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Freddie O'Neal Mystery #1
Lay it on the Line
A FREDDIE O'NEAL MYSTERY For fun, she likes a game of Keno. To relax, she'll hang out with her cats. And for excitement, nothing beats piloting a plane. But when it comes to crime—in a gambling town like Reno—Freddie O'Neal is all business. A GAMBLER AND A GUMSHOE Freddie figures she's got some legwork to do when an ex-chorus girl asks for her help. Joan Halliday says her elderly father's being conned by his caretakers—and a little investigation is needed. But the case gets more complicated when a murder—and a tangled mess of family secrets—are discovered. And before she knows it, Freddie's gambling with her own life.... "She's a unique, engaging crime-solver in a terrific new series."—Judith Kelman, bestselling author of The House on the Hill "Appealing characters and an intriguing plot...a winner."—LINDA GRANT, author of Love Nor Money
- GenresMystery
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
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13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 27, 2016
PROTAGONIST: Freddie O'Neal, PI
SETTING: Reno, NV
SERIES: #1 of 7
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Freddie O'Neal is a PI in Reno and hired by Joan Halliday to investigate some con artists who are tasking care of her father, Charlie. Before she know it, there's been a murder, and Joan is the prime suspect. There's some treacherous family and business stuff. Somewhat above average, but I could have done without the tell-all denouement.
SETTING: Reno, NV
SERIES: #1 of 7
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Freddie O'Neal is a PI in Reno and hired by Joan Halliday to investigate some con artists who are tasking care of her father, Charlie. Before she know it, there's been a murder, and Joan is the prime suspect. There's some treacherous family and business stuff. Somewhat above average, but I could have done without the tell-all denouement.
April 2, 2022
Very enjoyable. Has the early 90s cynical feminism that I particularly enjoy reading, but also has enough story. Kind of like Philip Marlowe but female and better. Her love-life didn't annoy me too much. I was disappointed when it didn't spark, they seem to only really fall for assholes and I was happy for once the protagonist was into someone who wasn't an asshole- I guess she was right about Peter Pan syndrome though (that used to be my weakness when I was straight). I found Freddie's ambivalence about looking "pretty" also interesting and relatable.
The mystery had a few too many characters so at times it was a bit confusing but it had some good potential supporting characters for later novels. At least one of the bad guys was likeable but not enough to ruin the fun of reading. There was a suitably tense and satisfying ending, even if bits of it were inrealistic. I think I will enjoy a few more of these.
The mystery had a few too many characters so at times it was a bit confusing but it had some good potential supporting characters for later novels. At least one of the bad guys was likeable but not enough to ruin the fun of reading. There was a suitably tense and satisfying ending, even if bits of it were inrealistic. I think I will enjoy a few more of these.
September 4, 2019
Not bad; not too predictable, and in places very funny. Will read book 2 and decide if I want to get the rest.
February 3, 2023
A complex motive for murder which I didn’t fully understand. I think it required more knowledge of America than I have.
January 16, 2008
Lay it On The Line - VG
Dain, Catherine - 1st in the Freddie O'Neal Series
Freddie O'Neal lives among the motels and casinos of Reno, Nev., pilots a small plane to Las Vegas when she needs to check leads, and subsists on a stomach-numbing diet of greasy burgers and instant coffee. She's also a loner who's capable of steely pragmatism but tentative about showing affection for those close to her. Freddie is hired by Joan Halliday, an ex-showgirl, to investigate the drug-dealing, neglectful caretakers of Joan's elderly father. However, when Joan's not-so-beloved sister is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run and Joan is named the prime suspect, Freddie must figure out if the crime was committed by the caretakers, by Joan or by Joan's father, who appears to be involved in a shady real-estate firm. Not surprisingly, another murder thickens the plot, the obligatory love interest temporarily turns Freddie's head, and Freddie's life is threatened.
Very good; I liked the character.
Dain, Catherine - 1st in the Freddie O'Neal Series
Freddie O'Neal lives among the motels and casinos of Reno, Nev., pilots a small plane to Las Vegas when she needs to check leads, and subsists on a stomach-numbing diet of greasy burgers and instant coffee. She's also a loner who's capable of steely pragmatism but tentative about showing affection for those close to her. Freddie is hired by Joan Halliday, an ex-showgirl, to investigate the drug-dealing, neglectful caretakers of Joan's elderly father. However, when Joan's not-so-beloved sister is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run and Joan is named the prime suspect, Freddie must figure out if the crime was committed by the caretakers, by Joan or by Joan's father, who appears to be involved in a shady real-estate firm. Not surprisingly, another murder thickens the plot, the obligatory love interest temporarily turns Freddie's head, and Freddie's life is threatened.
Very good; I liked the character.
May 27, 2010
Freddie O'Neal is a private investigator in Reno NV. I love her. I love the setting. This series was written between 1992 and 1997 and books may be hard to find but they're worth it! Definitely recommend for mystery lovers.
August 15, 2012
Another delightful Freddie, private eye, mystery! If you like a good mystery peopled with diverse characters and/or you love Reno/Tahoe/Carson City.. this I recommend this book to you!
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April 23, 2019Synopsis: pilot and PI Freddie O'Neal responds when an ex-chorus girl asks her to check up on an elderly man's caretakers who are conning him.
Read
October 28, 2017Gave up 76 pages in. Just couldn't connect to any of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews