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Jamie Quinn Mystery #1
Muerte por didyeridú
La abogada Jamie Quinn ha decidido dejar de ejercer la abogacía durante seis meses para lidiar con la muerte de su amada madre. Rara vez sale de casa y comparte la mayor parte de sus días con el gato malhumorado de su difunta madre.
Pero pronto, Jamie se ve obligada a actuar debido a una llamada desesperada de su tía Peg, ya que su hijo autista, Adam, se encuentra bajo custodia policial y es sospechoso en el asesinato de su profesor de música, Spike, una estrella de rock que una vez fue famosa.
Depende de Jamie encontrar al verdadero asesino. El problema es que Spike parece haber tenido más enemigos que amigos, y Adam ya había confesado al asesinato. ¿Podrá Jamie reunir las pruebas y llevar al asesino ante la justicia antes de que sea demasiado tarde?
Un encantador y ligero misterio ambientado en la pequeña ciudad de Hollywood, en el sur de Florida, Muerte por didyeridú es el primer libro de la serie Los misterios de Jamie Quinn de Barbara Venkataraman.
Pero pronto, Jamie se ve obligada a actuar debido a una llamada desesperada de su tía Peg, ya que su hijo autista, Adam, se encuentra bajo custodia policial y es sospechoso en el asesinato de su profesor de música, Spike, una estrella de rock que una vez fue famosa.
Depende de Jamie encontrar al verdadero asesino. El problema es que Spike parece haber tenido más enemigos que amigos, y Adam ya había confesado al asesinato. ¿Podrá Jamie reunir las pruebas y llevar al asesino ante la justicia antes de que sea demasiado tarde?
Un encantador y ligero misterio ambientado en la pequeña ciudad de Hollywood, en el sur de Florida, Muerte por didyeridú es el primer libro de la serie Los misterios de Jamie Quinn de Barbara Venkataraman.
102 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2013
212 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Venkataraman
25 books435 followersAward-winning author Barbara Venkataraman is an attorney and mediator specializing in family law. Her works include: "The Fight for Magicallus", a children's fantasy; "If you'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place", a humorous short story; and three books of humorous essays: "I'm Not Talking about You, Of Course," "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "A Smidge of Crazy", from her series, "Quirky Essays for Quirky People."
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
July 4, 2017
4 stars to Barbara Venkataraman's Death by Didgeridoo, her debut novel in the "Jamie Quinn Mystery" series about a lawyer who investigates murders while protecting her clients from all the trouble they encounter. I enjoyed reading this book, but it is a very short read to introduce you to the main characters, setting and background -- definitely worth the read to give you a taste for what's to come in the series.
Story
When Jamie's cousin Adam, a 22 year old with Asperger's Syndrome, is accused of killing his music teacher with a didgeridoo (a musical instrument), his mother Peg calls Jamie for help. Jamie's own mother passed away which is why Jamie feels more closely connected to her aunt and cousin as some of her only remaining family; however, Jamie is a family law practitioner, not a criminal lawyer. She uses her sharp wit, intelligence and connections to determine the potential real suspects and finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a music band where a number of members and their fan groupies may have been responsible. In the end, Jamie saves the day with help from her bestie Grace (a criminal lawyer) and PI Duke, who is also a former client of hers when he had his own womanizing ways!
Strengths
The story is narrated in first person which gives the author valuable liberties with Jamie's personality. Jamie can easily tell you what she's seeing and thinking while also giving her opinion and stepping out of the story to make you laugh. There are a number of funny lines that quickly give you a sense of Jamie's personality making you wish you had a friend just like her -- especially when many are at her own expense. It's just the right balance of humor/fun without causing any intrusion into the overall story. I enjoy cozies that can go that extra step but still keep everything moving along.
Having a lawyer as the protagonist (especially when the story is written by a lawyer) also helps with storyline potential -- think of all the murders, court room dramas and legal proceedings you as a reader will get to experience. The author does a good job at not using too much legal-speak to make the read cumbersome which helps keep the story flowing along.
The murder, in traditional cozy format, happens off screen. There is very little focus on the description other than knowing about the blood and the weapon. For the most part, I think this is a good approach, as the reader has a lot to go on with his/her own imagination. I also like the ingenuity with the murder weapon as I think this may be the first time it's ever been used in a book (reviewers note -- I surprisingly have not read every book in the universe so I cannot be absolutely certain on this!).
Suggestions
It was too short and quick. I read this on my iPad Kindle program on a plane trip from Atlanta to NY and finished it in less than two hours (it's about 100 pages). The story is good and has a definite murder setup, multiple cast of suspects and a few side stories -- it's a direct path to solving the whodunit with a few red herrings along the way. I would have liked to see some additional details surrounding the different band members so that I could try to figure out which one may have been the culprit. It sometimes felt a little bit like it went too quickly to finding the actual killer, especially when a second victim shows up and the story is quicky solved. But I believe since this was a debut novel, it was done to get interest in the characters and setting and will expand more in future books.
Final Thoughts
This debut was a good example of humor in a cozy and will delight readers who like a strong female lead character with the right group of friends in the legal and police fields to help her solve the cases. This particular story had many different characters who could have been the killer and you clearly know from the beginning it couldn't be the one suspect the police blamed. I'm looking forward to seeing a longer and more complex story in the next two books in the series. I've already downloaded them and will probably switch back and forth between a few series over the next couple of weeks. Nice debut work!
Story
When Jamie's cousin Adam, a 22 year old with Asperger's Syndrome, is accused of killing his music teacher with a didgeridoo (a musical instrument), his mother Peg calls Jamie for help. Jamie's own mother passed away which is why Jamie feels more closely connected to her aunt and cousin as some of her only remaining family; however, Jamie is a family law practitioner, not a criminal lawyer. She uses her sharp wit, intelligence and connections to determine the potential real suspects and finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a music band where a number of members and their fan groupies may have been responsible. In the end, Jamie saves the day with help from her bestie Grace (a criminal lawyer) and PI Duke, who is also a former client of hers when he had his own womanizing ways!
Strengths
The story is narrated in first person which gives the author valuable liberties with Jamie's personality. Jamie can easily tell you what she's seeing and thinking while also giving her opinion and stepping out of the story to make you laugh. There are a number of funny lines that quickly give you a sense of Jamie's personality making you wish you had a friend just like her -- especially when many are at her own expense. It's just the right balance of humor/fun without causing any intrusion into the overall story. I enjoy cozies that can go that extra step but still keep everything moving along.
Having a lawyer as the protagonist (especially when the story is written by a lawyer) also helps with storyline potential -- think of all the murders, court room dramas and legal proceedings you as a reader will get to experience. The author does a good job at not using too much legal-speak to make the read cumbersome which helps keep the story flowing along.
The murder, in traditional cozy format, happens off screen. There is very little focus on the description other than knowing about the blood and the weapon. For the most part, I think this is a good approach, as the reader has a lot to go on with his/her own imagination. I also like the ingenuity with the murder weapon as I think this may be the first time it's ever been used in a book (reviewers note -- I surprisingly have not read every book in the universe so I cannot be absolutely certain on this!).
Suggestions
It was too short and quick. I read this on my iPad Kindle program on a plane trip from Atlanta to NY and finished it in less than two hours (it's about 100 pages). The story is good and has a definite murder setup, multiple cast of suspects and a few side stories -- it's a direct path to solving the whodunit with a few red herrings along the way. I would have liked to see some additional details surrounding the different band members so that I could try to figure out which one may have been the culprit. It sometimes felt a little bit like it went too quickly to finding the actual killer, especially when a second victim shows up and the story is quicky solved. But I believe since this was a debut novel, it was done to get interest in the characters and setting and will expand more in future books.
Final Thoughts
This debut was a good example of humor in a cozy and will delight readers who like a strong female lead character with the right group of friends in the legal and police fields to help her solve the cases. This particular story had many different characters who could have been the killer and you clearly know from the beginning it couldn't be the one suspect the police blamed. I'm looking forward to seeing a longer and more complex story in the next two books in the series. I've already downloaded them and will probably switch back and forth between a few series over the next couple of weeks. Nice debut work!
October 14, 2017
3.5★
“Thanks, Duke! I still think Adam knows something. I'm going to watch his hypnotherapy session tomorrow morning. Why don't we touch base after that?’
‘Darlin', you can touch anything you want. I wouldn't mind a bit.’
This is bright and breezy, the first of a series. Jamie is an attractive young lawyer in Hollywood – no not star-studded California, but a Florida town - and to help her find out more about a case, she’s hired Duke, a bit of a rough and ready private investigator with a colourful history. Adam is her cousin, accused of murdering his music teacher by bashing him with a didgeridoo. Jamie needs help.
Jamie and Adam’s mother, her Aunt Peg, haven’t been close the past year since Jamie’s mother (Peg’s sister) died, and both have retreated into their grief. But Adam is a 22-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome, and he needs special help with this predicament. Easily stressed, he’s shut down, covered with blood at the scene of the murder.
Worse, the didge was his own, that he’d taken to his music teacher to show what he’d learned. (A didgeridoo is an Australian Aboriginal instrument, a long, slender, hollowed-out “log” into which the player blows a continuous breath, kind of like a bagpipe – but not.)
This is something of a light-hearted romp, with some touching reminiscing about Jamie’s family and a lot of semi-flirty banter between Jamie and Duke, who fancies himself something of a professional charmer. The conversation I quoted is typical of the dialogue.
It’s only a short novella, and I enjoyed meeting Jamie Quinn, Duke, and Grace, Jamie’s best friend and a fellow lawyer on whom she relies for criminal law advice.
Thanks to the author for a copy for review. I’m sure she will attract plenty of fans for Jamie.
“Thanks, Duke! I still think Adam knows something. I'm going to watch his hypnotherapy session tomorrow morning. Why don't we touch base after that?’
‘Darlin', you can touch anything you want. I wouldn't mind a bit.’
This is bright and breezy, the first of a series. Jamie is an attractive young lawyer in Hollywood – no not star-studded California, but a Florida town - and to help her find out more about a case, she’s hired Duke, a bit of a rough and ready private investigator with a colourful history. Adam is her cousin, accused of murdering his music teacher by bashing him with a didgeridoo. Jamie needs help.
Jamie and Adam’s mother, her Aunt Peg, haven’t been close the past year since Jamie’s mother (Peg’s sister) died, and both have retreated into their grief. But Adam is a 22-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome, and he needs special help with this predicament. Easily stressed, he’s shut down, covered with blood at the scene of the murder.
Worse, the didge was his own, that he’d taken to his music teacher to show what he’d learned. (A didgeridoo is an Australian Aboriginal instrument, a long, slender, hollowed-out “log” into which the player blows a continuous breath, kind of like a bagpipe – but not.)
This is something of a light-hearted romp, with some touching reminiscing about Jamie’s family and a lot of semi-flirty banter between Jamie and Duke, who fancies himself something of a professional charmer. The conversation I quoted is typical of the dialogue.
It’s only a short novella, and I enjoyed meeting Jamie Quinn, Duke, and Grace, Jamie’s best friend and a fellow lawyer on whom she relies for criminal law advice.
Thanks to the author for a copy for review. I’m sure she will attract plenty of fans for Jamie.
December 4, 2016
3.5 What the Heck is a Didgeridoo Stars
So it is December and if your life is anything like mine it means that you are extra busy with real life and your reading time drops significantly. It also means that we are coming to the end of the book challenge for goodreads and I’m barely on track this year. So what is a girl to do? Well she finds some stories that might be a little shorter and she can fit in easily between all her other life obligations.
Enter Death by Didgeridoo a short story mystery available in audio format (since that is how I read about ½ my books) that will take under three hours to listen to.
Jamie Quinn is a woman suffering from light depression after the death of her mother. She is taking some time off work to really look at her life and decide if she is doing what she really wants to do with it or if it is time for a direction change. That is when she gets the call that her Nephew who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome has been arrested on murder charges.
Well Jamie is the family lawyer so she has to go help even if her family doesn’t realize that just because she is a lawyer doesn’t mean that she is a criminal attorney. But the least she can do is try and help out her sweet nephew and try to clear up a misunderstanding.
This short story has a few fun characters. Most notable is Duke the slightly shade PI who hasn’t found a woman he didn’t want to flirt with. Jamie herself is pretty likable as she pulls herself out of a depression and isolation to help investigate who could have perpetrated the murder.
Since this is just a short story you aren’t going to get really in depth characters or super plot twists. There just isn’t time for all that. What you will get is a pretty good who-dun-it with quite a few suspects to chose from and a quick resolution.
Rating Note: Since this is a short story it gets a few passes on thing I would look for in a longer Mystery. I just want it clear that this is more like an episode on a t.v. series more than what you would find in a movie and rated accordingly.
So it is December and if your life is anything like mine it means that you are extra busy with real life and your reading time drops significantly. It also means that we are coming to the end of the book challenge for goodreads and I’m barely on track this year. So what is a girl to do? Well she finds some stories that might be a little shorter and she can fit in easily between all her other life obligations.
Enter Death by Didgeridoo a short story mystery available in audio format (since that is how I read about ½ my books) that will take under three hours to listen to.
Jamie Quinn is a woman suffering from light depression after the death of her mother. She is taking some time off work to really look at her life and decide if she is doing what she really wants to do with it or if it is time for a direction change. That is when she gets the call that her Nephew who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome has been arrested on murder charges.
Well Jamie is the family lawyer so she has to go help even if her family doesn’t realize that just because she is a lawyer doesn’t mean that she is a criminal attorney. But the least she can do is try and help out her sweet nephew and try to clear up a misunderstanding.
This short story has a few fun characters. Most notable is Duke the slightly shade PI who hasn’t found a woman he didn’t want to flirt with. Jamie herself is pretty likable as she pulls herself out of a depression and isolation to help investigate who could have perpetrated the murder.
Since this is just a short story you aren’t going to get really in depth characters or super plot twists. There just isn’t time for all that. What you will get is a pretty good who-dun-it with quite a few suspects to chose from and a quick resolution.
Rating Note: Since this is a short story it gets a few passes on thing I would look for in a longer Mystery. I just want it clear that this is more like an episode on a t.v. series more than what you would find in a movie and rated accordingly.
July 5, 2018
Great book!!! Very original. Who would have thought of ridding the world of a jerk with a didgeridoo? I've thought of using other musical instruments, like a piano, and the damage I could do with a tuba, but not a didgeridoo. The writing is top notch! Can't wait for the next one.
Reread July 2018 — another visit with Jamie and the gang. I love when Jamie and Duke butt heads. He is such a great character!
Reread July 2018 — another visit with Jamie and the gang. I love when Jamie and Duke butt heads. He is such a great character!
August 11, 2019
A short enjoyable cozy mystery with humour and interesting characters. Just the book I needed to relax between eye surgeries. Jamie is a reluctant lawyer lacking a social life. She lounges around her home with a cat which doesn’t like her. Her mother recently died and she doesn’t know her father, except she had been told he was a bad man.
A call from her distraught. aunt gets her out of the house. Her 21-year-old autistic cousin has been arrested for the murder of a rock star, Spike, who was also his music teacher and who was battered to death with a didgeridoo. What makes it worse for the young man is that he confessed.
In order to save her cousin, Jamie receives help from a friend and a sleazy PI. She begins her own investigation into the murder and finds she enjoys playing detective. Jamie discovers that a number of suspects had cause to kill Spike, and the case involved jealousy, affairs and violence among his circle. On the other hand, her cousin considered a Spike his best friend and is emotionally distraught over his death.
After the case is solved, Jamie is interested in the work of a private detective and asks the PI to help her find out about her father. I plan to read more books in this delightful series.
A call from her distraught. aunt gets her out of the house. Her 21-year-old autistic cousin has been arrested for the murder of a rock star, Spike, who was also his music teacher and who was battered to death with a didgeridoo. What makes it worse for the young man is that he confessed.
In order to save her cousin, Jamie receives help from a friend and a sleazy PI. She begins her own investigation into the murder and finds she enjoys playing detective. Jamie discovers that a number of suspects had cause to kill Spike, and the case involved jealousy, affairs and violence among his circle. On the other hand, her cousin considered a Spike his best friend and is emotionally distraught over his death.
After the case is solved, Jamie is interested in the work of a private detective and asks the PI to help her find out about her father. I plan to read more books in this delightful series.
April 9, 2020
This is such a cute and fun mystery! The tone is light and the mystery is irresistible, which are two critical ingredients for a delightful cozy mystery.
I absolutely loved how much Jamie cared about her cousin, Adam, who was accused of murder. I genuinely felt for him and her need to protect him, even if she isn’t technically the right type of lawyer to do so. The mystery itself is quite smart, and despite the short length of the book, (only around 111 pages) there were enough suspects and twists and turns in the case to keep me guessing until the very end.
My only complaint is that the novel is a little too short and, as a result, a little too fast paced. I loved the protagonist’s voice and her way of describing the world, and I wouldn’t have minded more scenes in between the action where I would get to see her day to day life. That said, the length can also be considered an asset for the book, because most people will be able to finish it in one sitting (and they'll want to, because it's so darn compelling!)
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, upbeat cozy mystery to get lost in.
* Thank you to the author for the ebook to review! *
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2020 Reading Challenge
I absolutely loved how much Jamie cared about her cousin, Adam, who was accused of murder. I genuinely felt for him and her need to protect him, even if she isn’t technically the right type of lawyer to do so. The mystery itself is quite smart, and despite the short length of the book, (only around 111 pages) there were enough suspects and twists and turns in the case to keep me guessing until the very end.
My only complaint is that the novel is a little too short and, as a result, a little too fast paced. I loved the protagonist’s voice and her way of describing the world, and I wouldn’t have minded more scenes in between the action where I would get to see her day to day life. That said, the length can also be considered an asset for the book, because most people will be able to finish it in one sitting (and they'll want to, because it's so darn compelling!)
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, upbeat cozy mystery to get lost in.
* Thank you to the author for the ebook to review! *
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2020 Reading Challenge
April 3, 2015
Although it rarely happened that I'd come to read novellas, I've never really read any book of the same length and with similar dynamics as Death by Didgeridoo. The first thing that hit me is the brave decision by the author to make the heroine of her cozy mystery an orphan. That is a rarity. The identity of Jamie's father itself is a mystery that may or may not be solved in the next book of the series.
The author wrote her book well. By that I mean 'compatible with me as a reader'. I've been betrayed by my limitation as a reader, rejecting books with promise. No such problem here. Another positive about the book here is the way in took over my mind. During the few times my attention wavered, a mental image of the subject at hand would crop up in my brain and I would focus again on the mystery. It's a reaction that rarely happens with me. This reaction immersed me in the book and made me reluctant to take a break from reading the entire book in one sitting.
There are one or two advantages of writing such a relatively short book. The first is that the writer is never guilty of being long winded. This makes for some interesting side effects. E.g this book contains the most lifelike and realistic announcement of the death of a character. I'm talking about the character who dies in a car 'accident'. When I read about it, it's visceral quality hit me hard. There was not the usual artifice involved in revealing that death, and I appreciate that kind of subtlety. It immediately reminded me of learning the death of a favorite singer, who died suddenly and almost anonymously. A second advantage of a shortish story is the timing of knowing about the murderer. You can reveal the identity halfway through the book and still have that crucial momentum and build up that leads to a satisfying finale. I enjoyed reading Death by Didgeridoo and I'm thinking of reading the sequel. A well deserved 4 stars!
The author wrote her book well. By that I mean 'compatible with me as a reader'. I've been betrayed by my limitation as a reader, rejecting books with promise. No such problem here. Another positive about the book here is the way in took over my mind. During the few times my attention wavered, a mental image of the subject at hand would crop up in my brain and I would focus again on the mystery. It's a reaction that rarely happens with me. This reaction immersed me in the book and made me reluctant to take a break from reading the entire book in one sitting.
There are one or two advantages of writing such a relatively short book. The first is that the writer is never guilty of being long winded. This makes for some interesting side effects. E.g this book contains the most lifelike and realistic announcement of the death of a character. I'm talking about the character who dies in a car 'accident'. When I read about it, it's visceral quality hit me hard. There was not the usual artifice involved in revealing that death, and I appreciate that kind of subtlety. It immediately reminded me of learning the death of a favorite singer, who died suddenly and almost anonymously. A second advantage of a shortish story is the timing of knowing about the murderer. You can reveal the identity halfway through the book and still have that crucial momentum and build up that leads to a satisfying finale. I enjoyed reading Death by Didgeridoo and I'm thinking of reading the sequel. A well deserved 4 stars!
February 15, 2017
I think I have finally found an attorney that has my sense of humor, inability to sleep, and a confusing home life.
Her name is Jamie Quinn. She is a divorce lawyer that is called in to help out a young cousin in trouble. She rushed to his side and the story begins to take shape from there. The mystery was easy to follow and with the help of Duke, the lady killer private eye, the facts started building and making sense
This is my first time reading Barbara Venkstaram. I am already moving on to book 2.
Great characters with memorable personalities and quirks. The friends, family and various professionals all have unique traits. It is going to be a fun series.
Her name is Jamie Quinn. She is a divorce lawyer that is called in to help out a young cousin in trouble. She rushed to his side and the story begins to take shape from there. The mystery was easy to follow and with the help of Duke, the lady killer private eye, the facts started building and making sense
This is my first time reading Barbara Venkstaram. I am already moving on to book 2.
Great characters with memorable personalities and quirks. The friends, family and various professionals all have unique traits. It is going to be a fun series.
February 1, 2015
Jamie Quinn was still struggling from the death of her mother only six months before – she’d left her job and unable to sleep found each day melded into the next. So the morning her Aunt Peg called, frantically leaving a message on her machine, Jamie was shocked and horrified to learn her cousin Adam had been arrested for the murder of his music teacher, Spike. Adam suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome and Jamie knew he wasn’t capable of hurting anyone, especially someone he cared for.
Jamie enlisted her best friend Grace to help her – Jamie was a divorce lawyer, not a criminal lawyer – and Grace immediately put her mind at ease. As they started checking out as many people as they could, Jamie called on Duke, a PI friend to do the deeper digging. Suddenly the cracks began to show – would Jamie and her team of helpers discover the real killer? Or would it be too late for Adam?
I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Didgeridoo, a cosy mystery novella. The characters were likeable, especially Duke, a loveable and mischievous cynic; his dry and humerous comments made me chuckle quite a few times. Jamie was a great protagonist and I’m really looking forward to reading more in this series. I have no hesitation in recommending Death by Didgeridoo highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Jamie enlisted her best friend Grace to help her – Jamie was a divorce lawyer, not a criminal lawyer – and Grace immediately put her mind at ease. As they started checking out as many people as they could, Jamie called on Duke, a PI friend to do the deeper digging. Suddenly the cracks began to show – would Jamie and her team of helpers discover the real killer? Or would it be too late for Adam?
I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Didgeridoo, a cosy mystery novella. The characters were likeable, especially Duke, a loveable and mischievous cynic; his dry and humerous comments made me chuckle quite a few times. Jamie was a great protagonist and I’m really looking forward to reading more in this series. I have no hesitation in recommending Death by Didgeridoo highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
July 20, 2019
A quick introduction to the life of a lawyer who, after the death of her Mom, can't seem to put any effort into living her life! Lazing around her house with a cat she doesn't even like, not leaving at all for weeks on end. Until a call from her aunt, her autistic cousin has been arrested for murder!!!
Jamie is a family lawyer, luckily her best friend is able to assist her to be ready to head to the police station, with some idea of what to say and do. A great, quick story that has some interesting characters, fun ideas and a mystery with a surprising ending!
Great first from this author and I am ready for more!!
Jamie is a family lawyer, luckily her best friend is able to assist her to be ready to head to the police station, with some idea of what to say and do. A great, quick story that has some interesting characters, fun ideas and a mystery with a surprising ending!
Great first from this author and I am ready for more!!
September 16, 2018
So, the first book in the Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection… and it definitely won’t be my last!! The fact that the book is a little over 100 pages and I had to CUT DOWN the… 15 or so quotes that I WANTED to use for the book?? I can’t usually find that many usable quote in a book that’s 400 pages!
Now, I can’t decide who is more my spirit animal… Jamie?
“My name is Jamie Quinn. Jamie isn’t short for anything; my mom just thought it was a good name, one that offered more opportunities than say Courtney or Brittany . She didn’t want to burden me with society’s stereotypes by choosing a name that was too girly, or sounded like a playboy bunny.”
I love that she’s strong and a little snarky. She’s willing to step into the fray for her family, even if it’s out of her expertise and comfort zone is really inspiring! The way Barbara wrote her narrative voice was fun, as well. She almost breaks the 4th wall with some of her comments and it was as though she was talking to us, the reader,
“It was way past lunch time and I was starving, so the first thing I did when I got in the house was make a sandwich–a peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich, to be exact. Now, I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking that sounds gross, but you shouldn’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. I mean, it’s not like I suggested you eat a sardine sandwich. Yes, somebody actually eats those. If you Google sardine sandwich, recipes pop up, I kid you not.”
And, she follows my sentiment, exactly, with my absolute FAVOURITE quote of hers!
“It’s strange how technology enhances life and diminishes it at the same time.”
So true, Jamie… so true…
Then, there is my second (would be) spirit animal, Duke. He’s a he’s a fast talking, fast drinking, fast loving kind of guy … and I absolutely adore him!
“You’d remember more if you weren’t always soaking your brain in booze,” I teased. “What fun would that be?”
He made me laugh, but you can tell that he really cares about people, and his work… I hope to see more of him in the future with this collection!
“Some work , some play, you know me, Darlin’.”
Now, on to the most important part of this review… the mystery!! Now… would I call this a cozy?? …I honestly don’t think that I would… do I CARE that it wasn’t QUITE a cozy?? ….NOT ONE BIT! It wasn’t the most twisted of tales. It was pretty simple as far as mysteries go, but it was entertaining from beginning to end, had good pacing and a murderer who made sense. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED??
“The murder weapon was a didgeridoo, which was found at the scene.” “What the hell is a did-ger-i-doo?” “I had to look it up. According to Wikipedia, it’s an Australian Aboriginal wind instrument. Basically, it’s a long wooden tube around four feet long that can weigh up to ten pounds. This one weighed six.”
All in all, I flew through this book, and I can’t wait to start the 2nd in the series!!
Now, I can’t decide who is more my spirit animal… Jamie?
“My name is Jamie Quinn. Jamie isn’t short for anything; my mom just thought it was a good name, one that offered more opportunities than say Courtney or Brittany . She didn’t want to burden me with society’s stereotypes by choosing a name that was too girly, or sounded like a playboy bunny.”
I love that she’s strong and a little snarky. She’s willing to step into the fray for her family, even if it’s out of her expertise and comfort zone is really inspiring! The way Barbara wrote her narrative voice was fun, as well. She almost breaks the 4th wall with some of her comments and it was as though she was talking to us, the reader,
“It was way past lunch time and I was starving, so the first thing I did when I got in the house was make a sandwich–a peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich, to be exact. Now, I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking that sounds gross, but you shouldn’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. I mean, it’s not like I suggested you eat a sardine sandwich. Yes, somebody actually eats those. If you Google sardine sandwich, recipes pop up, I kid you not.”
And, she follows my sentiment, exactly, with my absolute FAVOURITE quote of hers!
“It’s strange how technology enhances life and diminishes it at the same time.”
So true, Jamie… so true…
Then, there is my second (would be) spirit animal, Duke. He’s a he’s a fast talking, fast drinking, fast loving kind of guy … and I absolutely adore him!
“You’d remember more if you weren’t always soaking your brain in booze,” I teased. “What fun would that be?”
He made me laugh, but you can tell that he really cares about people, and his work… I hope to see more of him in the future with this collection!
“Some work , some play, you know me, Darlin’.”
Now, on to the most important part of this review… the mystery!! Now… would I call this a cozy?? …I honestly don’t think that I would… do I CARE that it wasn’t QUITE a cozy?? ….NOT ONE BIT! It wasn’t the most twisted of tales. It was pretty simple as far as mysteries go, but it was entertaining from beginning to end, had good pacing and a murderer who made sense. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED??
“The murder weapon was a didgeridoo, which was found at the scene.” “What the hell is a did-ger-i-doo?” “I had to look it up. According to Wikipedia, it’s an Australian Aboriginal wind instrument. Basically, it’s a long wooden tube around four feet long that can weigh up to ten pounds. This one weighed six.”
All in all, I flew through this book, and I can’t wait to start the 2nd in the series!!
January 31, 2015
DEATH BY DIDGERIDOO is exactly what a “Cozy Mystery” should be, crazy characters with lots of quirkiness, a little bit of humor, a little romance with no violence or very little anyway. The only thing wrong with the story is I didn't want to stop reading. I could have read for another two hundred pages and got more into the characters lives. Duke is a hoot and I couldn't stop smiling at the silly lines he threw at Jamie! It was an enjoyable book to read. Jamie Quinn, her relatives and friends are a fun group of “Cozy Mystery” characters and very real and believable. The murder weapon itself is odd, a Didgeridoo? What the heck is that anyway? It is an Australian wind instrument, the perfect weapon for the overall theme in this book. This story is a nice light mystery. I have never read anything by Barbara Venkataraman, but I would be interested in continuing this series. I'd like to see Jamie hook up with Duke, or now that I think about it, maybe not! I really enjoyed the story and I would recommend this book, it is a nice, enjoyable but light Cozy Mystery.
January 5, 2017
Gifted me by the author in exchange for a review. I am separating the first out from the three-novel compilation so I can review it, _Death by Didgeridoo_. Following are my prior notes, along with comments after reading the first book.
* * * * *
On Chapter 8 already. This is great! I had a good feeling about this book. It is written by an attorney, and as a former legal assistant, I know that lawyers are often good writers since so much of the work is composition. It is set in Hollywood, Florida, one of my favorite places. The murder weapon is a didgeridoo, an instrument one seldom sees or hears. I once heard one played at sunset in Sedona, Arizona!
* * * * *
I finished the first novel 1/4/17, and enjoyed it so much. I give it a four-star rating. It was a bit disconcerting that after the end of it, there was no title page nor introduction for the second novel, just a "Chapter 1" heading. Nevertheless, the characters were very likeable, particularly the main one, Jamie Quinn, and the story was fast-paced and entertaining. Some favorite quotes:
"People say it takes only ten minutes to get used to a luxury, but a lifetime to get over losing it."
"I [took some time to] gather my thoughts. . . Now, six months later, I am still trying to gather them, but it's no use. They are shadow puppets, gray wisps flitting through my brain, and they refuse to be caught."
"Because I don't sleep much, I wander the house at night like the ghost of Hamlet's father (also named Hamlet, of course), but I am much quieter about it."
"Since I have no choice, I'll just throw it out there and hope you don't think less of me, or make assumptions about my honesty or integrity. The truth is. . . I'm a lawyer. There, I said it. I hope that hasn't changed your opinion of me."
"This sounds like a made-for-TV movie." *Actually, this book would make a GREAT made-for-TV movie, with quirky characters and an usual murder weapon!*
My thanks to the author for this introduction to her work. I am most pleased and will continue to read her books!
* * * * *
On Chapter 8 already. This is great! I had a good feeling about this book. It is written by an attorney, and as a former legal assistant, I know that lawyers are often good writers since so much of the work is composition. It is set in Hollywood, Florida, one of my favorite places. The murder weapon is a didgeridoo, an instrument one seldom sees or hears. I once heard one played at sunset in Sedona, Arizona!
* * * * *
I finished the first novel 1/4/17, and enjoyed it so much. I give it a four-star rating. It was a bit disconcerting that after the end of it, there was no title page nor introduction for the second novel, just a "Chapter 1" heading. Nevertheless, the characters were very likeable, particularly the main one, Jamie Quinn, and the story was fast-paced and entertaining. Some favorite quotes:
"People say it takes only ten minutes to get used to a luxury, but a lifetime to get over losing it."
"I [took some time to] gather my thoughts. . . Now, six months later, I am still trying to gather them, but it's no use. They are shadow puppets, gray wisps flitting through my brain, and they refuse to be caught."
"Because I don't sleep much, I wander the house at night like the ghost of Hamlet's father (also named Hamlet, of course), but I am much quieter about it."
"Since I have no choice, I'll just throw it out there and hope you don't think less of me, or make assumptions about my honesty or integrity. The truth is. . . I'm a lawyer. There, I said it. I hope that hasn't changed your opinion of me."
"This sounds like a made-for-TV movie." *Actually, this book would make a GREAT made-for-TV movie, with quirky characters and an usual murder weapon!*
My thanks to the author for this introduction to her work. I am most pleased and will continue to read her books!
February 5, 2018
Death by Didgeridoo is a great start to a new series! Jamie Quinn is a young attorney who is bereaving the loss of her mother to cancer. To add to her grief, Jamie finds out her cousin, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, has been accused of the murder of a former rock star. Jamie feels compelled to come to the aid of her cousin and starts investigating. Jamie is a likable main character. She is smart, devoted to family, witty and determined. Her friends and colleagues are likable and well developed. Although the book is rather short, it is very enjoyable. It will keep you turning the page and guessing until the end. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of the Jamie Quinn Mystery series, The Case of the Killer Divorce.
June 18, 2020
This was a unique cozy mystery, in the sense that the book started off with the mystery. And along the story, the main character and her personality was uncovered. I liked Jamie Quinn's character and her inner monologue/thoughts were quite funny. The mystery was short and kept me interested. Duke was sleazy and funny, it both repulsed and amused me :D He reminded me of a guy who I studied with in college. The friendly chemistry between Duke and Jamie was quite enjoyable. Overall, the story was good and looking forward reading book no.2 in the series. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book :)
May 31, 2020
Quick and fun read.
Jamie Quinn is a highly likable character with a level head on her shoulders.
I'm excited that there are more cozy mysteries to be had with her!
Much thanks to Barbara Venkataraman for my DRC.
Jamie Quinn is a highly likable character with a level head on her shoulders.
I'm excited that there are more cozy mysteries to be had with her!
Much thanks to Barbara Venkataraman for my DRC.
September 1, 2016
**Remembering our beautiful white boy, Love, physically gone two years ago, it is hard to believe. We miss him!**
Barbara Venkataraman approaching me as a reviewer was a rare treat. Canada is sometimes excluded from mail-outs. Her début mystery title "Death By Didgeridoo", 2013, stands out. I wondered how this Australian woodwind instrument would fit. The next surprise is humour. Barbara has penned humour and also fantasies, another genre I like. Hang onto your hat: she is a lawyer of family law, like her protagonist, Jamie Quinn! These are special circumstances in which the author is expert at the background she created. Because "cozy" and "standard" mysteries abound, the first thing I cherish is uniqueness.
Next, I appreciate narration via feelings, so readers connect with heroines. We do. Physical-oriented writing doesn't work. Literature needs to create fodder for minds through an emotional climate. Barbara succeeded at that tenderly. Jamie is recovering from her Mother's death, postponing her practice to mull over a career move. It comes from her Aunt, whose son is a homicide suspect. This family lawyer is beseeched, even though she knows nothing of that field! Modernity bubbles through, as Jamie's best friend advises her via text-messages. Through her nervous inexperience and employment lapse, she comes down to the reader's level of comprehension. We learn the steps she needs to take and worry for her cousin, Adam, along with her.
He is an Asperger's sufferer, who would never kill. The deceased ex-rocker was his music teacher. They both loved animals. Convincing police of Adam's misunderstood presence is believably paramount. His mental state could not hack being arrested. Jamie's pursuit of varied angles is logical, fluid, and carries us with her. I give four stars because build-up about the ex-rocker being despised did not translate. Only band mates were discussed, in name only. Regardless, I enjoyed and appreciated Barbara's talent thoroughly and will soon read her next two!
* My copy is not a Kindle but there was no print entry. *
Barbara Venkataraman approaching me as a reviewer was a rare treat. Canada is sometimes excluded from mail-outs. Her début mystery title "Death By Didgeridoo", 2013, stands out. I wondered how this Australian woodwind instrument would fit. The next surprise is humour. Barbara has penned humour and also fantasies, another genre I like. Hang onto your hat: she is a lawyer of family law, like her protagonist, Jamie Quinn! These are special circumstances in which the author is expert at the background she created. Because "cozy" and "standard" mysteries abound, the first thing I cherish is uniqueness.
Next, I appreciate narration via feelings, so readers connect with heroines. We do. Physical-oriented writing doesn't work. Literature needs to create fodder for minds through an emotional climate. Barbara succeeded at that tenderly. Jamie is recovering from her Mother's death, postponing her practice to mull over a career move. It comes from her Aunt, whose son is a homicide suspect. This family lawyer is beseeched, even though she knows nothing of that field! Modernity bubbles through, as Jamie's best friend advises her via text-messages. Through her nervous inexperience and employment lapse, she comes down to the reader's level of comprehension. We learn the steps she needs to take and worry for her cousin, Adam, along with her.
He is an Asperger's sufferer, who would never kill. The deceased ex-rocker was his music teacher. They both loved animals. Convincing police of Adam's misunderstood presence is believably paramount. His mental state could not hack being arrested. Jamie's pursuit of varied angles is logical, fluid, and carries us with her. I give four stars because build-up about the ex-rocker being despised did not translate. Only band mates were discussed, in name only. Regardless, I enjoyed and appreciated Barbara's talent thoroughly and will soon read her next two!
* My copy is not a Kindle but there was no print entry. *
June 19, 2019
A short and entertaining cozy mystery that introduces Jamie Quinn, a family lawyer who has recently lost her mother as well as her path in life. She receives a frantic call from her Aunt Peg, telling her that her autistic son Adam has been taken into custody for questioning. He was found standing over the dead body of his music teacher and may be their prime suspect. Could Jamie come to the police station immediately to help?
Not being a criminal lawyer, Jamie is understandably nervous to represent Adam, especially if he is indicted for the crime, so she turns to her law school friend Grace for some advice. She recommends a certain public defender who is very helpful and suggests that Jamie find a slightly shady private eye to look into the case, one who is willing to break a few rules. And Jamie just happens to know one of those--Duke Broussard, a fellow she helped with his divorce and who said he owes her a favor. Can the two of them figure out who the real murderer is and get Adam off the hook?
The story is told from Jamie's first person point of view so we are privy to all her thoughts and fears. She and others in the cast of characters are hilarious and make this mystery a delightful read. How many people have you ever heard of who have been killed by a didgeridoo? I can't wait to see what Jamie gets into in book #2!
Barbara Venkataraman was nice enough to make a gift of her first three books to me via Amazon for an honest review. Many thanks, Barbara!
Not being a criminal lawyer, Jamie is understandably nervous to represent Adam, especially if he is indicted for the crime, so she turns to her law school friend Grace for some advice. She recommends a certain public defender who is very helpful and suggests that Jamie find a slightly shady private eye to look into the case, one who is willing to break a few rules. And Jamie just happens to know one of those--Duke Broussard, a fellow she helped with his divorce and who said he owes her a favor. Can the two of them figure out who the real murderer is and get Adam off the hook?
The story is told from Jamie's first person point of view so we are privy to all her thoughts and fears. She and others in the cast of characters are hilarious and make this mystery a delightful read. How many people have you ever heard of who have been killed by a didgeridoo? I can't wait to see what Jamie gets into in book #2!
Barbara Venkataraman was nice enough to make a gift of her first three books to me via Amazon for an honest review. Many thanks, Barbara!
January 5, 2018
I received a copy of The Jamie Quinn Mystery Series 1 - 3 from author Barbara Venkataraman in exchange for my honest review.
Death by Didgeridoo is Book 1 in the series. I had to look up what a didgeridoo was and was kind of shocked when my iPhone knew what I was typing only a few letters in. Like, it was an actual real thing? ;)
We meet Jamie Quinn, an unemployed lawyer, who is grieving the loss of the mother. She receives an unexpected call from her Aunt asking her to meet her at the police station as her cousin has been arrested for murder. Her cousin has Asperger's and Jamie thinks of everything she can to keep him safe and unharmed. She is a divorce lawyer and not trained in other areas of law, but she will try and figure it out for the sake of her cousin.
She pulls her resources: her best friend Grace who is a corporate lawyer, and former client/Private Investigator/womanizer on the size, Duke to help her find the real killer.
The writing flows really well and there is a lot of dialogue, which if you don't know, I am a real fan of. I felt the story reminded me of a Jodi Picoult novel and would even suggest that it be turned into a novel versus a novella. There is a lot of potential in this story, and selfishly I would like to read more about some of these characters. Some of the evidence and developments come easily (I am certainly not complaining) but there can be some roadblocks and character backstories added to create a suspense book that could be featured on Book of the Month.
I will be reading the other books in the series shortly and will report back on Jamie Quinn's developments.
Its a quick and engaging read, I recommend checking out.
Death by Didgeridoo is Book 1 in the series. I had to look up what a didgeridoo was and was kind of shocked when my iPhone knew what I was typing only a few letters in. Like, it was an actual real thing? ;)
We meet Jamie Quinn, an unemployed lawyer, who is grieving the loss of the mother. She receives an unexpected call from her Aunt asking her to meet her at the police station as her cousin has been arrested for murder. Her cousin has Asperger's and Jamie thinks of everything she can to keep him safe and unharmed. She is a divorce lawyer and not trained in other areas of law, but she will try and figure it out for the sake of her cousin.
She pulls her resources: her best friend Grace who is a corporate lawyer, and former client/Private Investigator/womanizer on the size, Duke to help her find the real killer.
The writing flows really well and there is a lot of dialogue, which if you don't know, I am a real fan of. I felt the story reminded me of a Jodi Picoult novel and would even suggest that it be turned into a novel versus a novella. There is a lot of potential in this story, and selfishly I would like to read more about some of these characters. Some of the evidence and developments come easily (I am certainly not complaining) but there can be some roadblocks and character backstories added to create a suspense book that could be featured on Book of the Month.
I will be reading the other books in the series shortly and will report back on Jamie Quinn's developments.
Its a quick and engaging read, I recommend checking out.
March 2, 2016
When her cousin Adam who has Asperger's Syndrome is accused of murder, his desperate mother begs Jamie to help her. Jamie is a lawyer, though divorces and custody disputes aren't much in the way of preparation for acting as a lawyer in a criminal case. Still she races down to the police station and somehow manages to bluff her way through, getting Adam released into the care of his mother, but without another suspect it won't be long before the police come calling.
The District Attorney thinks he has a slam dunk case and is more interested in getting his face on the front page than in finding the real killer. It's up to Jamie to investigate the crime and find the killer.
At just over one hundred pages Death by Didgeridoo is on the shorter side of novellas. As you would expect, character and story development are a little thin on the ground, but for what it is it's great. It's like the author has pounded out the story, torn it off her printer, screwed it up into a ball and thrown it at your face, then asked, "What do you think?"
I think I like it.
I was given the first three Jamie Quinn novellas by the author in exchange for a review.
The District Attorney thinks he has a slam dunk case and is more interested in getting his face on the front page than in finding the real killer. It's up to Jamie to investigate the crime and find the killer.
At just over one hundred pages Death by Didgeridoo is on the shorter side of novellas. As you would expect, character and story development are a little thin on the ground, but for what it is it's great. It's like the author has pounded out the story, torn it off her printer, screwed it up into a ball and thrown it at your face, then asked, "What do you think?"
I think I like it.
I was given the first three Jamie Quinn novellas by the author in exchange for a review.
September 18, 2016
Death by Didgeridoo was a quick, fun read. Jamie Quinn, the main character and sleuth, has an entertaining personality who comes up with a variety of great expressions and comebacks. I was particularly interested in reading this mystery because you do not see a didgeridoo in the title for many novels, mysteries or otherwise. My parents lived in Australia for four years and own a didgeridoo so I was truly intrigued by the title. The mystery lived up to the intrigue and was a satisfying story with a nicely set up crime and solution.
Venkataraman’s characters are lively and funny. Their dialogue is authentic, and she makes Hollywood, Florida seem like a very happening place to live. Thanks to the author for the chance to read this first installment in the series, and I am looking forward to reading the next two.
Venkataraman’s characters are lively and funny. Their dialogue is authentic, and she makes Hollywood, Florida seem like a very happening place to live. Thanks to the author for the chance to read this first installment in the series, and I am looking forward to reading the next two.
December 3, 2016
If you are looking for a quick and neat, yet satisfying mystery, this is it. I normally choose cozies that revolve around food so I wasn't sure if I would like this. However, it was excellent. It is short and the author does a great job of including important details and interesting narrative while keeping the story moving at a quick pace. I read this in less than an hour and I was still able to connect with the main character on an emotional level. I will be reading the next book.
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2016
Death by Didgeridoo by Barbara Venkataraman is the first book in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series. When her autistic cousin is accused of the murder of a former rock star, music store owner, divorce lawyer Jamie is forced to investigate, teaming up with an unconventional detective, Duke. A short, quick mystery with terrific characters. Jamie is likeable and smart and is able to ask for help when needed. A nice introduction to the series.
August 11, 2017
What a fun read - I really enjoyed the quirky story - and loved the accused, Adam, who has Asperger's. My grandson has this so like to read books that have functioning people with this condition. The characters were all likeable, especially Duke, a loveable and mischievous PI; his dry and humorous comments made me chuckle out loud quite a few times. I would certainly read more in this series if I come across them.
November 21, 2023
My thanks to author Barbara Venkataraman for a review copy of this book.
Death by Didgeridoo (2013) is the first in the Jamie Quinn series of cosy mysteries featuring a family lawyer who is pulled into mystery solving in this book, and I’m guessing continues to do so through the rest of the series.
Before I get to the description of the book, here’s the ‘pet’ report as is becoming usual in many of my reviews. There are three dogs and a cat—all simply stay on the scene, with brief appearances and they are safe all through, so no worries on that account at all!
Jamie Quinn is a family lawyer who is on a hiatus from work, as she has recently lost her mother. Suffering insomnia and staying cut-off from everyone generally, she spends her time at home, still grieving. One morning she gets a call from her Aunt Peg and is told her cousin Adam has been arrested for murder. Turns out Adam, who is suffering Asperger’s, was found at the music school where he went for lessons, with the body of his teacher and blood on his clothes. Spike has been killed with a didgeridoo, an Australian wind instrument, something few have heard of. Jamie goes immediately, of course, but is out of her depth as she has never dealt with criminal law. With help from her best friend Grace, who has experience in the area, she takes the first few steps. On the advice of Grace and the public defender Susan Doyle, she engages the services of colourful PU ‘Duke’ Broussard whose divorce case she had earlier handled, and together they make up a team of sorts looking into the case. Spike was a former rock star, locked in various battles with his former bandmates over their band name which he was continuing to use as well as troubles in his personal relationships being involved with various women. The prosecutor in-charge Nick Dimitropoulos is only looking to further his political career, more interested in a conviction than the truth. So Jamie has her job cut out for her. But what starts at an attempt to clear Adam’s name doesn’t stop at just that, for Jamie wants to find the truth.
This short little book (under 100 pages in the e-version I read it in; around 100 in the paperback) is fast-moving and fun with likeable characters, lots of animals, a simple yet nicely done mystery, and an interesting setting in the small town of Hollywood in South Florida.
Despite the short length, the book gives us a good sense of the various characters and their backstories, whether it is Jamie and her relationship with her mother, her aunt Peg and cousin Adam, or her best friend Grace. Duke always drunk and never leaving any opportunity to flirt is surprisingly likeable and fun. The State Attorney, Nick Dimitropoulos might be sneery, but I suspect he will turn an ally down the line (in fact he has begun to do so). Of the animals in the story, the dogs belong to Adam, while Jamie who is not a cat lover is looking after her mother’s disdainful cat Mr Paws. Though he barely appears in this first book, I particularly liked this introduction:
I woke up way too early because the cat, all twelve pounds of him, jumped on my head, yowling and demanding to be fed. He was always demanding something. I didn't mention that I have a cat before because I'm in denial. Mr. Paws was my mother's cat and I promised her I'd take care of him, even though we despised each other. That is, Mr. Paws and I despised each other, not my mother and I, just to clarify. Naturally, we don't get along any better now that it's just the two of us.
The mystery as I said is a simple one, without too many twists and turns, but not one where I guessed whodunit either. There are a reasonable number of ‘suspects’ and both Jamie and Duke get together information (from personal investigations and good old Google) to solve it—it is Jamie, though, who comes up with the plan to finally trap the murderer. I liked that Jamie is a sensible character not acting rashly at any time in her investigations as the MCs in cosies are many times wont to do, and she is also able to assess which of the people involved she will be able to talk to and where Duke must take over the reins. I also liked that things don’t get over dramatic or melodramatic at any point, and while there is danger for Adam, it fades away easily as well. (He does of course suffer some trauma by reason of having discovered the body and has to undergo treatment to resolve it).
This was a cute and fun beginning to the series and I’m looking forward to picking up the next one soon.
Death by Didgeridoo (2013) is the first in the Jamie Quinn series of cosy mysteries featuring a family lawyer who is pulled into mystery solving in this book, and I’m guessing continues to do so through the rest of the series.
Before I get to the description of the book, here’s the ‘pet’ report as is becoming usual in many of my reviews. There are three dogs and a cat—all simply stay on the scene, with brief appearances and they are safe all through, so no worries on that account at all!
Jamie Quinn is a family lawyer who is on a hiatus from work, as she has recently lost her mother. Suffering insomnia and staying cut-off from everyone generally, she spends her time at home, still grieving. One morning she gets a call from her Aunt Peg and is told her cousin Adam has been arrested for murder. Turns out Adam, who is suffering Asperger’s, was found at the music school where he went for lessons, with the body of his teacher and blood on his clothes. Spike has been killed with a didgeridoo, an Australian wind instrument, something few have heard of. Jamie goes immediately, of course, but is out of her depth as she has never dealt with criminal law. With help from her best friend Grace, who has experience in the area, she takes the first few steps. On the advice of Grace and the public defender Susan Doyle, she engages the services of colourful PU ‘Duke’ Broussard whose divorce case she had earlier handled, and together they make up a team of sorts looking into the case. Spike was a former rock star, locked in various battles with his former bandmates over their band name which he was continuing to use as well as troubles in his personal relationships being involved with various women. The prosecutor in-charge Nick Dimitropoulos is only looking to further his political career, more interested in a conviction than the truth. So Jamie has her job cut out for her. But what starts at an attempt to clear Adam’s name doesn’t stop at just that, for Jamie wants to find the truth.
This short little book (under 100 pages in the e-version I read it in; around 100 in the paperback) is fast-moving and fun with likeable characters, lots of animals, a simple yet nicely done mystery, and an interesting setting in the small town of Hollywood in South Florida.
Despite the short length, the book gives us a good sense of the various characters and their backstories, whether it is Jamie and her relationship with her mother, her aunt Peg and cousin Adam, or her best friend Grace. Duke always drunk and never leaving any opportunity to flirt is surprisingly likeable and fun. The State Attorney, Nick Dimitropoulos might be sneery, but I suspect he will turn an ally down the line (in fact he has begun to do so). Of the animals in the story, the dogs belong to Adam, while Jamie who is not a cat lover is looking after her mother’s disdainful cat Mr Paws. Though he barely appears in this first book, I particularly liked this introduction:
I woke up way too early because the cat, all twelve pounds of him, jumped on my head, yowling and demanding to be fed. He was always demanding something. I didn't mention that I have a cat before because I'm in denial. Mr. Paws was my mother's cat and I promised her I'd take care of him, even though we despised each other. That is, Mr. Paws and I despised each other, not my mother and I, just to clarify. Naturally, we don't get along any better now that it's just the two of us.
The mystery as I said is a simple one, without too many twists and turns, but not one where I guessed whodunit either. There are a reasonable number of ‘suspects’ and both Jamie and Duke get together information (from personal investigations and good old Google) to solve it—it is Jamie, though, who comes up with the plan to finally trap the murderer. I liked that Jamie is a sensible character not acting rashly at any time in her investigations as the MCs in cosies are many times wont to do, and she is also able to assess which of the people involved she will be able to talk to and where Duke must take over the reins. I also liked that things don’t get over dramatic or melodramatic at any point, and while there is danger for Adam, it fades away easily as well. (He does of course suffer some trauma by reason of having discovered the body and has to undergo treatment to resolve it).
This was a cute and fun beginning to the series and I’m looking forward to picking up the next one soon.
October 7, 2018
This was such a satisfying and fun to read mystery that's a little shorter than what I am used to but I liked it for that. It was a really great story about Jamie, a divorce lawyer, who is called on to represent her autistic cousin Adam who is accused of killing his music teacher. Poor Adam thinks he actually did it so his therapist tries hypnotism and that seems to work for making him feel like it wasn't his fault.
In the meantime, Jamie gets Duke, a not-so-on-the-up-and-up P.I. to do some investigating for her surrounding the music teacher, Spike's, death. Spike also happens to be a rock star with several people who may have wanted to kill him.
I loved how the ending and catching the perp was set up like a sting instead of having the sleuth in a lot of danger of being killed herself. I think it was a really awesome storyline of how someone with Asperger autism experiences the world. I don't personally know anyone like that but just from the writing, I can see that the author either does know someone or has done extensive research on the subject. It was just kind of cool that something that isn't usually talked about became part of a mystery.
And good old Duke! I just loved that character, what a hoot! He definitely added a lot of great comedy relief to a serious case. I really like this author's writing style and will be reading and reviewing the other two in the boxed set of 1-3.
I received this book as a gift and am giving an honest review of it because I really enjoyed it.
In the meantime, Jamie gets Duke, a not-so-on-the-up-and-up P.I. to do some investigating for her surrounding the music teacher, Spike's, death. Spike also happens to be a rock star with several people who may have wanted to kill him.
I loved how the ending and catching the perp was set up like a sting instead of having the sleuth in a lot of danger of being killed herself. I think it was a really awesome storyline of how someone with Asperger autism experiences the world. I don't personally know anyone like that but just from the writing, I can see that the author either does know someone or has done extensive research on the subject. It was just kind of cool that something that isn't usually talked about became part of a mystery.
And good old Duke! I just loved that character, what a hoot! He definitely added a lot of great comedy relief to a serious case. I really like this author's writing style and will be reading and reviewing the other two in the boxed set of 1-3.
I received this book as a gift and am giving an honest review of it because I really enjoyed it.
February 10, 2015
Jamie Quinn is still recovering from the death of her mother when her cousin Adam lands himself in serious trouble. Jamie’s aunt begs for her help in defending the murder charges Adam finds himself charged with – the death of his good friend and a former rock star. Jamie is not happy about this as she’s a family attorney, not a criminal one. However, she can’t let her cousin languish in jail for a crime she knows he didn’t commit.
Adam suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. In his anxiety at seeing his good friend dead, he blurts out that he is responsible. Adam is immediately arrested and now it’s up to Jamie to find the real killer. With the help of a private investigator and her close friend, Jamie tries to untangle the mess before her cousin’s life is totally destroyed.
I listened to this one on audio, although I do have the e-book as well. It’s a short book. I was able to finish listening in only two days. The mystery took a few twists and turns along the way and was very enjoyable to listen to.
I adored the main character. She had many realistic characteristics and her devotion to her family is admirable. She’s a strong character and I’m looking forward to reading more stories featuring her as the protagonist. I do wish it were longer. It left me wanting more, but that’s not a bad thing.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Adam suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. In his anxiety at seeing his good friend dead, he blurts out that he is responsible. Adam is immediately arrested and now it’s up to Jamie to find the real killer. With the help of a private investigator and her close friend, Jamie tries to untangle the mess before her cousin’s life is totally destroyed.
I listened to this one on audio, although I do have the e-book as well. It’s a short book. I was able to finish listening in only two days. The mystery took a few twists and turns along the way and was very enjoyable to listen to.
I adored the main character. She had many realistic characteristics and her devotion to her family is admirable. She’s a strong character and I’m looking forward to reading more stories featuring her as the protagonist. I do wish it were longer. It left me wanting more, but that’s not a bad thing.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2017
While enjoying a hiatus-from-life after the death of her mother, family lawyer Jamie Quinn is asked by her aunt to prove her son innocent of murdering the local music store owner.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end! Although short, the characters and situations are so well described that I did not feel short-changed at all. A well thought out plot, an unexpected murderer, interesting supporting characters, and set in a town that feels like it’s next door. This fast-paced story flows from one scene to the next, almost inviting the reader to reach the end.
Carrie Lee Martz has a voice which is well-suited to this writer. Her portrayal of Jamie Quinn and the supporting characters is wonderful, and I found I could easily connect with them. I felt that Carrie’s reading pace was a little fast and would have preferred a slightly longer listen, but this did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end! Although short, the characters and situations are so well described that I did not feel short-changed at all. A well thought out plot, an unexpected murderer, interesting supporting characters, and set in a town that feels like it’s next door. This fast-paced story flows from one scene to the next, almost inviting the reader to reach the end.
Carrie Lee Martz has a voice which is well-suited to this writer. Her portrayal of Jamie Quinn and the supporting characters is wonderful, and I found I could easily connect with them. I felt that Carrie’s reading pace was a little fast and would have preferred a slightly longer listen, but this did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
January 6, 2017
A light-hearted, fast-paced cozy mystery starring Jaime Quinn, an incredibly realistic, witty, flawed, and ultimately believable character. Jaime's voice, often laughing at herself or her situation or sharing a joke with the reader, drew me in immediately and kept me alternately giggling and close to tears as her story unfolded. Unlike some cozies, there was not a glut of characters to keep track of, which made it a little too easy to figure out the bad guy, but also meant that you got to know the main characters a little better. Looking forward to more in this series!
June 15, 2017
A quick book that reads almost like a television program. Jaime Quinn is a depressed family lawyer, recuperating from the loss of her mother. She is called by her aunt to help with her disabled cousin who has been charged with murder. The characters from Jaime to the hard boiled, drunk PR and her bright and helpful friend are somewhat cliche. The case gets resolved in just the way one expects. In spite of that, I liked both the main character and the style of the writing. The author's light sarcasm makes it fun. I think with time and a bit more depth, Jaime Quinn may have staying power.
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