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A Celeste Eagan Mystery #2

L'affaire est dans le sac: Celeste Eagan mène l'enquête, T2

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Celeste est de retour et prête à plonger tête la première dans les ennuis pour sauver son meilleur ami !

Je menais une vie de bohème, parfaite ou presque, jusqu’à ce que Levi, mon meilleur ami, trouve un cadavre dans une de ses propriétés et soit arrêté pour meurtre.

L’inspecteur Shaw Muldoon est mon pas-encore-officiel-mais-sûrement-futur petit ami. Il me connaît. Il connaît Levi. Il sait que nous ne sommes pas capables d’un crime aussi haineux. Et il sait aussi très bien que malgré l’ordre de laisser cette affaire aux professionnels, je compte bien mener mon enquête. Même si cela signifie attirer l’attention du meurtrier sur moi.

Enquêter sur un nouveau meurtre horrible : check.
Faire craquer le propriétaire d’une boulangerie louche : check.
Avoir le sac à main à la mode cette saison me tombant entre les mains ou presque : check.
Mettre ma vie en danger : double check !

#CozyMystery #Humour #Romance #Enquête

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2017

4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Emery Harper

3 books9 followers
Born in Alaska, relocated, reared and still residing in North Texas, Emery started writing at a very young age—pretty much before she knew what writing was. She’s always had stories running around in her brain—doesn’t everyone?!? She penned several short stories, poems and one attempt at a novel when she was still a teen, but it wasn’t until she was pregnant with #4 boy-child that she seriously developed her manuscript chops.

A little murder, mayhem and maybe a twist and turn keep her plenty occupied in her make-believe worlds, though she is often grounded quickly from any one of the grown-children who live in her casa along with her high school sweetheart who’s been her personal hero for over thirty years.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,699 reviews228 followers
November 21, 2016
Heh. Celeste certainly knows how to wriggle her way into the middle of mysteries, doesn't she? The lady has a sixth sense for flushing out danger and ending up in some iffy situations. I can see understand how she makes Shaw crazy with her casual disregard for her own safety.

I can also understand where she's coming from since it's her BFF's freedom on the line if someone doesn't start uncovering the truth. Unfortunately, with Shaw unable to discuss the case, she almost ends up doing more harm than good. Almost.

Speaking of Detective Muldoon, the guy needs to communicate better. I get he has some issues he's dealing with, but a lady like Celeste doesn't do well when she's left hanging. See the dubious bakery owner in the blurb. *nods* Throw in her propensity for stumbling into trouble and the good detective has his hands full.

This series is fun. The characters might drive me batty at times with the way they dance around one another, but I'm learning to enjoy the slow build. Plus, Celeste finding dead people whenever she turns around amuses me. I'm nicely twisted that way.

Here's to more dangerous, wacky adventures with Celeste Eagan.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Melliane.
2,073 reviews350 followers
January 11, 2022
Mon avis en français

My English Review

Le premier tome de la série était très sympa et j’étais curieuse de découvrir celui-ci. Et puis j’adore le cozy mystery, alors comment résister ?

Celeste plonge tête la première dans une toute nouvelle enquête. Levi, son meilleur ami est accusé de meurtre. Elle sait qu’il est incapable de tuer une mouche, alors quelqu’un ? Jamais ! Mais la police n’est pas du même avis. Comment Muldoon peut-il croire que Levi est coupable ? Déterminée à prouver que son ami est coupable, Celeste va tout faire pour révéler la vérité et traduire en justice le coupable. Problème ? Tout ne se passe pas comme prévu.

C’était un roman bien sympa à lire et si je me suis doutée de l’identité du coupable assez vite, j’ai pris plaisir à tout découvrir. Ce qui est par contre dommage, c’est que la série semble avoir été abandonnée en VO après deux tomes, vu que ce tome est sorti en 2017. Du coup, je me dis que nous n’aurons peut-être jamais la suite.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,345 reviews23 followers
December 4, 2016
I loved the first Celeste-mystery, so I was anxious to see if the second would be as good. And it is!

Celeste has a birthday coming up, but first she is again confronted with a murder. Her BFF Levi has called her for help, but when she arrives at one of his properties she finds him with a body and a bloodied hammer... just in time for the police to arrest him and suspect her of being an accomplice. Shaw Muldoon, the detective and her might-be boyfriend asks her to keep out of and far away from investigating. And she does (try to) until a second murder.

I was a bit disappointed at first that Celeste's relationship with Muldoon had not really developed since book 1. But it is explained in the book why, and there is enough of Muldoon to keep me happy. The mystery and the characters in the book were entertaining and ofcourse Celeste keeps getting smack in the middle of things.

I am looking forward to another Celeste Eagan book!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,170 reviews43 followers
November 20, 2016
In the Bag is the second installment of the Celeste Eagan Mysteries. I loved the first one and this one is even better. Celeste is juggling a lot this time. New job, parental issues, and her on or off romance with Shaw. Plus her best friend is accused of murder. She can't help but stick her nose in. And as usual, she's a magnet for trouble. Mystery, laughs, and romance kept me turning the pages well into the night. I'm looking forward to what more trouble Celeste can attract!

*ARC Provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jacque.
998 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2017
Once again we have another dead body mystery for Celeste to solve, much to the chagrin of her almost/not quite sure/possibly potential other detective boyfriend. What is a girl to do when the accused his her BFF Levi. Now you just know when Celeste is involved things are just going to go a bit wonky. Yeah, wonky...hahahaha!!!! Understatement!

Curiouser and curiouser things that that make this story oh so much fun include a trip to the ER, going undercover, an interesting poker game, a curious bakery, odd crates and a $2000 designer bag. Of course there is much more than that but what really stands out this time is to new characters: Celeste's dad, Gil, and a bakery owner, Gabriel Grady. Gil pops in for a visit but the reason why his is there without his wife drives Celeste nuts. And then there is Gabriel. Oh I liked him...very much! He seems to have this thing for Celeste which has everybody on their toes since his bakery business *cough-cough* is questionable. I'm hoping he becomes a permanent character in the series.

Oh my gosh, author Emery Harper has done it again. In the Bag was a stellar read that had me reading way into the night. I'm honestly having a hard time believing this is her sophomore book. It is not necessary to read the books in Celeste Eagan Mystery series in order as they work very well as stand-alones. However, I recommend reading them both because they are just that darn good. Well worth the real and perfect for people who enjoy humor with their mysteries.


I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 4
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,330 reviews30 followers
November 17, 2016
This is a fun cozy mystery that fans of the genre will love. Celeste is a single mom with a penchant for getting into trouble....the kind of trouble that gets you fighting for your life and in close contact with the police. She's spent so much time with the police (usually with bars between them) that she started dating the detective that had arrested her. He keeps warning her in an effort to keep her safe, but Celeste's BFF Levi is in trouble and Celeste will do almost anything to help him. What follows is an entertaining read filled with hijinks.

While this is book two of a series, it is a stand alone novel. It's the first book I've read by this author and I had no problem hopping into the series. I gave it four stars instead of five because, at times, it move a bit slow to me. However, it is a fun novel that fans of the genre should add to their TBR list.
Profile Image for Latour des livres.
31 reviews
August 31, 2022
Dans ce tome 2 on suit Céleste et Levi qui pour ne pas changer se sont mis dans un sacré pétrin et se voit condamné pour meurtre et complicité. Mais sans compter sur l’inspecteur Muldoon et Céleste qui ne peut s’empêcher de fourrée son nez partout.

Ce tome 2 frôle le coup de cœur mais malheureusement même si Céleste a su me captivé jusqu’à la fin, la fin a été beaucoup trop évidente et c’est ce qui m’a beaucoup déçu. Mais j’ai tout de même beaucoup aimé retrouver Céleste et tout son petit groupe. Une bonne lecture dans l’ensemble.
Profile Image for Nororm.
1,243 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2022
Céleste est un personnage que j’apprécie beaucoup et ce 2ème tome le confirme. J’ai passé un chouette moment avec ce cosy mystery et je n’aurais pas dit non à d’autres tomes.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,957 reviews128 followers
February 6, 2017

Book Info
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: January 30th 2017 by Carina Press
ASIN B01LLP8752
Edition Language English
Series A Celeste Eagan Mystery #2
Other Editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


Life as the principal actress at the Peytonville Playhouse is all I ever thought it'd be—and more. I'm practically living the bohemian dream, until my BFF Levi finds a dead body on his property. And is swiftly arrested for murder.

Detective Shaw Muldoon is my almost-but-not-quite-there-yet beau. He knows me. He knows Levi. He knows neither of us is capable of something so heinous. And he knows that despite his strict orders to leave the case with the professionals, I'll launch my own investigation to clear Levi's name.

One more gruesome murder: check.

A dubious bakery owner who's taken a fancy to me: check.

This season's "it" handbag practically falling into my lap: check.

Levi's up the creek if I don't uncover the truth…but my investigation has put me firmly in the murderer's sights.

Life in danger: check.

My Thoughts


Celeste Eagan's quest for the truth is once more the central core story line with plot points following her daughter Paige, ex-husband Colin, Celeste's parents, a bakery owner named Gabriel Grady and Detective Shaw Muldoon.

The crux of this story hinges on investigating the murders of Levi's competitor Arnie Showalter and later that of his girlfriend.

This is only the starting point because soon enough those murders lead to an even greater mystery to solve. Which in true Celeste fashion means bad guys have her in their sights as her insatiable need to know once again proves stronger than her sense of self preservation.

As entertaining as she is infuriating Celeste manages to muddle through, along with Levi, as the clues to what is transpiring hit hard and fast. For Celeste her quest for the truth
is more than just her desire to prove Levi innocent she also feels that the ongoing investigation the police have undertaken is not thorough enough.

Given a choice wouldn’t you go out on a limb to prove the innocence of your best friend? Especially if by doing so you prove your own as well.

That is the reasoning amateur sleuth and danger magnet Celeste Eagan our main character uses to excuse her actions over and over. Never mind some of those actions keep getting her thrown in jail, again.


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

Profile Image for Carol Evans.
1,428 reviews38 followers
February 16, 2017
Overall, a fun, light read - a good mystery with quirky characters and a touch of romance.

The cast of characters is great. Celeste is the lead and is a blast. she's funny, caring, has a tendency to get herself into potential danger, but who can blame her? Her best friend's the main suspect in a murder investigation. Speaking of Levi, I like him. He's got his own troubles, but still has time to give out advice, for better or worse. Celeste's dad's in town and adds to the confusion. There's also a bookie whose interest in Celeste is obvious, and a little creepy.

The plotline was good. There are enough suspects, but not too many. The clues tie together pretty well. For me though, the enjoyment was in the characters and the situations they get themselves into, no necessarily the whodunnit.

I was not a big fan of Celeste's "relationship" with Muldoon. Yeah, he's a busy detective and he's got some issues, but I don't know. He gives her just enough to keep her holding on, but not enough for it to actually go anywhere. Hopefully, that situation will get a little resolution next time around, but otherwise she should just dump him. Of course, seeing how much often she seem to "visit" the police station, maybe she doesn't want to end up on his bad side. Especially with how little credit being on his good side seems to get her.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
February 15, 2017
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Celeste Eagan series written by Emery Harper.
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Horbaczek.
765 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2017
This book was given to me for an honest review

3.5 stars

I have to say that I love how Celeste finds trouble. No matter what she ends up being in the middle of something crazy, and this story shows you why. She is such a force to be wrecken with. The more she thinks she is helping, well lets just say it doesn't go as plan most of the time. the problem is, its her best friend, godfather to her child, and a person that she holds dear to her heart levi. I think like most I might just want to help to get the person closes to my family out of the mess he is in. I loved how the story develops and how you can see the wheels turning in the head of Celeste at times. It made it fun to follow even though it is a serious mystery.

Celeste is a great character, I don't know how she gets into the messes she does, but she does. I love her fierceness in this book. She will do anything to find out what is going on. Levi is the best friend that you want. He will do anything for Celeste and her child. Not many can say they have a best friend like that. Even though he is in the middle of this story he isn't forced on you, it mixes throughout the book and I like that he is not just thrown at you left and right. For the detective, I just don't care for him. He doesn't treat Celeste right. He seems to be off more than he is on and it throws me while I'm reading the book. I think Celeste deserves better. He is what has me only giving it 3.5 stars.

I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2016
In the Bag by Emery Harper is the second in her Celeste Eagan Mystery series and was equally good as the first one.

Celeste dives headlong into investigating a murder when her BFF, Levi, is arrested for the murder. There are laughs, a little romance, a visit from her parents (a little angst here), and enough twists to keep a reader turning the pages. Celeste isn't going to give up on helping Levi or the romance that began with Detective Shaw Muldoon in book one. An enjoyable cozy mystery that hits all of the right points.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Carina Press via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Phyllis Ketchersid.
34 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2017
This is the second book in this series. I haven't read the first one but after reading IN THE BAG I will go back & read the first one. I love it THAT much!

As is usually the case in this genre, Celeste is a bumbling, amateur detective who manages to stumble into a murder & then feels an obligation to solve the murder. The reason she feels she MUST solve this one is because her best friend is the one who is caught by the police holding the bloody murder weapon. There is also a developing romance between Celeste & Detective Shaw Muldoon that is a lot of fun.

If you love the Hitwoman series by Jb Lynn then you will love this one too!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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