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Maid Ivy #3
Deadly Diva
A luxury hotel, Hollywood stars, and a mysteriously dead celebrity.
Ivy Stone has her new job as a maid cut out for her when two halves of the ugliest celebrity divorce in decades come to stay at London’s Hotel LaFontaine. Everything goes wrong when a crashed murder mystery party ends with a smoking gun and a dead star.
Ivy finds herself in the middle of a thickening plot full of puzzling clues and multiple suspects with secrets to hide. Nothing is as it seems and someone is getting away with murder.
While navigating friendship & work, enjoying delectable dishes and falling more in love with Monty the Great Dane, Ivy’s amateur sleuth skills are put to the test as she realizes there’s more than meets the eye to this case.
When the story takes a surprise twist, Ivy must race against time to foil the true culprit before they strike again.
Ivy Stone has her new job as a maid cut out for her when two halves of the ugliest celebrity divorce in decades come to stay at London’s Hotel LaFontaine. Everything goes wrong when a crashed murder mystery party ends with a smoking gun and a dead star.
Ivy finds herself in the middle of a thickening plot full of puzzling clues and multiple suspects with secrets to hide. Nothing is as it seems and someone is getting away with murder.
While navigating friendship & work, enjoying delectable dishes and falling more in love with Monty the Great Dane, Ivy’s amateur sleuth skills are put to the test as she realizes there’s more than meets the eye to this case.
When the story takes a surprise twist, Ivy must race against time to foil the true culprit before they strike again.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2022
189 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 6, 2023
Deadly Diva Earns 5/5 Tabloid Scandals … Clever, Exciting Cozy Gem!
An inherent perk of the job as a hotel maid is the opportunity to overhear private conversations among the guests, and with Hollywood power couple, now, bitter divorce rivals, gossip is a hot commodity. Aspen Hoar is furious her ex Jackson Day is staying at the same hotel and demands he be sent to another hotel. She informs Mr. Humphrey, the owner, of the restraining order she has against him, which, in Ivy’s recollection, is really a restraining order against Aspen by Jackson. Her efforts to force management to relocate him, including having her lawyer Harper Wilson plead her case, are for naught. Mr. Humphrey informed the pair that Mr. Day had reserved his suite months before Ms. Hoar, and the hotel had informed her assistant, Darcy James, of a possible conflict. The whole situation is awkward with a capital “A,” which is made more difficult by the tons of journalists and paparazzi roaming the hotel to capture anything of Aspen, Jackson, or other celebrities in town for the Reel & Rare Acting Awards Ceremony. Just another day at Hotel LaFontaine.
Aspen’s half-sister Aisling has planned a themed party for their Aunt Agatha’s eightieth birthday. Aunt Aggie, named for the iconic author, ran a mystery theater decades before, so Aisling thought it a fun idea to invited a few people to the suite for a murder mystery evening based on Christie’s A Murder is Announced. At the stroke of five o’clock, Ivy was warned, the excitement would begin. 5 … Aisling is surprised when Aspen crashes the party. 4… Aspen demands to see her lout of an ex she was told by text would be there. 3 … A hooded figure appears in the bedroom doorway holding a gun. 2 … The lights go out and two shots ring out. 1 … The lights return and Jackson Day stands before the guests as the hooded figure. 0 … Jackson drops dead with blood pooling on his shirt. Of course, it’s all theater, until Aspen stumbles, bloodied, collapsing dead. So, there really is a murder to solve!
And the Winner is …! Hazel Smith … she has penned a “bang” of a mystery for the second book in her Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series with a contentious Hollywood couple, iconic literary reference, karmic murder victim, and plenty of red herrings and dead ends to muddy up the investigation. The crime is quite clever with a challenging how, compelling whys, and a delightful Agatha Christie twist, and although greed, jealousy, and rivalries play a part, there’s more … tabloid headlines more! Ivy is a strong and clever lead with an attention to detail that is essential in a maid if not imperative in a detective. She’s proven herself a nuisance to the hotel head of security, but in contrast, she’s proven herself a valuable on-site asset to Chief Detective Inspector Clayburn. Her team of friends offer effective support and pretty much cover all avenues of the hotel from the kitchen and wait staff to the concierge and management to the housekeeping and maintenance staff giving Ivy easy access to all the rooms. This means lots of clues, overheard details, and some perilous predicaments all come about in a realistic manner. Romance may have a bit of an intriguing upstairs/downstairs element with the owner Mr. Humphrey taking more than a casual interest in employee/maid Ivy. Her friends give a “wink, wink, nod, nod” to the situation, but I find that adding the detective makes for a nice romantic triangle. I am definitely a fan of London, hotels, and Ivy! Recipes, too! Hazel Smith also provides two easy to-follow recipes for an added treat: Butter Chicken Curry and Homemade Hot Chocolate! Yum!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author Hazel Smith. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
An inherent perk of the job as a hotel maid is the opportunity to overhear private conversations among the guests, and with Hollywood power couple, now, bitter divorce rivals, gossip is a hot commodity. Aspen Hoar is furious her ex Jackson Day is staying at the same hotel and demands he be sent to another hotel. She informs Mr. Humphrey, the owner, of the restraining order she has against him, which, in Ivy’s recollection, is really a restraining order against Aspen by Jackson. Her efforts to force management to relocate him, including having her lawyer Harper Wilson plead her case, are for naught. Mr. Humphrey informed the pair that Mr. Day had reserved his suite months before Ms. Hoar, and the hotel had informed her assistant, Darcy James, of a possible conflict. The whole situation is awkward with a capital “A,” which is made more difficult by the tons of journalists and paparazzi roaming the hotel to capture anything of Aspen, Jackson, or other celebrities in town for the Reel & Rare Acting Awards Ceremony. Just another day at Hotel LaFontaine.
Aspen’s half-sister Aisling has planned a themed party for their Aunt Agatha’s eightieth birthday. Aunt Aggie, named for the iconic author, ran a mystery theater decades before, so Aisling thought it a fun idea to invited a few people to the suite for a murder mystery evening based on Christie’s A Murder is Announced. At the stroke of five o’clock, Ivy was warned, the excitement would begin. 5 … Aisling is surprised when Aspen crashes the party. 4… Aspen demands to see her lout of an ex she was told by text would be there. 3 … A hooded figure appears in the bedroom doorway holding a gun. 2 … The lights go out and two shots ring out. 1 … The lights return and Jackson Day stands before the guests as the hooded figure. 0 … Jackson drops dead with blood pooling on his shirt. Of course, it’s all theater, until Aspen stumbles, bloodied, collapsing dead. So, there really is a murder to solve!
And the Winner is …! Hazel Smith … she has penned a “bang” of a mystery for the second book in her Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series with a contentious Hollywood couple, iconic literary reference, karmic murder victim, and plenty of red herrings and dead ends to muddy up the investigation. The crime is quite clever with a challenging how, compelling whys, and a delightful Agatha Christie twist, and although greed, jealousy, and rivalries play a part, there’s more … tabloid headlines more! Ivy is a strong and clever lead with an attention to detail that is essential in a maid if not imperative in a detective. She’s proven herself a nuisance to the hotel head of security, but in contrast, she’s proven herself a valuable on-site asset to Chief Detective Inspector Clayburn. Her team of friends offer effective support and pretty much cover all avenues of the hotel from the kitchen and wait staff to the concierge and management to the housekeeping and maintenance staff giving Ivy easy access to all the rooms. This means lots of clues, overheard details, and some perilous predicaments all come about in a realistic manner. Romance may have a bit of an intriguing upstairs/downstairs element with the owner Mr. Humphrey taking more than a casual interest in employee/maid Ivy. Her friends give a “wink, wink, nod, nod” to the situation, but I find that adding the detective makes for a nice romantic triangle. I am definitely a fan of London, hotels, and Ivy! Recipes, too! Hazel Smith also provides two easy to-follow recipes for an added treat: Butter Chicken Curry and Homemade Hot Chocolate! Yum!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author Hazel Smith. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
November 13, 2025
Such a diva .... everyone hates her, due to her infamous character. So much so that someone kills her.
And Ivy, being present at the scene of the murder, must find the killer.
Well, she does find the killer.
And Ivy, being present at the scene of the murder, must find the killer.
Well, she does find the killer.
December 15, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment of the "Maid Ivy" series. One of my issues with book 1 was the spelling out of the accents. In this book, Elise tossed around a number of French words, but none of the "zee" or "zis". That made it much easier to read.
The trio of ladies working at the Hotel LaFontaine are back, along with Monty and Mr. Humphrey. They have added a 4th, Kat the maintenance woman. I liked how the author built in her cooking and the recipe was at the end. I also had fun reading her cockney slang. The murders are bigger than before. I was once again fascinated with how it played out and I never suspected the outcome. I honestly that it would turn out that Kat did it since the dogs kept reacting funny to her. The truth of that twist (and you'll have to read it to see; I won't spoil it) made me laugh out loud!!!
The only issue I had in this one came up about 2/3 of the way through. Suddenly there was about 5-6 pages that kept talking about God and beliefs and prayer; it came out of nowhere and did not advance the character development or the story. It let up after that and got back to the rollicking fun at the Hotel LaFontaine (and the serious business of solving murders).
I do look forward to more in the series, and find myself rooting for Ivy to get the promotion... eventually. It seems like being head housekeepr could put a crimp in the investigations.
The trio of ladies working at the Hotel LaFontaine are back, along with Monty and Mr. Humphrey. They have added a 4th, Kat the maintenance woman. I liked how the author built in her cooking and the recipe was at the end. I also had fun reading her cockney slang. The murders are bigger than before. I was once again fascinated with how it played out and I never suspected the outcome. I honestly that it would turn out that Kat did it since the dogs kept reacting funny to her. The truth of that twist (and you'll have to read it to see; I won't spoil it) made me laugh out loud!!!
The only issue I had in this one came up about 2/3 of the way through. Suddenly there was about 5-6 pages that kept talking about God and beliefs and prayer; it came out of nowhere and did not advance the character development or the story. It let up after that and got back to the rollicking fun at the Hotel LaFontaine (and the serious business of solving murders).
I do look forward to more in the series, and find myself rooting for Ivy to get the promotion... eventually. It seems like being head housekeepr could put a crimp in the investigations.
December 30, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book, and here is my review. I would rate this book a 3.7 as it is a very good read, with a great story and great characters. This is the second book that I've read by this author, and I do enjoy her writing. For me, this book seemed just a bit rushed in parts, and at times it was challenging to keep all the characters and back story straight, but still worth the reading time. I'm so looking forward to reading more by this author, and more in this series. Ivy is an employee and friend that all of us are looking for in life. She continues in this book to work as a maid with her new friends, and a new friend named Kat is added to the list of characters which I expect to continue in future books. I love that Ivy's character is so anchored in humility, kindness and love. Pick up this book, it is worth a read!!!!
December 18, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by author Hazel Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed it. IRS rare to have a maid as the chief sleuth in a cozy and Ivy is perfect for this role. As a maid in a prestigious London hotel, she has access to the guests’ rooms which helps her collect clues. Together with her friends Elise, the desk clerk, Moira, the server, and Kat in maintenance, they make a formidable team.
The mystery was well developed with the murder victim having too many enemies. Figuring out just how she was killed at a murder mystery party was challenging. Once that was determined, figuring out who was the murderer was even more challenging. The plot was well developed with plenty of twists and surprises.
I enjoyed meeting these characters. Ivy and her friends are delightful. The secondary characters are interesting complete with their quirks. The animal characters are a nice addition.
I look forward to reading more of this series. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this delightful cozy.
The mystery was well developed with the murder victim having too many enemies. Figuring out just how she was killed at a murder mystery party was challenging. Once that was determined, figuring out who was the murderer was even more challenging. The plot was well developed with plenty of twists and surprises.
I enjoyed meeting these characters. Ivy and her friends are delightful. The secondary characters are interesting complete with their quirks. The animal characters are a nice addition.
I look forward to reading more of this series. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this delightful cozy.
November 27, 2023
This one wasn’t as fluid as the first book and I felt like the killings got too unrealistic in this one. 😅
I can’t quite say I want to continue onto the next book but we’ll see!
I can’t quite say I want to continue onto the next book but we’ll see!
February 15, 2025
3,75🌟🌟🌟
February 8, 2023
So glad you took time out of this murder book to teach your friend about Jesus
December 16, 2022
Author Hazel Smith has penned a super awesome cozy mystery, ” Deadly Diva”. ‘I would give this book 100/100. Fun, thrill, unexpected twists and turns, complete suspense until the end in this book, reminds me of my favorite author, Agatha Christie. I salute Hazel for such a powerful writing. When I first read her book “The Mystery Maid”, ‘I fell in love with all the characters. Ivy Stone is now one of my favorite lady sleuths. Ivy, Moira, Elise and Mrs. Becker are awesome characters. You can’t help but fall in love with them, even though Mrs. Becker is a taskmaster.
Ivy Stone, a maid at Hotel La Fontaine, catches her colleague, Diana, eavesdropping outside the hotel owner’s office. Aspen Hoar, a famous actress, is asking Mr. Humphrey, the hotel owner, to evict Jackson Day, another popular Hollywood actor and her ex-husband, out of the hotel . But Mr. Humphrey refuses to accept her demands and a furious Aspen walks out with her lawyer, Harper Wilson, in tow, followed by Nikolas Dimitri, her bodyguard.
Her friend, Moira, asks Ivy’s help to deliver food to suite #310 which turns out to be the private suite of Aspen Hoar, Ivy’s surprised to find her look like Aisling, who’s her half-sister, and a frail, old lady, Agatha, a former actress herself. Aisling invites her to attend Agatha’s themed birthday party and a staged murder mystery, to celebrate the occasion. Suddenly, Aspen bursts into their room searching for Jackson, whom she was told, is attending the party. And then, everything goes as per the plan, Jackson makes his gala entry with a fake pistol. The lights go off with gun shots being heard.
Unfortunately, Aspen Hoar dies in the firing. Jackson Day is arrested on the suspicion of murder. But his pistol is just a prop, so he couldn’t have killed her. Since people were already blocking the entrance, the killer couldn’t have entered or exited through the room.
But how was the murder committed? Ivy thinks Jackson is being framed for the murder but who is it and why?
Amidst the turn of events, another guest turns up at the hotel and Moira is scared out of her wits. Ivy is surprised to find Moira’s reaction to the entry of Finnegan ‘o’ Neill who’s flirting with Elise at the front desk. All the three friends are joined by a new member, Kat from the maintenance department, as they discover startling revelations on all the characters.
The list of suspects grow and there’s another twist in the tale with the murder of another suspect. Who died and why? Your nerves will tingle with excitement and thrill as Ivy and her friends are determined to catch a wily, scheming killer, before there could be more murder victims. This book will be available on Amazon on December 17, 2022. Grab your copy at the earliest. Trust me. This is an excellent
Ivy Stone, a maid at Hotel La Fontaine, catches her colleague, Diana, eavesdropping outside the hotel owner’s office. Aspen Hoar, a famous actress, is asking Mr. Humphrey, the hotel owner, to evict Jackson Day, another popular Hollywood actor and her ex-husband, out of the hotel . But Mr. Humphrey refuses to accept her demands and a furious Aspen walks out with her lawyer, Harper Wilson, in tow, followed by Nikolas Dimitri, her bodyguard.
Her friend, Moira, asks Ivy’s help to deliver food to suite #310 which turns out to be the private suite of Aspen Hoar, Ivy’s surprised to find her look like Aisling, who’s her half-sister, and a frail, old lady, Agatha, a former actress herself. Aisling invites her to attend Agatha’s themed birthday party and a staged murder mystery, to celebrate the occasion. Suddenly, Aspen bursts into their room searching for Jackson, whom she was told, is attending the party. And then, everything goes as per the plan, Jackson makes his gala entry with a fake pistol. The lights go off with gun shots being heard.
Unfortunately, Aspen Hoar dies in the firing. Jackson Day is arrested on the suspicion of murder. But his pistol is just a prop, so he couldn’t have killed her. Since people were already blocking the entrance, the killer couldn’t have entered or exited through the room.
But how was the murder committed? Ivy thinks Jackson is being framed for the murder but who is it and why?
Amidst the turn of events, another guest turns up at the hotel and Moira is scared out of her wits. Ivy is surprised to find Moira’s reaction to the entry of Finnegan ‘o’ Neill who’s flirting with Elise at the front desk. All the three friends are joined by a new member, Kat from the maintenance department, as they discover startling revelations on all the characters.
The list of suspects grow and there’s another twist in the tale with the murder of another suspect. Who died and why? Your nerves will tingle with excitement and thrill as Ivy and her friends are determined to catch a wily, scheming killer, before there could be more murder victims. This book will be available on Amazon on December 17, 2022. Grab your copy at the earliest. Trust me. This is an excellent
December 17, 2022
This is the third "cozy mystery" of Hazel Smith's that I have read and each time, I think I know "who did it" about halfway through and each time - nope... it was someone else in a way that I never would have thought! And always in a VERY cleverly concealed and surprising way! I appreciate that the author starts the book with the mystery nearly right away so the reading time is spent solving the crime, not with chapter after chapter leading up to "the good stuff" like most mysteries are. This book is in a "stand-alone" series - and for each book, the author does a great job including just the right amount of "background" of each character so the books don't have to be read in order to understand who's who and what's going on.
Ivy is a maid at an Upper-class, fancy hotel in London. Although she is dedicated to her job, she always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time which is right when the crime happens - and always right in front of her! As the reader, you are also right there when the crime happens so you see what she sees and you get to help solve the mystery! She finds clues in the oddest of places as well as some that are right there in front of everyone, but not noticed. Forget a "crime board"..Ivy bounces the clues off her fellow hotel employees and gets their thoughts to help solve the mystery. She keeps the police and the hotel security informed of what she learns. She also strikes up some great friendships and in this book - Kat is the new girl employee who seems a bit odd... wait - no spoilers here! Just read it and find out! In all three that I have read, I have been surprised at who turns out to be the culprit and also why! Deadly Diva is a really good book/story that you can relax with and read and enjoy instead of spending the next 3 months on the same book and hope you remember who did what to whom way back in Chapter 4!
Ivy is a maid at an Upper-class, fancy hotel in London. Although she is dedicated to her job, she always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time which is right when the crime happens - and always right in front of her! As the reader, you are also right there when the crime happens so you see what she sees and you get to help solve the mystery! She finds clues in the oddest of places as well as some that are right there in front of everyone, but not noticed. Forget a "crime board"..Ivy bounces the clues off her fellow hotel employees and gets their thoughts to help solve the mystery. She keeps the police and the hotel security informed of what she learns. She also strikes up some great friendships and in this book - Kat is the new girl employee who seems a bit odd... wait - no spoilers here! Just read it and find out! In all three that I have read, I have been surprised at who turns out to be the culprit and also why! Deadly Diva is a really good book/story that you can relax with and read and enjoy instead of spending the next 3 months on the same book and hope you remember who did what to whom way back in Chapter 4!
December 13, 2022
It’s going to be a crazy week at the Hotel LaFontaine. Two big Hollywood stars are guests, unfortunately for the staff the two stars happen to be bitter exes. Ivy doing a favor for a friend is delivering a room service meal before she clocks out for the night. It just happens to be the suite of the bitter actress Aspen Hoar and her family. Her sister is throwing their aunt a murder mystery birthday dinner while Aspen jets off to a socialite party. Or that was the plan anyways. Aspen shows up her ex Jackson Day pops out as the would be robber and victim, the lights go out and Aspen ends up dead for real. Ex husband suspect, a take on a locked door mystery, paparazzi shenanigans, possible mob connections and spy gadgets make for a confounding mystery, will the intrepid sleuths be able to unravel this one? Read on to find out!
A historic hotel filled with mysteries and some plucky young staff members and friends who work to solve them. This is a sweet cozy filled with plenty of action, twist and turns and a shocking ending you won’t see coming. I absolutely loved Ivy and her friends Moira, Elise and Kat. They keep you engaged in the story and make you wish you were a part of the group! A wonderful story and a very entertaining read!
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
A historic hotel filled with mysteries and some plucky young staff members and friends who work to solve them. This is a sweet cozy filled with plenty of action, twist and turns and a shocking ending you won’t see coming. I absolutely loved Ivy and her friends Moira, Elise and Kat. They keep you engaged in the story and make you wish you were a part of the group! A wonderful story and a very entertaining read!
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
December 17, 2022
This is the second in a series and although I hadn’t read the first one, I easily found myself drawn into the story. Ivy Stone, a maid at London’s prestigious Hotel LaFountaine finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery party gone deadly. To make matters worse, the victim is the famous Hollywood actress Aspen Hoar. As Ivy and her friends try to find the killer, they quickly discover Aspen had many enemies, including the Irish mob and her ex-husband, fellow actor Jackson Day. The plot thickens as one of the friends, Moria, clearly is keeping a secret from the group. While cleaning a flooded bathroom, Ivy makes a new friend, Kat, one of the maintenance hotel workers. Kat is often more comfortable in the boiler room than around people and there’s an air of mystery around this new found friend. Despite the secrets, the women put their heads together to find the missing pieces of this puzzle.
This is a light, fun, cozy mystery. I’m looking forward to going back to read the first one in the series and hope the series continues soon. There were clues during the book, with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although I didn’t catch the killer, I have discovered a new author I enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a light, fun, cozy mystery. I’m looking forward to going back to read the first one in the series and hope the series continues soon. There were clues during the book, with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although I didn’t catch the killer, I have discovered a new author I enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2022
Diva of Detection
Ivy Stone, amateur sleuth and maid extraordinaire at the LaFontaine luxury hotel in London, becomes the diva of detection in the second book, Deadly Diva, of A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series. She is a humble and likeable amateur sleuth who makes the reader feel as though you are one of her sleuthing posse. I can't say enough about this edition and the entire series! This is an un-put-a-downable book that can be read as a stand alone story. However, I recommend that you get the first book, Mystery Maid, and sign up for author Hazel Smith's newsletter to get the free prequel, Twisted Wedding. Each book builds on Ivy's life including her friendships, her furry companion, and a budding attraction to a handsome man. Each book in the series out does the other. I think Deadly Diva with it's references to Agatha Christie and an added friendship for Ivy is my new favorite. Ms. Smith has a way of building suspense that allows the reader to become invested in the mystery and the relationships she pens. I was given an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review. And I can honestly say you'll want to read this book because once you start reading it you won't want to stop…it's just that good!
Ivy Stone, amateur sleuth and maid extraordinaire at the LaFontaine luxury hotel in London, becomes the diva of detection in the second book, Deadly Diva, of A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series. She is a humble and likeable amateur sleuth who makes the reader feel as though you are one of her sleuthing posse. I can't say enough about this edition and the entire series! This is an un-put-a-downable book that can be read as a stand alone story. However, I recommend that you get the first book, Mystery Maid, and sign up for author Hazel Smith's newsletter to get the free prequel, Twisted Wedding. Each book builds on Ivy's life including her friendships, her furry companion, and a budding attraction to a handsome man. Each book in the series out does the other. I think Deadly Diva with it's references to Agatha Christie and an added friendship for Ivy is my new favorite. Ms. Smith has a way of building suspense that allows the reader to become invested in the mystery and the relationships she pens. I was given an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review. And I can honestly say you'll want to read this book because once you start reading it you won't want to stop…it's just that good!
December 21, 2022
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
Ivy Stone, a maid at the luxury Hotel LaFontaine in London, is excited about the arrival of famous American movie stars from Hollywood, as well as infamous members of the Irish Mob. The famous actress, Aspen Hoar, and her younger sister Aisling plan a birthday party for their Great Aunt Agatha, based on a novel by Agatha Christie. When this birthday party becomes the actual scene of a murder, Ivy gathers her friends: Elise who works at the front desk and Moira who works as a server in the hotel’s restaurant. Their investigative team has a new member, Kat, who works in the maintenance department. Working together they hope to solve the murder before the murderer kills again.
I enjoyed this second installment of the series. I read the previous book but it is not necessary since the author catches the reader up to who all the major characters are from the previous book. Again, I was delighted to find, in the back of the book, recipes of the dishes served in the Hotel LaFontaine’s dining room. I can see myself sitting down to a delicious cup of hot chocolate and reading the next installment of this series.
Ivy Stone, a maid at the luxury Hotel LaFontaine in London, is excited about the arrival of famous American movie stars from Hollywood, as well as infamous members of the Irish Mob. The famous actress, Aspen Hoar, and her younger sister Aisling plan a birthday party for their Great Aunt Agatha, based on a novel by Agatha Christie. When this birthday party becomes the actual scene of a murder, Ivy gathers her friends: Elise who works at the front desk and Moira who works as a server in the hotel’s restaurant. Their investigative team has a new member, Kat, who works in the maintenance department. Working together they hope to solve the murder before the murderer kills again.
I enjoyed this second installment of the series. I read the previous book but it is not necessary since the author catches the reader up to who all the major characters are from the previous book. Again, I was delighted to find, in the back of the book, recipes of the dishes served in the Hotel LaFontaine’s dining room. I can see myself sitting down to a delicious cup of hot chocolate and reading the next installment of this series.
December 13, 2022
Ivy is in a suite when the Hollywood actress diva shows up unannounced and moments later is killed.
It seems no one really liked her and the room is full of suspects. Ivy and her friends shift through the clues and Ivy finally discovers the clue that exposes the killer.
This is a cozy mystery which shows that when looking at a situation others can help out in seeing things or overhearing things which are vital to solving a crime!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for all who like cozy mysteries! If you like pets so much the better for our furry friends are present throughout to provide comfort while the girls consider the facts in the case.
This is ideal to read on a snowy blizzard day such as
what is going outside where I live right now. Just snuggle in with blankets and a warm fire and something to nibble on and let yourself be transported to London where this mystery takes place!
This is the second book in a series along with a prequel so why not sign up for the authors newsletter
and get the first book as well and get to know Ivy and her friends. It’s a series I think you’ll enjoy!
It seems no one really liked her and the room is full of suspects. Ivy and her friends shift through the clues and Ivy finally discovers the clue that exposes the killer.
This is a cozy mystery which shows that when looking at a situation others can help out in seeing things or overhearing things which are vital to solving a crime!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for all who like cozy mysteries! If you like pets so much the better for our furry friends are present throughout to provide comfort while the girls consider the facts in the case.
This is ideal to read on a snowy blizzard day such as
what is going outside where I live right now. Just snuggle in with blankets and a warm fire and something to nibble on and let yourself be transported to London where this mystery takes place!
This is the second book in a series along with a prequel so why not sign up for the authors newsletter
and get the first book as well and get to know Ivy and her friends. It’s a series I think you’ll enjoy!
December 17, 2022
Fabulous!!!! It's a new discovery for me but i could not put it down and now i just want more!!
It's a great cozy Mystery, Ivy is a maid but so much more it's funny, original and fresh. I really loved it and plan to start at the beginning of the series soon.
Ivy is a maid in a famous hôtel, she is hoping for a promotion in the future so she does her best and she is excellent at her job. Famous Hotel means that some celebrities are guests and with a award ceremony taking place a few days letter it's the time actors are staying there. Among them Aspen and her ex Jackson who were in a nasty divorce trial a few months before. The situation is explosive when Aspen exiges her ex to be expulsed...and just get worse when a murder takes place in suite 310.
Ivy and her friends will do their best to find the culprit while walking their dogs , for the peace in Lafontaine Hotel; the group will put all their talents together and solve the mystery since they can't count of the chief of security.
Really it was a perfect cozy mystery, i loved the ending ( it's not often good ones are rewarded a bit) , the humour, the pet and the light romance allusion. I just want more!!!
It's a great cozy Mystery, Ivy is a maid but so much more it's funny, original and fresh. I really loved it and plan to start at the beginning of the series soon.
Ivy is a maid in a famous hôtel, she is hoping for a promotion in the future so she does her best and she is excellent at her job. Famous Hotel means that some celebrities are guests and with a award ceremony taking place a few days letter it's the time actors are staying there. Among them Aspen and her ex Jackson who were in a nasty divorce trial a few months before. The situation is explosive when Aspen exiges her ex to be expulsed...and just get worse when a murder takes place in suite 310.
Ivy and her friends will do their best to find the culprit while walking their dogs , for the peace in Lafontaine Hotel; the group will put all their talents together and solve the mystery since they can't count of the chief of security.
Really it was a perfect cozy mystery, i loved the ending ( it's not often good ones are rewarded a bit) , the humour, the pet and the light romance allusion. I just want more!!!
December 12, 2022
This is a fun series. Ivy, a maid at the very upscale hotel, LaFontaine, works very hard at being a made with her eye on the supervisor's job. This book is a fantastic read that you just have to read it in one sitting. The characters are great and have become Ivy's friends, Moira, Elise and the newly joined Kat. Ivy had helped the police before with an investigation of a murder having been in the wrong place at the right time and this time, once again she is smack dab in the middle of a murder of a very unlikable actress staying with her entourage at the hotel. And we have her ex-husband, who won a divorce from her in a very public divorce, making the diva a persona non grata in the public eye. But they were both there for an awards ceremony. When the Diva is murdered, Ivy and her group of friend sleuths are on the case. With so many twists and turns and so many suspects including the Irish Mob and so many surprises, we are taken on a fun roller-coaster ride. I love this series and want more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
January 30, 2023
I really loved this second book a lot, just as much as the first one. Ivy and her pals added another employee named Kat to their little sleuthing and dog walking group. This was quite the crazy case involving some American stars, and how the shooting happened seemed impossible until mechanically and computer-minded Kat came up with the solution when she and Ivy happened to find the murder weapon.
I love that Max who owns the hotel has such a nice, laid-back attitude and genuinely appreciates his employees, not just the ones in higher positions either. I admire him for hanging out with Ivy and her friends to the point of taking his dog Lucy for walks when they do. Although they did have to squelch any case talk when he was there, lol.
The showdown was awesome! I love it when the perp's taken by surprise, literally too! Inspector Harper's a nice guy and always gives credit where it's due, well along with the required "don't get involved in future cases" spiel. Mrs. B even had some nice words for Ivy, imagine that! I can't wait to read the next book!
I love that Max who owns the hotel has such a nice, laid-back attitude and genuinely appreciates his employees, not just the ones in higher positions either. I admire him for hanging out with Ivy and her friends to the point of taking his dog Lucy for walks when they do. Although they did have to squelch any case talk when he was there, lol.
The showdown was awesome! I love it when the perp's taken by surprise, literally too! Inspector Harper's a nice guy and always gives credit where it's due, well along with the required "don't get involved in future cases" spiel. Mrs. B even had some nice words for Ivy, imagine that! I can't wait to read the next book!
December 17, 2022
There is a murder party at Aspen Hoar suite at the Hotel Lafontaine . Her sister had organised it in honour of their aunt who was a fan of Agatha Christie. A famous actor and ex-husband Jackson Day pretends to shoot but its Aspen who is shot and killed in front of her aunt Agatha Hoar and everyone else in the room. Ivy Stone was a witness too to this shooting. Aspen’s body- guard Nickolas accuses Jackson for the shooting. Inspector Clyburn was in charge of the case. The witnesses were Agatha Hoar the victims aunt and half sister look alike Aisling Hoar ,Darcy James her personal assistant, Harper Wilson her lawyer and Nickolas Dimitri her body-guard. Ivy discusses it with her two friends from the hotel Moira and Elise. Mr.Humphrey the owner and boss warns the girls to be careful. A very enjoyable read. I am on the ARC term and I leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
December 18, 2022
This is both a delightful and intriguing mystery. There is plenty of action, suspense, an unexpected development in the method of death, and plenty of furbabies to love on vicariously. The best part of the story for me is the camaraderie between the women who make up the amateur investigative team. They exemplify the true meaning of friendship and support. The characters here are realistic and relatable, not over-blown or outlandish. The dialogue feels natural, even though I must admit, between Moira's Irish slang and Kat's Cockney rhyming slang, there were times I was a bit lost. Luckily, it was never devastating and I could usually figure out what they meant through context. I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a fairly light-hearted, but conventional mystery. I can't wait for the next one.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
December 13, 2022
Deadly Diva by Hazel Smith is the second book in the A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book Series. This is such a fun mystery with loveable characters. Ivy, now working her dream job as a maid at La Fontaine, a luxury hotel in London, is in a famous actress's room during a mystery party. Right in front of everyone the lights go out and someone is shot. Ivy, being an amateur sleuth, decides to investigate. Her new friends that she works with are helping her. They run into several twists and turns. Ivy discovers that one of the friends is keeping a big secret. The animals are precious and a great addition to the story. This is a delightful read and leaves you wanting more. There are even recipes at the end. Hazel Smith has put out another winner. I received a free copy of this ARC from the author.
December 13, 2022
A deadly murder mystery dinner!
London’s prestigious Hotel LaFontaine is hosting a high-profile diva, her aunt and sister, and her even more popular ex-husband. When a murder occurs at the aunt’s murder mystery birthday party, Ivy and her co-worker friends are determined to solve the case. There are too many suspects and too few clues. It will put their sleuthing skills to the test if they are going to find the killer before bad publicity can taint their beloved hotel’s reputation.
This book is a fun cozy read. Ivy and Monty, her beautiful Great Dane, have a special relationship that adds a nice touch to the storyline. The supporting characters are very personable. Mrs. Becker is one of my favorites. I definitely want to try the Butter Chicken Curry recipe at the back of the book. It sounds delicious! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
London’s prestigious Hotel LaFontaine is hosting a high-profile diva, her aunt and sister, and her even more popular ex-husband. When a murder occurs at the aunt’s murder mystery birthday party, Ivy and her co-worker friends are determined to solve the case. There are too many suspects and too few clues. It will put their sleuthing skills to the test if they are going to find the killer before bad publicity can taint their beloved hotel’s reputation.
This book is a fun cozy read. Ivy and Monty, her beautiful Great Dane, have a special relationship that adds a nice touch to the storyline. The supporting characters are very personable. Mrs. Becker is one of my favorites. I definitely want to try the Butter Chicken Curry recipe at the back of the book. It sounds delicious! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
December 13, 2022
Ivy is back in the middle of a murder mystery while tending to her daily housekeeping duties at the fancy hotel. Her and her good friends try to figure out the murderer along several suspects staying at the hotel. Enjoy this cozy story with its delightful characters. The Hotel LaFontaine, one of London's finest, is the perfect setting for regular everyday people along with the rich and famous to come in contact. The author has done an excellent job of developing her main characters, all employees of the hotel, while introducing a new one, Kat, to add to the group of amateur slueths. Plus the hotel setting provides so many interesting opportunities for future stories. I look forward to more of them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 18, 2022
Hazel Smith is an accomplished cozey mystery murder writer and with this dramatic diva murder mystery it is easy to see how and why her notoriety has been accomplished. Her array of characters are so vibrant, charming and charismatic drawing you in wanting to know each and everyone's story, the intriguing, exciting and adventurous mystery entices you further while the plot takes your attention peeking your interest from the very beginning with the friendships , acquaintances and day to day goings on of a high caliber hotel makings for a delightful read keeping you turning page after page until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Deadly Diva " for intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
December 18, 2022
Ivy loves her job cleaning at Londons hotel LaFontaine Very high class place. She likes her friends she has made. It gets very interesting when an award show is going to happen soon and two big stars that just went through a bad divorce are both staying there. Even more so when she is in the room of one when there is a murder. She had help investigate crime before. This time she can’t figure out how someone in such short time could have pulled it off. Lots of suspects no way to link them to a murder weapon. This is well written her interaction with her friends as they all try to figure out the case. Plus their darling pets add to it. I received an arc for a honest review. Look forward to more books
December 12, 2022
Thank you to Hazel Smith for an ARC. This is my honest review and voluntary.
Such a fun, light, cozy mystery. I didn't read the first one, but it was fine as a stand-a-lone. I really enjoyed it!
I loved the friendship between Ivy, Moira, Elisé, and their new friend Kat and how they did their best to help solve the crime. The friends worked hard at looking at the clues and following the leads while working at the hotel. Especially Ivy who had access to the room where the murder took place. Amateur sleuths to the rescue! I definitely will be going back to read the first one. Hazel is a new author to me and am so glad I found her and her books!
Such a fun, light, cozy mystery. I didn't read the first one, but it was fine as a stand-a-lone. I really enjoyed it!
I loved the friendship between Ivy, Moira, Elisé, and their new friend Kat and how they did their best to help solve the crime. The friends worked hard at looking at the clues and following the leads while working at the hotel. Especially Ivy who had access to the room where the murder took place. Amateur sleuths to the rescue! I definitely will be going back to read the first one. Hazel is a new author to me and am so glad I found her and her books!
December 12, 2022
This was a fun and engaging book. Ivy Stone, a maid at the posh LaFontaine hotel in London, is once more investigating a murder which occurred at the hotel. Movie star, Aspen Hoar , has been shot to death in one of the hotel's rooms. Ivy gets help investigating from her friends and fellow hotel employees, Adele and Moira as well as new friend and hotel employee, Kat. Then, Darcy James, Aspen 's assistant, is poisoned to death in the hotel. The secret that Moira has been keeping is also revealed in the book. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers. I received this book as an ARC, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
December 14, 2022
What a delightful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Who knew that so much hijinks could go on at a hotel. After Ivy takes food up to the room of one of the guests, a very disgruntled and angry hollywood star storms in the room demanding to know where her ex-husband is (off with his head!!). In the end, there is a murder (or two) and as luck would have it, Ivy is able to figure out who-dun-it. I really enjoyed this book.
I was given this book and asked for an honest review. I would totally recommend this book to all who are looking for a light read and one that will grab your attention and keep it throughout the entire book.
I was given this book and asked for an honest review. I would totally recommend this book to all who are looking for a light read and one that will grab your attention and keep it throughout the entire book.
December 16, 2022
Ivy Stone is so much more than “just a maid”. She is a loyal friend, a dog owner, and a bit of a sleuth (even though she’s not convinced of this last fact). She’s the kind of character that I would like to know in real life.
I love how the author weaves a murder mystery with a main character who doesn’t have a mean or dishonest bone in her body. That doesn’t mean that the book is boring or predictable— far from it! There are lots of twists and turns that you won’t see coming. And when the murder is finally solved, Ivy isn’t necessarily out of danger! You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. You won’t be disappointed!
I love how the author weaves a murder mystery with a main character who doesn’t have a mean or dishonest bone in her body. That doesn’t mean that the book is boring or predictable— far from it! There are lots of twists and turns that you won’t see coming. And when the murder is finally solved, Ivy isn’t necessarily out of danger! You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. You won’t be disappointed!
December 17, 2022
When a recently divorced, high profile couple find that they are both staying at the luxurious Hotel LaFontaine the ex-wife makes it known that she is unhappy, which makes everyone around her unhappy. When, maid Ivy Stone finds herself in a suite a planned murder mystery in the room goes terribly wrong when one of the guests is killed. When the lights suddenly go out, no one sees who the killer is. That has never stopped Ivy from investigating the death herself along with her friends and coworkers Elise, Moira and Kat. This terrific and entertaining series is a wonderful escape and thoroughly enjoyable. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
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