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Riley Spartz #2
Missing Mark
In this page-turning sequel to Stalking Susan , TV reporter Riley Spartz pursues a curious story of a bride left at the altar and finds herself caught in a dangerous missing-person case.
When Riley Spartz sees a want ad reading “Wedding Dress for Never Worn,” her news instincts tell her that the backstory might make an intriguing television sweeps piece.
The groom, Mark, last seen at the rehearsal dinner, never showed up for the wedding, humiliating his bride, Madeline—and her high-strung, high-society mother—in front of 300 guests. His own mother, eager to spare him further embarrassment, waited weeks before filing a missing-person report and then learned how difficult it is to get police, or the media, interested in missing men.
Now Riley is up against a boss who thinks that finding a famed missing fish will net the station higher ratings, a meth cartel trying to assassinate a K-9 dog because of his powerful nose for drugs, and a neighbor who holds perpetual garage sales that attract traffic at odd hours.
When her missing-person case leads to a murder investigation, Riley discovers a startling motive for Mark's disappearance—and a TV exclusive guaranteed to win the ratings . . . if she lives to report it.
www.juliekramerbooks.com
www.doubleday.com
When Riley Spartz sees a want ad reading “Wedding Dress for Never Worn,” her news instincts tell her that the backstory might make an intriguing television sweeps piece.
The groom, Mark, last seen at the rehearsal dinner, never showed up for the wedding, humiliating his bride, Madeline—and her high-strung, high-society mother—in front of 300 guests. His own mother, eager to spare him further embarrassment, waited weeks before filing a missing-person report and then learned how difficult it is to get police, or the media, interested in missing men.
Now Riley is up against a boss who thinks that finding a famed missing fish will net the station higher ratings, a meth cartel trying to assassinate a K-9 dog because of his powerful nose for drugs, and a neighbor who holds perpetual garage sales that attract traffic at odd hours.
When her missing-person case leads to a murder investigation, Riley discovers a startling motive for Mark's disappearance—and a TV exclusive guaranteed to win the ratings . . . if she lives to report it.
www.juliekramerbooks.com
www.doubleday.com
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2009
18 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kramer
20 books209 followersJulie Kramer has moved from journalist to novelist. She writes a mystery series set in the desperate world of television news—a world she knows well from her career working as a freelance news producer for NBC and CBS, as well as running the acclaimed WCCO-TV I-Team in Minneapolis.
Her thrillers, STALKING SUSAN, MISSING MARK, SILENCING SAM, KILLING KATE, SHUNNING SARAH and soon to come - DELIVERING DEATH (January 7) - take readers inside how newsrooms make decisions amid chaos. She's won the Minnesota Book Award and the RT Book Review's Best First Mystery. She has also been a finalist for the Anthony, Barry, Shamus, Mary Higgins Clark, Daphne du Maurier, and RT Best Amateur Sleuth Awards.
Julie grew up along the Minnesota-Iowa state line, fourth generation of a family who raised cattle and farmed corn for more than 130 years. Her favorite childhood days were spent waiting for the bookmobile to bring her another Phyllis A. Whitney novel. An avid reader, she tired of fictional TV reporters always being portrayed as obnoxious secondary characters who could be killed off whenever the plot started dragging, so her series features reporter Riley Spartz as heroine.
Julie lives with her family in White Bear Lake, MN.
Her thrillers, STALKING SUSAN, MISSING MARK, SILENCING SAM, KILLING KATE, SHUNNING SARAH and soon to come - DELIVERING DEATH (January 7) - take readers inside how newsrooms make decisions amid chaos. She's won the Minnesota Book Award and the RT Book Review's Best First Mystery. She has also been a finalist for the Anthony, Barry, Shamus, Mary Higgins Clark, Daphne du Maurier, and RT Best Amateur Sleuth Awards.
Julie grew up along the Minnesota-Iowa state line, fourth generation of a family who raised cattle and farmed corn for more than 130 years. Her favorite childhood days were spent waiting for the bookmobile to bring her another Phyllis A. Whitney novel. An avid reader, she tired of fictional TV reporters always being portrayed as obnoxious secondary characters who could be killed off whenever the plot started dragging, so her series features reporter Riley Spartz as heroine.
Julie lives with her family in White Bear Lake, MN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
October 8, 2017
4 stars
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Julie Kramer at a Minnesota crime writers panel held at my local library a week or two ago. I had read the first book in this series a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Julie had a stack of her books at the function so I took the opportunity to pick up a nice hardback copy of #2 in the series, Missing Mark. As an aside, I just want to mention that Ms. Kramer was very gracious in letting me take the book though I didn’t have the means to pay for it that day (cash only). She said I could just send her a check at my leisure. So nice.
This was a really fun read. I’ve been reading a lot of dark crime books/thrillers this year so this one was a nice change. Riley is an investigative reporter for a Minneapolis network TV station, loosely based on the station Ms. Kramer worked for as an investigative reporter herself some years ago. This is a quick and light read, full of quirky humor. We get inside info on the workings of a television news I-team, which I found very interesting. We also get introduced to a rare, but real, curious cerebral flaw in two of the characters and how they adjusted their lives because of it.
Riley is working on several stories during this episode, including what happened to the groom who never showed up, and who vandalized the local aquarium and stole the largest bass ever caught in Minnesota. We also get some murders, but there is nothing particularly dark or graphic.
I particularly liked the fun dialogue (I had several out loud laughs) and, of course, the Twin Cities Minnesota setting. I also liked Riley’s relationship with her photographer Malik.
During her library gig, Ms. Kramer admitted she doesn’t outline her stories. She just dives in and writes as she goes. I kept this in mind as I was reading and was impressed with how she had everything come together at the end. Great epilogue.
If you are in the mood for a light mystery, this series would be a great pick. There are a total of six books, and I’m sure I will eventually get to them all.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Julie Kramer at a Minnesota crime writers panel held at my local library a week or two ago. I had read the first book in this series a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Julie had a stack of her books at the function so I took the opportunity to pick up a nice hardback copy of #2 in the series, Missing Mark. As an aside, I just want to mention that Ms. Kramer was very gracious in letting me take the book though I didn’t have the means to pay for it that day (cash only). She said I could just send her a check at my leisure. So nice.
This was a really fun read. I’ve been reading a lot of dark crime books/thrillers this year so this one was a nice change. Riley is an investigative reporter for a Minneapolis network TV station, loosely based on the station Ms. Kramer worked for as an investigative reporter herself some years ago. This is a quick and light read, full of quirky humor. We get inside info on the workings of a television news I-team, which I found very interesting. We also get introduced to a rare, but real, curious cerebral flaw in two of the characters and how they adjusted their lives because of it.
Riley is working on several stories during this episode, including what happened to the groom who never showed up, and who vandalized the local aquarium and stole the largest bass ever caught in Minnesota. We also get some murders, but there is nothing particularly dark or graphic.
I particularly liked the fun dialogue (I had several out loud laughs) and, of course, the Twin Cities Minnesota setting. I also liked Riley’s relationship with her photographer Malik.
During her library gig, Ms. Kramer admitted she doesn’t outline her stories. She just dives in and writes as she goes. I kept this in mind as I was reading and was impressed with how she had everything come together at the end. Great epilogue.
If you are in the mood for a light mystery, this series would be a great pick. There are a total of six books, and I’m sure I will eventually get to them all.
April 27, 2025
No sophomore slump for Julie Kramer in the second novel in the series featuring relentless, clever Riley Spartz, a TV reporter for Minneapolis’ Channel 3.
In Missing Mark, Riley sees promise in a feature story when she sees a want ad that reads: “FOR SALE: WEDDING DRESS. NEVER WORN.” Turns out she’s found a much bigger story. Groom Mark Lefevre, a parking garage attendant by day and beginning stand-up comic by night, showed up to the rehearsal dinner but not the wedding the next day. Bride Madeline Post, an heiress to one of Minnesota’s richest families, fears that something terrible has befallen her fiancé, as he and his car have vanished without a trace. Police can’t find any credit-card purchases, ATM withdrawals, anything.
How did this whirlwind romance between two mismatched people — three months from meeting to the wedding date — even happen? Who was Mark Lefevre really? What could have happened to him? And why would anyone mess with a nobody like him? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough toward the end! Congratulations to Ms. Kramer for writing a suspenseful whodunit as good as her first, Stalking Susan!
In Missing Mark, Riley sees promise in a feature story when she sees a want ad that reads: “FOR SALE: WEDDING DRESS. NEVER WORN.” Turns out she’s found a much bigger story. Groom Mark Lefevre, a parking garage attendant by day and beginning stand-up comic by night, showed up to the rehearsal dinner but not the wedding the next day. Bride Madeline Post, an heiress to one of Minnesota’s richest families, fears that something terrible has befallen her fiancé, as he and his car have vanished without a trace. Police can’t find any credit-card purchases, ATM withdrawals, anything.
How did this whirlwind romance between two mismatched people — three months from meeting to the wedding date — even happen? Who was Mark Lefevre really? What could have happened to him? And why would anyone mess with a nobody like him? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough toward the end! Congratulations to Ms. Kramer for writing a suspenseful whodunit as good as her first, Stalking Susan!
September 5, 2009
When investigative reporter Riley Sparkz see an ad in the paper for a never worn wedding dress, she decides there must be more to the story and begins an investigation.
Wealthy socialite Madeline was to marry down-and-out stand-up comic Mark three months after meeting him. But on the day of the nuptials, Mark didn't show up at the church and has vanished. Was it his ex-girlfriend or something more?
Meanwhile, the largest bass in the state of Minnesota is bass-napped by an animal rights group and Riley meets back up with Shep from her previous adventure, "Stalking Susan."
If it sounds like a lot of stories to juggle, it can be. But Julie Kramer effortlessly juggles each one, shifting from plot thread to plot thread with ease and without having readers feel like something is missing or might be dropped.
A lot of the pleasure in the story comes from Riley's relating events to the readers via first person. Riley is an engaging, funny and believable enough mystery adventure heroine who has a good sense of humor about things and is self-deprecating enough to keep things interesting. The mysteries aren't exactly deep but they will keep you guessing. And even if you do figure it all out by halfway through, at least you've got a great character in Riley and the equally lovable Shep to keep the story going.
Wealthy socialite Madeline was to marry down-and-out stand-up comic Mark three months after meeting him. But on the day of the nuptials, Mark didn't show up at the church and has vanished. Was it his ex-girlfriend or something more?
Meanwhile, the largest bass in the state of Minnesota is bass-napped by an animal rights group and Riley meets back up with Shep from her previous adventure, "Stalking Susan."
If it sounds like a lot of stories to juggle, it can be. But Julie Kramer effortlessly juggles each one, shifting from plot thread to plot thread with ease and without having readers feel like something is missing or might be dropped.
A lot of the pleasure in the story comes from Riley's relating events to the readers via first person. Riley is an engaging, funny and believable enough mystery adventure heroine who has a good sense of humor about things and is self-deprecating enough to keep things interesting. The mysteries aren't exactly deep but they will keep you guessing. And even if you do figure it all out by halfway through, at least you've got a great character in Riley and the equally lovable Shep to keep the story going.
December 16, 2014
It’s sweeps month again, and when Riley Spartz comes across a newspaper ad that reads, “WEDDING DRESS, NEVER WORN," she knows she has the makings of a good story. What she doesn’t know is that Mark, the potential groom, has been missing for months. She is also asked to cover the story of a missing giant lake bass from Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America, where an animal rights supposedly has taken credit for the fish-napping, but this just smells rotten to Riley.
It has been months since I read this book, but as I recall, I found the missing groom storyline intriguing and the big fish story to be a little – uh – fishy. Riley comes across as slightly more likable in this book as she tries to sympathize with Madeline, the former bride-to-be. The story has twists and turns; nothing is particularly suspenseful or unpredictable, but there are some wry witticisms that provide entertainment along the way. As with Stalking Susan, Kramer uses local Twin Cities’ area landmarks and cities that are very familiar to locals and lend an authenticity to Spartz’s TV reporter point-of-view.
If you are looking for a nail-biting, jaw-clenching thriller, Missing Mark is not it; nor is it a cozy whodunit. It is somewhere in-between. If you like your mystery stories with an unorthodox protagonist, a local flavor as a setting, and a pro-animal parallel story line, then perhaps you might like to try Julie Kramer’s books.
3 stars
It has been months since I read this book, but as I recall, I found the missing groom storyline intriguing and the big fish story to be a little – uh – fishy. Riley comes across as slightly more likable in this book as she tries to sympathize with Madeline, the former bride-to-be. The story has twists and turns; nothing is particularly suspenseful or unpredictable, but there are some wry witticisms that provide entertainment along the way. As with Stalking Susan, Kramer uses local Twin Cities’ area landmarks and cities that are very familiar to locals and lend an authenticity to Spartz’s TV reporter point-of-view.
If you are looking for a nail-biting, jaw-clenching thriller, Missing Mark is not it; nor is it a cozy whodunit. It is somewhere in-between. If you like your mystery stories with an unorthodox protagonist, a local flavor as a setting, and a pro-animal parallel story line, then perhaps you might like to try Julie Kramer’s books.
3 stars
September 24, 2018
The second Riley Spartz book had everything you could ask for in a good mystery. A great hook - missing groom - a bride with a fascinating genetic abnormality - and some really good interplay with prior characters. It worked beautifully. I figured it out about the same time that Riley did. She balanced the action well and I thought Riley's character growth was well done. If this had been the first book it would have been a killer. Mark was a stand-up comic. About average in height, weight, looks and talent. His fiancee was gorgeous, wealthy and much, much younger. What exactly was the attraction? Not on his side, but on hers? It turns out that looks can be remarkably deceiving. It is not necessary to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one.
July 5, 2009
2 1/2 stars
Missing Mark is the second in a series about investigative reporter Riley Spartz. The first is Stalking Susan, which I have not read. Even though I didn't read the first one, I didn't feel as though I missed anything--anything pertinent to the story was recapped quickly.
The story was decent enough, but I felt like it missed in a few places. First, I kept figuring things out way before they were revealed. Maybe too many hints were given or just not enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. The actual who-done-it seemed far too obvious and made me just want to rush through finishing the book to get to the point where Riley finally figures it out.
Second, the "exciting" parts in the book read just like the rest of the book. It would be going along nicely and then all of a sudden something big would happen, but the way it read was something like, "I was running through the park and then I was chased." Oh. Is that exciting? I found myself being surprised that something "big" was happening because there was no real transition.
I also didn't care much for the ending. It was rather blah. In the end it was too much summary and not enough action.
The plot was good, but the execution was lacking. There wasn't enough depth to the action and I didn't find myself unable to put the book down.
Side note: I got this book through Amazon Vine hoping for a good one...I guess I was one of the few who was disappointed with it. At least 10 people through the Vine have given it a four or five star rating and raving about it. Most admit to figuring how the bad guy long before Riley does, but they still love it! How???? I read a mystery for a mystery...not to think the heroine is an idiot. I like fluffy reading, but get real people...read something that actually makes you feel for the characters and not figure it out halfway through the book while the heroine is acting stupid when she is supposed to be a smart investigative reporter...if she couldn't have figured it out sooner, she needs a new career.
Missing Mark is the second in a series about investigative reporter Riley Spartz. The first is Stalking Susan, which I have not read. Even though I didn't read the first one, I didn't feel as though I missed anything--anything pertinent to the story was recapped quickly.
The story was decent enough, but I felt like it missed in a few places. First, I kept figuring things out way before they were revealed. Maybe too many hints were given or just not enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. The actual who-done-it seemed far too obvious and made me just want to rush through finishing the book to get to the point where Riley finally figures it out.
Second, the "exciting" parts in the book read just like the rest of the book. It would be going along nicely and then all of a sudden something big would happen, but the way it read was something like, "I was running through the park and then I was chased." Oh. Is that exciting? I found myself being surprised that something "big" was happening because there was no real transition.
I also didn't care much for the ending. It was rather blah. In the end it was too much summary and not enough action.
The plot was good, but the execution was lacking. There wasn't enough depth to the action and I didn't find myself unable to put the book down.
Side note: I got this book through Amazon Vine hoping for a good one...I guess I was one of the few who was disappointed with it. At least 10 people through the Vine have given it a four or five star rating and raving about it. Most admit to figuring how the bad guy long before Riley does, but they still love it! How???? I read a mystery for a mystery...not to think the heroine is an idiot. I like fluffy reading, but get real people...read something that actually makes you feel for the characters and not figure it out halfway through the book while the heroine is acting stupid when she is supposed to be a smart investigative reporter...if she couldn't have figured it out sooner, she needs a new career.
July 31, 2009
Missing Mark by Julie Kramer was not only an enjoyable read, it turned out to be an educational one as well. Prior to reading Kramer's book, I had never heard of an obscure disorder called Prosopagnosia, a neurological condition that renders a person incapable of recognizing faces (even those of family).
The story's protagonist, TV news journalist Riley Spartz, comes across as advertisement for the sale of a "WEDDING DRESS, NEVER WORN" and is intrigued. Feeling that this would be an ideal subject for the upcoming May television ratings war Riley decides, much to the chagrin of her news director boss Noreen Banks, to get an interview with the owner of the dress. Noreen, on the other hand, has determined that the Minneapolis market would be more inclined to tune in to a story concerning a "missing big mouth bass" and assigns Riley to cover it. Riley performs the balancing act of the century by covering both stories as well as breaking up a meth cartel along the way. She is one busy gal.
Missing Mark is an engaging and entertaining story that has a little something for everyone. For mystery lovers there is the conundrum of the heartbroken fiancé and the missing groom, for those seeking a voyeuristic look into the politicking that takes place between management and on-air personalities at a TV station, they need look no further than Channel 3 in Minneapolis. For animal lovers and animal rights followers there is a delightful K9 dog as well as a kidnapped fish, for those intrigued by obscure maladies there is a new disease to explore and understand, and finally, for those seeking a fresh and wholesome piece of prose to quench your summer reading thirst, there is the balanced, fast paced, and buoyant life of investigative reported Riley Spartz.
Although this book is billed as a sequel to Kramer's Stalking Susan, one need not have read that initial offering to enjoy Missing Mark. With no obscene language or sex scenes this book in some respects resembles a cozy making it an appropriate book for most age groups. Definitely add this to your summer reading list. 3 1/2 stars
The story's protagonist, TV news journalist Riley Spartz, comes across as advertisement for the sale of a "WEDDING DRESS, NEVER WORN" and is intrigued. Feeling that this would be an ideal subject for the upcoming May television ratings war Riley decides, much to the chagrin of her news director boss Noreen Banks, to get an interview with the owner of the dress. Noreen, on the other hand, has determined that the Minneapolis market would be more inclined to tune in to a story concerning a "missing big mouth bass" and assigns Riley to cover it. Riley performs the balancing act of the century by covering both stories as well as breaking up a meth cartel along the way. She is one busy gal.
Missing Mark is an engaging and entertaining story that has a little something for everyone. For mystery lovers there is the conundrum of the heartbroken fiancé and the missing groom, for those seeking a voyeuristic look into the politicking that takes place between management and on-air personalities at a TV station, they need look no further than Channel 3 in Minneapolis. For animal lovers and animal rights followers there is a delightful K9 dog as well as a kidnapped fish, for those intrigued by obscure maladies there is a new disease to explore and understand, and finally, for those seeking a fresh and wholesome piece of prose to quench your summer reading thirst, there is the balanced, fast paced, and buoyant life of investigative reported Riley Spartz.
Although this book is billed as a sequel to Kramer's Stalking Susan, one need not have read that initial offering to enjoy Missing Mark. With no obscene language or sex scenes this book in some respects resembles a cozy making it an appropriate book for most age groups. Definitely add this to your summer reading list. 3 1/2 stars
July 9, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Stalking Susan, so I had high hopes for this one. Thankfully, it delivered! Riley Spartz is nothing if not persistent. Sweeps are coming up again, and she’s under pressure, as usual. TV news is changing, and the chances of her ending up with a story as big as the last one are low. When the ad for a never worn wedding dress shows up in the paper, she hopes she can find a story there. Along the way we get to visit with some of our favorite characters from the first book.
I think Kramer takes this story in some interesting directions. At least one aspect of it was totally unexpected, and something I’ve never seen anywhere else. This surprises me, because it was a very interesting medical condition. Also, we see Riley still struggling with her personal life as she continues to recover from the death of her husband. She doesn’t always make the best decisions, but she does get her story.
This is a series I continue to enjoy!
I think Kramer takes this story in some interesting directions. At least one aspect of it was totally unexpected, and something I’ve never seen anywhere else. This surprises me, because it was a very interesting medical condition. Also, we see Riley still struggling with her personal life as she continues to recover from the death of her husband. She doesn’t always make the best decisions, but she does get her story.
This is a series I continue to enjoy!
June 20, 2016
3.5 stars
Overall I enjoyed this book but a few story points were too contrived - stumbling upon dead bodies, the movie quotes, locating missing fish, etc. That being said, I'll still continue on with the series!
Overall I enjoyed this book but a few story points were too contrived - stumbling upon dead bodies, the movie quotes, locating missing fish, etc. That being said, I'll still continue on with the series!
November 18, 2016
Not bad, but lost points for major predictability.
July 22, 2016
Missed the mark...
August 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Another good one.
I like the riley spartz character. Glad for the return of Shep. I liked that character.
It started out w/an intriguing premise- a missing groom & an indifferent bride.
There were also a few other subplot/mysteries so I wondered if they were going to connect.
This one had more humor in it. (I did chuckle out loud a few times.)
The negative was that she focuses a lot on her dead husband.
While as a reader you understand & empathize with Riley, you do hope she’d meet someone & move on.
And poor Noreen, she needs some happy in her stressed life.
Overall, I’d say that yes, some of the story is very obvious but I personally think the writing is smart. And while I do figure some things out, I think the story is enjoyable none the less.
I also like learning more about the tv news industry.
So I will do this series & recommend it to others.
I’d recommend for fans of Lisa Lutz.
Another good one.
I like the riley spartz character. Glad for the return of Shep. I liked that character.
It started out w/an intriguing premise- a missing groom & an indifferent bride.
There were also a few other subplot/mysteries so I wondered if they were going to connect.
This one had more humor in it. (I did chuckle out loud a few times.)
The negative was that she focuses a lot on her dead husband.
While as a reader you understand & empathize with Riley, you do hope she’d meet someone & move on.
And poor Noreen, she needs some happy in her stressed life.
Overall, I’d say that yes, some of the story is very obvious but I personally think the writing is smart. And while I do figure some things out, I think the story is enjoyable none the less.
I also like learning more about the tv news industry.
So I will do this series & recommend it to others.
I’d recommend for fans of Lisa Lutz.
May 2, 2020
I started on book three of this series. That book almost did me in from reading the rest of the Riley Spartz saga. I have gone back and now have read the first two in the collection. Let me tell you they're pretty darn good. I sometimes shy away from female authors (my apologies), but I believe most men will enjoy Julie Kramer's writing style. My wife is reading it now and thanked me for the suggestion.
"Missing Mark" like "Stalking Susan." is an amusing tale. It has some unusual but witty components including: a hero dog, rich bride, a smash and grab of a legendary giant fish, a missing groom and all the interesting television references. Julie Kramer takes all these elements and weaves an exciting and different kind of mystery.
"Missing Mark" like "Stalking Susan." is an amusing tale. It has some unusual but witty components including: a hero dog, rich bride, a smash and grab of a legendary giant fish, a missing groom and all the interesting television references. Julie Kramer takes all these elements and weaves an exciting and different kind of mystery.
June 14, 2018
It should be a 3.5. This book gave you an insider's look at how some TV stations approach ratings and Sweeps Week. It also kept you guessing about who done it. The reason it wasn't a higher rating as I felt less connected to the main protagonist, tv reporter, Riley, as the book came to a close. I thought her disregard of others was not a particualraly attractive trait, and I didn't like how the characters suddenly reached the climax/end of the book. The plot was convoluted enough that it was fun to try to follow and outguess the reporter. The main feeling I had when I finished was that I didn't like her very much.
December 10, 2018
There’s something comforting about reading a series that takes place in a setting you are familiar with. Being a Minnesotan it’s nice to be able to picture the places the book is talking about! This is the second book in Julie Kramer’s Rylie Spartz series and I am hooked line and sinker (once you read the book you will understand the fish joke lol) I listened to the audio version and was completely drawn in from the beginning! Lots of red herrings and twists and turns that kept me up late into the night listening thru my head phones so I wouldn’t wake anyone up! I’m so glad I have found this series and can’t wait to start the next one!!
December 13, 2018
The goods on this book.
I have read both Riley Spartz book. The first was for a book club and I enjoyed it so much I was happy to pick this one up. This book was also very good. This author is funny and engaging. Her books are not necessarily suspenseful but you will find yourself wanting to know the outcome. I learned about a physical condition I had never heard of and had to read up on to, very interesting. Yes, I enjoyed both books by this author and look forward to the next one.
I have read both Riley Spartz book. The first was for a book club and I enjoyed it so much I was happy to pick this one up. This book was also very good. This author is funny and engaging. Her books are not necessarily suspenseful but you will find yourself wanting to know the outcome. I learned about a physical condition I had never heard of and had to read up on to, very interesting. Yes, I enjoyed both books by this author and look forward to the next one.
February 4, 2023
A really good follow up to Julie Kramer's debut Stalking Susan. Riley Spartz is back to work looking for her next big story. She becomes curious about an ad "For Sale: Wedding Dress. Never worn" and decides to investigate. This leads her into another new mystery. I like how the author has a main story and a side story in each book, it gives her a lot of options for plot twists. I am finding the background workings of the news room and reporters very interesting, and Riley is a very likable character. I will definitely continue with this series.
February 13, 2025
I did initially think someone else was the killer, but the actual killer was my second choice. I generally hate non-police solving crimes, but, as an investigative journalist, Riley seems capable. In addition to a missing groom, Riley is also investigating the vandalism of the Mall of America's aquarium and stolen Big Mouth Billy Bass, a record breaking bass that had been donated to the aquarium. I'm glad Shep has a job, but I would have found it very difficult to give up my dog to become a K-9 detective.
November 4, 2018
Faceless in a crowd
Riley reads an ad and starts to investigate the reason for the unused wedding dress. Also a prize fish is taken so Riley is working several stories. She is finding more trouble. Will read more in the series.
Riley reads an ad and starts to investigate the reason for the unused wedding dress. Also a prize fish is taken so Riley is working several stories. She is finding more trouble. Will read more in the series.
July 28, 2017
This was an enjoyable read and I liked the character of TV journalist Riley Spartz. A decent mystery which was laced with humour and also some interesting facts.
December 10, 2017
Pretty bland, not especially interesting. An alright read, nothing more.
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this fun, high-spirited mystery. It was a great way to relax over the weekend.
January 21, 2018
Really enjoyed it; didn’t know anything about prosopagnosis. The more I think about it, the worse it sounds!
February 3, 2018
Surprisingly a good read and would look for more in this series. Kept me interested so that hours went by without notice. Not something I would exclaim over but the best I’ve read all week.
March 3, 2018
This was really an easy fun mystery read! Love her humor and was especially fun hearing facts about local towns in my area!
July 28, 2018
This is my new favorite mystery series. Riley's investigative reporting skills are again put to the test in this missing person case.
August 25, 2018
‘This was the follow up to Seeking Susan with the great reporter Riley and May Sweeps at Channel 3. Noreen, Miles, Malik, and Toby join the story as Riley searches for Big Billy Bass and a missing groom. I love the characters and that Riley is a smart character. I dislike how predictable the villain is and Riley never sees it coming :(( very frustrating.
January 12, 2019
I liked this book. It was entertaining and informational. It wasn’t the best written mystery but I still liked it.
October 20, 2019
#2 in the series, entertaining!
September 15, 2020
I liked the beginning.
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