What do you think?
Rate this book
Hailey Webb Mysteries #1
Hot Off the Press
Starting over can be deadly...
Dumping a cheating fiancé and having to quit her well-paid job, 28-year-old Hailey Webb lands a new job as an assistant and errand runner for the local newspaper in her hometown of Palm Shores, California.
If she knew this meant stumbling onto dead bodies, then she... well, she probably still would have taken the job. A girl's gotta eat, right? How long can one last on a steady diet of ramen noodles?
When Hailey finds a dead treasure hunter on his boat on her first day at work, she realizes she got way more than she bargained for.
And if that’s not enough, her cheating ex-fiancé is somehow involved in the whole treasure hunting business. Did he have anything to do with the murder? Hailey needs answers and she needs them fast.
Thankfully, she has her best friend, Kat, to help her solve the murder, and Mike, the local crime reporter, who is just too darn good looking for what Hailey needs right now.
Dumping a cheating fiancé and having to quit her well-paid job, 28-year-old Hailey Webb lands a new job as an assistant and errand runner for the local newspaper in her hometown of Palm Shores, California.
If she knew this meant stumbling onto dead bodies, then she... well, she probably still would have taken the job. A girl's gotta eat, right? How long can one last on a steady diet of ramen noodles?
When Hailey finds a dead treasure hunter on his boat on her first day at work, she realizes she got way more than she bargained for.
And if that’s not enough, her cheating ex-fiancé is somehow involved in the whole treasure hunting business. Did he have anything to do with the murder? Hailey needs answers and she needs them fast.
Thankfully, she has her best friend, Kat, to help her solve the murder, and Mike, the local crime reporter, who is just too darn good looking for what Hailey needs right now.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2021
1227 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Deany Ray
42 books186 followershttps://www.facebook.com/deanyraybooks/
Deany Ray has always wanted to be a writer so she decided to take the plunge and dive into it.
She loves writing cozy mysteries, as this is what she likes to read the most.
Her favorite activities are traveling, going to the movie theatre, meeting up with friends and having cooking sessions with her awesome mom.
Deany Ray has always wanted to be a writer so she decided to take the plunge and dive into it.
She loves writing cozy mysteries, as this is what she likes to read the most.
Her favorite activities are traveling, going to the movie theatre, meeting up with friends and having cooking sessions with her awesome mom.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 15, 2025
If you’re looking for a lighthearted cozy mystery with subtle, genuine humor, Hot Off the Press delivers. Hailey Webb, fresh from dumping her cheating fiancé and leaving her cushy job, finds herself back in her hometown of Palm Shores, running errands for the local newspaper. But starting over comes with more than just awkward small-town run-ins—it comes with murder.
This book was an easy, entertaining read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The humor felt natural and never forced, which made the dialogue especially enjoyable—I could almost picture the author testing out the conversations out loud! While nothing in particular stood out as over-the-top hilarious, the story maintained an effortless charm that never fell flat.
The mystery took center stage, but in a lighthearted way that never felt too intense. It’s perfect for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a fun, relaxing read. While it’s not necessarily a must-read in the grand scheme of things, it’s a great palate cleanser—the kind of book you’ll enjoy in the moment without feeling like you’re missing out if you don’t pick it up.
⭐️ 4.5 stars—a well-done cozy mystery with an engaging plot, subtle humor, and characters worth rooting for!
This book was an easy, entertaining read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The humor felt natural and never forced, which made the dialogue especially enjoyable—I could almost picture the author testing out the conversations out loud! While nothing in particular stood out as over-the-top hilarious, the story maintained an effortless charm that never fell flat.
The mystery took center stage, but in a lighthearted way that never felt too intense. It’s perfect for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a fun, relaxing read. While it’s not necessarily a must-read in the grand scheme of things, it’s a great palate cleanser—the kind of book you’ll enjoy in the moment without feeling like you’re missing out if you don’t pick it up.
⭐️ 4.5 stars—a well-done cozy mystery with an engaging plot, subtle humor, and characters worth rooting for!
January 6, 2021
Hailey Webb's life is in free fall. It all started when she discovered her ex-fiancée cheating the night before their wedding. Now she has no job and no money. She thinks that her luck has changed. Or has it? She finds work as an assistant at the Palm Shores Gazette, a local Newspaper. On a fact finding assignment she finds a body. The man was murdered. This is just her first day. It couldn't get worse. Could it? Hailey is an interesting character. She has spunk and determination. She starts investigating because she loves a challenge. Good thing she lands on her feet. I was happy when she faced down her ex. He deserved it. I wished her luck in the love department. Mike, the crime reporter, just might be the answer. Denny Ray is off to a roaring start with this new series. The characters are interesting and the action is non stop. The ending was is a shocker. I never guessed who the killer was or the motive behind the crime. I can't wait to see what trouble Hailey gets into.
January 3, 2021
SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Names and the blasphemous abuse of the word Holy. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1 *
That said, the story was otherwise well crafted, with delicious twists in the tale.
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
That said, the story was otherwise well crafted, with delicious twists in the tale.
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
January 3, 2021
Awesome new series by Deany Ray!
Meet Hailey Webb. Her life is turned upside down when she catches her fiancé cheating on her the night before her wedding. She calls off the wedding, quits her job and moves out of her apartment. Now what? She gets a new job at the Gazette, a small newspaper. While she isn’t a reporter, she keeps stumbling over dead bodies. Join Hailey and her best friend Kat as they get the scoop and get answers. I highly recommend this book and this series. Best yet by Deany Ray. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Meet Hailey Webb. Her life is turned upside down when she catches her fiancé cheating on her the night before her wedding. She calls off the wedding, quits her job and moves out of her apartment. Now what? She gets a new job at the Gazette, a small newspaper. While she isn’t a reporter, she keeps stumbling over dead bodies. Join Hailey and her best friend Kat as they get the scoop and get answers. I highly recommend this book and this series. Best yet by Deany Ray. Looking forward to the next in this series.
November 20, 2022
"Hot off the Press" is a fun read but, typical of cosies, is absolutely lacking in tension or suspense (in fairness there is a little bit towards the end).
It is what it is when you choose to read cosies.
Hailey Webb catches her fiancée, Connor Whitacre, in flagrante delicto on the night before their planned wedding. She flees their shared home, quits her job (they both work there) and spends a few months hiding from the world.
When funds are running low she gets a job in a local newspaper as a gofer and discovers that she has a talent for finding corpses.
Amongst her jobs is verifying quotes and, lo and behold, her first attempt turns up a body.
So, of course, she attempts to work out what happened.
She succeeds.
It's well written but pretty much par for the cosy course - likeable characters but absolutely nothing new - I've read it all many times before.
2 Stars
It is what it is when you choose to read cosies.
Hailey Webb catches her fiancée, Connor Whitacre, in flagrante delicto on the night before their planned wedding. She flees their shared home, quits her job (they both work there) and spends a few months hiding from the world.
When funds are running low she gets a job in a local newspaper as a gofer and discovers that she has a talent for finding corpses.
Amongst her jobs is verifying quotes and, lo and behold, her first attempt turns up a body.
So, of course, she attempts to work out what happened.
She succeeds.
It's well written but pretty much par for the cosy course - likeable characters but absolutely nothing new - I've read it all many times before.
2 Stars
August 14, 2022
I was bored at first. I kept thinking it may get better, and it eventually did. I had to know who the bad guy was, and you don't find out until the end. So before I knew it, I had finished the book. I have hopes that the next book in this series will get better. Often times it's hard to establish new characters in the first book of a series. I have hope!
December 7, 2023
Wow. Rather a corny, cozy mystery. Hailey made all the wrong moves but yet lived to talk about them. Won't be reading anything more about her mysteries but...never say never!
January 4, 2021
The first book in author Deany Ray’s new series was a joy to read!
Hailey Webb is a young woman with some serious personal problems.
At her rehearsal dinner she catches her fiance, or should I say EX-fiance, doing the nasty with a waitress. She dumps the bum, quits her job and moves out of their shared apartment.
Fast forward to Hailey starting over. She interviews for an entry level position at a newspaper. Haley gets the job as a go-fer and on her first day, stumbles upon her first dead body! The second dead man is soon to follow! This is where the story picks up and we meet her new co-workers, her BFF Kat, mom Sheryl and a cast of other characters.The plot had nice twists and turns with a drama filled ending.
This is going to be a great new series. Hailey is very likable with a quick wit and a lot of determination.I look forward to Hailey’s next adventure!
Thank you Deany Ray for the opportunity to read this terrific cozy mystery!
Hailey Webb is a young woman with some serious personal problems.
At her rehearsal dinner she catches her fiance, or should I say EX-fiance, doing the nasty with a waitress. She dumps the bum, quits her job and moves out of their shared apartment.
Fast forward to Hailey starting over. She interviews for an entry level position at a newspaper. Haley gets the job as a go-fer and on her first day, stumbles upon her first dead body! The second dead man is soon to follow! This is where the story picks up and we meet her new co-workers, her BFF Kat, mom Sheryl and a cast of other characters.The plot had nice twists and turns with a drama filled ending.
This is going to be a great new series. Hailey is very likable with a quick wit and a lot of determination.I look forward to Hailey’s next adventure!
Thank you Deany Ray for the opportunity to read this terrific cozy mystery!
January 2, 2021
Hailey Webb lands a new job four months after quitting her old one when she catches her boss and fiancé flagrante delicto with a waitress at her wedding reception dinner.
She’s going to be a runner/assistant for a newspaper.
On her first day on the job, she receives a text after hours to go and get verification of some statements before the article goes live.
The only problem is, when she gets there. Nobody answers the door. She checks the door and stumbles when it opens, falling right into the floor right beside the first body she will come across during the story.
This story is a turn from the normal cozy books that Deany Ray normally writes to a more traditional one.
There are developed characters, a good plotline, and several laugh out loud moments, along with some good clues to keep you guessing who the murderer is until the big reveal.
She’s going to be a runner/assistant for a newspaper.
On her first day on the job, she receives a text after hours to go and get verification of some statements before the article goes live.
The only problem is, when she gets there. Nobody answers the door. She checks the door and stumbles when it opens, falling right into the floor right beside the first body she will come across during the story.
This story is a turn from the normal cozy books that Deany Ray normally writes to a more traditional one.
There are developed characters, a good plotline, and several laugh out loud moments, along with some good clues to keep you guessing who the murderer is until the big reveal.
January 6, 2021
Starting all over is tough. Starting all over when you NEED the job, and it brings you into direct contact with a dead body and your recently jettisoned ex-fiance, is tougher. But Hailey Webb is made of stern stuff and she's determined to make this new and not quite run-of-the-mill job work.
This is book one in a new series by an author that I really enjoy, and Hot Odd The Press does not disappoint. Twists, turns, treacheries, and more will keep you turning pages until the very end. Will you figure it out? I never do!
Great characters and an intriguing story were exactly what the doctor ordered for this super quiet Christmas season. I guarantee you'll enjoy this one!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author with no obligation to review. The opinions contained herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
This is book one in a new series by an author that I really enjoy, and Hot Odd The Press does not disappoint. Twists, turns, treacheries, and more will keep you turning pages until the very end. Will you figure it out? I never do!
Great characters and an intriguing story were exactly what the doctor ordered for this super quiet Christmas season. I guarantee you'll enjoy this one!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author with no obligation to review. The opinions contained herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
January 7, 2021
You gotta love Hailey Webb!
Hailey Webb is nothing if not resilient. She bounces back from any adversity life throws at her in this story. Although, often with aches and pains both to her body and/or psyche. There were so many twists and turns in this story that I was stumped as to the killer’s identity. HOT OFF THE PRESS is a very entertaining and intriguing whodunit that is fast-paced and loaded with action and a touch of romance. The main characters are extremely interesting to say the least. I am looking forward to learning more about each of them in upcoming books of the series. Awesome beginning to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Hailey Webb is nothing if not resilient. She bounces back from any adversity life throws at her in this story. Although, often with aches and pains both to her body and/or psyche. There were so many twists and turns in this story that I was stumped as to the killer’s identity. HOT OFF THE PRESS is a very entertaining and intriguing whodunit that is fast-paced and loaded with action and a touch of romance. The main characters are extremely interesting to say the least. I am looking forward to learning more about each of them in upcoming books of the series. Awesome beginning to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 27, 2021
Hailey Webb is adjusting to life after narrowly escaping a cheating husband to be at their rehearsal dinner. She quit her job and moved into a sparse and I do mean sparsely decorated apartment. But she is running out of money so a job is needed and NOW! She finds one at a small newspaper, Palm Shores Gazette, a far cry from her last place of employment, Griffingate Publishing, where she met her former cheating fiance. She gets the job but is basically a gopher...go for this, go for that, and go out in the field for various tasks. An assistant errand-runner job. On her first day, she finds a dead body on a boat and that's only the beginning of all the things that could and can go wrong for Hailey. The characters in this story. The characters in this story have flaws and history which made the pages in this story fly by for me. Love it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 27, 2021
Fabulous start to a new series! Hot Off the Press doesn’t disappoint! Hailey Webb calls off her wedding the day before the wedding when she catches her fiancé in a compromising situation with a waitress at their rehearsal dinner. Looking for a fresh start, Hailey takes a new job at the Gazette running errands and doing simple background research for the journalists. First day on the job she stumbles on a dead body quickly followed by the discovery of a second one. She jumps in with both feet trying to figure out what happened and finds herself going from one dangerous situation to another. Add to that a budding romance, a fun BFF named Kat and a mother given to hysterics and you get a fun read you won’t want to put down! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
February 21, 2021
Deany Ray has created another fun series
Hailey Webb is starting over after her life imploded the night before her wedding. She has ditched her cheating ex, left her job and moved into her own apartment. She gets a job as an assistant at the Gazette and then the fun begins. Within hours she has stumbled upon a dead body and headfirst into the investigation .
