to see how her and Shep's relationship progresses because I think he is a great partner for her).
August 20, 2021
Another fantastic book by Victoria Laurie. There was so much to love about this - the writing is easy to read and flows well, the story puts the mystery up front but also has plenty of character development filled with humor and touching moments, and the characters themselves are lovable and relatable. Bonus points for adding a rescue pup. The ending seemed to come up too quickly and a little rushed but all loose ends were tied up. Can't wait for the next one!
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2022
This was a nice, easy read. I enjoyed the first book in this series and skipped number two. Not a big deal to skip, but now I want to go back and read #2.
As to the mystery, it wasn't too difficult to parse out who might have done it. So that wasn't surprising, per se. There were enough interesting revelations at the end. I did get a little bit glossy-eyed over some of the cooking descriptions toward the end of the book. It was a little much, but I suppose learning how to make Chicken Veronique blow by blow is interesting to some readers.
Overall, an easy, reasonably satisfying read.
As to the mystery, it wasn't too difficult to parse out who might have done it. So that wasn't surprising, per se. There were enough interesting revelations at the end. I did get a little bit glossy-eyed over some of the cooking descriptions toward the end of the book. It was a little much, but I suppose learning how to make Chicken Veronique blow by blow is interesting to some readers.
Overall, an easy, reasonably satisfying read.
December 22, 2021
This installment was missing something or The Who for that matter. Light and enjoyable, but not as entertaining as the first two. It’s a little formulaic for my taste. I’ve gotten the memo that somehow all the threads tie to one.
I wasn’t exactly surprised by The Who done it, but certainly disappointed. I really hoped I was wrong. Sadly I wasn’t.
The romance is gone. Now that she made her choice, there was little if any romance. I don’t need romance in a story/series. But if you go that route, Don’t take it away.
Narrator was fantastic.
Hoping for a better story line next time.
I wasn’t exactly surprised by The Who done it, but certainly disappointed. I really hoped I was wrong. Sadly I wasn’t.
The romance is gone. Now that she made her choice, there was little if any romance. I don’t need romance in a story/series. But if you go that route, Don’t take it away.
Narrator was fantastic.
Hoping for a better story line next time.
March 17, 2021
You know a book has your attention when you start it before bed and don't go to sleep until it's done. While I kind of saw the ending, the road to it was one I never saw coming. I was left wanting to know more (which is always a good thing when you're reading a series book)
The overtones in this book were a bit heavier than in those previous, but considering the pandemic we're still in a year later, it's not a surprise. To cover mental health and all of the stickiness that entails was just what I needed <3 Well worth picking up
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, are mine and mine alone.
The overtones in this book were a bit heavier than in those previous, but considering the pandemic we're still in a year later, it's not a surprise. To cover mental health and all of the stickiness that entails was just what I needed <3 Well worth picking up
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, are mine and mine alone.
March 16, 2021
Coached in the Act is my favorite of the series so far.
I thought that the plot was brilliant and I was completely baffled until the reveal.
I have really come to like Cat, and Gilley is just a wonderful addition to her life.
I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series.
I thought that the plot was brilliant and I was completely baffled until the reveal.
I have really come to like Cat, and Gilley is just a wonderful addition to her life.
I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series.
September 29, 2022
This got slow in the middle. And I wasn’t a fan of how Cat revealed the who, what, when, where and why of the two murders. It felt like a lecture that just went on and on and on. And don’t get me started on some of the dumb choices Cat made.
October 20, 2021
Read physical book. Always one of my favorite authors, and a comfort read for me. Cat and Gilley continue to be up to their usual murder solving antics! Quick and fun read.
August 5, 2022
Best one yet in the series!
Oh, but Victoria: Please stop overusing the phrase "bounced his/her/my eyebrows." Yeesh.
Oh, but Victoria: Please stop overusing the phrase "bounced his/her/my eyebrows." Yeesh.
May 24, 2023
Another great Cat and Gilley story. I really love when a spinoff series is just as good as the original. The stakes were high in this one and the mystery definitely hit close to home. I had so much fun unraveling the main mystery as well as seeing Cat and Gilley identifying the men from the play. And so many great characters from previous books were brought back to help. Looking forward to the next one as always!
