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Rose Strickland Mystery #2
Last Diner Standing
Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year's tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, chop shops, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2012
62 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Terri L. Austin
15 books475 followersTerri lives in Missouri with her family. She loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at TerriLAustin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 23, 2012
Terri L Austin delivers the goods in her second Rose Strickland mystery. The first -- DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS -- gave us a hilarious, thrilling romp as we got to know diner waitress Rose, her missing stoner buddy Axton, her anime-loving friend Roxy, and the sexy, dangerous Sullivan. All are back in the sequel. In LAST DINER STANDING, at work, Rose finds herself in the middle of a diner war. At home, her family is giving her the cold Christmas shoulder for not towing the country-club line. Her sexy bad-boy crush Sullivan has a hit out on him. And to top it all off, Rose's friend Janelle is arrested for the coma-inducing assault on her ex-husband, Asshat.
As Rose scrambles to help her friend by finding out who put the hit on Asshat, she quickly becomes embroiled in a entangled web of strippers, chop shoppers, and mob bosses. Austin finesses between humor and suspense as she keeps the story moving forward at a fast pace. I was extremely happy to see Sullivan back in action and was not disappointed with the results. The diner war between Ma and Rudy is hilarious. And Rose puts the detective work learned in the first adventure to good use in the second.
A great sequel to a wonderfully written humorous mystery series. I can't wait to read number three!
As Rose scrambles to help her friend by finding out who put the hit on Asshat, she quickly becomes embroiled in a entangled web of strippers, chop shoppers, and mob bosses. Austin finesses between humor and suspense as she keeps the story moving forward at a fast pace. I was extremely happy to see Sullivan back in action and was not disappointed with the results. The diner war between Ma and Rudy is hilarious. And Rose puts the detective work learned in the first adventure to good use in the second.
A great sequel to a wonderfully written humorous mystery series. I can't wait to read number three!
November 12, 2019
Grittier than a cozy; very well done.
March 2, 2013
Having read the first book in the Rose Strickland Series last week, I was right away hooked onto it, and couldn’t wait to read the next one ‘Last Diner Standing’. You can guess, that I had really high expectations about it, but they were all justified.
Just like the first installment, ‘Diners, Dives & Dead Ends’ focuses on its main character Rose Strickland navigating the crime world of Huntingford City. This time Rose is trying to prove the innocence of her friend Janelle, who is accused of hitting her ex-husband (known from the previous book as Asshat) and murdering his lover Crystal (or Chicken Licker ). Janelle swears she didn’t do anything, but she may go to prison for life if her innocence isn’t confirmed. Besides, she has two kids to raise, and of she is imprisoned they will go into foster care. Rose is a true and reliable friend, and she believes Janelle wholeheartedly. In fact, she starts her own investigation, when the police once again turns out useless.
Rose Strickland is the kind of character I couldn’t help but admire. I already mentioned in my review of ‘Diners, Dives & Dead Ends’, that she was a very refreshing type of heroine. She is a loyal and devoted friend, has a good head on her shoulders and a wicked sense of humor. But what is also great about her is that she is very independent and won’t let anybody make decisions for her (Even Sullivan, though he really tries). It’s been a long time since I really loved a book character, but Rose is so amazing. She is the type of person I would definitely be friends with in real life.
But, as a matter of fact, ‘Last Diner Standing’ simply abounds in a set of good, well-developed characters, both main and supporting. It’s not like other books where you only care about the main characters and all the others fade into the background. In Terri L. Austin’s books everyone has their own story, either funny or mysterious, but all intertwined with Rose’s.
I loved the addition of the diners’ confrontation as a side-story. While Rose rushed all over the town in search of the real killer, there were some really funny thing happening at her workplace. Ma, the owner of the diner Rose works as a waitress at, is all worked up about her rival Rudy now serving breakfasts, too. But Ma isn’t going to let this pass, her diner has been famous for their breakfasts for many years. And now Ma isn’t going to lose, even if it means for her to start serving lunches, which slowly exhausts both her and her staff. The battle of the diners was such an amusing plot line and after reading about Rose’s dangerous adventures, it was a good contrast to let my mind relax at this humorous drama.
What was only a hint at romance in the first book, now is a strong growing attraction between Rose and Sullivan. Their romance may be considered forbidden (what with Sullivan being a high-profile criminal), but just like Rose I could easily forget about it, when Sullivan was so attentive and caring. Again it was a good contrast, as it showed that not every criminal is heartless, like those Rose met in her investigation. Some of them are normal people, who just happened to be on the other side of the law system.
The cozy mystery books by Terri L. Austin are the first of this genre that I’ve read, and now I’ve become a real fan, especially of this particular series. I’m in a desperate need to get my hands on the continuation, I really hope it will come out soon. These books are the ones that can make you forget the time and place you’re in, as their intriguing plots won’t let you stop reading till the very ending. Thanks to Terri L. Austin for such a wonderful reading experience!
Just like the first installment, ‘Diners, Dives & Dead Ends’ focuses on its main character Rose Strickland navigating the crime world of Huntingford City. This time Rose is trying to prove the innocence of her friend Janelle, who is accused of hitting her ex-husband (known from the previous book as Asshat) and murdering his lover Crystal (or Chicken Licker ). Janelle swears she didn’t do anything, but she may go to prison for life if her innocence isn’t confirmed. Besides, she has two kids to raise, and of she is imprisoned they will go into foster care. Rose is a true and reliable friend, and she believes Janelle wholeheartedly. In fact, she starts her own investigation, when the police once again turns out useless.
Rose Strickland is the kind of character I couldn’t help but admire. I already mentioned in my review of ‘Diners, Dives & Dead Ends’, that she was a very refreshing type of heroine. She is a loyal and devoted friend, has a good head on her shoulders and a wicked sense of humor. But what is also great about her is that she is very independent and won’t let anybody make decisions for her (Even Sullivan, though he really tries). It’s been a long time since I really loved a book character, but Rose is so amazing. She is the type of person I would definitely be friends with in real life.
But, as a matter of fact, ‘Last Diner Standing’ simply abounds in a set of good, well-developed characters, both main and supporting. It’s not like other books where you only care about the main characters and all the others fade into the background. In Terri L. Austin’s books everyone has their own story, either funny or mysterious, but all intertwined with Rose’s.
I loved the addition of the diners’ confrontation as a side-story. While Rose rushed all over the town in search of the real killer, there were some really funny thing happening at her workplace. Ma, the owner of the diner Rose works as a waitress at, is all worked up about her rival Rudy now serving breakfasts, too. But Ma isn’t going to let this pass, her diner has been famous for their breakfasts for many years. And now Ma isn’t going to lose, even if it means for her to start serving lunches, which slowly exhausts both her and her staff. The battle of the diners was such an amusing plot line and after reading about Rose’s dangerous adventures, it was a good contrast to let my mind relax at this humorous drama.
What was only a hint at romance in the first book, now is a strong growing attraction between Rose and Sullivan. Their romance may be considered forbidden (what with Sullivan being a high-profile criminal), but just like Rose I could easily forget about it, when Sullivan was so attentive and caring. Again it was a good contrast, as it showed that not every criminal is heartless, like those Rose met in her investigation. Some of them are normal people, who just happened to be on the other side of the law system.
The cozy mystery books by Terri L. Austin are the first of this genre that I’ve read, and now I’ve become a real fan, especially of this particular series. I’m in a desperate need to get my hands on the continuation, I really hope it will come out soon. These books are the ones that can make you forget the time and place you’re in, as their intriguing plots won’t let you stop reading till the very ending. Thanks to Terri L. Austin for such a wonderful reading experience!
October 14, 2012
No sophomore slump for Terri L. Austin! I loved the first book in the Rose Strickland series over the summer and was very excited to get an advance reader copy of this one. I've read other series where the second book didn't live up to the first, but that was absolutely not the case here. Austin's characters are realistic and lively, and we get to know Rose and her crazy gang of friends better in this story, which throws our amateur sleuth into a new case on page one, when her friend is arrested for attempted murder. The small-town PD doesn't look for suspects, because they think they have the assailant in custody, so Rose and company have to find the real criminal and get Janelle home to her babies for Christmas.
What ensues is a mystery with plenty of twists and lots of suspects, and a few moments that made me put the book down because I was laughing too hard to see the page. I love mysteries that keep me guessing til the end, and I didn't have the bad guy pegged until Austin wanted me to.
I did receive an advance copy of this novel, but was under no obligation to review it or say nice things about it.
What ensues is a mystery with plenty of twists and lots of suspects, and a few moments that made me put the book down because I was laughing too hard to see the page. I love mysteries that keep me guessing til the end, and I didn't have the bad guy pegged until Austin wanted me to.
I did receive an advance copy of this novel, but was under no obligation to review it or say nice things about it.
May 23, 2014
When her good friend is accused of attacking her ex-husband and putting him in hospital fighting for his life, she calls in Rose to investigate and uncover the real culprit. As she investigates she uncovers a plot to kill Sullivan, the town's crime boss and the guy she is desperately trying to not be attracted to. With all the clues suggesting that the cases are linked they team up to solve the crime, catch the hit man and get her friend out of hot water.
Last Diner Standing isn't the greatest book ever written. If I compare it to other books that I've rated 5 stars, (Daughter of Smoke and Bone for example), it really isn't in the same league. So why am I rating it 5 Stars? Well, in my opinion it's about as good as a cozy mystery can get. Putting it up against a book like One for the Money by Janet Evanovich, it more than holds its own...and it's even better than book one in the series.
Last Diner Standing isn't the greatest book ever written. If I compare it to other books that I've rated 5 stars, (Daughter of Smoke and Bone for example), it really isn't in the same league. So why am I rating it 5 Stars? Well, in my opinion it's about as good as a cozy mystery can get. Putting it up against a book like One for the Money by Janet Evanovich, it more than holds its own...and it's even better than book one in the series.
November 5, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Tried of the same old trite cozy mysterious? Of the never ending love triangles that weeble wobble til it drives you crazy? Of the ridiculous plots with lack luster logic in a town where every knows everyone? Of heroines that claim independence and having moxie when all they do is faint and flutter their eyelashes? Of Ms. Perfect Gorgeous with a crew that devotes entirely to her but she never does things for other people and you question how anyone can stand her?
Want realistic regular people who are likeable and will call assshat an asshat? Want a mystery that keeps you guessing and you never see the end coming? Want to laugh out loud? Want a little heat but not a wildfire that scares even rabbits to stop fucking while the characters don't?
Then this is the series for you!
I actually enjoyed this one more than the last. There's more information on the cast of characters and we start to really get to know them. I really liked how the other side of people were shown, people that are usually demonized and shunned. It brought a nice balance. In the romance department the vying for Rose's affection from the entire male population has died down which lead the way for things to get rolling with one person. I'm warming up more to the main attraction dude though I share Rose's hesitation.
The case with helping Janelle was more emotional causing us to see connections, past and present, in a different way. It was a nice switch from everyone being tediously timid and only helping due to Rose's insistence on following a case. The two usual groups were doubtful, cautious and useless while everyone else kicked it into high gear. More laugh out loud moments while the dialogue, characters and actions usually left me smiling.
I was quite happy in general and have really no complains. Nothing stuck out at me as unreasonable, illogical or otherwise stupid. The clues were clues and the surprises were actual surprising. No nit-picking or little gripes. I don't know if I just enjoyed it too much to notice or there wasn't anything to have a problem with, but this nit-picker is rather satisfied.
Tried of the same old trite cozy mysterious? Of the never ending love triangles that weeble wobble til it drives you crazy? Of the ridiculous plots with lack luster logic in a town where every knows everyone? Of heroines that claim independence and having moxie when all they do is faint and flutter their eyelashes? Of Ms. Perfect Gorgeous with a crew that devotes entirely to her but she never does things for other people and you question how anyone can stand her?
Want realistic regular people who are likeable and will call assshat an asshat? Want a mystery that keeps you guessing and you never see the end coming? Want to laugh out loud? Want a little heat but not a wildfire that scares even rabbits to stop fucking while the characters don't?
Then this is the series for you!
I actually enjoyed this one more than the last. There's more information on the cast of characters and we start to really get to know them. I really liked how the other side of people were shown, people that are usually demonized and shunned. It brought a nice balance. In the romance department the vying for Rose's affection from the entire male population has died down which lead the way for things to get rolling with one person. I'm warming up more to the main attraction dude though I share Rose's hesitation.
The case with helping Janelle was more emotional causing us to see connections, past and present, in a different way. It was a nice switch from everyone being tediously timid and only helping due to Rose's insistence on following a case. The two usual groups were doubtful, cautious and useless while everyone else kicked it into high gear. More laugh out loud moments while the dialogue, characters and actions usually left me smiling.
I was quite happy in general and have really no complains. Nothing stuck out at me as unreasonable, illogical or otherwise stupid. The clues were clues and the surprises were actual surprising. No nit-picking or little gripes. I don't know if I just enjoyed it too much to notice or there wasn't anything to have a problem with, but this nit-picker is rather satisfied.
January 25, 2013
OH MY GOSH!
LAST DINER STANDING was better than Austin’s first book, DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS, but there’s only 5 stars to give. Anyway …
Rose Strickland is awakened by an early morning call from her study-buddy from her first book, Janelle, with bad news—Janelle is in jail accused of putting her ex, Asshat, into a coma. As we learned in the first book, Rose’s loyalty to those who make the cut into her small circle of friends knows no bounds. She goes into action to help clear her friend’s name so Janelle can get back to her children before Christmas. Rose has some of her group around her that we got to know in the first book (like Roxy and Ma), plus we get to see Ax’s character develop in this book and so get to know him better.
Rose’s relationship with Sullivan is still there and still complicated. And more heated. As the area bad guy, he’s got questionable morals. But he cares deeply for Rose and she finds herself drawn to him. The chemistry between them is intense.
All of this sounds so serious, and this book is a little darker than the first (which I love), but it is interspersed with the witty dialog and hilarious situations I expected from Austin and it had me laughing out loud. Austin has a fast-paced, no nonsense writing style that keeps me engaged in the book and moving along. I can’t wait to see the next one.
LAST DINER STANDING was better than Austin’s first book, DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS, but there’s only 5 stars to give. Anyway …
Rose Strickland is awakened by an early morning call from her study-buddy from her first book, Janelle, with bad news—Janelle is in jail accused of putting her ex, Asshat, into a coma. As we learned in the first book, Rose’s loyalty to those who make the cut into her small circle of friends knows no bounds. She goes into action to help clear her friend’s name so Janelle can get back to her children before Christmas. Rose has some of her group around her that we got to know in the first book (like Roxy and Ma), plus we get to see Ax’s character develop in this book and so get to know him better.
Rose’s relationship with Sullivan is still there and still complicated. And more heated. As the area bad guy, he’s got questionable morals. But he cares deeply for Rose and she finds herself drawn to him. The chemistry between them is intense.
All of this sounds so serious, and this book is a little darker than the first (which I love), but it is interspersed with the witty dialog and hilarious situations I expected from Austin and it had me laughing out loud. Austin has a fast-paced, no nonsense writing style that keeps me engaged in the book and moving along. I can’t wait to see the next one.
January 9, 2013
Had the book for awhile and hasn't had a chance to get to till the other day and so loved it. Again all around fun read and mystery to solve Rose is a great girl full independence and never ending drama following her lol. Sullivan has become more hotter in this book and has more appearance involvement with Rose and love how they feed of each other vibe knowing there's more to explore. Fun reads girls and that sidekick Roxy and Axe love them. I miss waitressing and all the gossip a dinner can off but yet feel so homey.
February 24, 2013
After the first book , you would have thought that Rose would have just stuck to two things - her job as a waitress at the local diner and finishing her Bachelor's Degree after all these years. She does try but when she gets a phone call at 3am in the morning from her friend Janelle, informing her she has been arrested for the attempted murder of her ex-husband known as Asshat aka Sheikh Johnson she feels compelled to help. Now Rose along with her ex-boyfriend $450 a hour lawyer Dane will try and clear Janelle's name and find out who is framing her. The task though won't be easy as it turns out that the ex-husband was involved in something so deep and very dirty and there is no way he is ever going to come out alive. When one of the prime suspects turns up dead , Janelle is being made to look more guilty and so Rose reluctantly turns to Gangster Hunk Sullivan for help. Has she found herself now over her head or will everything work out for the best ? Meanwhile at the Diner - Ma has work cut out for her as a new diner has opened up and is stealing her breakfast customers. So it is a game of may the best diner win and see who will be the Last Diner Standing.
February 11, 2013
Rose Strickland, diner waitress/amateur sleuth/righter of wrongs finds herself helping out a friend who's accused of putting her man in a coma. The cast of characters from Diners, Dives & Dead Ends return, though some not for long. Rose's determination is fierce, whether she's battling bad guys or handling changes at the diner that take an equal toll on her. And getting to watch how Rose handles her attraction to the hot, not-completely-on-the-up-and-up Sullivan adds an extra dimension to her. Go Rose Stickland!
Terri L. Austin's writing so so darn readable that I polished this off in a couple of hours. I highly recommend this series and hope there are more to come!
Terri L. Austin's writing so so darn readable that I polished this off in a couple of hours. I highly recommend this series and hope there are more to come!
September 23, 2013
Terri L. Austin is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Last Diner Standing
This is a mystery series not to miss! I read and absolutely loved the first in Rose Strickland’s series, Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, and was really looking forward to the second. It was great to meet back up with Rose and her crew –– Roxy, Axton, Ma, Sullivan–– welcome some new faces, and follow our feisty heroine as she gets involved in a new crime. This one revolves around her friend Janelle, but sure enough Sullivan gets involved and the sexual tension is always there when he and Rose are together. It was hard to put this one down and I’m happy to report it took me right up until the end for me to figure out the killer, and I’m so impressed at how well-written and engaging these novels are. I’m very much looking forward to reading the third!
4.5 stars
This is a mystery series not to miss! I read and absolutely loved the first in Rose Strickland’s series, Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, and was really looking forward to the second. It was great to meet back up with Rose and her crew –– Roxy, Axton, Ma, Sullivan–– welcome some new faces, and follow our feisty heroine as she gets involved in a new crime. This one revolves around her friend Janelle, but sure enough Sullivan gets involved and the sexual tension is always there when he and Rose are together. It was hard to put this one down and I’m happy to report it took me right up until the end for me to figure out the killer, and I’m so impressed at how well-written and engaging these novels are. I’m very much looking forward to reading the third!
4.5 stars
September 28, 2016
I admire Rose Strickland so much. She was born into a wealthy family, but veered off onto her own path, much to her family's dismay. Or at least her mother's. Rose keeps to her path. Yes, she works at a diner. Yes, her friends are a bit (a lot) quirky. Yes, she's taking classes when she can. She's making her way the way she wants to go.
The diner is a challenge since the owner wants to move on to more than just breakfast and lunch to keep in competition with the joint down the street that has started serving breakfast. Them's fightin' words...
And Rose's forbidden fruit, Sullivan, has a hit out on him. One of Rose's friend's is accused of killing her ex-husband.
Rose has her hands full, but she will do anything for her friends. They are the family she wasn't born to. They accept her for who she is, varied path and all.
Definitely recommend.
The diner is a challenge since the owner wants to move on to more than just breakfast and lunch to keep in competition with the joint down the street that has started serving breakfast. Them's fightin' words...
And Rose's forbidden fruit, Sullivan, has a hit out on him. One of Rose's friend's is accused of killing her ex-husband.
Rose has her hands full, but she will do anything for her friends. They are the family she wasn't born to. They accept her for who she is, varied path and all.
Definitely recommend.
December 12, 2012
Another exciting Rose adventure. I enjoyed this book as much if not more than the first book, Diners dives dead ends. I really enjoy the friendship Rose, Ax, Roxy and Janelle have. Maybe I'm partial to the author since we live in the same city, she really captures the normalcy of living in Missouri. I feel like I can relate to these characters. My Bff and brother are just like Roxy and Ax. I LOVE JANELLE AND HER CRAZY FAMILY. Henry is definitely growing on me, he is a Jack of all trades for sure. Now for Sullivan, I love him! I was happy that Rose and Sullivan's attraction is growing. I am hopeful by the next book they will be officially a couple. ( fingers crossed). I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
April 6, 2013
One of my favorite new writers is Terri L. Austin. Her debut novel, “Diners, Dives and Dead Ends’ made my 2013 list of Best Books for Book clubs. I liked that it forced us to look at our definition of success, explored complex family dynamics and considered many moral issues.
The same great cast of characters is back in ‘Last Diner Standing’ and family dynamics still take center stage. In it she looks at the people that we consider our family. For Rose Strickland, the main character, she really has two families, her biological one and her selected one of misfits that take care of each other.
For the rest of the review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/read-...
The same great cast of characters is back in ‘Last Diner Standing’ and family dynamics still take center stage. In it she looks at the people that we consider our family. For Rose Strickland, the main character, she really has two families, her biological one and her selected one of misfits that take care of each other.
For the rest of the review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/read-...
May 10, 2013
This was a brilliant second installation into the Rose Strickland series. Often authors drop the ball on book two after a wonderful first book, but not in this case.
All our favorite characters were back . Each one felt like an old friend. With the exception of the mother who you just love to hate! We laughed , we cried, we were on the edge of our seats. The mystery was a good one with twist and turns and fun plot unpredictability. I was very entertained and think anyone who reads this charming little series will be.
Rose is a genuine character. She is smart funny and has a heart of gold. This is an absolute must read!
All our favorite characters were back . Each one felt like an old friend. With the exception of the mother who you just love to hate! We laughed , we cried, we were on the edge of our seats. The mystery was a good one with twist and turns and fun plot unpredictability. I was very entertained and think anyone who reads this charming little series will be.
Rose is a genuine character. She is smart funny and has a heart of gold. This is an absolute must read!
November 18, 2013
***Advance Reader Copy***
I won this book through Goodreads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you.
First of all, I liked the basic mystery aspect of this story and how the characters present themselves good or bad; whether committing the crimes or investigating the crimes, depending on each characters' role in the story. It was a fast read and really kept my interest. The only thing I didn't care for was some of the bad descriptive language or phrases used, but still not nearly as bad as in some books.
I won this book through Goodreads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you.
First of all, I liked the basic mystery aspect of this story and how the characters present themselves good or bad; whether committing the crimes or investigating the crimes, depending on each characters' role in the story. It was a fast read and really kept my interest. The only thing I didn't care for was some of the bad descriptive language or phrases used, but still not nearly as bad as in some books.
December 29, 2012
I couldn't be happier with the way this one ended! I love the direction things are going between rose/sullivan. I also like the fact that sullivan is who he is with no apologies and rose is ok with that. she might not agree with some of his choices but she cares about him in spite of that and knows that he cares about her in return. this is enough for her and i found that refreshing. can't wait for the next one!
December 16, 2012
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! I haven't read the first one but I'm definitely going to buy it. This book is a different kind of mystery. It get a little confusing at times with all the suspects, but its fun. The action never stops. And the characters are great. I'm looking forward to the next Rose Strickland Mystery.
December 4, 2012
WON AT GOODREADS FIRST READS (GOODREADS.COM) Not only a good mystery, but a very funny read!! Terri Austin has captured these characters to a T!! They are quirky and yet believable. And I agree with Rose, Joe needs to lay of the brownies....LOL!!! You must putthe Rose Strickland Mysteries on your TO READ list and keep them there!!!
March 12, 2013
I really enjoyed Last Diner Standing, the second in the Rose Strickland series. Terri Austin does a fantastic job of keeping the suspense going, the laughs coming, and the bad guy a total surprise! I hope that there will be a third installment soon and can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 24, 2013
I loved this book just as much as the first!
January 7, 2013
I hated finishing this book because I didn't want it to end. I am eagerly anticipating the next novel.
February 2, 2013
What good Cozy Mystery series. The Last Diner Standing, was even better than the 1st book. Fun, fast read full of well written characters. Looking forward to reading the next book.
April 22, 2014
Hysterical! Mystery in the fashion of Stephany Plum.
December 28, 2014
Last Diner Standing is another really fun read in Terri L. Austin's Rose Strickland Mystery series! (Click here for my review of Book 1, Diners, Dives & Dead Ends.)
{NOTE: Diners, Dives & Dead Ends has a surprise ending, and the surprise ending is mentioned at the beginning of Last Diner Standing. If you haven't read Diners, Dives & Dead Ends and you don't want the surprise ending spoiled, be sure to read it first, then read Last Diner Standing.}
Let's see.... What can I tell you about the book, that won't divulge any spoilers?
Last Diner Standing picks up about six weeks after Diners, Dives & Dead Ends concludes. Rose's co-workers, family members, and friends,that we met in the first book, return in this book. The reader gets to know some of these returning characters better, and meets some new characters in Last Diner Standing.
The title refers to the diner war that is getting starting when the book begins. Ma's Diner, where Rose works, has always been open 6am to 1pm, serving breakfast only. For 20 years, Rudy's Roundup Restaurant has never served breakfast -- until now. In retaliation, Ma is keeping the diner open until 3pm to serve lunch. The ensuing skirmishes are hilarious, as Ma and Rudy try to outdo each other. Does Rose save the day? Read the book, to find out!
Rose's friend Janelle, her study buddy and mother of two kids (nine and seven), is arrested for the attempted murder of her ex-husband. Rose finds an attorney for Janelle, but Janelle's attorney is more interested in cutting a plea deal for her with the DA (only two to six years in jail) than in truly defending her against the false charges.
● "When Axton went missing, you found him. Will you find out who put A$$hat in a coma?"
I hesitated. I'd had my fill of danger when I went looking for Axton. I was a boring girl now and that's the way I liked it.
"Please, Rose. I got to take care of my kids and I can't do that behind bars."
I looked into her worried eyes. "Okay." How could I say no?
Rose's crush on Sullivan has intensified, and she discovers evidence that there is a hit out on him.
● Sullivan sat behind a massive desk. Hotter than a bonfire on the fourth of July. Runner of an illegal gambling operation. Object of more than one erotic dream. He glanced up when the door opened and studied me with his gold eyes.
He was gorgeous. Warm, honeyed skin and strong cheekbones. Black hair brushed away from his flawless face. Yeah, gorgeous almost covered it.
● "Why would someone put a hit on you? Who did you piss off?"
He shrugged. "I have a successful business. If I'm out of the way, it's up for grabs."
His business? Illegal endeavors was more like it. Sullivan was a criminal. Period. Of course he would be a target for other criminals who wanted to move up the food chain. I forgot sometimes who he was, what he did.
● I was on my own in the A$$hat investigation. Sullivan had his own problems, but his new threat added to my worries. It was important to me that he was alive and well and involved in various criminal enterprises. Well, I wished he would get out of his various criminal enterprises and go legit. I cared about him.
Damn it, when did that happen?
Rose's mother continues her attempts to control and manipulate Rose. In this quote, at the Stricklands' Christmas party, Mrs Strickland introduces Rose to an eligible bachelor, telling them they "have similar jobs."
● "Tyler is a media consultant and you're in public relations.... Rosalyn works directly with customers for a small, family-owned firm."
She hated that I was a waitress. In her eyes, I was nothing but a failure. I knew she resented me for letting her down, for not living up to my potential.
There are a lot more scenes, situations, and juicy quotes that I would love to share with you, but they're spoilers, so you will just have to READ THE BOOK.
I loved it! and recommend Last Diner Standing to all Cozy Mystery fans!! Last Diner Standing is another Five-Kitty winner for Terri L. Austin!
[Originally published at JaneReads]
{NOTE: Diners, Dives & Dead Ends has a surprise ending, and the surprise ending is mentioned at the beginning of Last Diner Standing. If you haven't read Diners, Dives & Dead Ends and you don't want the surprise ending spoiled, be sure to read it first, then read Last Diner Standing.}
Let's see.... What can I tell you about the book, that won't divulge any spoilers?
Last Diner Standing picks up about six weeks after Diners, Dives & Dead Ends concludes. Rose's co-workers, family members, and friends,that we met in the first book, return in this book. The reader gets to know some of these returning characters better, and meets some new characters in Last Diner Standing.
The title refers to the diner war that is getting starting when the book begins. Ma's Diner, where Rose works, has always been open 6am to 1pm, serving breakfast only. For 20 years, Rudy's Roundup Restaurant has never served breakfast -- until now. In retaliation, Ma is keeping the diner open until 3pm to serve lunch. The ensuing skirmishes are hilarious, as Ma and Rudy try to outdo each other. Does Rose save the day? Read the book, to find out!
Rose's friend Janelle, her study buddy and mother of two kids (nine and seven), is arrested for the attempted murder of her ex-husband. Rose finds an attorney for Janelle, but Janelle's attorney is more interested in cutting a plea deal for her with the DA (only two to six years in jail) than in truly defending her against the false charges.
● "When Axton went missing, you found him. Will you find out who put A$$hat in a coma?"
I hesitated. I'd had my fill of danger when I went looking for Axton. I was a boring girl now and that's the way I liked it.
"Please, Rose. I got to take care of my kids and I can't do that behind bars."
I looked into her worried eyes. "Okay." How could I say no?
Rose's crush on Sullivan has intensified, and she discovers evidence that there is a hit out on him.
● Sullivan sat behind a massive desk. Hotter than a bonfire on the fourth of July. Runner of an illegal gambling operation. Object of more than one erotic dream. He glanced up when the door opened and studied me with his gold eyes.
He was gorgeous. Warm, honeyed skin and strong cheekbones. Black hair brushed away from his flawless face. Yeah, gorgeous almost covered it.
● "Why would someone put a hit on you? Who did you piss off?"
He shrugged. "I have a successful business. If I'm out of the way, it's up for grabs."
His business? Illegal endeavors was more like it. Sullivan was a criminal. Period. Of course he would be a target for other criminals who wanted to move up the food chain. I forgot sometimes who he was, what he did.
● I was on my own in the A$$hat investigation. Sullivan had his own problems, but his new threat added to my worries. It was important to me that he was alive and well and involved in various criminal enterprises. Well, I wished he would get out of his various criminal enterprises and go legit. I cared about him.
Damn it, when did that happen?
Rose's mother continues her attempts to control and manipulate Rose. In this quote, at the Stricklands' Christmas party, Mrs Strickland introduces Rose to an eligible bachelor, telling them they "have similar jobs."
● "Tyler is a media consultant and you're in public relations.... Rosalyn works directly with customers for a small, family-owned firm."
She hated that I was a waitress. In her eyes, I was nothing but a failure. I knew she resented me for letting her down, for not living up to my potential.
There are a lot more scenes, situations, and juicy quotes that I would love to share with you, but they're spoilers, so you will just have to READ THE BOOK.
I loved it! and recommend Last Diner Standing to all Cozy Mystery fans!! Last Diner Standing is another Five-Kitty winner for Terri L. Austin!
[Originally published at JaneReads]
December 26, 2013
I purchased a copy of this book for review purposes and rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
In Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, Terri Austin introduced us to part time diner waitress Rose Strickland, her blue haired anime loving best friend Roxy Block, and to her stoner friend Axton Graystone, a fellow drop out from Huntingford’s social elite. All are back for a second dose of mystery hijinks in Last Diner Standing, the second book in the Rose Strickland Mystery series. Further developing her characters, and adding a few more to the mix, Ms. Austin’s series has become an auto buy for me. If you like cozy mysteries, you’re going to want to add this series to your list so you don’t miss the “awesome sauce” of Ms. Austin’s writing.
When Rose receives an early morning phone call from study partner Janelle, she knows her day is off to a bad start. Seems Janelle’s been arrested for hitting her ex-husband (aka “Asshat”) and putting him in a comma, and for the murder of his lover (aka Chicken Licker). Swearing she’s innocent, Janelle begs Rose for her help since they both know the police won’t really bother investigating the case. After making arrangements to meet Dane Harker (attorney and occasional date) and Janelle later in the day, Rose heads off to “Ma’s Diner” only to find she’s caught in the middle of a “diner” war.
As Rose and Roxy, fellow waitress, and best friend, attempt to calm Ma down, they learn Rudy Jorgenson of “Rudy’s Roundup Restaurant” has decided to start serving breakfast and is undercutting Ma’s prices in order to steal their clientele. As Ma and Rudy battle it out with lower prices, new menu items and basically drive their staff insane, Rose is caught between her loyalty to Ma and the reality that the “diner war” is causing both restaurants to lose money and the waitresses to lose tips.
Meanwhile Rose, accompanied by Roxy and Ax, begins investigating Janelle’s case and becomes entangled in a web full of strippers, chop shops and a couple of mob bosses currently at war. When Sullivan, the sexy and dangerous criminal Rose met in Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, takes center stage and winds up with a hit man on his tail, Rose realizes that Janelle and Sullivan’s problems are somehow tied together. Ms. Austin does a wonderful job as she continues to develop Rose’s character and introduces us to Rose’s colorful sidekicks. The mutual and forbidden attraction between Rose and Sullivan adds just the right touch of heat.
Will Rose discover who’s behind both crimes? Will Ma and Rudy agree to settle the “diner” war amicably and go back to serving the meals they both serve best? You’ll have to read Last Diner Standing to find out. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see if Rose and Sullivan’s mutual attraction makes it to the relationship stage.
In Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, Terri Austin introduced us to part time diner waitress Rose Strickland, her blue haired anime loving best friend Roxy Block, and to her stoner friend Axton Graystone, a fellow drop out from Huntingford’s social elite. All are back for a second dose of mystery hijinks in Last Diner Standing, the second book in the Rose Strickland Mystery series. Further developing her characters, and adding a few more to the mix, Ms. Austin’s series has become an auto buy for me. If you like cozy mysteries, you’re going to want to add this series to your list so you don’t miss the “awesome sauce” of Ms. Austin’s writing.
When Rose receives an early morning phone call from study partner Janelle, she knows her day is off to a bad start. Seems Janelle’s been arrested for hitting her ex-husband (aka “Asshat”) and putting him in a comma, and for the murder of his lover (aka Chicken Licker). Swearing she’s innocent, Janelle begs Rose for her help since they both know the police won’t really bother investigating the case. After making arrangements to meet Dane Harker (attorney and occasional date) and Janelle later in the day, Rose heads off to “Ma’s Diner” only to find she’s caught in the middle of a “diner” war.
As Rose and Roxy, fellow waitress, and best friend, attempt to calm Ma down, they learn Rudy Jorgenson of “Rudy’s Roundup Restaurant” has decided to start serving breakfast and is undercutting Ma’s prices in order to steal their clientele. As Ma and Rudy battle it out with lower prices, new menu items and basically drive their staff insane, Rose is caught between her loyalty to Ma and the reality that the “diner war” is causing both restaurants to lose money and the waitresses to lose tips.
Meanwhile Rose, accompanied by Roxy and Ax, begins investigating Janelle’s case and becomes entangled in a web full of strippers, chop shops and a couple of mob bosses currently at war. When Sullivan, the sexy and dangerous criminal Rose met in Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, takes center stage and winds up with a hit man on his tail, Rose realizes that Janelle and Sullivan’s problems are somehow tied together. Ms. Austin does a wonderful job as she continues to develop Rose’s character and introduces us to Rose’s colorful sidekicks. The mutual and forbidden attraction between Rose and Sullivan adds just the right touch of heat.
Will Rose discover who’s behind both crimes? Will Ma and Rudy agree to settle the “diner” war amicably and go back to serving the meals they both serve best? You’ll have to read Last Diner Standing to find out. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see if Rose and Sullivan’s mutual attraction makes it to the relationship stage.
December 7, 2015
I enjoyed Last Diner Standing as much, if not more than Diners, Dives and Dead Ends. I think the content of this mystery may have strayed from cozy into hard-boiled detective novel. At least medium boiled. Mostly because of the language, but also because of the violence of the closing scene. But that's just technicalities. If your taste encompasses a slightly edgier story you will enjoy Rose Strickland's second adventure.
I love the Rose Strickland stories because they go beyond simple entertainment to include deeper aspects of life. Rose is struggling with what she wants to do with her life. She is proud of herself for making it on her own but at the same time frightened that she's made a huge mistake. And her hard won independence is so important to her that she struggles with allowing anyone to help her. That's going to get her into more trouble than she can handle some day, I suspect.
There is also a struggle with morality going on in these books. Rose's family is very upstanding and always play by the rules. Rose's friends are not so fortunate with either finances or connections. They are good people but sometimes they have to make hard choices. Rose is growing increasingly fond of a man who she knows is a criminal. Against her instincts, she trusts him. He doesn't follow the law but he has his own code of honor.
What Rose and her friends do have going for her is her support system of friends. All of them have taken their lumps from the world but they care about each other and do what they can to help. For Rose, that means going after the people who try to hurt her friends, no matter what the consequences are.
Last Diner Standing is witty, fast paced and funny. But when you turn the last page you will be left with more to think about than "who dun it."
I love the Rose Strickland stories because they go beyond simple entertainment to include deeper aspects of life. Rose is struggling with what she wants to do with her life. She is proud of herself for making it on her own but at the same time frightened that she's made a huge mistake. And her hard won independence is so important to her that she struggles with allowing anyone to help her. That's going to get her into more trouble than she can handle some day, I suspect.
There is also a struggle with morality going on in these books. Rose's family is very upstanding and always play by the rules. Rose's friends are not so fortunate with either finances or connections. They are good people but sometimes they have to make hard choices. Rose is growing increasingly fond of a man who she knows is a criminal. Against her instincts, she trusts him. He doesn't follow the law but he has his own code of honor.
What Rose and her friends do have going for her is her support system of friends. All of them have taken their lumps from the world but they care about each other and do what they can to help. For Rose, that means going after the people who try to hurt her friends, no matter what the consequences are.
Last Diner Standing is witty, fast paced and funny. But when you turn the last page you will be left with more to think about than "who dun it."
August 7, 2013
2nd in a series that I hope continues. I don't care if this budding series is a rip off of the Stephanie Plum series -- it's an improvement on them, or at least a big improvement over the last 10 or so in that series. I love Stephanie Plum, but this series has more depth in the characters, more of a plot, more suspense, and sometimes more humor. The humor is more subtle, there's not as much slapstick. The only problem with it is that there are two books in the series so far. I want more.
Rose Strickland is a diner waitress, a part-time small college student, and a sore trial to her upper-crust and enormously bitchy mother, to whom she's a giant disappointment. Rose stands on her own two feet and solves problems for her friends. Big problems. Rose is sort-of in love with a man who is a 'criminal' (although he doesn't like that label, he says he's a businessman). Her best girlfriend and fellow waitress Roxy has blue hair, wears bizarre outfits, and is a break-in artist from a childhood of juvenile delinquency. Her best male friend is Ax (short for Axton), a fellow refugee from local country club society.
In this second book, Rose is trying to help her friend and fellow college student Janelle, who is jailed for putting her ex-husband Asshat (real name Sheik) in a coma. That's all I'll tell you, but the complications are interesting, suspenseful and sometimes funny.
Rose Strickland is a diner waitress, a part-time small college student, and a sore trial to her upper-crust and enormously bitchy mother, to whom she's a giant disappointment. Rose stands on her own two feet and solves problems for her friends. Big problems. Rose is sort-of in love with a man who is a 'criminal' (although he doesn't like that label, he says he's a businessman). Her best girlfriend and fellow waitress Roxy has blue hair, wears bizarre outfits, and is a break-in artist from a childhood of juvenile delinquency. Her best male friend is Ax (short for Axton), a fellow refugee from local country club society.
In this second book, Rose is trying to help her friend and fellow college student Janelle, who is jailed for putting her ex-husband Asshat (real name Sheik) in a coma. That's all I'll tell you, but the complications are interesting, suspenseful and sometimes funny.
October 7, 2013
Where is the money... anyone?
Hotness factor: Guns and Roses?
4.5 smoking guns …stars
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
I’m a recently reacquainted amateur sleuth’s fan and Rose Strickland fits the bill. She’s smart, driven and she doesn’t things in black or white. Her world is very grey and throughout the book you never really sure whether she likes it or not. Who wouldn’t feel a bit guilty about having the hot for a criminal? No I’m really asking? And so is the author at the end of the book…
The story was very compelling; it started as a simple domestic disturbance gone badly to a hit on a known criminal and a missing load of cash…oh that missing cash. My only issue with this great novel was the POV. I really like Rose but because it was a mystery I would have enjoyed reading Sullivan, Roxie or even Axton’s POV. With the focus mainly on Rose, I got stuck when she got stuck, I got run over when she was run over and I got beat up (that was a hard scene to read but only because it was amazingly well done) when she got beat up.
I’m not going to say any else about the plot as I want other readers to dive in and enjoy it as well. It’s well written and entertaining. But don’t be a fool like me, read the first book to get to know the characters first.
I highly recommend!
Hotness factor: Guns and Roses?
4.5 smoking guns …stars
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
I’m a recently reacquainted amateur sleuth’s fan and Rose Strickland fits the bill. She’s smart, driven and she doesn’t things in black or white. Her world is very grey and throughout the book you never really sure whether she likes it or not. Who wouldn’t feel a bit guilty about having the hot for a criminal? No I’m really asking? And so is the author at the end of the book…
The story was very compelling; it started as a simple domestic disturbance gone badly to a hit on a known criminal and a missing load of cash…oh that missing cash. My only issue with this great novel was the POV. I really like Rose but because it was a mystery I would have enjoyed reading Sullivan, Roxie or even Axton’s POV. With the focus mainly on Rose, I got stuck when she got stuck, I got run over when she was run over and I got beat up (that was a hard scene to read but only because it was amazingly well done) when she got beat up.
I’m not going to say any else about the plot as I want other readers to dive in and enjoy it as well. It’s well written and entertaining. But don’t be a fool like me, read the first book to get to know the characters first.
I highly recommend!
December 8, 2013
I didn't review the book before this, I guess I was crossing my fingers hoping it was not a one trick pony. I was not let down, this series so far has been amazing. Its been so so long since i have really been impressed with the main character of a book. And with Rose you will Love her, as a friend , as a person, and as someone you would actually want to know in real live, and that for me is a gem.
This book like the last was fast paced, you get into the story very early on, and will route for not just the MC but ALL of the supporting characters. Austin draws you in with eclectic group of people and you want o be part of the family.
I am very impressed with this series so far and love that it romantic notes to them is not overwhelming, it adds a certain touch to the book and leaves it very realistic. And you can't help but Love Sullivan especially though Rose's eyes.
Thank you Austin, for a rarely blissful reading experience.
This book like the last was fast paced, you get into the story very early on, and will route for not just the MC but ALL of the supporting characters. Austin draws you in with eclectic group of people and you want o be part of the family.
I am very impressed with this series so far and love that it romantic notes to them is not overwhelming, it adds a certain touch to the book and leaves it very realistic. And you can't help but Love Sullivan especially though Rose's eyes.
Thank you Austin, for a rarely blissful reading experience.
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