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Poppy McGowan Mysteries #2
An A-List for Death
Shooting for fame could end your career ... and your life. A sparkling mystery from a stylish new voice in crime fiction, in a book that will delight fans of Richard Osman and Kerry Greenwood.
TV researcher Poppy McGowan has never sought the spotlight and is none too happy to be photographed with rock god Nathan Castle. When the photo pops up on celebrity gossip sites, it sparks a media feeding frenzy, forcing Poppy to go to ground, don a wig, and pull some nifty moves to escape a tailing car. And she cops abuse from Nathan's outraged fans.
None of this would have happened if Poppy had not found Nathan's mother Daisy, one-time glamour girl and elderly best friend of her Aunty Mary, bleeding and unconscious in her bathroom. The police dismiss the case as an accident, but Poppy is sure there are questions to be answered. Who attacked Daisy, and why? Will she come out of her coma? What secrets are her gathering family hiding? What happens to Daisy's money if she dies?
When a murder occurs outside Daisy's flat, the police step in at last. Unfortunately, they finger Poppy's boyfriend, Tol, for the crime - after all, he had bad blood with the victim. As Daisy's money-hungry family circle, amid hints of poisoning, bribery and blackmail, Poppy must find a way to clear Tol's name and ensure Daisy's safety.
TV researcher Poppy McGowan has never sought the spotlight and is none too happy to be photographed with rock god Nathan Castle. When the photo pops up on celebrity gossip sites, it sparks a media feeding frenzy, forcing Poppy to go to ground, don a wig, and pull some nifty moves to escape a tailing car. And she cops abuse from Nathan's outraged fans.
None of this would have happened if Poppy had not found Nathan's mother Daisy, one-time glamour girl and elderly best friend of her Aunty Mary, bleeding and unconscious in her bathroom. The police dismiss the case as an accident, but Poppy is sure there are questions to be answered. Who attacked Daisy, and why? Will she come out of her coma? What secrets are her gathering family hiding? What happens to Daisy's money if she dies?
When a murder occurs outside Daisy's flat, the police step in at last. Unfortunately, they finger Poppy's boyfriend, Tol, for the crime - after all, he had bad blood with the victim. As Daisy's money-hungry family circle, amid hints of poisoning, bribery and blackmail, Poppy must find a way to clear Tol's name and ensure Daisy's safety.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Hart
35 books151 followersPamela is a best-selling, award-winning author of more than 40 books.
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 12, 2022
Poppy McGowan is a TV researcher for a children's educational program with the Australian ABC in Sydney. In the first book in this series she gained a reputation as an amateur sleuth by solving the case of a murdered woman found in the house she is renovating. Now, in this second episode Poppy is staying with her Aunt Mary to help her recover from a knee operation when she becomes involved in a mysterious attack on Aunt Mary's next door neighbour and best friend Daisy. In tracking down Daisy's relatives, she discovers her son Jonathan is the famous rock star Nathan Castle and when she is accidentally photographed with him in the street the fan magazines and social media go wild over who the mystery woman he's with could be.
This is a fun cosy mystery. Poppy and her boyfriend, archaeologist Tol soon discover that someone is looking for something in Daisy's apartment, but along the way someone is killed and Tol is suspected of being a murderer. The writing is lively and humorous and filled with quirky and interesting characters as well as a gentle romance and a good tale about the perils of fame and wealth.
With thanks toHarlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
This is a fun cosy mystery. Poppy and her boyfriend, archaeologist Tol soon discover that someone is looking for something in Daisy's apartment, but along the way someone is killed and Tol is suspected of being a murderer. The writing is lively and humorous and filled with quirky and interesting characters as well as a gentle romance and a good tale about the perils of fame and wealth.
With thanks toHarlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
May 21, 2022
The second in a series about Poppy McGowan, a researcher for a children's TV show, and her talent for turning up dead bodies on Sydney's North Shore.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, largely because of the setting and the characters who are all well depicted and interesting to meet. Polly herself is a sensible woman who deals with dangerous situations when they come along, and her boyfriend Tol is okay too, although he seems a little too confident that a two year separation is going to be easy to deal with!
The story is quite light hearted and fun, with lots of information about researching children's shows for the ABC and, in this book, about drums. If you want to know more about drums then Pamela Hart is your go to person! The mystery is interesting and concludes satisfactorily. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good cosy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, largely because of the setting and the characters who are all well depicted and interesting to meet. Polly herself is a sensible woman who deals with dangerous situations when they come along, and her boyfriend Tol is okay too, although he seems a little too confident that a two year separation is going to be easy to deal with!
The story is quite light hearted and fun, with lots of information about researching children's shows for the ABC and, in this book, about drums. If you want to know more about drums then Pamela Hart is your go to person! The mystery is interesting and concludes satisfactorily. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good cosy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 16, 2022
Poppy’s Aunt Mary had had surgery and Poppy was keeping an eye on her recovery in the apartment complex she lived in. When her neighbour, Daisy, hadn’t turned up for the promised visit, Aunt Mary prompted Poppy to go check on her. Finding Daisy unconscious and bleeding on her bathroom floor, Poppy called an ambulance. When Daisy was rushed to RPA hospital in Sydney, with Poppy by her side, Poppy didn’t expect it to be the start of a horrible brush with death and a deranged killer.
Nathan Castle – or Jonathan as he was known by his family – was Daisy’s son. A famed rock singer, popular with his many fans, nonetheless, he rushed to be by his mother’s side. With other members of Daisy’s family circling, photographers on the hunt for their best photo of Nathan, a bodyguard named Charlie and the police suspicious of everyone, even Poppy’s boyfriend Tol – Dr Lang – Poppy was determined to discover who did the deed/s and prove Tol’s innocence. But could she do all this without getting herself into deep trouble?
An A-List for Death is the 2nd in the Poppy McGowan Mysteries by Aussie author Pamela Hart, and I loved it! A fun, entertaining and laugh out loud cosy mystery, with a great storyline and excellent characters, it was a delight to lose myself in Poppy’s life once again. Aunt Mary was a real character, and Daisy wasn’t far behind. A fabulous addition to the series, I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for book 3! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Nathan Castle – or Jonathan as he was known by his family – was Daisy’s son. A famed rock singer, popular with his many fans, nonetheless, he rushed to be by his mother’s side. With other members of Daisy’s family circling, photographers on the hunt for their best photo of Nathan, a bodyguard named Charlie and the police suspicious of everyone, even Poppy’s boyfriend Tol – Dr Lang – Poppy was determined to discover who did the deed/s and prove Tol’s innocence. But could she do all this without getting herself into deep trouble?
An A-List for Death is the 2nd in the Poppy McGowan Mysteries by Aussie author Pamela Hart, and I loved it! A fun, entertaining and laugh out loud cosy mystery, with a great storyline and excellent characters, it was a delight to lose myself in Poppy’s life once again. Aunt Mary was a real character, and Daisy wasn’t far behind. A fabulous addition to the series, I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for book 3! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
An A-List for Death is the rollicking second instalment in Aussie author Pamela Hart's cosy mystery series featuring television researcher - turned amateur sleuth Poppy McGowan.
A few months after the action of Digging Up Dirt has simmered down, Poppy finds herself as live-in carer for her fiesty great aunt Mary, who has recently had knee surgery. No sooner has Poppy moved into Mary's plush retirement village apartment than she discovers her aunt's glamorous best friend, 60s "It Girl" Daisy, collapsed and barely alive in her own apartment's bathroom. Daisy has a nasty head wound, and spends several days recovering in Intensive Care, as her far-flung family members converge on Sydney. But Aunt Mary is convinced that this was no accidental fall, instead that someone has assaulted Daisy and left her for dead.
Poppy's already frantic life becomes a maelstrom after she's photographed with Daisy's famous pop musician son, Jonathan (a.k.a. Nathan Castle), by archaeology student turned wannabe paparazza Esmerelda. The gossip magazines go into overdrive, speculating a relationship between sex-symbol Nathan and an anonymous ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) researcher. Ironically, the situation draws Poppy and her boyfriend / "admirer", archaeologist Bartholemew "Tol" Lang closer, with his imminent departure for a protracted Jordanian dig looming.
When Poppy discovers Esmerelda's body, murdered inside Aunt Mary's retirement complex with her camera's SD card smashed nearby, it becomes clear that there's a vicious killer on the loose. But who could want elderly Daisy dead, and what might Esmerelda have seen and photographed that she shouldn't have?
An A-List for Death is a fitting follow-up to 2021's popular Digging Up Dirt. Poppy's extended family again play a role, as do Tol's colleagues at the university and museum, and the ongoing renovations at her Annandale cottage. It's also heartwarming to learn that Poppy's kept in touch with troubled teenager Patience Carter, who she met in the first book.
Despite the rather violent actual and attempted murders, the mood of An A-List for Death is light and frequently humorous. There's an intriguing cast of potential suspects, some sympathetic, others considerably less so. The setting is evocative of Sydney in late spring, with several real-life locations being depicted (and their architecture subjected to Hart's critical eye). The only jarring note was the repeated use by characters of an expression that I felt was anachronistic, by at least a generation, when referring to an intellectually-disabled relation of Daisy's. Given that the character concerned would have been born no earlier than the late 1970s, I didn't feel that it was a term that would ever have been applied to her, even in a pejorative sense.
I found An A-List for Death a quick and enjoyable read, and believe it would appeal to readers who enjoy mystery novels in the ilk of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series and M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series.
My thanks to the author, Pamela Hart, publisher Harlequin Australia / HQ Fiction, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
A few months after the action of Digging Up Dirt has simmered down, Poppy finds herself as live-in carer for her fiesty great aunt Mary, who has recently had knee surgery. No sooner has Poppy moved into Mary's plush retirement village apartment than she discovers her aunt's glamorous best friend, 60s "It Girl" Daisy, collapsed and barely alive in her own apartment's bathroom. Daisy has a nasty head wound, and spends several days recovering in Intensive Care, as her far-flung family members converge on Sydney. But Aunt Mary is convinced that this was no accidental fall, instead that someone has assaulted Daisy and left her for dead.
Poppy's already frantic life becomes a maelstrom after she's photographed with Daisy's famous pop musician son, Jonathan (a.k.a. Nathan Castle), by archaeology student turned wannabe paparazza Esmerelda. The gossip magazines go into overdrive, speculating a relationship between sex-symbol Nathan and an anonymous ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) researcher. Ironically, the situation draws Poppy and her boyfriend / "admirer", archaeologist Bartholemew "Tol" Lang closer, with his imminent departure for a protracted Jordanian dig looming.
When Poppy discovers Esmerelda's body, murdered inside Aunt Mary's retirement complex with her camera's SD card smashed nearby, it becomes clear that there's a vicious killer on the loose. But who could want elderly Daisy dead, and what might Esmerelda have seen and photographed that she shouldn't have?
An A-List for Death is a fitting follow-up to 2021's popular Digging Up Dirt. Poppy's extended family again play a role, as do Tol's colleagues at the university and museum, and the ongoing renovations at her Annandale cottage. It's also heartwarming to learn that Poppy's kept in touch with troubled teenager Patience Carter, who she met in the first book.
Despite the rather violent actual and attempted murders, the mood of An A-List for Death is light and frequently humorous. There's an intriguing cast of potential suspects, some sympathetic, others considerably less so. The setting is evocative of Sydney in late spring, with several real-life locations being depicted (and their architecture subjected to Hart's critical eye). The only jarring note was the repeated use by characters of an expression that I felt was anachronistic, by at least a generation, when referring to an intellectually-disabled relation of Daisy's. Given that the character concerned would have been born no earlier than the late 1970s, I didn't feel that it was a term that would ever have been applied to her, even in a pejorative sense.
I found An A-List for Death a quick and enjoyable read, and believe it would appeal to readers who enjoy mystery novels in the ilk of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series and M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series.
My thanks to the author, Pamela Hart, publisher Harlequin Australia / HQ Fiction, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
May 28, 2022
I have been waiting for this one since I finished the first book and was not disappointed, Pamela Hart had me turning the pages as Poppy gets herself caught up in all sorts problems while staying with her Aunty Mary after her Aunt’s knee surgery, there are break-ins, attacks and murder I do hope you come along for the ride.
It seems that children’s TV researcher Poppy has again found her way into mayhem, it really is not what she goes looking for but people tend to open up to her so easily, when she rushes to the aid of her Aunt Mary’s best friend and neighbour, Daisy the doors open to a stack of mysteries, was Daisy attacked or did she fall? then a break in and paparazzi following Poppy around because Daisy’s son is a rock star Nathan Castle and Poppy is not one to leave things alone she must get to bottom of the mystery.
The police are not convinced of Poppy’s thoughts on any of the things happening and when a young woman is murdered they look, to as far as Poppy is concerned, the wrong suspect, Nathan Castle is doing what he can to help his mother and his family seem to be acting a bit strange and when Nathan is put in the line of fire there is an outcry from his fans and Poppy again is on the case.
Poppy’s boyfriend Tol is again at her side as they weather the storm of media and danger that is constantly there, but Poppy is ever determined to get her answers to what has been happening.
I did love this book it is witty, exciting and such a fabulous read, the characters are bought to life and are so very real, Pamela Hart has a way with words that pull the reader in and she had me guessing till the very end on who, how and why this all came about, this is one that I highly recommend it is sure to keep any reader who loves a good cosy entertained till the very end and I am really looking forward to more Poppy stories.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
It seems that children’s TV researcher Poppy has again found her way into mayhem, it really is not what she goes looking for but people tend to open up to her so easily, when she rushes to the aid of her Aunt Mary’s best friend and neighbour, Daisy the doors open to a stack of mysteries, was Daisy attacked or did she fall? then a break in and paparazzi following Poppy around because Daisy’s son is a rock star Nathan Castle and Poppy is not one to leave things alone she must get to bottom of the mystery.
The police are not convinced of Poppy’s thoughts on any of the things happening and when a young woman is murdered they look, to as far as Poppy is concerned, the wrong suspect, Nathan Castle is doing what he can to help his mother and his family seem to be acting a bit strange and when Nathan is put in the line of fire there is an outcry from his fans and Poppy again is on the case.
Poppy’s boyfriend Tol is again at her side as they weather the storm of media and danger that is constantly there, but Poppy is ever determined to get her answers to what has been happening.
I did love this book it is witty, exciting and such a fabulous read, the characters are bought to life and are so very real, Pamela Hart has a way with words that pull the reader in and she had me guessing till the very end on who, how and why this all came about, this is one that I highly recommend it is sure to keep any reader who loves a good cosy entertained till the very end and I am really looking forward to more Poppy stories.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
September 8, 2022
A gentle crime tale and second in the Poppy McGowan crime series is Pamela Hart’s An A-List for Death. It begins as usual in mundane life, with Poppy’s aunt’s friend found collapsed in the bathroom. The police determine it was an accident but Poppy is not so sure given the issue of inheritance of Daisy’s wealth. Things get more complicated when Poppy is photographed with Daisy’s son Nathan Castle, a rock legend. As she tries to avoid the media circus, a murder occurs outside her flat and her boyfriend Tol is arrested. Poppy investigates Daisy’s family as she tries to ensure her safety and clear Tol. Once again events unfold in Sydney and occur within Poppy’s sphere of influence. So, another gentle crime story, that fans of the series will no doubt enjoy, that is three stars rated. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
June 11, 2022
This is the second book in the Poppy McGowan series and I have to confess that I did enjoy this book more than the first. I think this book moved along a bit faster than the first and I was more engaged with the characters.
Poppy is employed by the ABC as a researcher for a kids program. She is also currently looking after her Aunt Mary in her retirement village unit having just had surgery. When checking up on a neighbour Poppy is shocked to discover her unconscious in her bathroom with a nasty head wound. Was it an accident or something more sinister?
Again Poppy finds herself in the middle of a mystery with the police not happy with her attempts to assist them.
Told with a lot of humour and set in Sydney this is quite a fun (yet macabre) read.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity the read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy is employed by the ABC as a researcher for a kids program. She is also currently looking after her Aunt Mary in her retirement village unit having just had surgery. When checking up on a neighbour Poppy is shocked to discover her unconscious in her bathroom with a nasty head wound. Was it an accident or something more sinister?
Again Poppy finds herself in the middle of a mystery with the police not happy with her attempts to assist them.
Told with a lot of humour and set in Sydney this is quite a fun (yet macabre) read.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity the read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
4.5★s
An A-List For Death is the second book in the Poppy McGowan series by Australian author, Pamela Hart. Children's Educational TV researcher Poppy McGowan is volunteered by family to care for her elderly aunt post-op: not a great hardship as Aunty Mary lives in an exclusive riverside retirement complex in Ryde, and Poppy’s numerous aunts provide casseroles and fill-in care.
But when she goes to check on Mary's neighbour and dearest friend, she finds the wealthy, flamboyant Daisy Montgomery out cold on her bathroom floor, bleeding from a head wound. A rush to the Emergency department of Royal Prince Alfred is followed by liaising with Daisy's son: a mixed blessing. Jonathan Montgomery is more widely known as the rich and famous Nathan Castle, gorgeous, talented rock star.
An opportunistic paparazza sells a perfectly innocent shot of Poppy with Nathan, causing a media storm. Aunty Mary, meanwhile, is convinced that Daisy has been attacked in her own home, but Poppy wonders if it was really just a fall. Until, that is, Daisy’s unit is trashed and possibly burgled.
Distracting her somewhat, Poppy’s recently acquired boyfriend, archaeologist Tol Lang is trying to convince her to visit him in Jordan for a dig. He’s leaving soon, and will be away two years: is she giving her heart away for a long-distance relationship? Will going on Tol’s dig just prolong the agony?
By the time that there has been a murder, Tol has been arrested and a few boxes of possibly poisoned chocolates are creating havoc, the list of potential suspects includes the retirement complex’s odious manager, Daisy’s greedy stepdaughter, her solicitor, her step-grandson, a record company publicity manager and a two-timing archaeology student.
Poppy McGowan’s latest adventure also features a will, a Scottish estate, paternity issues and fraud, as well as plenty of (melo)drama and a good helping of red herrings to keep even the most astute reader guessing until the final reveal. Very entertaining!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.
An A-List For Death is the second book in the Poppy McGowan series by Australian author, Pamela Hart. Children's Educational TV researcher Poppy McGowan is volunteered by family to care for her elderly aunt post-op: not a great hardship as Aunty Mary lives in an exclusive riverside retirement complex in Ryde, and Poppy’s numerous aunts provide casseroles and fill-in care.
But when she goes to check on Mary's neighbour and dearest friend, she finds the wealthy, flamboyant Daisy Montgomery out cold on her bathroom floor, bleeding from a head wound. A rush to the Emergency department of Royal Prince Alfred is followed by liaising with Daisy's son: a mixed blessing. Jonathan Montgomery is more widely known as the rich and famous Nathan Castle, gorgeous, talented rock star.
An opportunistic paparazza sells a perfectly innocent shot of Poppy with Nathan, causing a media storm. Aunty Mary, meanwhile, is convinced that Daisy has been attacked in her own home, but Poppy wonders if it was really just a fall. Until, that is, Daisy’s unit is trashed and possibly burgled.
Distracting her somewhat, Poppy’s recently acquired boyfriend, archaeologist Tol Lang is trying to convince her to visit him in Jordan for a dig. He’s leaving soon, and will be away two years: is she giving her heart away for a long-distance relationship? Will going on Tol’s dig just prolong the agony?
By the time that there has been a murder, Tol has been arrested and a few boxes of possibly poisoned chocolates are creating havoc, the list of potential suspects includes the retirement complex’s odious manager, Daisy’s greedy stepdaughter, her solicitor, her step-grandson, a record company publicity manager and a two-timing archaeology student.
Poppy McGowan’s latest adventure also features a will, a Scottish estate, paternity issues and fraud, as well as plenty of (melo)drama and a good helping of red herrings to keep even the most astute reader guessing until the final reveal. Very entertaining!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.
September 5, 2022
I loved Digging Up Dirt when we first met Poppy McGowan. A-List for Murder was another fun, page turner from Pamela Hart with Poppy once again playing amateur detective. It is always fun to read books set in your hometown, so following Poppy’s adventure around Sydney was so easy to picture in my mind whilst I read.
Poppy is looking after her Aunt Mary, who is recovering from surgery, when this mystery starts. She heads down the hall to check on Mary’s best friend, Daisy, who had failed to show up for their morning appointment. When she arrives at Daisy’s apartment, she finds the elderly woman unconscious and bleeding in the bathroom. Getting her to hospital is just the start of the caper. She finds herself caught up in a celebrity scandal with Daisy’s son, rock star, Nathan Castle. When it becomes apparent that Daisy didn’t slip, and more attempts are made on her life, Poppy and her friends and family follow the clues to keep Daisy safe and stop her attacker.
I hope that we will hear more from Poppy and this cast of fun characters. What trouble could they find themselves in next. A List for Murder is out now. Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my copy of this book to read.
Poppy is looking after her Aunt Mary, who is recovering from surgery, when this mystery starts. She heads down the hall to check on Mary’s best friend, Daisy, who had failed to show up for their morning appointment. When she arrives at Daisy’s apartment, she finds the elderly woman unconscious and bleeding in the bathroom. Getting her to hospital is just the start of the caper. She finds herself caught up in a celebrity scandal with Daisy’s son, rock star, Nathan Castle. When it becomes apparent that Daisy didn’t slip, and more attempts are made on her life, Poppy and her friends and family follow the clues to keep Daisy safe and stop her attacker.
I hope that we will hear more from Poppy and this cast of fun characters. What trouble could they find themselves in next. A List for Murder is out now. Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my copy of this book to read.
June 22, 2022
An A-List for Death is the first book I've read by Pamela Hart who's perhaps best know for her historical fiction. I hadn't realised it was part of a series but it's only the second so there's certainly time to catch up. (Without suffering too much from the 'sequel' blues I've talked about before - coming into a series part-way through and being completely lost with insufficient context or given too much backstory, rendering all previous books redundant cos of spoilers!)
It features Poppy McGowan who's a researcher with an ABC Children's Television show and that alone was enough to convince me that this is someone I wanted to know. It just seemed like a very specific job for a amateur sleuth... when we're used to retired cops, PIs, lawyers, journalists or village spinsters.
This is an enjoyable read. Tremendous fun in the style of Miss Fisher or similar. Hart's writing flows effortlessly and we're offered up several suspects without feeling bamboozled by an author trying to overcomplicate things. I don't read much cosy crime (other than Agatha Christie of course) but I fell in love with Poppy and her world. I'm definitely going to seek out the first in this series (Digging Up Dirt) and will look forward to number 3 and beyond.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
It features Poppy McGowan who's a researcher with an ABC Children's Television show and that alone was enough to convince me that this is someone I wanted to know. It just seemed like a very specific job for a amateur sleuth... when we're used to retired cops, PIs, lawyers, journalists or village spinsters.
This is an enjoyable read. Tremendous fun in the style of Miss Fisher or similar. Hart's writing flows effortlessly and we're offered up several suspects without feeling bamboozled by an author trying to overcomplicate things. I don't read much cosy crime (other than Agatha Christie of course) but I fell in love with Poppy and her world. I'm definitely going to seek out the first in this series (Digging Up Dirt) and will look forward to number 3 and beyond.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
December 2, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Poppy McGowan murder mysteries continue with Book Two as we find Poppy trying to solve her next adventure.
While looking out for her Aunt Mary after surgery, Poppy finds her neighbour Daisy unconscious and bleeding in the bathroom.
Daisy is also the mother of famous rock singer Nick Castle and when he is photographed by the paparazzi with Poppy, all hell breaks loose.
Poppy is forced to hide and be abused by his fans.
Who has done this senseless act and what is the family hiding?
When a dastardly murder occurs in the same flat as Daisy’s injuries, the police return for a full investigation.
Unfortunately soon Poppy’s boyfriend is embroiled amongst the drama and Daisy and Nick’s family also.
Now Poppy must examine the evidence, search for the truth and unmask the murderer.
A modern cozy mystery with returning characters that will keep you guessing as the story unfolds.
New crime tale, new murder, new plot twists and familiar Australian setting.
Poppy is very inquisitive and fun to read about which makes her a genuine lead character and perfect for a life of solving puzzles.
Put on your detective hat and grab your magnifying glass because you are about to help unravel a murder.
The Poppy McGowan murder mysteries continue with Book Two as we find Poppy trying to solve her next adventure.
While looking out for her Aunt Mary after surgery, Poppy finds her neighbour Daisy unconscious and bleeding in the bathroom.
Daisy is also the mother of famous rock singer Nick Castle and when he is photographed by the paparazzi with Poppy, all hell breaks loose.
Poppy is forced to hide and be abused by his fans.
Who has done this senseless act and what is the family hiding?
When a dastardly murder occurs in the same flat as Daisy’s injuries, the police return for a full investigation.
Unfortunately soon Poppy’s boyfriend is embroiled amongst the drama and Daisy and Nick’s family also.
Now Poppy must examine the evidence, search for the truth and unmask the murderer.
A modern cozy mystery with returning characters that will keep you guessing as the story unfolds.
New crime tale, new murder, new plot twists and familiar Australian setting.
Poppy is very inquisitive and fun to read about which makes her a genuine lead character and perfect for a life of solving puzzles.
Put on your detective hat and grab your magnifying glass because you are about to help unravel a murder.
June 6, 2022
A terribly fun read! I enjoyed this second instalment better than the first book. It was easy and light to read with just enough hints on the mystery to keep you going all the way to the end. Of course, the romantic tingles between Poppy & Tol, and their solid trust in each other, kept me fully warm and happy.
The only problem I had was keeping up with the numerous characters. Even as the story is told purely from Poppy's perspective, there were moments where I had to stop and try to think who this particular character is again in relation to Poppy & others in the book.
I love that it's set in today's Sydney and enjoyed zipping about with Poppy whose innate goodness touched all those around her. I truly appreciate the safe-ness and yet, still exciting, relationship between Poppy & Tol (so many books on brokenness that this was so comforting). Overall, An A-List for Death was a very relaxing and very entertaining read.
My thanks to Harlequin Australia for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
The only problem I had was keeping up with the numerous characters. Even as the story is told purely from Poppy's perspective, there were moments where I had to stop and try to think who this particular character is again in relation to Poppy & others in the book.
I love that it's set in today's Sydney and enjoyed zipping about with Poppy whose innate goodness touched all those around her. I truly appreciate the safe-ness and yet, still exciting, relationship between Poppy & Tol (so many books on brokenness that this was so comforting). Overall, An A-List for Death was a very relaxing and very entertaining read.
My thanks to Harlequin Australia for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
June 12, 2022
An A-List For Death brings readers back to the world of Australian Broadcasting Corporation children’s program researcher and sometimes reporter Poppy McGowan. It’s a lovely sequel to Digging Up Dirt and once again showcases author Pamela Hart’s extensive knowledge of the ABC and of investigative journalism. Poppy is ably supported by a cast of with fabulous characters including Poppy’s Aunty Mary and her best friend, former model Daisy Montgomery, Poppy’s boyfriend Tol and Daisy’s pop singer nephew Jonathan, aka Nathan Castle as well as the somewhat annoying Esmerelda. While the plot is excellent and filled with both humour when needed and plenty of twists to keep you guessing, for me it was definitely the characters that shone through as I read. I loved this book.
June 13, 2022
I really enjoyed catching up with Poppy again, she was lots of fun in Digging Up Dirt and not much has changed, she is still managing to get herself involved in multiple mysteries and crimes and taking it upon herself to help investigate. When Poppy's aunt's best friend is found bleeding and unconscious by Poppy, she is drawn into family secrets and plots and is determined to help work out what happened and who is out to get her, if anyone even actually is. Poppy is easy to like and the people around her all seem to trust her, she also likes to think the best of people even when they don't deserve it.
She is in a relationship with Tol who she got together with during the previous book and I really like him, he was excellent support for Poppy when things spin out of control even when he becomes a suspect in the case. I hope they can make their relationship last.
There was once again a full cast of characters from Poppy's coworkers and her family, the police and the many suspects in what turns into several mysteries and murder attempts. I didn't like two police officers who once again investigated the crimes, Detective Chloe Prudhomme blew too hot and cold for me, she was also hostile one minute and friendly the next, I really found her unpleasant and didn't understand why Poppy seemed to like her.
There were plenty of threads to tie together in An A-List for Death and plenty of suspects and twists and turns while uncovering who was who and who did what. There was humour and some romance and plenty going on to keep me entertained.
I look forward to more Poppy McGowan cosy mysteries because there is no way I can see Poppy staying out of trouble in the future.
She is in a relationship with Tol who she got together with during the previous book and I really like him, he was excellent support for Poppy when things spin out of control even when he becomes a suspect in the case. I hope they can make their relationship last.
There was once again a full cast of characters from Poppy's coworkers and her family, the police and the many suspects in what turns into several mysteries and murder attempts. I didn't like two police officers who once again investigated the crimes, Detective Chloe Prudhomme blew too hot and cold for me, she was also hostile one minute and friendly the next, I really found her unpleasant and didn't understand why Poppy seemed to like her.
There were plenty of threads to tie together in An A-List for Death and plenty of suspects and twists and turns while uncovering who was who and who did what. There was humour and some romance and plenty going on to keep me entertained.
I look forward to more Poppy McGowan cosy mysteries because there is no way I can see Poppy staying out of trouble in the future.
June 5, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Loved the first Poppy McGowan book...and this is almost as good. Lots of mystery and intrigue along with the odd celebrity. Hope to read further about the exploits of Poppy and the handsome Tol.
Loved the first Poppy McGowan book...and this is almost as good. Lots of mystery and intrigue along with the odd celebrity. Hope to read further about the exploits of Poppy and the handsome Tol.
September 17, 2022
So this is the second book I have read by Pamela Hart and I must say that, she knows how to write a good mystery. This is in similar fashion to her first book, Digging Up Dirt, although with less of a political backdrop and more of a celebrity kind.
Poppy is at the residential gardens trying to help her aunt Mary after her surgery, when she asks her to check in with Daisy, the famous Daisy of Daisy-Chains. When Poppy finds Daisy in a pool of blood in her own bathroom, she rushes her to the hospital, and gets herself tangled up in a messy family-celebrity-money scandal. Daisy is the mother of famous singer Nathan Castle and Poppy goes into the chains of Celeb Gossip when someone spots her with Nathan. While donning a wig and avoiding paparazzi, she tries to help her aunt and her friend and tries to understand whether Daisy fell or was attacked.
This is a small book, although it has a lot of subplots. It’s easy to read and follow and will definitely grab the interest from the first few chapters. Although there are some cameos from the first book by the author, this can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved the references the book made to news reporting, celebrity gossiping and even to the whole scandals celebrities walk through in their daily lives.
Poppy McGowan will be,from now on, my favourite heroine! And Pamela Hart will be an autobuy author for me!
Poppy is at the residential gardens trying to help her aunt Mary after her surgery, when she asks her to check in with Daisy, the famous Daisy of Daisy-Chains. When Poppy finds Daisy in a pool of blood in her own bathroom, she rushes her to the hospital, and gets herself tangled up in a messy family-celebrity-money scandal. Daisy is the mother of famous singer Nathan Castle and Poppy goes into the chains of Celeb Gossip when someone spots her with Nathan. While donning a wig and avoiding paparazzi, she tries to help her aunt and her friend and tries to understand whether Daisy fell or was attacked.
This is a small book, although it has a lot of subplots. It’s easy to read and follow and will definitely grab the interest from the first few chapters. Although there are some cameos from the first book by the author, this can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved the references the book made to news reporting, celebrity gossiping and even to the whole scandals celebrities walk through in their daily lives.
Poppy McGowan will be,from now on, my favourite heroine! And Pamela Hart will be an autobuy author for me!
June 20, 2022
An A-List for Death is the second book in the Poppy McGowan Mysteries by Pamela Hart. I really enjoyed Digging Up Dirt when I read it last year so I was eager to continue reading the series.
After becoming a bit of an amateur sleuth in the first book, Poppy encounters more accidents and another murder this time around. While staying with her Aunt Mary to help her recover from knee surgery, Poppy discovers Mary’s best friend and neighbour on the floor of her apartment with a head injury. Poppy rushes Daisy to the hospital and gets in touch with her son who of course is famous rock star Nathan Castle. When Nathan arrives to help his mother, he and Poppy are photographed together and this photo hits the internet thanks to a young student connected to Poppy’s boyfriend Tol. As Daisy’s wider family appears, Poppy begins to suspect that Daisy wasn’t injured accidently. Then a murder takes place at the apartment complex and suddenly Poppy is thrust into the police investigation as she tries to clear Tol’s name.
An A-List for Death is a great example of the cosy mystery genre which I’m definitely vibing with. It was wholesome and fun and I inhaled it in one sitting. Pamela Hart has developed a lovely chatty style of writing which feels like sitting down for a good old chat with Poppy. My one criticism (similar to the first book) is that it can come across as a bit too much telling rather than showing but I'll forgive it as it is just a lovely little cosy mystery!
Perfect for if you are looking for a heart-warming palette cleanser between heavier literacy fictions reads (as I often do!).
Thanks so much to @harlequinaus for my #gifted copy.
After becoming a bit of an amateur sleuth in the first book, Poppy encounters more accidents and another murder this time around. While staying with her Aunt Mary to help her recover from knee surgery, Poppy discovers Mary’s best friend and neighbour on the floor of her apartment with a head injury. Poppy rushes Daisy to the hospital and gets in touch with her son who of course is famous rock star Nathan Castle. When Nathan arrives to help his mother, he and Poppy are photographed together and this photo hits the internet thanks to a young student connected to Poppy’s boyfriend Tol. As Daisy’s wider family appears, Poppy begins to suspect that Daisy wasn’t injured accidently. Then a murder takes place at the apartment complex and suddenly Poppy is thrust into the police investigation as she tries to clear Tol’s name.
An A-List for Death is a great example of the cosy mystery genre which I’m definitely vibing with. It was wholesome and fun and I inhaled it in one sitting. Pamela Hart has developed a lovely chatty style of writing which feels like sitting down for a good old chat with Poppy. My one criticism (similar to the first book) is that it can come across as a bit too much telling rather than showing but I'll forgive it as it is just a lovely little cosy mystery!
Perfect for if you are looking for a heart-warming palette cleanser between heavier literacy fictions reads (as I often do!).
Thanks so much to @harlequinaus for my #gifted copy.
July 2, 2022
Loved this book.
July 5, 2023
As another reader has said, a combination of geezer lit, cosy crime and chick lit. The last is not my usual fare, but I could tolerate it here, given the strength of the plot and the well- established characterisations. The trail was believable and engaging, the pace even enough to keep me engaged without adrenaline.
January 9, 2024
Another faced past Sydney based mystery-
I didn’t know part 2 in series though so didn’t know some recaps were about
I didn’t know part 2 in series though so didn’t know some recaps were about
Read
September 3, 2023Not for me but you can tell the author put a lot of love into this book
February 9, 2023
3.5 stars
I loved the first Poppy McGowan book, and hoped this would be just as amazing. Sadly, it wasn't. It lacked in a few areas. The plot was not as tight. The characters not as well developed. The support characters that were brilliant in book one (Poppy's mother) hardly showed in the book. The humour was not as cleverly written, and seemed to be going for the easy rather than the clever laugh.
There were many moments in this book when I wondered if the author was trying to shift this into the same territory as Janet Evanovich. And, I grew oh so tired of Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. I do feel this series is moving to that type of book, and that will be a shame. If is does, I won't continue with the series.
I wasn't engaged with this book as much as I wanted. There's a lot of filler, a lot of movement in this book for no purpose. I found it unfocused a lot of the time, and wondered if the author was trying to make the mystery too complex.
My hope is the next book in the series has a tighter plot and brings back the cleverness and charm from book one.
I loved the first Poppy McGowan book, and hoped this would be just as amazing. Sadly, it wasn't. It lacked in a few areas. The plot was not as tight. The characters not as well developed. The support characters that were brilliant in book one (Poppy's mother) hardly showed in the book. The humour was not as cleverly written, and seemed to be going for the easy rather than the clever laugh.
There were many moments in this book when I wondered if the author was trying to shift this into the same territory as Janet Evanovich. And, I grew oh so tired of Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. I do feel this series is moving to that type of book, and that will be a shame. If is does, I won't continue with the series.
I wasn't engaged with this book as much as I wanted. There's a lot of filler, a lot of movement in this book for no purpose. I found it unfocused a lot of the time, and wondered if the author was trying to make the mystery too complex.
My hope is the next book in the series has a tighter plot and brings back the cleverness and charm from book one.
May 7, 2022
What an exhilarating reading experience! Pamela Hart is a gifted author of many styles and genres. Her latest dance with creativity has taken her to the ballrooms of cosy mysteries. This is the second instalment of the Poppy McGowan series and it is filled with unusual unsuspecting suspects, coincidental events, attempted malicious attacks and, of course, murder.
Poppy is a TV researcher who also happens to take on the role of an amateur sleuth. She has never planned to be such a person but sometimes she finds herself in unexpected close contact situations where her inquisitive mind cannot help question if the injured individuals she comes upon have been subject to an accident or an attempted murder. If that wasn’t enough, she also ends up in living spaces where she is first on the spot of dead bodies. Her movements are not calculated. She merely stumbles across these incidents by accident. But it certainly activates her creative, inquisitive mind to draw, glean and decipher the facts from the people and circumstances that surround them. And in An A-List for Death it all begins when she finds her Aunt Mary’s best friend, Daisy, bleeding and unconscious on the floor of her bathroom.
Being a cosy mystery, it has all the ingredients you would expect with its quirkiness, humour, charm and gentler, warmer tone. There’s a touch of light romance, too, and colourful characters that will keep you interested and on your toes. I found it hard to put this story down to sleep and was dying (pardon the pun) to read the next chapter. Yes, exactly what every author wants to hear from their readers! Rest assured, there are no explicit descriptions of the severely injured or dead—well at least not what you would find in a hard cord murder mystery but we are provided enough details to get the idea of the victims’ physical conditions. This novel will not give you nightmares for it is not that sort of mystery. It will keep you entertained with its delightful wit and leave you wondering as it contains lots of red herrings. The cast are both likeable and tragic. They all have their human foibles. The reservoir of selfish needs, misjudgements, greed, envy and overblown pride keep the action flowing. There are ample clues to keep you on a trail or two and it is enjoyable to watch as each suspicion is played out and the truth revealed. Even though I guessed the suspect early on, it was still an exciting and unforgettable journey to the full revelation.
Some might say Poppy is an unlikely unassuming protagonist sleuth but I think her career background makes her a good candidate with her ability to do thorough research. She can look at all the angles, dissect, question and piece obscure fragments back together. But although she has these useful gumshoe characteristics, she still stumbles on to the truth in unexpected ways. And, of course, she uses her connections wherever possible to help her with her deductions. The events are limited to a fairly intimate setting and suspects are within the circle of Poppy’s acquaintances so she has to think hard about what motives each of these people have? As the ball unravels, secrets are revealed and hearts are exposed and sometimes the picture is not very pretty!
My review cannot close without citing my notice of Pamela Hart’s love of Anne of Green Gables and how An A-List for Death provides a gentle nod to that story by including a red-haired female character, a mention of the novel itself and the Montgomery name!
I can easily recommend this lively colourful romantic crime novel that touches on the hazards of fame and selfish drive for money. It also questions the loyalty of lovers, friends and family when there is something quick to gain. This story where everyone is a suspect, successfully raises doubt in the minds of readers (and Poppy) of all those closest to the victims. Who is capable of murder? Read it and see! It is a sure CLUE game moment when it all comes together. I happily encourage everyone who loves a fun, witty, warm, cosy mystery to pick up a copy in June! 5 Stars for a professional performance!
Many thanks to publisher Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a review copy. The review will be posted on Amazon upon release of the novel.
Poppy is a TV researcher who also happens to take on the role of an amateur sleuth. She has never planned to be such a person but sometimes she finds herself in unexpected close contact situations where her inquisitive mind cannot help question if the injured individuals she comes upon have been subject to an accident or an attempted murder. If that wasn’t enough, she also ends up in living spaces where she is first on the spot of dead bodies. Her movements are not calculated. She merely stumbles across these incidents by accident. But it certainly activates her creative, inquisitive mind to draw, glean and decipher the facts from the people and circumstances that surround them. And in An A-List for Death it all begins when she finds her Aunt Mary’s best friend, Daisy, bleeding and unconscious on the floor of her bathroom.
Being a cosy mystery, it has all the ingredients you would expect with its quirkiness, humour, charm and gentler, warmer tone. There’s a touch of light romance, too, and colourful characters that will keep you interested and on your toes. I found it hard to put this story down to sleep and was dying (pardon the pun) to read the next chapter. Yes, exactly what every author wants to hear from their readers! Rest assured, there are no explicit descriptions of the severely injured or dead—well at least not what you would find in a hard cord murder mystery but we are provided enough details to get the idea of the victims’ physical conditions. This novel will not give you nightmares for it is not that sort of mystery. It will keep you entertained with its delightful wit and leave you wondering as it contains lots of red herrings. The cast are both likeable and tragic. They all have their human foibles. The reservoir of selfish needs, misjudgements, greed, envy and overblown pride keep the action flowing. There are ample clues to keep you on a trail or two and it is enjoyable to watch as each suspicion is played out and the truth revealed. Even though I guessed the suspect early on, it was still an exciting and unforgettable journey to the full revelation.
Some might say Poppy is an unlikely unassuming protagonist sleuth but I think her career background makes her a good candidate with her ability to do thorough research. She can look at all the angles, dissect, question and piece obscure fragments back together. But although she has these useful gumshoe characteristics, she still stumbles on to the truth in unexpected ways. And, of course, she uses her connections wherever possible to help her with her deductions. The events are limited to a fairly intimate setting and suspects are within the circle of Poppy’s acquaintances so she has to think hard about what motives each of these people have? As the ball unravels, secrets are revealed and hearts are exposed and sometimes the picture is not very pretty!
My review cannot close without citing my notice of Pamela Hart’s love of Anne of Green Gables and how An A-List for Death provides a gentle nod to that story by including a red-haired female character, a mention of the novel itself and the Montgomery name!
I can easily recommend this lively colourful romantic crime novel that touches on the hazards of fame and selfish drive for money. It also questions the loyalty of lovers, friends and family when there is something quick to gain. This story where everyone is a suspect, successfully raises doubt in the minds of readers (and Poppy) of all those closest to the victims. Who is capable of murder? Read it and see! It is a sure CLUE game moment when it all comes together. I happily encourage everyone who loves a fun, witty, warm, cosy mystery to pick up a copy in June! 5 Stars for a professional performance!
Many thanks to publisher Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a review copy. The review will be posted on Amazon upon release of the novel.
June 24, 2022
I’m a fan of Pamela Hart’s work in all genres, and very much enjoyed the first Poppy McGowan mystery. I was looking forward to “An A-List for Death” and was so pleased to find it everything I’d hoped for.
Poppy McGowan is a back room girl: a researcher for kids television at the ABC. It’s low profile and she’s very happy with that. So she’s less than thrilled when she’s photographed with international rock god Nathan Castle and tabloids label her his new love interest. It’s hard to say who’s less happy: Poppy or Castle’s fans.
Of course, it’s all quite innocent. Poppy was only with Nathan because she found his mother, Daisy, bleeding and unconscious in her bathroom. The police think it was an accident, but people who know Daisy are certain it was an attack, not an accident. Poppy agrees that there are a lot of questions to be answered, including questions around greedy relatives, past romances, and who gets Daisy’s money if she dies.
Before long Poppy’s boyfriend, Tol, is again a suspect in a murder. Poppy is confident he’s innocent, but it gives her another incentive to solve the multiplying mysteries.
This is a beautifully balanced book. The mystery is challenging to solve, but not so complex that it distracts you from the overall story. The whodunnit is balanced against a nicely judged romantic subplot, and the background of Poppy’s family and job. Character and plot are both important. The writing has humor, but is always serious when it should be.
You could read this novel independently of the first Poppy book (“Digging Up Dirt” – a link to my review is below). The primary plot lines – the crimes – are separate. However, you’d be missing out on the development of Poppy’s relationship with Tol, considerable character development for Poppy, and the gradual filling out of Poppy’s family relationships. All of these things contribute to the enjoyment of “An A-List for Death”. None of it will impact on your ability to follow the story or relationships here, but things will be a bit richer if you read both books.
This is just plain fun to read. The violence of the attacks, particularly the emotional violence, is not underplayed. But nor does Hart dwell on them too much. She moves the story along quite smartly. Poppy’s rather sardonic perspective infuses the novel, making it highly readable and injecting a good bit of humor.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a clever, well written mystery story with strong characters and an enjoyable Australian background. Recommended for mystery lovers, particularly those who don’t want to dwell on gore, this will also likely suit some readers looking for a relatively light read with strong characters.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
You may be interested in my review of the first Poppy McGowan novel:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
You may like my reviews of other novels from Pamela Hart/ Pamela Freeman:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
Poppy McGowan is a back room girl: a researcher for kids television at the ABC. It’s low profile and she’s very happy with that. So she’s less than thrilled when she’s photographed with international rock god Nathan Castle and tabloids label her his new love interest. It’s hard to say who’s less happy: Poppy or Castle’s fans.
Of course, it’s all quite innocent. Poppy was only with Nathan because she found his mother, Daisy, bleeding and unconscious in her bathroom. The police think it was an accident, but people who know Daisy are certain it was an attack, not an accident. Poppy agrees that there are a lot of questions to be answered, including questions around greedy relatives, past romances, and who gets Daisy’s money if she dies.
Before long Poppy’s boyfriend, Tol, is again a suspect in a murder. Poppy is confident he’s innocent, but it gives her another incentive to solve the multiplying mysteries.
This is a beautifully balanced book. The mystery is challenging to solve, but not so complex that it distracts you from the overall story. The whodunnit is balanced against a nicely judged romantic subplot, and the background of Poppy’s family and job. Character and plot are both important. The writing has humor, but is always serious when it should be.
You could read this novel independently of the first Poppy book (“Digging Up Dirt” – a link to my review is below). The primary plot lines – the crimes – are separate. However, you’d be missing out on the development of Poppy’s relationship with Tol, considerable character development for Poppy, and the gradual filling out of Poppy’s family relationships. All of these things contribute to the enjoyment of “An A-List for Death”. None of it will impact on your ability to follow the story or relationships here, but things will be a bit richer if you read both books.
This is just plain fun to read. The violence of the attacks, particularly the emotional violence, is not underplayed. But nor does Hart dwell on them too much. She moves the story along quite smartly. Poppy’s rather sardonic perspective infuses the novel, making it highly readable and injecting a good bit of humor.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a clever, well written mystery story with strong characters and an enjoyable Australian background. Recommended for mystery lovers, particularly those who don’t want to dwell on gore, this will also likely suit some readers looking for a relatively light read with strong characters.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
You may be interested in my review of the first Poppy McGowan novel:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
You may like my reviews of other novels from Pamela Hart/ Pamela Freeman:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
August 3, 2022
I was attracted to "An A-List for Death" because I had read Pamela Hart's recent historical fiction "The Charleston Scandal"....my preferred genre .......but was willing to give a modern murder mystery a read.
I believe this book is part of the Poppy McGowan mystery series but I read as a stand-alone and I don't think I was adversely affected by the lack of prior context.
Poppy is employed by the ABC broacasting network in Sydney, Australia. As well as researching for children's shows as a day job, she is planning to jet off to Jordan with her boyfriend Tron, renovating her first home and looking after her Aunt Mary who has just had surgery. Mary lives in a retirement village, just down the corridor from her dear longtime friend Daisy.
Mary asks Poppy to check on Daisynwhen she doesn't show up as planned. Poppy is shocked to discover Daisy unconscious in her bathroom with a nasty head wound.
And so the mystery begins.......was this an old age slip/trip accident or was someone to blame.
We are introduced to Daisy's family..a motley crue of successful musician, angry daughter, loyal grandson, tied with a family lawyer, bodyguide and an old lover too. Family dynamics to the fore. Greed, mistrust, rejection.
Thank God for the assorted aunties who come to the rescue with casseroles to keep everyone fed!
The book was easy to read, quirky and funny in places. However, I did find it hard to keep up with a number of minor characters...Poppies friends (possibly they had been introduced in the previous book?) I believe in "An A-List for Death" they really weren't necessary and detracted from the main storyline.
A light quick read, which did keep me guessing as the story and victims unfolded.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pamela Hart and Harlequin Australia for my copy.
I believe this book is part of the Poppy McGowan mystery series but I read as a stand-alone and I don't think I was adversely affected by the lack of prior context.
Poppy is employed by the ABC broacasting network in Sydney, Australia. As well as researching for children's shows as a day job, she is planning to jet off to Jordan with her boyfriend Tron, renovating her first home and looking after her Aunt Mary who has just had surgery. Mary lives in a retirement village, just down the corridor from her dear longtime friend Daisy.
Mary asks Poppy to check on Daisynwhen she doesn't show up as planned. Poppy is shocked to discover Daisy unconscious in her bathroom with a nasty head wound.
And so the mystery begins.......was this an old age slip/trip accident or was someone to blame.
We are introduced to Daisy's family..a motley crue of successful musician, angry daughter, loyal grandson, tied with a family lawyer, bodyguide and an old lover too. Family dynamics to the fore. Greed, mistrust, rejection.
Thank God for the assorted aunties who come to the rescue with casseroles to keep everyone fed!
The book was easy to read, quirky and funny in places. However, I did find it hard to keep up with a number of minor characters...Poppies friends (possibly they had been introduced in the previous book?) I believe in "An A-List for Death" they really weren't necessary and detracted from the main storyline.
A light quick read, which did keep me guessing as the story and victims unfolded.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pamela Hart and Harlequin Australia for my copy.
August 7, 2022
This is the first in the series that I have read, and I would seek out the first book, as well as future instalments. It was a quick and pleasant read. It followed the tropes of the genre, and was engaging and kept you reading. I felt I didn't miss anything not having read the first book, as characters and past events were explained enough so as not to cause confusion. It reminded me a lot of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich, but if Steph was an Aussie researcher! Similar love triangle, similar family relationships, similar elder relative as a co-conspirator, a sense of humour present, a heroine who was trying to figure out her life, fed up/indifferent police foils, and an eclectic cast of supporting characters. A bit like Miss Fisher and Agatha Christie, with an amateur sleuth who seems to have not onky an uncanny knack for being in the wrong spot at the wrong time, but also who possesses skills that allow them to solve these crimes and access things that us mere mortals would not be able to! If anything, I didn't adore Poppy as much as I wanted to, perhaps in that she was a bit entitled and kept on about her job with the ABC and how she was so clever because she was a researcher for a children's show. I don't know what is was about that aspect, but it made me inwardly groan each time it was mentioned. Maybe it was that Jennifer Jay and the job were so important according to Poppy but it seemed like she could just ignore it for hours while she did detective stuff? I really can't put my finger on it. But overall I would keep reading this series.
May 6, 2022
Poppy McGowan returns in this sequel to Digging Up Dirt. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book!
Poppy is a TV researcher who is happiest behind the scenes. When a photograph of her with rock god Nathan Castle pops up on celebrity gossip sites, she’s not happy about the media feeding frenzy that follows.
Nor is she pleased that Daisy, Nathan’s elderly mother and best friend and neighbour of her Aunty Mary, is found bleeding and unconscious in her bedroom. While Poppy tries to make sense of it all, a murder occurs outside Daisy’s flat and the police finally get involved.
Poppy is a great character, feisty yet sensible. I enjoy the way she juggles the various strands in her life – renovating a house, researching for a children’s TV show, being part of a huge and inquisitive family – while trying to clear her boyfriend, Tol, of the murder.
It’s ripper story and moves along at a cracking pace. More Poppy please Pamela Hart!
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Poppy is a TV researcher who is happiest behind the scenes. When a photograph of her with rock god Nathan Castle pops up on celebrity gossip sites, she’s not happy about the media feeding frenzy that follows.
Nor is she pleased that Daisy, Nathan’s elderly mother and best friend and neighbour of her Aunty Mary, is found bleeding and unconscious in her bedroom. While Poppy tries to make sense of it all, a murder occurs outside Daisy’s flat and the police finally get involved.
Poppy is a great character, feisty yet sensible. I enjoy the way she juggles the various strands in her life – renovating a house, researching for a children’s TV show, being part of a huge and inquisitive family – while trying to clear her boyfriend, Tol, of the murder.
It’s ripper story and moves along at a cracking pace. More Poppy please Pamela Hart!
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
An absolutely wonderful quirky mystery is the second in the Poppy McGowan series!
Poppy’s helping her Aunt Mary recover from surgery, her neighbour Daisy hasn’t arrived to visit. Poppy finds Daisy seriously injured & must unravel who would harm her aunt’s friend.
Daisy’s family and friends rush to the hospital, her famous son Jonathan together with his bodyguard are all trying to solve the mystery! Could it be possible that the person responsible for the mayhem is known to them all?
Everyone’s a suspect so Poppy and her boyfriend Tol work through their growing relationship, while helping the police piece together the clues.
The characters and storyline are relatable, I loved following Poppy’s journey again, a joy to read!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a warm unputdownable whodunnit!
Congratulations and thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the awesome author Pamela Hart, I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Poppy’s helping her Aunt Mary recover from surgery, her neighbour Daisy hasn’t arrived to visit. Poppy finds Daisy seriously injured & must unravel who would harm her aunt’s friend.
Daisy’s family and friends rush to the hospital, her famous son Jonathan together with his bodyguard are all trying to solve the mystery! Could it be possible that the person responsible for the mayhem is known to them all?
Everyone’s a suspect so Poppy and her boyfriend Tol work through their growing relationship, while helping the police piece together the clues.
The characters and storyline are relatable, I loved following Poppy’s journey again, a joy to read!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a warm unputdownable whodunnit!
Congratulations and thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the awesome author Pamela Hart, I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2022
I really enjoyed Pamela Hart’s book “An A-List for Death” the second in her Poppy McGowan mystery series. I loved the characters especially Poppy who is witty and charming, she often had me chuckling at either what she was doing or saying. I had not read the first book but intend to go back and read it now that I have discovered this series – it can easily be read as a stand alone novel though.
I would describe this book as a cozy mystery with Poppy as the resident amateur sleuth. The storyline moves along at a great pace and I found it easy to read and it had me guessing to the very end on who was behind it all. One of the quotes on the cover says “Witty and entertaining, a fabulous, distinctively Australian mystery” which was the reason I loved it – is was very Australian.
I look forward to reading more of Poppy’s adventures. Thank you to Beauty and Lace, Pamela Hart and Harper Collins for the chance to read and review this book. I highly recommend it.
I would describe this book as a cozy mystery with Poppy as the resident amateur sleuth. The storyline moves along at a great pace and I found it easy to read and it had me guessing to the very end on who was behind it all. One of the quotes on the cover says “Witty and entertaining, a fabulous, distinctively Australian mystery” which was the reason I loved it – is was very Australian.
I look forward to reading more of Poppy’s adventures. Thank you to Beauty and Lace, Pamela Hart and Harper Collins for the chance to read and review this book. I highly recommend it.
June 25, 2022
✍️ This is the second book in the Poppy McGowan mystery series and this time around we follow Poppy who is looking after her aunt Mary after surgery. When she happens to find Mary's neighbour and best friend Daisy unconscious and bleeding on her bathroom floor, soon ensues Poppy's undercover work to determine if this was an accident or a deliberate act of murder.
This was my first Pamela Hart novel that I read and it did not disappoint. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I adored it! Didn't want it to end. The plot was meticulous and detailed. The characters were whacky and charming and I couldn't put it down. I assiduously relished in the elements of mystery, murder, romance and wit. A well written and well formed story. I was kept in astonishment and guessing till the end.
This was my first Pamela Hart novel that I read and it did not disappoint. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I adored it! Didn't want it to end. The plot was meticulous and detailed. The characters were whacky and charming and I couldn't put it down. I assiduously relished in the elements of mystery, murder, romance and wit. A well written and well formed story. I was kept in astonishment and guessing till the end.
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