November 16, 2022
An enjoyable read. I like Cat and Gilley, though I sometimes miss Abby. We don’t see a lot of Shep in this book, and idk how I feel about him as Cat’s love interest. The mystery was decent enough. I figured out the perp, though I wasn’t entirely sure why he .
September 6, 2021
Too much exposition and the main characters spend too much time patting each other on the backs ‘cause they’re such “good people.”
July 6, 2021
*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.*
Cat and Gilley have been working hard life coaching and running the office building and Gilley is missing his hubby who is overseas so Cat gets them tickets to the hot new show in town - 12 Angry Men. It's a one woman show and Cat and Gil go all out for their night on the town. Unfortunately, Cat isn't amused by the man bashing show and bows out during intermission. And the woman putting on the show is murdered during intermission. Thus begins the investigation by Cat and Gil.
I am really enjoying this series and the way Cat and Gil play off of each other. This book had so many twists and turns trying to identify who the 12 angry men were, but also several other things that were not quite right. And everything played well with each other to have the mystery solved. I really enjoy when other people from the life coaching part of their lives come back up in the current books and I hope that this continues as well.
Great series!
Cat and Gilley have been working hard life coaching and running the office building and Gilley is missing his hubby who is overseas so Cat gets them tickets to the hot new show in town - 12 Angry Men. It's a one woman show and Cat and Gil go all out for their night on the town. Unfortunately, Cat isn't amused by the man bashing show and bows out during intermission. And the woman putting on the show is murdered during intermission. Thus begins the investigation by Cat and Gil.
I am really enjoying this series and the way Cat and Gil play off of each other. This book had so many twists and turns trying to identify who the 12 angry men were, but also several other things that were not quite right. And everything played well with each other to have the mystery solved. I really enjoy when other people from the life coaching part of their lives come back up in the current books and I hope that this continues as well.
Great series!
August 31, 2021
Cat and Gilley are at it again in this super cute mystery.
On a well deserved night out to a comedy club to see 12 Angry Men the lead is murdered. As we find out these men are very real ex lovers. It just so happens that Cat’s newest client is the prime suspect.
‘Ghosting someone’ means ‘to cut off all contact, as if they never existed.’ It’s a cruel way to end a relationship, but it’s becoming more and more common, I’m afraid.”
Gilley is not in a good place right now so I’m hoping before the next book his great one liners will be back in full swing.
“Oh, pish,” Gilley said with a wave of his hand. “It’s perfectly normal to delight in someone else’s public shaming as long as that someone is a total turd.”
I just love these mysteries. Quirky and fun plus you’ll never guess who the murderer is.
On a well deserved night out to a comedy club to see 12 Angry Men the lead is murdered. As we find out these men are very real ex lovers. It just so happens that Cat’s newest client is the prime suspect.
‘Ghosting someone’ means ‘to cut off all contact, as if they never existed.’ It’s a cruel way to end a relationship, but it’s becoming more and more common, I’m afraid.”
Gilley is not in a good place right now so I’m hoping before the next book his great one liners will be back in full swing.
“Oh, pish,” Gilley said with a wave of his hand. “It’s perfectly normal to delight in someone else’s public shaming as long as that someone is a total turd.”
I just love these mysteries. Quirky and fun plus you’ll never guess who the murderer is.
July 4, 2021
I love Victoria Laurie’s books. She writes well paced, entertaining mysteries with great characters. While I miss the supernatural elements of her other series: no psychics, mediums or ghosts, this was a good mystery that kept me flipping the pages to the end. The life coach series is hitting its stride with the third entry into the series. This is the best of the three. The mystery of who killed Yelena during intermission of her one woman show was interesting with enough suspects without being convoluted. Gilley is still my favorite and I would rather read a series about him than Cat but I enjoy this series. As long as the author keeps plenty of Gilley in the series, I will keep reading. The third entry saw the return of previous side characters including Cat’s love interest detective Shepherd. I loved the small mentions of characters from her other books. The addition of an adorable dog with a perfect name made this a fantastic read. Highly recommend to anyone who likes cozy mysteries and all Victoria Laurie fans.!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for digital ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for digital ARC.
March 3, 2022
I knew who the murderer was from about a third of the way through the book. Still a fun mystery.
Of recently published books I read, Coached in the Act was a departure in how the plot was built around COVID. I've seen it in some television series — NCIS and NCIS New Orleans, for example, but this was the first mystery I've read to include it.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
Of recently published books I read, Coached in the Act was a departure in how the plot was built around COVID. I've seen it in some television series — NCIS and NCIS New Orleans, for example, but this was the first mystery I've read to include it.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
January 18, 2022
3.75⭐️
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okay i did not see that ending coming-
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this book gave me mixed feelings. it’s one of those books that sucked me in but is also slightly boring. ( at least until it gets a little over halfway), but after that, all the suspense had me sucked in.
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okay i did not see that ending coming-
•
this book gave me mixed feelings. it’s one of those books that sucked me in but is also slightly boring. ( at least until it gets a little over halfway), but after that, all the suspense had me sucked in.
August 9, 2021
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First off, I want to gush about Victoria Laurie for a moment. I first encountered this author when I was going through a "cozy mystery" phase and reading all the cozy mysteries that I could find. Her Psychic Eye series starring Abby Cooper (the sister of this book's protagonist) was the best series I read, and I own every single book in that series. If you haven't already, make sure you check out that series! When I saw that the newest book in her new series was on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it right away. Thank you again to the publisher for this opportunity!
Coached in the Act by Victoria Laurie is Book 3 in the Life Coach Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone. Since I had read the first 2 books, I got some references that new readers wouldn't; but, if you're a new reader to this series, there isn't anything you wouldn't understand. This series stars Cat Cooper (Abby Cooper's sister) who works as a life coach, but her business is kind of struggling and she spends more time solving mysteries anyway. Her partner Gilly is her gay best friend and also helps her out with her life coaching business. This book revolves around a one-woman comedy show where the woman tells a series of jokes about her exes, whose names she keeps anonymous. When someone ends up dead, Cat and Gilly have to solve the clues to find out the killer before he/she finds them.
Here's an exciting excerpt from Chapter 3, when the victim is found dead:
"I gripped the top of my chair to steady myself from the shock of that announcement. “Dead? What do you mean, she’s dead?”
“She’s been murdered!” Gil shouted above the din of the crowd.
“Murdered?” I repeated. “How is that possible?”
“She was stabbed backstage during intermission!” Gilley exclaimed, still clearly excited by this turn of events. “Someone murdered her, then fled the scene!”
I stared at him with big wide eyes before looking over my shoulder toward the hallway leading to the exit. “Oh, my God,” I said, focusing on Gilley again. “I think I just met the murderer!”"
After I read that excerpt, I knew that I was in for a treat. I could not put this book down. I had to keep reading to find out what happens, and I ended up finishing this book in a day. One highlight of this series is the humor. Even though it's about two people tracking down a killer, it's pretty light-hearted and there are plenty of jokes. I would say it's a cross between a typical cozy mystery and a typical mystery. Another highlight of this book is the epic ending scenes. For each of the 3 books in this series, I have really enjoyed the heart-pounding, exciting climaxes where Cat and Gallie discover the killer. Even though the first part of the book is nice and funny, it gets serious and thrilling by the end. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of the mystery genre, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in August!
First off, I want to gush about Victoria Laurie for a moment. I first encountered this author when I was going through a "cozy mystery" phase and reading all the cozy mysteries that I could find. Her Psychic Eye series starring Abby Cooper (the sister of this book's protagonist) was the best series I read, and I own every single book in that series. If you haven't already, make sure you check out that series! When I saw that the newest book in her new series was on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it right away. Thank you again to the publisher for this opportunity!
Coached in the Act by Victoria Laurie is Book 3 in the Life Coach Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone. Since I had read the first 2 books, I got some references that new readers wouldn't; but, if you're a new reader to this series, there isn't anything you wouldn't understand. This series stars Cat Cooper (Abby Cooper's sister) who works as a life coach, but her business is kind of struggling and she spends more time solving mysteries anyway. Her partner Gilly is her gay best friend and also helps her out with her life coaching business. This book revolves around a one-woman comedy show where the woman tells a series of jokes about her exes, whose names she keeps anonymous. When someone ends up dead, Cat and Gilly have to solve the clues to find out the killer before he/she finds them.
Here's an exciting excerpt from Chapter 3, when the victim is found dead:
"I gripped the top of my chair to steady myself from the shock of that announcement. “Dead? What do you mean, she’s dead?”
“She’s been murdered!” Gil shouted above the din of the crowd.