I enjoyed the characters and look forward to spending more time with them as this series continues. There are plenty of amusing incidents and a storyline that keeps you guessing about the who and the why until the end. Looking forward to diving into book two.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my freely given and honest review
Hailey Webb is starting over after her life imploded the night before her wedding. She has ditched her cheating ex, left her job and moved into her own apartment. She gets a job as an assistant at the Gazette and then the fun begins. Within hours she has stumbled upon a dead body and headfirst into the investigation .
I enjoyed the characters and look forward to spending more time with them as this series continues. There are plenty of amusing incidents and a storyline that keeps you guessing about the who and the why until the end. Looking forward to diving into book two.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my freely given and honest review
January 2, 2021
This is volume 1 of what appears to be a delightful series with a disaster prone, but lovable, hapless, and innovative heroine. She has recently become unemployed after finding that her boss and former fiance had been cheating on her at her rehersal dinner.
Her new job is a go-fer at a newspaper. As she's going to check on a source, she finds him murdered. Things don't get better from there. Her mother is wealthy, but a worrier. Her best friend is there for her, but is starting a new relationship. And a reporter at her job fascinates her.
I had so much fun reading this book and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Her new job is a go-fer at a newspaper. As she's going to check on a source, she finds him murdered. Things don't get better from there. Her mother is wealthy, but a worrier. Her best friend is there for her, but is starting a new relationship. And a reporter at her job fascinates her.
I had so much fun reading this book and I look forward to the rest of the series.
January 15, 2021
Cute start to series
This can be a standalone, but looking forward to future books with these characters. Told only on the FMC POV. I liked the characters and storyline. Hailey gets a new job at a print paper as an assistant. She's rebuilding her life after leaving her ex fiance at the rehearsal dinner; where she found him cheating on her in a coat closet with a server. Six months later she has a sparsely furnished apartment, new job and her best friend Kat. There is a potential love interest and in Mike. I really liked his personality. Looking forward to book two. This is a quick and easy read.
This can be a standalone, but looking forward to future books with these characters. Told only on the FMC POV. I liked the characters and storyline. Hailey gets a new job at a print paper as an assistant. She's rebuilding her life after leaving her ex fiance at the rehearsal dinner; where she found him cheating on her in a coat closet with a server. Six months later she has a sparsely furnished apartment, new job and her best friend Kat. There is a potential love interest and in Mike. I really liked his personality. Looking forward to book two. This is a quick and easy read.
March 19, 2025
After DNFing 4 cozies in a row, I wondered if maybe I had outgrown the genre and was contemplating picking up an epic fantasy or something equally as different but I opened this instead and I'm so happy I did.
I actually liked the FMC. I liked the secondary characters. I liked the plot, at least until we got to the "warning" the FMC gave the Ex. I would have sat outside the building eating popcorn and filming the perp walks. But that's me. Lol
This was a quick and easy read with enjoyable characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series
I actually liked the FMC. I liked the secondary characters. I liked the plot, at least until we got to the "warning" the FMC gave the Ex. I would have sat outside the building eating popcorn and filming the perp walks. But that's me. Lol
This was a quick and easy read with enjoyable characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series
January 4, 2021
When I first heard Deany Ray was starting a new series I was a little sad, as I love her Charlie Cooper series. However, this new character, Hailey Webb, and her co-workers and friends and family are even better. This was a great cozy mystery that kept you guessing with such good character development that I can't wait for the next one. Fortunately the next should be out next month - so we won't have to wait long!
