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A Desert Flowers Mystery #5
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star
The Golden Girls meets Remington Steel in Lee Hollis's sixth mystery set in a Palm Springs retirement community, featuring retiree-turned-PI Poppy Harmon and her Desert Flowers Detective Agency!
Poppy never planned on speaking to her old acting rival Serena Saunders again, let alone accepting her as a client. But familiar drama barges back into her life when Serena requests an urgent background check on Ned Boyce, her fiancé, before tying the knot. And the flighty film star is behaving out of character by wishing to start over with Poppy—this time as friends . . .
Wealthy, connected, and the owner of a breathtaking mountaintop home, Ned seems like the most unlikely private investigation subject in Palm Springs. Poppy no sooner thinks she’s nailed down her latest assignment than Serena is caught holding a smoking gun over a stranger’s dead body . . .
With Serena claiming self-defense and the wedding fast approaching, the Desert Flowers team must summon their showbiz talents to expose the truth about the unknown victim. But as her former enemy finds herself in another devastating position, only Poppy can determine who’s innocent and who’s ready to smile for their mug shot . . .
Poppy never planned on speaking to her old acting rival Serena Saunders again, let alone accepting her as a client. But familiar drama barges back into her life when Serena requests an urgent background check on Ned Boyce, her fiancé, before tying the knot. And the flighty film star is behaving out of character by wishing to start over with Poppy—this time as friends . . .
Wealthy, connected, and the owner of a breathtaking mountaintop home, Ned seems like the most unlikely private investigation subject in Palm Springs. Poppy no sooner thinks she’s nailed down her latest assignment than Serena is caught holding a smoking gun over a stranger’s dead body . . .
With Serena claiming self-defense and the wedding fast approaching, the Desert Flowers team must summon their showbiz talents to expose the truth about the unknown victim. But as her former enemy finds herself in another devastating position, only Poppy can determine who’s innocent and who’s ready to smile for their mug shot . . .
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
21 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hollis
51 books822 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 23, 2023
Loved this addition to the Poppy Harmon series! It was so much fun....and the series gets better and better! I love to see a group of older characters kicking butt!
Y'all cozy lovers need to check this series out!
Y'all cozy lovers need to check this series out!
May 23, 2023
This cozy series set in Palm Springs, California is great for its' use of ladies of a certain age as the heroine and supporting characters. Desert Flowers Poppy, Iris and Violet are wonderful characters, but having a beefcake, Matt, thrown in is just the cherry on top. Oh, I need to mention the tall, dark and mysterious boyfriend, Sam, he needs a lot more page space, he didn't get nearly enough this time around. But I am very hopeful we will see a lot more of him in the future. The plot was a little on the twisty side and just when you think it's all over - it isn't.
When Serena Saunders shows up at the Desert Flowers Detective Agency garage, Poppy is not at all happy. Serena and Poppy have been rivals from way back in the day and when Serena wants Poppy to investigate her fiancé, Ned Boyce, Poppy wants to say no. But a paying client is a paying client and Poppy takes the case. Serena just wants a background check and to know if Ned is solvent before she marries him.
What Poppy finds surprises both her and Serena and in a very, very good way. With the wedding a go, Serena wants to bury the hatchet and be friends with Poppy, who reluctantly agrees only to receive a midnight call from Serena and finds her with a dead body. Is there a reason Serena needed to shoot the intruder three times?
With the shooting ruled self-defense, the wedding is on, and Serena and her groom are ecstatic, but Poppy is not satisfied and the deeper she digs the more bizarre this case becomes. But another midnight call and another body put Poppy in yet another awkward position leaving her no choice but to continue to investigate and uncover the true villain in this ripped from the made for television script masquerading as real life. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When Serena Saunders shows up at the Desert Flowers Detective Agency garage, Poppy is not at all happy. Serena and Poppy have been rivals from way back in the day and when Serena wants Poppy to investigate her fiancé, Ned Boyce, Poppy wants to say no. But a paying client is a paying client and Poppy takes the case. Serena just wants a background check and to know if Ned is solvent before she marries him.
What Poppy finds surprises both her and Serena and in a very, very good way. With the wedding a go, Serena wants to bury the hatchet and be friends with Poppy, who reluctantly agrees only to receive a midnight call from Serena and finds her with a dead body. Is there a reason Serena needed to shoot the intruder three times?
With the shooting ruled self-defense, the wedding is on, and Serena and her groom are ecstatic, but Poppy is not satisfied and the deeper she digs the more bizarre this case becomes. But another midnight call and another body put Poppy in yet another awkward position leaving her no choice but to continue to investigate and uncover the true villain in this ripped from the made for television script masquerading as real life. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 30, 2023
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star is Lee Hollis newest addition to the Desert Flower Mystery series. And, if you have yet to read the first of the five books, don't worry, each book is a great stand alone cozy mystery. Actually I started reading the series out of sequence myself and liked them so much I stopped and went to the beginning to read them all. That first time when the warmth, slight comedy, and the unique mysteries emerged, I was taken back to memories of when I was young. It didn't surprise me to find out the author of these cozies wrote for the Golden Girls, at times, a show I watched every weekend night with my grandmother. Go figure, that what I felt with the books was so much like I felt watching the show.
Poppy Harmon, the feisty older private investigator is back again and this time the mysteries (several usually always emerge in a book) revolve around a woman who made a rival out of Poppy in their shared heyday while acting, Serena Saunders. Serena has made some cameo appearances in some of the other books in the series and the two, despite their past, have forged an “almost” friendship. However I always believe that Poppy questions the sincerity of Serena.
This time Serena has asked Poppy to investigate her fiance, and after, the cascade of cases for Poppy begins, all with Serena involved in them. Whether the soon to be wed is killing someone herself or claims to have found the body, as the dead begin to pile up around Serena, Poppy discovers more about her old rival then she may be prepared for. But what is real, that Poppy is seeing, and what is Serena acting about? Or, is all this death just Serena Saunders bad luck?
Throughout all this the most surprising thing to Poppy is that she and Serena really do get along well and could possibly have a great friendship. But, then, there is their past and, because of that, this all could be a ruse from Serena to pull the wool over Poppy’s eyes so that she can get away with multiple murders? Or, is there someone after Serena, someone who wants something from her that she may not even know she has? But, since Poppy is on the case, in the end, we know she will get her villian, whoever they may be.
Finally readers of the Desert Flower Mystery series get to know Serena Saunders and, by the end of the book, will know her true nature. Is she as horrible as Poppy remembers her? And, since she and Poppy have rekindled their friendship little by little since the beginning of the series, was all of it sincere? Is Serena the cold hearted woman who snubbed Poppy every time they were on a set together, even when they were never competing against one another? Is she the puppet master of everything now, or maybe just some of it? And, if Poppy finds that Serena is behind any of the mysteries she has to solve, many of them murders, will she be able to prove it? Especially if it means getting Serena to admit what she did, something wrong. Because when it comes to Serena Saunders, nothing she does is wrong or unjust.
Plus, Poppy begins to have some relationship problems, when Sam begins to pull away more and more. When she sees him buy an expensive necklace and, hoping that she will get it for her birthday, receives a scarf instead, Poppy begins to question everything about the man she loves. After all, she didn't know her husband would leave her in the poor house, having gambled away all their money before he passed away abruptly. What is going on with Sam? Will Poppy be able to have a level head as she faces off, once again in life, against Serena Saunders?
Poppy Harmon, the feisty older private investigator is back again and this time the mysteries (several usually always emerge in a book) revolve around a woman who made a rival out of Poppy in their shared heyday while acting, Serena Saunders. Serena has made some cameo appearances in some of the other books in the series and the two, despite their past, have forged an “almost” friendship. However I always believe that Poppy questions the sincerity of Serena.
This time Serena has asked Poppy to investigate her fiance, and after, the cascade of cases for Poppy begins, all with Serena involved in them. Whether the soon to be wed is killing someone herself or claims to have found the body, as the dead begin to pile up around Serena, Poppy discovers more about her old rival then she may be prepared for. But what is real, that Poppy is seeing, and what is Serena acting about? Or, is all this death just Serena Saunders bad luck?
Throughout all this the most surprising thing to Poppy is that she and Serena really do get along well and could possibly have a great friendship. But, then, there is their past and, because of that, this all could be a ruse from Serena to pull the wool over Poppy’s eyes so that she can get away with multiple murders? Or, is there someone after Serena, someone who wants something from her that she may not even know she has? But, since Poppy is on the case, in the end, we know she will get her villian, whoever they may be.
Finally readers of the Desert Flower Mystery series get to know Serena Saunders and, by the end of the book, will know her true nature. Is she as horrible as Poppy remembers her? And, since she and Poppy have rekindled their friendship little by little since the beginning of the series, was all of it sincere? Is Serena the cold hearted woman who snubbed Poppy every time they were on a set together, even when they were never competing against one another? Is she the puppet master of everything now, or maybe just some of it? And, if Poppy finds that Serena is behind any of the mysteries she has to solve, many of them murders, will she be able to prove it? Especially if it means getting Serena to admit what she did, something wrong. Because when it comes to Serena Saunders, nothing she does is wrong or unjust.
Plus, Poppy begins to have some relationship problems, when Sam begins to pull away more and more. When she sees him buy an expensive necklace and, hoping that she will get it for her birthday, receives a scarf instead, Poppy begins to question everything about the man she loves. After all, she didn't know her husband would leave her in the poor house, having gambled away all their money before he passed away abruptly. What is going on with Sam? Will Poppy be able to have a level head as she faces off, once again in life, against Serena Saunders?
October 19, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This novel e-book is from my local library. Book five of five in the series.
Poppy takes on a case too prove that a fiance to a fellow actor is not after her money. It turns out that he is a billionaire. But then he dies on the night 🌙 of the honeymoon 🌙. Is it murder? Why? It turns out that a painting Is an original by a famous painter. Poppy and her teams investigation leads to the unexpected truth and arrested for the murderer.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery pulp fiction novels 👍🔰.
I have listened 🎶 to all of Lee Hollis series and not been disappointed. Now onward to cleaning up ☝ the rest of series I have started.
Good luck with the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to books.
This novel e-book is from my local library. Book five of five in the series.
Poppy takes on a case too prove that a fiance to a fellow actor is not after her money. It turns out that he is a billionaire. But then he dies on the night 🌙 of the honeymoon 🌙. Is it murder? Why? It turns out that a painting Is an original by a famous painter. Poppy and her teams investigation leads to the unexpected truth and arrested for the murderer.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery pulp fiction novels 👍🔰.
I have listened 🎶 to all of Lee Hollis series and not been disappointed. Now onward to cleaning up ☝ the rest of series I have started.
Good luck with the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to books.
May 12, 2023
Poppy is getting acquainted with her old acting nemesis, but nothing is what she thought it would be. They weren’t friends when they were both in the same shows, but Serena regrets this and wants to make amends. However, when Murder becomes the star of the show, all bets are off, or are they? Poppy wants to believe Serena and finds that she wants to be friends, but she just isn’t sure she can trust her. When one murder turns into two, she knows something is off, and it looks like Serena might be a killer or a victim.
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star is the first Poppy Harmon book I have read. I enjoy many of the characters and the descriptions of the relationships. Having an acting career is a great background for the main character; it gives this cozy originality. The Desert Flower PI team is terrific and entertaining and makes for some interesting situations. Readers will not know who the killer is immediately; with the varied and motive-driven suspects, along with evidence that jumps up to bite you when you least expect it, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The reveal of the killer has plenty of twists and turns, and even though the reader is led in a specific direction, Poppy seems to keep finding new avenues to explore. But in the end, her acting skills allow her to keep the killer from getting away with murder. I enjoyed this book but needed to read the others in the series to understand who Poppy is and the background of the PI firm. I didn’t feel I had a grasp on who the main characters were, so a little background would have made this book more enjoyable for me. But it was still interesting, and I recommend it to cozy readers.
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star is the first Poppy Harmon book I have read. I enjoy many of the characters and the descriptions of the relationships. Having an acting career is a great background for the main character; it gives this cozy originality. The Desert Flower PI team is terrific and entertaining and makes for some interesting situations. Readers will not know who the killer is immediately; with the varied and motive-driven suspects, along with evidence that jumps up to bite you when you least expect it, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The reveal of the killer has plenty of twists and turns, and even though the reader is led in a specific direction, Poppy seems to keep finding new avenues to explore. But in the end, her acting skills allow her to keep the killer from getting away with murder. I enjoyed this book but needed to read the others in the series to understand who Poppy is and the background of the PI firm. I didn’t feel I had a grasp on who the main characters were, so a little background would have made this book more enjoyable for me. But it was still interesting, and I recommend it to cozy readers.
June 8, 2023
While I enjoyed spending time with Poppy, Iris, Violet, Matt and the genius Wyatt [is this kid EVER in school? LOL], and after really enjoying the previous book, this one just was a meh read for me. Poppy and Sam and their inability to have a conversation when one is needed, Poppy's willingness to "forgive and forget" [HMPH], a VERY transparent mystery and then a side mystery that was also pretty easy to see through and ultimately 2 reveals that were so tepid I wished I could warm them up in the microwave...it just was, overall, a close to below-average read. There were some moments of humor and that is really what kept this from being a 2 star read for me. And that end? Really? I may have sprained my eyes rolling them so hard. I can only hope that the next one is back to being the books that I have really grown to love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Hollis, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Hollis, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2023
Poppy Harmon has problems. A former acting rival "frenemy" asks for her help,, her significant other, Sam, is acting strange, Iris and Violet aren't happy with their new client and Poppy may be in a killer's target. All in a day's work for the Desert Flower Detective Agency!
The book moves a little slow in the first chapter or two, but once it gets going, you won't want to put it down. There are twists and turns, red herrings and an ending that I wasn't expecting! I enjoyed the mystery and the supporting characters were fun, but less featured in this book. There was mystery, humor, heartbreak, deceit, and it all worked to create a story you'll love!
I received an ARC from, NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The book moves a little slow in the first chapter or two, but once it gets going, you won't want to put it down. There are twists and turns, red herrings and an ending that I wasn't expecting! I enjoyed the mystery and the supporting characters were fun, but less featured in this book. There was mystery, humor, heartbreak, deceit, and it all worked to create a story you'll love!
I received an ARC from, NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 8, 2023
3.5 stars it was nice to be back with Poppy, Matt, IRS, and the gang. An enemy from the past asks for help in investigating her future husband and thus begins a wild adventure in murder and betrayals. Serena is an enemy, back in Poppy life seemingly to make up and “become friends”. Serena is not a nice person and was pretty mean to Poppy in the past when they started on a movie together. When Serena is found over a dead body the team investigates and when another body pops is, well it’s a bit to coincidental. Poppy is reminded that Serena is an actress but for some reason her detective brain takes a vacation and she’s convinced Serena has nothing to do with either deaths … that is… until some pretty damning evidence Poppy can’t ignore comes to light. Now between stings, murals worth millions, a boyfriend not acting himself lately (don’t people talk anymore), blackmail plots, the team finally gets its act together to catch a killer or two.
November 25, 2023
I love finding a new series to read!
I typically like to read the books of a series in order but trusted some reviews that said I could read this one without having read any of the others yet.
I think they were right. I don’t think it took away from this story that I hadn’t read any before this one, so I’ll know for sure after I read a few more.
A fun, intriguing story with likeable characters snd it did keep me guessing until close to the end.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. Well done!
Thankyou to Author Lee Hollis, Netgalley and Kensington Cozies publishers for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
I typically like to read the books of a series in order but trusted some reviews that said I could read this one without having read any of the others yet.
I think they were right. I don’t think it took away from this story that I hadn’t read any before this one, so I’ll know for sure after I read a few more.
A fun, intriguing story with likeable characters snd it did keep me guessing until close to the end.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. Well done!
Thankyou to Author Lee Hollis, Netgalley and Kensington Cozies publishers for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
May 26, 2023
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star (A Desert Flowers Mystery, #5) by Lee Hollis is published by Kensington Books and has an expected publication date of May 23, 2023. When actress Serena Saunders hires the Desert Flowers Detective Agency, Poppy Harmon is shocked that her nemesis is being so friendly. Does Serena have an ulterior motive?
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star (A Desert Flowers Mystery, #5) by Lee Hollis. I was thrilled to be approved to receive a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I've read a few books by Lee Hollis that are in his other series and enjoyed them immensely, and this newest book in his A Desert Flowers Mystery was just as entertaining as the other books I've read by this author. Unlike his other series, Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star had several plots throughout the story. As soon as one scenario was wrapped up, another one was introduced. However, all the storylines tied together at the end of the novel, and I predicted who the culprit was.
Although it was predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I'd like to go back and read the series from book one. I didn't feel like I missed out by starting the series with the fifth book because the author did a phenomenal job at giving the reader plenty of background of all the characters.
Four out of five stars is what I gave Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star (A Desert Flowers Mystery, #5) by Lee Hollis.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star (A Desert Flowers Mystery, #5) by Lee Hollis. I was thrilled to be approved to receive a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I've read a few books by Lee Hollis that are in his other series and enjoyed them immensely, and this newest book in his A Desert Flowers Mystery was just as entertaining as the other books I've read by this author. Unlike his other series, Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star had several plots throughout the story. As soon as one scenario was wrapped up, another one was introduced. However, all the storylines tied together at the end of the novel, and I predicted who the culprit was.
Although it was predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I'd like to go back and read the series from book one. I didn't feel like I missed out by starting the series with the fifth book because the author did a phenomenal job at giving the reader plenty of background of all the characters.
Four out of five stars is what I gave Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star (A Desert Flowers Mystery, #5) by Lee Hollis.
July 16, 2023
Poppu Harmon is surprised when Serena Saunders wants to hire her detective agency to do a background check on her new fiance. She and Serena had been feuding divas back in the old Hollywood days, and Serena had burned all the bridges between them. Poppy and her crew find out that the fiancee, Ned, is even wealthier than Serena dreamed, but there are the rumors about his second wife's accidental death. Then Serene is found having shot an intruder into her house. But the wedding goes on, and the honeymoon hasn't even started when Ned dies of poison, leaving Serena the main suspect. Poppy is the only one who believes Serena is innocent, but can she prove it? And if she can prove it, what's the next twist in the story? Despite some clever plotting, I didn't care for the writing style.
June 12, 2023
Poppy's longtime rival has shown up and asked the girls to investigate her soon to be husband and make sure everything is on the up and up with him. The group agrees and wonders if there is something behind Serena's need.to be friends all of a sudden. They don't find anything that should keep Serena from marrying Ned and Poppy thinks that is the end of it. When Serena shoots someone in self defense she immediately asks for Poppy's help. The wedding happens and the groom ends up dead not long after. Poppy and the gang decide to dive in to figure out just what is going on and who is the real bad guy in the end!
November 25, 2023
I love finding a new series to read!
I typically like to read the books of a series in order but trusted some reviews that said I could read this one without having read any of the others yet.
I think they were right. I don’t think it took away from this story that I hadn’t read any before this one, so I’ll know for sure after I read a few more.
A fun, intriguing story with likeable characters snd it did keep me guessing until close to the end.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. Well done!
Thankyou to Author Lee Hollis, Netgalley and Kensington Cozies publishers for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
I typically like to read the books of a series in order but trusted some reviews that said I could read this one without having read any of the others yet.
I think they were right. I don’t think it took away from this story that I hadn’t read any before this one, so I’ll know for sure after I read a few more.
A fun, intriguing story with likeable characters snd it did keep me guessing until close to the end.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. Well done!
Thankyou to Author Lee Hollis, Netgalley and Kensington Cozies publishers for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
May 25, 2023
I adore all of Lee Hollis' mystery series and read them regularly on their release day. This one was enjoyable but the plot was so ridiculous I had to dock a star. I am not sure in what world someone thinks their BFF would just give them their multimillion dollar house?
The Desert Flowers Detection Agency gets a new client, Poppy's nemesis from long ago, Serena Saunders. She is getting married and wants the agency to vet her fiancé. What seems like a simple background check turns into a case of multiple murders and Hollywood gossip. Poppy never lets a good mystery get away from her and is duped by Serena into getting her out of a sticky situation that turns out to be of her own making.
I love all the characters in this series. Iris is my favorite and unfortunately she didn't get much face time in this book. There are a lot of twists and turns in this mystery and as mentioned, it got a little sketchy towards the end in the real reality of things. That doesn't preclude me from eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!
My thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC
The Desert Flowers Detection Agency gets a new client, Poppy's nemesis from long ago, Serena Saunders. She is getting married and wants the agency to vet her fiancé. What seems like a simple background check turns into a case of multiple murders and Hollywood gossip. Poppy never lets a good mystery get away from her and is duped by Serena into getting her out of a sticky situation that turns out to be of her own making.
I love all the characters in this series. Iris is my favorite and unfortunately she didn't get much face time in this book. There are a lot of twists and turns in this mystery and as mentioned, it got a little sketchy towards the end in the real reality of things. That doesn't preclude me from eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!
My thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC
June 1, 2023
I really enjoy this series. Even though the amateur sleuth is older, she is far from syrupy sweet as other older sleuths are portrayed. Poppy is smart and her partners are hilarious. The mysteries are well plotted and full of action. I was very surprised at the ending; I did not see that coming. Highly recommended for those who need a break from the 30-something MCs in most cozy mysteries.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
May 6, 2023
Wow. This mystery was fantastic. The details of the mysteries, the clues and who the killer was. This is the 5th book in the series but my first. I was able to read it as a standalone. I really enjoyed following clues with Poppy. I will definitely need to go back to the beginning of the series. I'm excited to see what happens next for Poppy.
June 4, 2023
Read this review on Fresh Fiction
Poppy and the gang can’t be more surprised when her old acting rival, Serena Saunders shows up, asking her to investigate her fiancé, Ned before they tie the knot. However, an interesting twist occurs when Serena is caught holding a smoking gun over a dead body. Now it’s up to Poppy and the rest of the Desert Flowers team to find out if Serena is really a friend or foe.
As a Lee Hollis fan, I always look forward to the next book of this series. I thought the interaction and history of Serena and Poppy was very unique and certainly brought a lot of intrigue to the novel. Having Serena in this book definitely shook things up and provided the perfect plot for this mystery.
Hollis’s writing is easy-to-follow, but the plot still keeps you on your toes. Even when the killer is revealed, Poppy’s acting definitely makes this different than some of the other books that you’ll typically read. The acting theme really does make this entire series stand out.
POPPY HARMON AND THE SHOOTING STAR is a great book for readers who want to try the Cozy Mystery genre but don’t really know where to start. There are a lot of likeable characters in this series, so there’s a lot of fun to be had with the Desert Flowers team.
Poppy and the gang can’t be more surprised when her old acting rival, Serena Saunders shows up, asking her to investigate her fiancé, Ned before they tie the knot. However, an interesting twist occurs when Serena is caught holding a smoking gun over a dead body. Now it’s up to Poppy and the rest of the Desert Flowers team to find out if Serena is really a friend or foe.
As a Lee Hollis fan, I always look forward to the next book of this series. I thought the interaction and history of Serena and Poppy was very unique and certainly brought a lot of intrigue to the novel. Having Serena in this book definitely shook things up and provided the perfect plot for this mystery.
Hollis’s writing is easy-to-follow, but the plot still keeps you on your toes. Even when the killer is revealed, Poppy’s acting definitely makes this different than some of the other books that you’ll typically read. The acting theme really does make this entire series stand out.
POPPY HARMON AND THE SHOOTING STAR is a great book for readers who want to try the Cozy Mystery genre but don’t really know where to start. There are a lot of likeable characters in this series, so there’s a lot of fun to be had with the Desert Flowers team.
January 23, 2023
I really enjoy this series. The main characters are likeable. Poppy, Iris and Violet are older women who run a detective agency. They also employ a younger would-be actor as the face of the agency and occasional helper. This story concerns two murders and some blackmail. There are a few unexpected plot twists that really add to the story. I look forward to the next one in the series.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
March 5, 2023
The writing duo Lee Hollis has done it again. Although not my favorite series from them, the plots are always fun with depth to them and hold my attention. Poppy Harmon and friends Iris and Violet make up the Desert Flower Detective Agency with an assist from handsome Matt, an actor and former boyfriend of Poppy's daughter Heather. Since no one wanted to utilize a detective agency made up of senior citizens, which Poppy, Iris, and Violet are, Matt became the public face of the agency. His acting career seems to be taking off but he genuinely seems to enjoy hanging out with the senior ladies and lending a hand or utilizing his acting skills when needed.
All are a bit stunned, however, when Poppy's old acting nemesis, Serena, shows up and wants to hire them. Poppy more than the rest since she'd found Serena a venomous rival and had said Serena was one of the only people in Hollywood that she genuinely despised. But, seems Serena is getting married .... again .... and wants Poppy to look into her potential new husband's background before the wedding takes place. Reluctantly, Poppy agrees to take the case. That's when things get really, umm, well, interesting doesn't quite cover it. I won't detail the plot more than to simply say it's way more complex than the box blurb might have you think. And, of course, there is a murder or two to be solved.
So, is Serena on the level? She's sure flirty, even with young Matt. It's a bit of a whirl-wind romance and wedding, true, but is she genuinely unaware of Ned's wealth and the rumors that swirl around him? How do Violet's pool shark skills come in handy? What's going on with Sam, Poppy's boyfriend? Is Ned the nice guy he appears on the surface? Would Serena marry him if he was poor? Who was that unknown man? Friend or foe?
Why....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Despite a slow to me start, this one grabbed my full attention as it went on. I must also confess that I didn't quite see the dramatic ending coming. You'll enjoy guessing along, especially with all the movie talk and name dropping, mostly from Serena. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me drop in and enjoy the sleuthing, not to mention the twist in Poppy's personal life.
All are a bit stunned, however, when Poppy's old acting nemesis, Serena, shows up and wants to hire them. Poppy more than the rest since she'd found Serena a venomous rival and had said Serena was one of the only people in Hollywood that she genuinely despised. But, seems Serena is getting married .... again .... and wants Poppy to look into her potential new husband's background before the wedding takes place. Reluctantly, Poppy agrees to take the case. That's when things get really, umm, well, interesting doesn't quite cover it. I won't detail the plot more than to simply say it's way more complex than the box blurb might have you think. And, of course, there is a murder or two to be solved.
So, is Serena on the level? She's sure flirty, even with young Matt. It's a bit of a whirl-wind romance and wedding, true, but is she genuinely unaware of Ned's wealth and the rumors that swirl around him? How do Violet's pool shark skills come in handy? What's going on with Sam, Poppy's boyfriend? Is Ned the nice guy he appears on the surface? Would Serena marry him if he was poor? Who was that unknown man? Friend or foe?
Why....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Despite a slow to me start, this one grabbed my full attention as it went on. I must also confess that I didn't quite see the dramatic ending coming. You'll enjoy guessing along, especially with all the movie talk and name dropping, mostly from Serena. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me drop in and enjoy the sleuthing, not to mention the twist in Poppy's personal life.
December 18, 2022
Poppy's arch-nemesis from her acting days, Serena Saunders, has decided to bury the hatchet deep, asking for Desert Flowers to help make sure she's not making a terrible mistake in marrying for the fifth time (or is it the sixth? Who can keep track?) Though Serena hasn't changed much, Poppy feels sorry for the woman and the two become close. Fortunately for Desert Flowers's bottom line, there are plenty of mysteries for the ladies to solve as Serena's life crumbles around her with first a break-in, then an untimely death, followed by mysterious apparitions, and even that barely scratches the surface!
I love Lee Hollis and despite the fact that this is probably my least favorite Lee Hollis series, it's still one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Poppy is my favorite kind of character, she's taken some punches in life but she's not let it get her down. I also personally love reading about characters who later in life (and by later I mean not right out of school in their teens or twenties) discover their calling and find a career or mission that they're passionate about. The other "girls" in the agency are fun and I love Matt, this sweet, affable guy who has a budding career but still loves hanging out with these ladies and always plays an integral part in solving the cases while also protecting them from having to go into any really dangerous situations without his muscle for back up.
Another thing I really like about this series is that the mystery always has several layers. Just when you think you've figured out what's going on, some hitch comes up and you find out there's a whole other mystery going on that you hadn't even realized. I can usually figure out some part of the mystery but the end of this book was a big surprise, though it probably should have been obvious from the very beginning.
If you haven't read anything by Lee Hollis, check out the Hayley Powell series and if you've read those and enjoyed them you definitely want to check out this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I love Lee Hollis and despite the fact that this is probably my least favorite Lee Hollis series, it's still one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Poppy is my favorite kind of character, she's taken some punches in life but she's not let it get her down. I also personally love reading about characters who later in life (and by later I mean not right out of school in their teens or twenties) discover their calling and find a career or mission that they're passionate about. The other "girls" in the agency are fun and I love Matt, this sweet, affable guy who has a budding career but still loves hanging out with these ladies and always plays an integral part in solving the cases while also protecting them from having to go into any really dangerous situations without his muscle for back up.
Another thing I really like about this series is that the mystery always has several layers. Just when you think you've figured out what's going on, some hitch comes up and you find out there's a whole other mystery going on that you hadn't even realized. I can usually figure out some part of the mystery but the end of this book was a big surprise, though it probably should have been obvious from the very beginning.
If you haven't read anything by Lee Hollis, check out the Hayley Powell series and if you've read those and enjoyed them you definitely want to check out this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 15, 2023
Poppy, Iris and Violet have a new case and more than a few reservation about their client. When Serena Saunders walks through the door of the Desert Flower Detective Agency to hire Poppy to do a background check on her future husband, Poppy wants to run fast in the opposite direction. She and Serena would not be the definition of friends.
Poppy retired from acting to become a PI with Iris and Violet but found that there were few jobs for mature women PIs. Now Desert Flowers has plenty of work - they hired a young actor friend to act as the face of the agency. This case tests her desire to continue as a PI. Then the bodies show up with the first one form fitted to be put on Serena. I won't say any more so I don't commit spoilers.
Spending time with Poppy, Iris, Violet and Matt is always fun and never, ever boring. Their cases are twisty and unpredictable spiced with humor. These mature ladies are a force to be reckoned with.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Poppy retired from acting to become a PI with Iris and Violet but found that there were few jobs for mature women PIs. Now Desert Flowers has plenty of work - they hired a young actor friend to act as the face of the agency. This case tests her desire to continue as a PI. Then the bodies show up with the first one form fitted to be put on Serena. I won't say any more so I don't commit spoilers.
Spending time with Poppy, Iris, Violet and Matt is always fun and never, ever boring. Their cases are twisty and unpredictable spiced with humor. These mature ladies are a force to be reckoned with.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2023
Just because one writes for silly dialogue sit coms like he has . doesnt mean one can write a book.
In fact this book is so silly and boring and simple youd think it was written for a not funny sit com or preteens . Also it was obvious from the second the murder happened hwo the killer was. yet they drag and drag it out.. 3 incompetent busy bodies a stupid actor and a teen with the only brains in the group. Also tiring hearing about all the boring acting she did in the past.. At least give these 3 annoying ones fun personalities . but nope like white paste.
Also ZERO need to write a run on paragraph about every building and person mentioned .. its useless and just done to make t he word count i bet
So may other issues on how this short book drags as if it was 400 pages. Its not witty its not humorous and Poppy is an arrogant judgemental windbag as are her partners
also as always amused how people use different names.... then in their bio it says who they really are. So what the point in using a nom de plume .. if you're going to reveal who you really are? Pretentious and foolish I say
In fact this book is so silly and boring and simple youd think it was written for a not funny sit com or preteens . Also it was obvious from the second the murder happened hwo the killer was. yet they drag and drag it out.. 3 incompetent busy bodies a stupid actor and a teen with the only brains in the group. Also tiring hearing about all the boring acting she did in the past.. At least give these 3 annoying ones fun personalities . but nope like white paste.
Also ZERO need to write a run on paragraph about every building and person mentioned .. its useless and just done to make t he word count i bet
So may other issues on how this short book drags as if it was 400 pages. Its not witty its not humorous and Poppy is an arrogant judgemental windbag as are her partners
also as always amused how people use different names.... then in their bio it says who they really are. So what the point in using a nom de plume .. if you're going to reveal who you really are? Pretentious and foolish I say
July 15, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: Senior former tv star, Poppy, has built a thriving detective agency with two friends and a handsome aspiring actor, who played the official face of the agency until they built a reputation. Matt is spending less time with the Flowers Agency as his career takes off but he and the ladies get embroiled in a case that involves Poppy’s acting nemesis. Serena is set to marry and wants the team to “vet” her intended before the vows.
What she discovers is pleasant news but not so pleasant are the grown children of the groom who are suspicious of Serena’s motives. Two murders make Poppy wonder what is going on behind the scenes. There is a complicated plot to steal a valuable item that allows Poppy to solve one murder. And then there is an equally complicated plot that helps Poppy solve the second one. The characters, as always, are great. They are well drawn and appealing. Poppy is a great heroine and very smart. The mysteries are engaging and have just enough twists to be highly satisfying.
Five purrs and two paws up.
What she discovers is pleasant news but not so pleasant are the grown children of the groom who are suspicious of Serena’s motives. Two murders make Poppy wonder what is going on behind the scenes. There is a complicated plot to steal a valuable item that allows Poppy to solve one murder. And then there is an equally complicated plot that helps Poppy solve the second one. The characters, as always, are great. They are well drawn and appealing. Poppy is a great heroine and very smart. The mysteries are engaging and have just enough twists to be highly satisfying.
Five purrs and two paws up.
September 2, 2024
Poppy Harmon accepts her old acting rival Serena Saunders as a client. Serena requests a background check on Ned Boyce, her fiancé, before tying the knot. Wealthy, and connected, Ned seems like the most unlikely private investigation subject in Palm Springs. Poppy thinks she’s finished with her latest assignment when Serena is caught holding a gun over a dead body. With Serena claiming self-defense, the Desert Flowers team must expose the truth about the unknown victim.
This was a fantastic read; I was surprised that I loved it so much. Poppy is a funny character, and I enjoyed reading about her antics with her friends at Desert Flowers Investigations. This story was full of wonderful twists and turns, and at first, I thought one of the characters did it only to be surprised in the end at the big reveal. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I recommended to all cozy mystery readers. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This was a fantastic read; I was surprised that I loved it so much. Poppy is a funny character, and I enjoyed reading about her antics with her friends at Desert Flowers Investigations. This story was full of wonderful twists and turns, and at first, I thought one of the characters did it only to be surprised in the end at the big reveal. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I recommended to all cozy mystery readers. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
December 5, 2022
When Poppy is hired by one of her former costars to investigate the woman’s fiancé, Poppy isn’t sure if she should trust the woman, as she was once a bitter rival, what one would call a frenemy these days. But time changes people and Poppy believes she should give Serena a chance.
When Serena kills an intruder, there are those who believe she was defending herself and others who don’t buy it. Poppy steps up to help Serena through this time and believes in her innocence. But when Serena is again facing pointing fingers for another disaster, can Poppy prove Serena’s innocence once and for all? This is one of my must read series. I love Poppy as she accepts her past as a Hollywood starlet and carves her future future as one of the best PI’s Coachella Valley. This series has it all, including some grumpy old ladies and a hot young heartthrob in the making. Perfect for anyone cozy lover, but especially for ladies who are looking for a mature protagonist.
When Serena kills an intruder, there are those who believe she was defending herself and others who don’t buy it. Poppy steps up to help Serena through this time and believes in her innocence. But when Serena is again facing pointing fingers for another disaster, can Poppy prove Serena’s innocence once and for all? This is one of my must read series. I love Poppy as she accepts her past as a Hollywood starlet and carves her future future as one of the best PI’s Coachella Valley. This series has it all, including some grumpy old ladies and a hot young heartthrob in the making. Perfect for anyone cozy lover, but especially for ladies who are looking for a mature protagonist.
December 27, 2022
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of POPPY HARMON AND THE SHOOTING STAR (Book 5 of the Desert Flowers Mysteries), by Lee Hollis, in exchange for an honest review. Poppy's surprised when an old acting rival, Serena Saunders, approaches her to make amends for the bad actions of the past. Moreover, Serena wants to hire Poppy to make sure her fiance isn't a fortune hunter. After Poppy is able to reassure Serena that her fiance's motives for marrying Serena is love rather than greed, Serena makes overtures of friendship toward Poppy. However, Poppy's investigative skills are soon needed when Serena becomes a murder suspect. Re-establishing relationships from the past can be a risky business.
I recommend this book and series to fans of Remington Steele and Murder She Wrote. It's cozy mysteries featuring murder, glamor, and the experienced set.
#PoppyHarmonandtheShootingStar #NetGalley.
I recommend this book and series to fans of Remington Steele and Murder She Wrote. It's cozy mysteries featuring murder, glamor, and the experienced set.
#PoppyHarmonandtheShootingStar #NetGalley.
May 19, 2023
With all the secrets and underhanded goings-on in the entertainment scene, I'm sure Poppy and her team were super happy to have each other knowing they could at least trust the team members. Aside from them and the police, I wasn't sure who to trust either, but as always Poppy plowed ahead and figured things out. Iris always cracks me up because she's just so blunt and believes in telling it like it should be, and Violet's grandson Wyatt's just grown into an amazing teen and still shines as their tech expert.
The staged showdown was pretty awesome. Poppy had her own little side mystery that I was really happy had an amazing outcome! Gotta admit, at times I was a bit worried what she'd find out. Don't miss this installment, available next Tuesday, March 23, 2023.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The staged showdown was pretty awesome. Poppy had her own little side mystery that I was really happy had an amazing outcome! Gotta admit, at times I was a bit worried what she'd find out. Don't miss this installment, available next Tuesday, March 23, 2023.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
January 20, 2023
This fifth edition in the Desert Flowers Mystery series is excellent! Details that read a just part of a complex story were quite interesting and kept me reading when I wanted to take a break.
Poppy Harmon never thought her old acting rival Serena Saunders would seek help from Poppy so taking on investigating Ned Boyce, Serena's latest fiancé took her by surprise. Serena's shooting of an intruder adds another layer to Poppy's consideration of helping Serena. Just what has brought on this new friendship? Why are some people in such a rush to settle Ned's estate?
The story moves quickly. Iris & Violet are swayed by Serena's stardom while Poppy is wary. Some great new twists and relationship changes, especially for Poppy and Sam Emerson.
Looking forward to book 6!
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Publishing through Net Galley
Release date May 23, 2023.
Poppy Harmon never thought her old acting rival Serena Saunders would seek help from Poppy so taking on investigating Ned Boyce, Serena's latest fiancé took her by surprise. Serena's shooting of an intruder adds another layer to Poppy's consideration of helping Serena. Just what has brought on this new friendship? Why are some people in such a rush to settle Ned's estate?
The story moves quickly. Iris & Violet are swayed by Serena's stardom while Poppy is wary. Some great new twists and relationship changes, especially for Poppy and Sam Emerson.
Looking forward to book 6!
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Publishing through Net Galley
Release date May 23, 2023.
January 20, 2023
I did not realize this book was in the middle of the series, but I enjoyed it immensely. Poppy and her assistants are terrific older characters. In many book older women are not portrayed very well, but Poppy and friends were dynamos. When one of Poppy's former co-stars seeks her out to assist in an investigation, Poppy is surprised. She and Serena Saunders never did see eye to eye, but Serena is getting married for the fifth time and she wants Poppy to check her intended's background to make sure he is what is says he is. Before the investigation is complete, Serena is found with a gun in her hand and an unidentified intruder dead on the floor. This complicates the investigation, but there is more drama to come. I very much enjoyed this book and I plan to go back and read the first few books just to keep up with all the ins and outs of the Desert Flower Investigation Agency.
January 20, 2023
I did not realize this book was in the middle of the series, but I enjoyed it immensely. Poppy and her assistants are terrific older characters. In many book older women are not portrayed very well, but Poppy and friends were dynamos. When one of Poppy's former co-stars seeks her out to assist in an investigation, Poppy is surprised. She and Serena Saunders never did see eye to eye, but Serena is getting married for the fifth time and she wants Poppy to check her intended's background to make sure he is what is says he is. Before the investigation is complete, Serena is found with a gun in her hand and an unidentified intruder dead on the floor. This complicates the investigation, but there is more drama to come. I very much enjoyed this book and I plan to go back and read the first few books just to keep up with all the ins and outs of the Desert Flower Investigation Agency.
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