“Murdered?” I repeated. “How is that possible?”
“She was stabbed backstage during intermission!” Gilley exclaimed, still clearly excited by this turn of events. “Someone murdered her, then fled the scene!”
I stared at him with big wide eyes before looking over my shoulder toward the hallway leading to the exit. “Oh, my God,” I said, focusing on Gilley again. “I think I just met the murderer!”"
After I read that excerpt, I knew that I was in for a treat. I could not put this book down. I had to keep reading to find out what happens, and I ended up finishing this book in a day. One highlight of this series is the humor. Even though it's about two people tracking down a killer, it's pretty light-hearted and there are plenty of jokes. I would say it's a cross between a typical cozy mystery and a typical mystery. Another highlight of this book is the epic ending scenes. For each of the 3 books in this series, I have really enjoyed the heart-pounding, exciting climaxes where Cat and Gallie discover the killer. Even though the first part of the book is nice and funny, it gets serious and thrilling by the end. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of the mystery genre, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in August!
June 14, 2021
Coached in the Act by Victoria Laurie 5 stars (Life Coach Mystery #3)
Cat Cooper and her BFF/Assistant Gilley are living their lives, but feeling the blues. Gilley is missing his husband Michel and his long time BFF M.J. Whitefeather (Ghost Hunters Series). The pandemic has been hard on him, so to cheer him up, Cat invites Gilley to a one-woman show "Twelve Angry Men". Yelena Galanis wrote and performs in a show that is about her ex-boyfriends. The show is a hot ticket because it is a scandalous expose about the 12 ex-boyfriends. Halfway through the show, Cat gets a headache and tells Gilley that she'll miss the rest of the show and sit in a nearby coffee shop. Awhile later, Gilley rushes in to tell Cat that Yelena was stabbed during intermission. Even though, Shepard, her boyfriend warns her to stay out of his way, Cat can't stop investigating. One of her clients is a prime suspect. The stakes get even higher when another suspect hits closer to home. Cat has to put the pieces together to save the people she loves from going to jail.
I really loved this book. The dialogue between Cat and Gilley really makes the book a fun read. Although, we get a little scene with the characters from the Ghost Hunting series, I hope that Ms. Laurie will give us an update on Abby Cooper in the next book. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
Cat Cooper and her BFF/Assistant Gilley are living their lives, but feeling the blues. Gilley is missing his husband Michel and his long time BFF M.J. Whitefeather (Ghost Hunters Series). The pandemic has been hard on him, so to cheer him up, Cat invites Gilley to a one-woman show "Twelve Angry Men". Yelena Galanis wrote and performs in a show that is about her ex-boyfriends. The show is a hot ticket because it is a scandalous expose about the 12 ex-boyfriends. Halfway through the show, Cat gets a headache and tells Gilley that she'll miss the rest of the show and sit in a nearby coffee shop. Awhile later, Gilley rushes in to tell Cat that Yelena was stabbed during intermission. Even though, Shepard, her boyfriend warns her to stay out of his way, Cat can't stop investigating. One of her clients is a prime suspect. The stakes get even higher when another suspect hits closer to home. Cat has to put the pieces together to save the people she loves from going to jail.
I really loved this book. The dialogue between Cat and Gilley really makes the book a fun read. Although, we get a little scene with the characters from the Ghost Hunting series, I hope that Ms. Laurie will give us an update on Abby Cooper in the next book. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
July 18, 2021
Coached in the Act by Victoria Laurie is the third installment in The Life Coach Mysteries but can be read as a standalone.
I have been following the adventures of the main protagonist and her faithful side kick since the beginning and always relish getting back into the world of glitz and glamor of the Hamptons. It is without fail so inviting and so charming and a perfect setting for this series.
I also like the friendship between Cat and Gilly, it is truly rewarding to read and delight in their banter and their obvious love and appreciation of each other. I also admire how level headed, smart and resourceful our heroine is. She is a true woman of the world.
Mystery is very engaging and absorbing and unlike others of its genre. Even though there was a love triangle for a while it was done so tastefully and carefully that I didn't mind it although I do not appreciate them at all, especially as I feel that they are being done by so many writers at the moment.
Writing style is fabulous, so easy to read and so absorbing, it is hard to put it down. It is steady paced and perfect blend of mystery, humor and personal life, but done so well that neither part deters from the main point of the book.
This is a must read for the summer.
I have been following the adventures of the main protagonist and her faithful side kick since the beginning and always relish getting back into the world of glitz and glamor of the Hamptons. It is without fail so inviting and so charming and a perfect setting for this series.
I also like the friendship between Cat and Gilly, it is truly rewarding to read and delight in their banter and their obvious love and appreciation of each other. I also admire how level headed, smart and resourceful our heroine is. She is a true woman of the world.
Mystery is very engaging and absorbing and unlike others of its genre. Even though there was a love triangle for a while it was done so tastefully and carefully that I didn't mind it although I do not appreciate them at all, especially as I feel that they are being done by so many writers at the moment.
Writing style is fabulous, so easy to read and so absorbing, it is hard to put it down. It is steady paced and perfect blend of mystery, humor and personal life, but done so well that neither part deters from the main point of the book.
This is a must read for the summer.
August 30, 2021
This third series written by Victoria Laurie brings its main characters over from her previous two series. Cat is the sister of Abby Cooper from the Psychic Eye series and her friend Gilley is from the Ghost Hunter series. Together they make a great duo in their own mysteries.
Cat is a life coach in the Hamptons, home of the wealthy, many of whom have plenty of secrets hiding in their closets. When Yelena goes on stage in a production of Twelve Angry Men there are a lot of local men who are angry that this is a kiss and tell production. Before the performance is over, Yelena has gotten the final curtain. It isn't long before Cat and Gilley are up to their chins with the investigation. The police are focusing on one of Cat's clients and she is positive that he couldn't have done it. So who, of the other men cruelly skewered in her final production, was determined enough to keep secrets in such a deadly fashion?
I won't say any more for fear of committing spoilers but I can say that this series has it all for this reader - a well crafted mystery and great characters.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Cat is a life coach in the Hamptons, home of the wealthy, many of whom have plenty of secrets hiding in their closets. When Yelena goes on stage in a production of Twelve Angry Men there are a lot of local men who are angry that this is a kiss and tell production. Before the performance is over, Yelena has gotten the final curtain. It isn't long before Cat and Gilley are up to their chins with the investigation. The police are focusing on one of Cat's clients and she is positive that he couldn't have done it. So who, of the other men cruelly skewered in her final production, was determined enough to keep secrets in such a deadly fashion?
I won't say any more for fear of committing spoilers but I can say that this series has it all for this reader - a well crafted mystery and great characters.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2021
Socialite Yelena Galanis scathingly plows through her twelve past lovers on stage at her solo theater act. Some find it funny but Cat does not so she leaves the theater and seeks out a coffee shop. Her friend Gilley enjoys the act tremendously and remains but is aghast at what happens next. During the intermission Yelena is stabbed to death, causing all sorts of mayhem. Meanwhile, Cat believes she may have seen the murderer after Gilley regales her with the crime scene she has missed.
Cat and Gilley have their own backgrounds and histories which appear throughout this, the third book in the series. As a keen and shrewd business woman Cat has become successful and lives luxuriously which is fun to read about. Her quirky personality really adds to the story.
The premise is fun and interesting and the writing is wonderful. However, to me the mystery lacks any sort of suspense or tension. But this is a cozy mystery and sometimes the mystery is low key and the characters and methodology take center stage.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this cheery, light and fun book.
Cat and Gilley have their own backgrounds and histories which appear throughout this, the third book in the series. As a keen and shrewd business woman Cat has become successful and lives luxuriously which is fun to read about. Her quirky personality really adds to the story.
The premise is fun and interesting and the writing is wonderful. However, to me the mystery lacks any sort of suspense or tension. But this is a cozy mystery and sometimes the mystery is low key and the characters and methodology take center stage.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this cheery, light and fun book.
December 21, 2024
This is the first book that I've read in this series. About 100 pages in, I was delighted to realize that Cat, the heroine of the series, is the sister of Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye series, which I love. I realized that Gilley, the other main character, is from her Ghost Hunter series. I don't remember how Cat got to be so rich, though. (she gave $12,000 to an animal shelter charity!)
Gilley is having marital problems with his husband in England on an assignment, so, to cheer him up, Cat decides to take him to a one-woman show of the famed Yelena Galinis. She is a socialite whose show "Twelve Angry Men" outlined the lives of her twelve previous lovers- very meanly. Halfway through the show, Yelena is murdered. Cat and Gilley scramble to deduce the names of the twelve men, each who hold a grudge against Yelena, and could be her murderer. Things escalate when Cat's friend is arrested for the murder- and it looks like she might have done it. As in all amateur sleuth books, Cat finds herself in dire danger when she faces the murderer.
I would like to read any other books in this series.
Gilley is having marital problems with his husband in England on an assignment, so, to cheer him up, Cat decides to take him to a one-woman show of the famed Yelena Galinis. She is a socialite whose show "Twelve Angry Men" outlined the lives of her twelve previous lovers- very meanly. Halfway through the show, Yelena is murdered. Cat and Gilley scramble to deduce the names of the twelve men, each who hold a grudge against Yelena, and could be her murderer. Things escalate when Cat's friend is arrested for the murder- and it looks like she might have done it. As in all amateur sleuth books, Cat finds herself in dire danger when she faces the murderer.
I would like to read any other books in this series.
September 1, 2021
[ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for review]
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Catherine Cooper, fashionista and life coach often indulges in sleuthing along with her friend and assistant Gilley. This is the 3rd mystery they get involved in.*(Can be read as a standalone in an interconnected series with recurring characters)*
When one of her clients is arrested for the murder of Yelena Galanis(gorgeous and known for her dating resume) and later her dear friend gets involved too, it is up to Cat and Gilley to save the day!
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Cat and Gilley were a hoot! Loved reading through their dialogue. Their friendship is something I could relate to on a personal level, as it reminded me of my best friend.
Cat’s relationship with her boyfriend Shepherd, who's a detective, plays a significant role in the story. Sunny, who is Shepherd’s twin makes a very relatable character as a new mom.
The mystery ties up nicely with an exciting solution at the end.
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.
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Lovers of cosy mysteries with an interest in fashion and food will have a great time with this book ❤️
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Catherine Cooper, fashionista and life coach often indulges in sleuthing along with her friend and assistant Gilley. This is the 3rd mystery they get involved in.*(Can be read as a standalone in an interconnected series with recurring characters)*
When one of her clients is arrested for the murder of Yelena Galanis(gorgeous and known for her dating resume) and later her dear friend gets involved too, it is up to Cat and Gilley to save the day!
.
.
.
Cat and Gilley were a hoot! Loved reading through their dialogue. Their friendship is something I could relate to on a personal level, as it reminded me of my best friend.
Cat’s relationship with her boyfriend Shepherd, who's a detective, plays a significant role in the story. Sunny, who is Shepherd’s twin makes a very relatable character as a new mom.
The mystery ties up nicely with an exciting solution at the end.
.
.
.
Lovers of cosy mysteries with an interest in fashion and food will have a great time with this book ❤️
September 4, 2021
Life coach Cat and her best friend Gilley return in Coached in the Act, the third book in their cozy mystery series.
In a new gossipy one-woman play in town, Yelena is both playwright and star. Her tell-all about twelve men she dated is anonymous. Until the evening that Cat and Gilley attend. Yelena is planning to name names after the final act. However, someone acts fast and kills her during intermission. Cat’s newest client is arrested for Yelena’s murder so Cat and Gilley race to find the killer. But first, they need to discover the real identities of the play’s characters.
First of all, I love the characters in the book. They are funny but act realistically. Both Cat and Gilley have rocky romantic pasts. But they are trying to move forward with their lives. There are actually several mysteries within the book that keeps the pacing brisk. Overall, Coached in the Act is a charming and funny cozy mystery that you shouldn’t miss. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
In a new gossipy one-woman play in town, Yelena is both playwright and star. Her tell-all about twelve men she dated is anonymous. Until the evening that Cat and Gilley attend. Yelena is planning to name names after the final act. However, someone acts fast and kills her during intermission. Cat’s newest client is arrested for Yelena’s murder so Cat and Gilley race to find the killer. But first, they need to discover the real identities of the play’s characters.
First of all, I love the characters in the book. They are funny but act realistically. Both Cat and Gilley have rocky romantic pasts. But they are trying to move forward with their lives. There are actually several mysteries within the book that keeps the pacing brisk. Overall, Coached in the Act is a charming and funny cozy mystery that you shouldn’t miss. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
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