January 14, 2022
A good story
A fun story about a young professional ending one job with a sour note and her first week at a new job. Characters were fun and believable. The plot involves an ex fiance, A murdered treasure hunter and the main character, Hailey, stumbling upon the victims, and revealing clues. The author did a good job portraying why the main character would go after facts, and clues in a dangerous situation. An enjoyable read.
A fun story about a young professional ending one job with a sour note and her first week at a new job. Characters were fun and believable. The plot involves an ex fiance, A murdered treasure hunter and the main character, Hailey, stumbling upon the victims, and revealing clues. The author did a good job portraying why the main character would go after facts, and clues in a dangerous situation. An enjoyable read.
July 1, 2024
Another Fun Read
Hailey sure had an interesting job. What she thought was going to be a very slow change of pace job, was anything but that. She dumped her cheating boyfriend the night before the wedding when she found out he cheated on her. Since they worked together, she left her job.
Finding a job at the Gazette, the local newspaper as a "gopher" turned out to be very intriguing. This was a funny murder mystery, and Hailey always found herself in the middle of it all.
Hailey sure had an interesting job. What she thought was going to be a very slow change of pace job, was anything but that. She dumped her cheating boyfriend the night before the wedding when she found out he cheated on her. Since they worked together, she left her job.
Finding a job at the Gazette, the local newspaper as a "gopher" turned out to be very intriguing. This was a funny murder mystery, and Hailey always found herself in the middle of it all.
February 12, 2021
Hailey Webb is starting a new job. On the first assignment she finds a dead body and more excitement than she was bargaining for. Along with her friend Kat, she will bumble her way through. There are lots of laughs along the way. Hailey's mom is a complete character unto herself. This was a fun read and I am so excited to get started on the next one.
May 14, 2021
This was a fun adventure to follow Hailie’s life, how she got where she was, and what would happen next. Entertaining characters and premise. Good for a one off. But I don’t think I will follow along on any more of her misadventures, I get tired of repeated peril resulting from poor judgement. But I guess that’s what makes it a story.
June 7, 2025
cute diversion from real life
I was looking for something to read that would transport me from reality. This book is a good diversion. The characters are shallow enough to sympathize with while still providing mutual dislike of many. The plot is uncomplicated and engaging. Cute story.
I was looking for something to read that would transport me from reality. This book is a good diversion. The characters are shallow enough to sympathize with while still providing mutual dislike of many. The plot is uncomplicated and engaging. Cute story.
January 2, 2021
I loved this first in a new series cozy! wonderful plot with lots of twists and turns, characters that are interesting,quirky and complex. Hailey has my dream job. I cannot wait for the next book in this new series! Really a must read! I received an arc copy and this is my sincere honest review!
January 2, 2021
A terrific start to a new series! Hailey Webb is a gutsy go-getter who doesn't back down when things are tough. I am looking forward to many more adventures with Hailey in what is sure to be a hit series!
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It is the first one in a new series. It has great characters. The main character Hailey Webb is very likable and a little accident prone. The mystery keeps you thinking and trying to figure out who done it before it’s revealed.
January 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. This is the first book in a new cozy series and I can’t wait to read more. It centers around Hailey who has just gotten a new job as a errand girl/fact checker for a newspaper. Very likable characters and it moves at a very good pace.
I definitely recommend.
I definitely recommend.
January 16, 2021
Winner
This is a good book to read! I really enjoyed reading it. I will definitely read more of this authors books. If Stephanie Plum is your cup of tea, then this book is for you.
This is a good book to read! I really enjoyed reading it. I will definitely read more of this authors books. If Stephanie Plum is your cup of tea, then this book is for you.
February 8, 2021
Loved it
A new fun series starring Hailey Webb, now working for The Gazette. The story was new and refreshing from other things I have read lately. I am looking forward to the next book and her adventures.
A new fun series starring Hailey Webb, now working for The Gazette. The story was new and refreshing from other things I have read lately. I am looking forward to the next book and her adventures.
May 1, 2021
So many twists
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't guess the killer & I read so many books that I usually do. It was refreshing to get stumped for once. The characters are likeable & the plot was fun.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't guess the killer & I read so many books that I usually do. It was refreshing to get stumped for once. The characters are likeable & the plot was fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews