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High Heels #13
Deceit in High Heels
A dead psychic, a cold case, and a pair of Hollywood's hottest stars have one fashion designer stepping out of her heels and onto the case!
Fashion designer Maddie Springer has always been close to her best friend, Dana. So when Dana's celebrity husband Ricky is chosen for a reading on the Hollywood Psychic TV show, Maddie's thrilled to be at the taping! That is, until the over-the-top psychic, Moira DeVine, suddenly suggests that the accidental death of Ricky's mother years ago was actually murder and promises to name the culprit... right before she herself collapses, dying in front of the viewing audience!
While Maddie has her doubts about whether DeVine was really getting messages from the other side or just acting the part, one thing is for sure—she's not acting dead. And the coincidental timing has Maddie wondering if the two deaths decades apart are related. Could a killer actually have been worried that DeVine had uncovered their crime? With the help of her eccentric family and friends, Maddie digs into the cold case that hits perilously close to home, uncovering secret love affairs, con artists, missing money, and even ties to the mob! Between the suburban secrets from years ago and the shady practices of the recently deceased so-called psychic, Maddie has no shortage of suspects. But is she looking for one killer or two? Where are they hiding now? And can Maddie get to the truth before they strike again...and she finds herself designing shoes from the other side?
Fashion designer Maddie Springer has always been close to her best friend, Dana. So when Dana's celebrity husband Ricky is chosen for a reading on the Hollywood Psychic TV show, Maddie's thrilled to be at the taping! That is, until the over-the-top psychic, Moira DeVine, suddenly suggests that the accidental death of Ricky's mother years ago was actually murder and promises to name the culprit... right before she herself collapses, dying in front of the viewing audience!
While Maddie has her doubts about whether DeVine was really getting messages from the other side or just acting the part, one thing is for sure—she's not acting dead. And the coincidental timing has Maddie wondering if the two deaths decades apart are related. Could a killer actually have been worried that DeVine had uncovered their crime? With the help of her eccentric family and friends, Maddie digs into the cold case that hits perilously close to home, uncovering secret love affairs, con artists, missing money, and even ties to the mob! Between the suburban secrets from years ago and the shady practices of the recently deceased so-called psychic, Maddie has no shortage of suspects. But is she looking for one killer or two? Where are they hiding now? And can Maddie get to the truth before they strike again...and she finds herself designing shoes from the other side?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
59 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,893 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 3, 2024
Oh Maddie, it has been way too long since we have caught up. I forgot how much I enjoy this series. This series was my first cozy mystery and what started it all. I love the characters. This was fun and entertaining and the mystery itself was interesting.
January 2, 2022
Deceit in High Heels Earns 5/5 Herbal Teas…Engaging Entertainment!
“Fraud” is the only adjective Mrs. Rosenblatt could manage about the flamboyant Moria DeVine, star of the popular television show Hollywood Psychic. Mrs. R believes her own skill as an aura reader and moderator of an online astrology forum made her a “real psychic.” A special reading has been arranged by Maddie’s BFF’s husband Ricky’s agent as a way to highlight his range of acting skills, and Ms. DeVine agreed to attempt to connect with Ricky’s mother whom he lost when he was five years old…all on camera. Ms. DeVine is quite the diva: demanding the “gawkers” stay out of sight and complaining about her customary cup of an herbal blend. But, the show goes on with Mrs. R’s critical commentary, Ricky’s intent interest, and an abruptly revelation that Ricky’s mother may not have been alone when she died and something about a gun. Is this for show or had Ricky’s mom been murdered? After a brief break and debate over the revelation, Ms. DeVine returns, prepares herself to reconnect with the spirits, grabs her throat, collapses, and dies!
Gemma Halliday with Kelly Rey have partnered for the thirteenth adventure in “high heels.” A psychic reading brings into question a death that thirty years ago was determined an accident raising issues whether it’s all fake or the original investigation was flawed. This confounds Maddie, her detective husband, and friends leading to a fascinating search connecting the past to the present, revealing known facts may be incomplete, police may have lacked due diligence, and people may not be what they seem. Creative. Engaging. Wow ending I didn’t see coming! The writing style of the two partners is always entertaining with ample descriptions to create a realistic environment, creative drama, and varied characters all from Maddie’s first person perspective. The compelling banter supports the different personalities. This High Heels Mystery series is the one that originally hooked me on cozy mysteries, and each book, although evolving over time, revisits enough background to make it a good standalone. Filled with wit, endearing characters, a challenging puzzle, some perilous predicaments, and a “Oh, no” ending makes this a 5/5 star must read!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishinv. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
“Fraud” is the only adjective Mrs. Rosenblatt could manage about the flamboyant Moria DeVine, star of the popular television show Hollywood Psychic. Mrs. R believes her own skill as an aura reader and moderator of an online astrology forum made her a “real psychic.” A special reading has been arranged by Maddie’s BFF’s husband Ricky’s agent as a way to highlight his range of acting skills, and Ms. DeVine agreed to attempt to connect with Ricky’s mother whom he lost when he was five years old…all on camera. Ms. DeVine is quite the diva: demanding the “gawkers” stay out of sight and complaining about her customary cup of an herbal blend. But, the show goes on with Mrs. R’s critical commentary, Ricky’s intent interest, and an abruptly revelation that Ricky’s mother may not have been alone when she died and something about a gun. Is this for show or had Ricky’s mom been murdered? After a brief break and debate over the revelation, Ms. DeVine returns, prepares herself to reconnect with the spirits, grabs her throat, collapses, and dies!
Gemma Halliday with Kelly Rey have partnered for the thirteenth adventure in “high heels.” A psychic reading brings into question a death that thirty years ago was determined an accident raising issues whether it’s all fake or the original investigation was flawed. This confounds Maddie, her detective husband, and friends leading to a fascinating search connecting the past to the present, revealing known facts may be incomplete, police may have lacked due diligence, and people may not be what they seem. Creative. Engaging. Wow ending I didn’t see coming! The writing style of the two partners is always entertaining with ample descriptions to create a realistic environment, creative drama, and varied characters all from Maddie’s first person perspective. The compelling banter supports the different personalities. This High Heels Mystery series is the one that originally hooked me on cozy mysteries, and each book, although evolving over time, revisits enough background to make it a good standalone. Filled with wit, endearing characters, a challenging puzzle, some perilous predicaments, and a “Oh, no” ending makes this a 5/5 star must read!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishinv. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 7, 2021
Maddie Springer attends a TV show taping of an infamous psychic at her BFF Dana's house. Little did Maddie know that she would end up trying to solve who poisoned the psychic just as she was about to reveal that Dana's late mother-in-law died by someone's hands, not in a fire as originally believed. The ongoing antics with the Maddie's friends and an orphaned capuchin monkey makes for another fun adventure.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
November 20, 2021
This is a fun series that is centered around Maddie Springer, her friends, and family. When a psychic dies while informing her friend about his mother's death being a murder, the investigating starts full force. Somehow this serious topic and the resulting investigation are infused with funny characters and situations that produce laugh out loud situations! From an unknown uncle to an untrained pet monkey, the mob, and more, it's hard to stop laughing or being amazed.
This series continues to get better and better as it moves forward in Maddie's life. Each story is a delight, but this is one of my favorites so far. Just when I think it couldn't get better or funnier, the author proves me wrong! I love this series!
This series continues to get better and better as it moves forward in Maddie's life. Each story is a delight, but this is one of my favorites so far. Just when I think it couldn't get better or funnier, the author proves me wrong! I love this series!
December 5, 2021
A new Maddie story! This one was a more personal one, with a death occurring under suspicious circumstances in Dana and Ricky's house. Psychic to the stars, Moira DeVine, was moments away from spilling a buried secret when she suddenly died. Her words unravel poor Ricky's family and everything he knew about his life.
Maddie and her usual crew of helpers/investigators - her mother, Mrs. Rosenblatt and Marco - set out to help solve this mystery for Ricky, much to Ramirez's dismay.
This story had many suspects and twists, and though I am usually pretty good at predicting who the bad guy is, this one had me stumped! So many people had motives, so it was fun to discover who it actually was. An interesting and entertaining read.
Maddie and her usual crew of helpers/investigators - her mother, Mrs. Rosenblatt and Marco - set out to help solve this mystery for Ricky, much to Ramirez's dismay.
This story had many suspects and twists, and though I am usually pretty good at predicting who the bad guy is, this one had me stumped! So many people had motives, so it was fun to discover who it actually was. An interesting and entertaining read.
April 8, 2025
Thought this was the last in the series but nothing of note. Gemma’s website says she’s working on a new high heels novel. Though I think soon she should hang up Maddie’s detective heels. The storylines are all redundant: crime, tries talking her family and friends out of investigating; never works on her shoe lines; life is threatened; caught alone with murderer; contention & end chapter to ties everything up
Regarding this novel, I didn't understand the need to include the Rocco brothers construction; it felt like a wild goose chase that wasn’t needed. And later I had to go back and re-read the chapter where the killer was confessing because I was sure I was missing information. The information was later revealed in the final chapter.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Regarding this novel, I didn't understand the need to include the Rocco brothers construction; it felt like a wild goose chase that wasn’t needed. And later I had to go back and re-read the chapter where the killer was confessing because I was sure I was missing information. The information was later revealed in the final chapter.
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 5, 2022
Maddie & friends are back again! In this latest book, her BFF Dana’s celebrity husband Ricky is chosen for a reading by the Hollywood Psychic tv show. Psychic Moira suggests that the death of Ricky’s mother years ago was actually murder and she was going to name the murderer! Sounds like an interesting twist until Moira suddenly collapses and dies! There is no shortage of suspects and Maddie’s crew of eccentric friends and family are out to solve both mysteries. They find out more than they were looking for with some unusual suspects and an out-of-control monkey. Good mystery and terrific characters!
December 9, 2021
Deceit in High Heels is the latest mystery in a series I first discovered in 2012. I love Maddie, her family and friends. The stories are zany, funny and very perplexing. They just keep getting better. This book adds a fake psychic, an untrained monkey, the mob and more to the mix. I didn't put it down until I got to the very surprise ending that, once again, I did not see coming. I cannot say enough good things about this series.
December 29, 2021
Psychic craziness
Maddie and crew get involved in another murder investigation when a psychic dies during an interview into Ricky's mother's death. As always there are plenty of suspects to choose from so the reader is kept guessing until the end. Add in a monkey, and the chaos rises to new heights. Highly recommended.
Maddie and crew get involved in another murder investigation when a psychic dies during an interview into Ricky's mother's death. As always there are plenty of suspects to choose from so the reader is kept guessing until the end. Add in a monkey, and the chaos rises to new heights. Highly recommended.
December 9, 2021
I've been a huge fan of this author & series since books one. 13 plus books in and I still enjoy each & every one. They are entertaining & well written. The characters are quirky & fun. Great mystery with laugh out loud moments. I hope there are many more Maddie adventures.
January 6, 2022
Murder- mayhem - tender moments
I just love Gemma Halliday and her wacky characters. Each one’s distinctive personality and sense of style (including new to the scene Jerome the monkey). Dana shines through this book and leaves us all looking forward to her next role!
I just love Gemma Halliday and her wacky characters. Each one’s distinctive personality and sense of style (including new to the scene Jerome the monkey). Dana shines through this book and leaves us all looking forward to her next role!
March 10, 2022
Great story
I have read all of the High Heels mysteries and I love the characters. I am enjoying the interactions with Ling and Marco and glad they are getting bigger roles in the stories.
I have read all of the High Heels mysteries and I love the characters. I am enjoying the interactions with Ling and Marco and glad they are getting bigger roles in the stories.
Want to read
September 22, 2024free ebook
she went to a antiques roadshow with her mom and the man said her hat pin was worthless. her mom got mad and they had a fight. they walked away and then the man got murdered
i missed the books in the series where she married the cop and has twins now, boy and girl toddlers
she went to a antiques roadshow with her mom and the man said her hat pin was worthless. her mom got mad and they had a fight. they walked away and then the man got murdered
i missed the books in the series where she married the cop and has twins now, boy and girl toddlers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
Another good High Heels mystery
Anticipation is tough but Ms. Halliday always delivers. You can't miss with this series. Romance, humor and mystery, what's not to like.
Anticipation is tough but Ms. Halliday always delivers. You can't miss with this series. Romance, humor and mystery, what's not to like.
December 9, 2021
Maddie Springer is pulled into a new case when a psychic meets an untimely end on the set of a TV show. It's a tough case because her friends are involved.
December 22, 2021
great
Love them all. These are a great series of books. Funny and an easy read. Fun way to de-stress after a long day
Love them all. These are a great series of books. Funny and an easy read. Fun way to de-stress after a long day
December 24, 2021
I like this series. It moves forward adding to the characters' lives. It is funny at times, tells a good story.
February 18, 2022
Full of surprises
Oh boy this was full of surprises. I had an inkling as to who the killer was but just couldn't quite figure out the motive. Loved every minute of it.
Oh boy this was full of surprises. I had an inkling as to who the killer was but just couldn't quite figure out the motive. Loved every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews