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Soap Opera Mystery #2
Dial Emmy for Murder
Soap operas can get so dirty
Tabloids and fans are stunned when daytime soap opera star Alexis Peterson leaves her show. She's too busy with her new job as presenter at the Daytime Emmy(r) Awards to even notice. But when a co-presenter goes missing on award night, Alexis is determined to find who is killing Hollywood's biggest and brightest before another burns out...
Tabloids and fans are stunned when daytime soap opera star Alexis Peterson leaves her show. She's too busy with her new job as presenter at the Daytime Emmy(r) Awards to even notice. But when a co-presenter goes missing on award night, Alexis is determined to find who is killing Hollywood's biggest and brightest before another burns out...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 2, 2009
10 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Davidson
6 books49 followersEileen Davidson originated the role of Jabot Cosmetics executive Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless in 1982. She departed the show in 1989 and returned in 1999. Davidson was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the category of "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" in 2003, and was nominated for a Soap Opera Award for "Favorite Return" in 1999. In 1998, she made daytime television history for portraying five characters at one time on Days of Our Lives, and was honored with a Daytime Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" for her performances. She previously portrayed Kelly Capwell on the daytime drama Santa Barbara. Davidson also starred in the primetime television series Broken Badges and the telefilm Sharing Richard with Ed Marinaro.
Her feature film credits include starring roles in Eternity with Jon Voight and Armande Assante, and Easy Wheels, with Paul LeMat. She also starred in The House on Sorority Row. A Southern California native, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Vincent Van Patten; her son, Jesse; and two stepsons, Duke and Vinny. When Davidson is not working, she surfs, snow skies and scuba dives. She also plays piano, paints and enjoys writing.
Her feature film credits include starring roles in Eternity with Jon Voight and Armande Assante, and Easy Wheels, with Paul LeMat. She also starred in The House on Sorority Row. A Southern California native, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Vincent Van Patten; her son, Jesse; and two stepsons, Duke and Vinny. When Davidson is not working, she surfs, snow skies and scuba dives. She also plays piano, paints and enjoys writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 4, 2020
It was okay. Alex is a soap opera star who seems to get entangled in murders. In this installment in the series, she's set to introduce an Emmy award when the body of a coworker basically falls in her lap. It was not very believable, the Detective in charge gave her way to much responsibility, it left one of the stories hanging, and I also didn't like the romantic entanglements of the main character.
December 3, 2020
This is another fast paced murder mystery from Eileen Davidson. I love the chemistry between the characters, especially Alexis and Jakes. This is a real page turner and it's fun to try to figure out who is the murderer. There is nothing gruesome and the love relationships are cozy.
June 5, 2017
Light, engaging, a quick read. A fun book for summer!
April 12, 2018
Excellent!
July 11, 2022
This book was much better than her first book.
July 28, 2024
Too much foul language for my taste, but a decent mystery and lots of action.
March 8, 2011
I broke one my rules about reading books that are part of a series with this book – I haven’t read book one and this is book two. As with most series, the book does stand alone, but I think there are some things that may have made more sense if I’d read book #1 first.
That said, I enjoyed the story. Alexis Peterson has recently joined a new soap cast. She left her last soap because her cast mates thought she had killed a co-star and she couldn’t continue to work with people who thought she was capable of murder. (Apparently, she’s not one to be believe that under the right circumstances, anyone could kill someone.) She is about to do an award presentation at the Daytime Emmy Awards with her co-star, Jackson Masters, – the first presentation of the show. But he’s missing, until he suddenly shows up – dangling and bleeding on her from above the stage at the award show.
The same detective that she met in the first story, Detective Frank Jakes, and his partner are investigating this murder. This time, Alexis is not a suspect. But Alexis has gotten the “detective bug” and her strong feelings for Detective Frank Jakes lead her to help with the murder investigation. Her assistance is wanted by Jakes, but his partner and supervisor want her to have nothing to do with the investigation.
Her ex, Randy, has also come back and is demanding to see their daughter. Alexis wants him to have nothing to do with her. Afterall, he walked out on them with her money three years ago and she hasn’t seen him since.
Overall, it’s a great little cozy mystery and fun to read. The one thing that bothered me was that she kept referring to her daughter as “her sweet little girl.” I think her overall actions and interactions with her daughter made me know she loved her daughter – it was like she had to beat it over my head that she loves her daughter.
That said, I enjoyed the story. Alexis Peterson has recently joined a new soap cast. She left her last soap because her cast mates thought she had killed a co-star and she couldn’t continue to work with people who thought she was capable of murder. (Apparently, she’s not one to be believe that under the right circumstances, anyone could kill someone.) She is about to do an award presentation at the Daytime Emmy Awards with her co-star, Jackson Masters, – the first presentation of the show. But he’s missing, until he suddenly shows up – dangling and bleeding on her from above the stage at the award show.
The same detective that she met in the first story, Detective Frank Jakes, and his partner are investigating this murder. This time, Alexis is not a suspect. But Alexis has gotten the “detective bug” and her strong feelings for Detective Frank Jakes lead her to help with the murder investigation. Her assistance is wanted by Jakes, but his partner and supervisor want her to have nothing to do with the investigation.
Her ex, Randy, has also come back and is demanding to see their daughter. Alexis wants him to have nothing to do with her. Afterall, he walked out on them with her money three years ago and she hasn’t seen him since.
Overall, it’s a great little cozy mystery and fun to read. The one thing that bothered me was that she kept referring to her daughter as “her sweet little girl.” I think her overall actions and interactions with her daughter made me know she loved her daughter – it was like she had to beat it over my head that she loves her daughter.
October 1, 2011
This is the second book in the Soap Opera Mystery Series written by a long-time soap actress herself.
Now, the first was good, and this one a little better. Maybe it's just that first book think, that you seem to find the second book better.
Alex is still our lead, and she is a little more open to the reader and other people in this one, and we gets hits of her ex-husband Randy in this book, and that proves to be exciting and the idea of Randy in the next book is what is making me want to read the next book.
Detective Jakes is a nicer verison of himself and more interested in Alex, believes in her more and wants to date her. Sometimes I felt that masked the whole Detective part and that he was believing in her thoughts too much, it didn't ring true to the personality of a Detective.
Paul, the former police officer and boyfriend gets let down easy in this book. Alex tried, but kept him at an arms length the whole relationship and it finally got to be too much, enter also Jakes who is pulling her attention and the relationship was doomed.
I think it's Alex's belief that she has to do it herself, no let anyone else in and do it alone that is so off-putting. Now, if we learn more about ex Randy in the next book, maybe I will understand it more, but I just think she has a mixed up view, that she should rely on people more.
But after all that is said, I still want to read the next book in the series, with teasers that Randy may appear in the next book, I want to find out about that one. It was good, there was more intrigue and twists in this one, in all I felt the second book was a better written book. So again I will recommend it and withhold overall judgement for another book.
Now, the first was good, and this one a little better. Maybe it's just that first book think, that you seem to find the second book better.
Alex is still our lead, and she is a little more open to the reader and other people in this one, and we gets hits of her ex-husband Randy in this book, and that proves to be exciting and the idea of Randy in the next book is what is making me want to read the next book.
Detective Jakes is a nicer verison of himself and more interested in Alex, believes in her more and wants to date her. Sometimes I felt that masked the whole Detective part and that he was believing in her thoughts too much, it didn't ring true to the personality of a Detective.
Paul, the former police officer and boyfriend gets let down easy in this book. Alex tried, but kept him at an arms length the whole relationship and it finally got to be too much, enter also Jakes who is pulling her attention and the relationship was doomed.
I think it's Alex's belief that she has to do it herself, no let anyone else in and do it alone that is so off-putting. Now, if we learn more about ex Randy in the next book, maybe I will understand it more, but I just think she has a mixed up view, that she should rely on people more.
But after all that is said, I still want to read the next book in the series, with teasers that Randy may appear in the next book, I want to find out about that one. It was good, there was more intrigue and twists in this one, in all I felt the second book was a better written book. So again I will recommend it and withhold overall judgement for another book.
July 16, 2009
They always say you should write about what you know and Eileen Davidson has done just that. As an actress who has had roles on The Young and the Restless and Days of our Lives, she definitely has an in to the soap opera world and is able to use that knowledge to her benefit. She even mentions some well known soap actresses in the book although she has changed the names of the various shows but the titles aren't too far off!
This is the second in a series and while this book could stand on its own, it would be best to read "Death in Daytime" before this one because there are many references to the murder that occurred in that book. I did feel a little lost at times not having read "Death in Daytime" but not too much! Plus the storyline between Alex and Jakes started in the first book and continues to develop in this installment.
Alex is like many of the main characters in other cozies, she gets involved in helping to solve a murder even though she has another career field. But somehow she manages to stumble across the murderer but not without putting herself in danger.
With all that said, I really enjoyed this book. While I don't watch soaps anymore, I used to watch Days of our Lives and remember Eileen Davidson on the show. Reading this book was like going back to those days and a behind the scenes look at what goes on the set of a soap. The book is fast paced and has short chapters (some are only 4 pages!) which made it quick reading for me but would easily give me a place to stop. There is a nice cliff hanger at the end that leads you wondering what will happen in the next book (no title or date as of yet).
This is the second in a series and while this book could stand on its own, it would be best to read "Death in Daytime" before this one because there are many references to the murder that occurred in that book. I did feel a little lost at times not having read "Death in Daytime" but not too much! Plus the storyline between Alex and Jakes started in the first book and continues to develop in this installment.
Alex is like many of the main characters in other cozies, she gets involved in helping to solve a murder even though she has another career field. But somehow she manages to stumble across the murderer but not without putting herself in danger.
With all that said, I really enjoyed this book. While I don't watch soaps anymore, I used to watch Days of our Lives and remember Eileen Davidson on the show. Reading this book was like going back to those days and a behind the scenes look at what goes on the set of a soap. The book is fast paced and has short chapters (some are only 4 pages!) which made it quick reading for me but would easily give me a place to stop. There is a nice cliff hanger at the end that leads you wondering what will happen in the next book (no title or date as of yet).
September 9, 2009
There is only so much gossip and finger pointing an actor like Alexis Peterson can take from her own cast mates. She leaves The Yearning Tide to join the cast of The Bare and the Brazen. This sets the media a buzz with frenzy. Following a murder case that Alexis helped solved previously, she is ready for a break. Unfortunately she is busy preparing to co-present Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series with her new leading man…the hunky Jackson Masters.
It comes time for Alexis and Jackson to present and Jackson is no where to be found. The show must go on. Alexis presents by herself, when suddenly Jackson’s body drops from the ceiling, landing right next to her. Detective Frank Jakes, Alexis’s on again and off again love interest is on the case. He asks Alexis to assist him. As whom better to help find a killer in a world where back stabbing is the name of the game…than a soap star.
What a fun, quick read. Alexis is like a modern day Nancy Drew. She is so loveable. Author, Eileen Davidson infuses her work as a reigning queen of soap operas and combines it with the world of mystery. Any fan of soaps will love this book and Alexis. The cast of characters are all relatable to the characters from both The Young and The Restless and Days of Our Lives. Hey, even the names of the shows Alexis used to star in…The Yearning Tide and The Bare and the Brazen are both plays on the other shows. I didn’t read the prior novel, Death in Daytime that also featured Alexis but Dial Emmy for Murder can be read as a stand alone novel. This book is just plain old fashion fun and quirky. I plan to check out Death in Daytime.
It comes time for Alexis and Jackson to present and Jackson is no where to be found. The show must go on. Alexis presents by herself, when suddenly Jackson’s body drops from the ceiling, landing right next to her. Detective Frank Jakes, Alexis’s on again and off again love interest is on the case. He asks Alexis to assist him. As whom better to help find a killer in a world where back stabbing is the name of the game…than a soap star.
What a fun, quick read. Alexis is like a modern day Nancy Drew. She is so loveable. Author, Eileen Davidson infuses her work as a reigning queen of soap operas and combines it with the world of mystery. Any fan of soaps will love this book and Alexis. The cast of characters are all relatable to the characters from both The Young and The Restless and Days of Our Lives. Hey, even the names of the shows Alexis used to star in…The Yearning Tide and The Bare and the Brazen are both plays on the other shows. I didn’t read the prior novel, Death in Daytime that also featured Alexis but Dial Emmy for Murder can be read as a stand alone novel. This book is just plain old fashion fun and quirky. I plan to check out Death in Daytime.
September 11, 2009
Readers were first introduced to Alexis Peterson in Daytime in Death, book one of A Soap Opera Mystery series. Alex is the number one suspect in the murder investigation of a head writer on The Yearning Tide. Determined to clear her name, she begins her own investigation and finds she’s quite good at being an amateur sleuth.
In Dial Emmy for Murder, Alex has left her former soap, The Yearning Tide, and is now a cast member of The Bare and the Brazen. It’s the night of the Daytime Emmy Awards and Alex is one of the presenters. When her co-star and fellow presenter, Jackson Masters, doesn’t show, Alex is forced to present the award herself. Little does she know, she’s about to walk into another murder investigation.
Dial Emmy for Murder is a light, cozy mystery. The killer is evident as soon as he/she is introduced in the storyline, however this book is an enjoyable read. I have to admit, I was more interested in the blooming relationship between Alex and Detective Jakes than the murder investigation. There’s also a sub-plot regarding Alex and her estranged husband. He embezzled money from his clients and stole Alex’s retirement fund. Now he’s back and is demanding to see their daughter.
If you’re looking for a entertaining story, with a light mystery thrown in, then Dial Emmy for Murder is the answer. Book three of the series is in the works. Can’t wait? There’s a sneak peek included in Dial Emmy for Murder.
3.5 Stars*
In Dial Emmy for Murder, Alex has left her former soap, The Yearning Tide, and is now a cast member of The Bare and the Brazen. It’s the night of the Daytime Emmy Awards and Alex is one of the presenters. When her co-star and fellow presenter, Jackson Masters, doesn’t show, Alex is forced to present the award herself. Little does she know, she’s about to walk into another murder investigation.
Dial Emmy for Murder is a light, cozy mystery. The killer is evident as soon as he/she is introduced in the storyline, however this book is an enjoyable read. I have to admit, I was more interested in the blooming relationship between Alex and Detective Jakes than the murder investigation. There’s also a sub-plot regarding Alex and her estranged husband. He embezzled money from his clients and stole Alex’s retirement fund. Now he’s back and is demanding to see their daughter.
If you’re looking for a entertaining story, with a light mystery thrown in, then Dial Emmy for Murder is the answer. Book three of the series is in the works. Can’t wait? There’s a sneak peek included in Dial Emmy for Murder.
3.5 Stars*
June 27, 2009
Alexis Peterson is a soap star. Just as she goes to present a Daytime Emmy award her co-star and co-presenter turns up dead and dripping blood all over her. Alexis realizes she can really help the police solve the mystery because she knows the industry inside and out. The police in the form of handsome detective Frank Jakes whom Alex has an attraction for find out there have been other similar murders of young handsome young actors. Although Jakes is only too willing to allow Alex to help, his boss and partner are not at all happy with his decision.
Alexis has some time to help out as she has sent her daughter away to a reunion because her ex is threatening to want to see his daughter and Alexis does not want this. This sub-plot was only a minor story and not resolved but I suspect will be given more time in the next book in the series.
This is a cozy mystery. The plot was a bit unsubstantial for me. Although second in a series this book could be read as a stand-alone. There was a bit of referral to the first book but nothing that hindered the read.
Alexis has some time to help out as she has sent her daughter away to a reunion because her ex is threatening to want to see his daughter and Alexis does not want this. This sub-plot was only a minor story and not resolved but I suspect will be given more time in the next book in the series.
This is a cozy mystery. The plot was a bit unsubstantial for me. Although second in a series this book could be read as a stand-alone. There was a bit of referral to the first book but nothing that hindered the read.
April 16, 2013
I really wish these books didn't have bad language. This is such a fun series aside from that fact. I'm going to read the third book because I've already checked it out, but not going to search out any more by this author after that. Sad, really. For a light cozy written by a soap star, they are actually fairly well-written. I don't get the feeling this is a YA novel playing grown up. The dialogue flows pretty well and the world building and character development are pretty good.
Obviously, this is not prize-winning fiction, but it is a lot better than some entries into the cozy genre.
Obviously, this is not prize-winning fiction, but it is a lot better than some entries into the cozy genre.
August 12, 2009
Loved it! This is a really good 2nd novel. Alexis is in wonderful form in the Soap Opera world. She's still dealing with her feelings for her boyfriend Paul and Jakes, the detective she longs for. Her ex-husband has re-entered the picture and she fears for the safety of her daughter Sarah.
Eileen Davidson has slid into the role of cozy mystery writer wonderfully and I can't wait for the next installment.
Eileen Davidson has slid into the role of cozy mystery writer wonderfully and I can't wait for the next installment.
August 2, 2009
I don't want to wait for the next book.. I want to read it NOW!!! Hurry up Eileen Davidson! ;)
I love Alex Peterson, her mom and her young daughter, Sarah.. I love her relationship with detective Frank Jakes and her best friend George who is the hair dresser for a soap cast.. And most of all I love the way she can totally suck me into the story and keep me guessing about the how, the who and the why!!! :)
I love Alex Peterson, her mom and her young daughter, Sarah.. I love her relationship with detective Frank Jakes and her best friend George who is the hair dresser for a soap cast.. And most of all I love the way she can totally suck me into the story and keep me guessing about the how, the who and the why!!! :)
January 30, 2012
This was a light hearted and fun murder mystery/stalker journey. Soap Opera Actress, Alexis Peterson, is excited to be a presenter at this year's Emmy's. Her co-presentor, Jackson doesn't show up. So, bravely, Alexis strides forward and as she begins...a body descends.
Reuniting with Detective Frank Jakes, Alexis heads off to find a serial killer.
This was a fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to her next novel.
Reuniting with Detective Frank Jakes, Alexis heads off to find a serial killer.
This was a fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to her next novel.
February 3, 2011
This book is an entertaining story with mystery and romance thrown in. Murder seems to follow Alexis and she has decided to help Detective Frank Jakes find the killer. A great cozy mystery.
FTC disclosure: I bought my copy of this book.
FTC disclosure: I bought my copy of this book.
October 30, 2014
I only paid $1 for this at my local Dierberg's. The writing was poor, but the ploy moves quick enough that it kept my attention. If you're looking for a quick and relatively fun mystery then this will fit the bill. Keep your expectations low, and you'll have fun.
September 19, 2016
Very much like watching a soap opera. I'm not knocking it at all, it's something I look for in a book sometimes. It was simple but kept my attention. I'll most likely look up the rest of the books in the series at some point.
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August 4, 2009
Loved it! I ran out and bought this the day after I read the other one....can't wait for the next one!!!
January 4, 2010
Not the most literary of books, but entertaining if you like soap operas.
February 18, 2011
This one deserves about 3.5 stars. I found some parts of this story really hilarious. I enjoyed every time that Alex described Adrienne (what a visual).
May 28, 2012
3.5 stars. I like this series. Just be warned for those who don't like swearing in cozies this one does have some F bombs.
November 16, 2011
Very enjoyable series!
February 13, 2012
Love it! A great quick, fun read! Eileen Davidson gives a great look at the soap world through Alexis. Fun!
June 18, 2013
enjoyed another great chapter in this fun series
July 12, 2014
Great read for soap fans and mystery lovers!!! Eileen Davidson's knowledge of the world of soaps gives this book a real feel. I also think this book and the series is a great summer read
January 27, 2015
Loved this book! It was such a quick, easy read and kept me up too late last night so I could finish! I like the characters and the story was good too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews