One Hot Mess

A Chrissy McMullen Mystery #5

by Lois Greiman

In southern California it’s raining crime—and psychologist Christina McMullen could use an umbrella. Her clients are crazy, her on-again-off-again relationship with LAPD lieutenant Jack Rivera has just started heating up again, and now Rivera’s womanizing dad has come calling—asking Chrissy to investigate a mysterious death that might haunt his next campaign: for president of the United States. Soon Chrissy is investigating not one “accidental” death, but two—until she stumbles on a trail of bodies littering Senator Rivera’s distinguished career. As she untangles a web of high-stakes lies, Chrissy believes that she’s found the secret to a serial killer’s underground campaign. The killer has a list, a motive, and the perfect disguise—the only question is: who’s next?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Chick Lit, Fiction, Humor, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Born on a North Dakota cattle ranch, Lois Greiman graduated from a high school class of sixty students before moving to Minnesota where she professionally trained and showed Arabian Horses for several years. Since that time she's been a high fashion model, a fitness instructor, and a veterinary assistant. But an incurable case of writing fever put a stop to all those occupations.

Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.

While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."

Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book sale fine. While I hate jumping into the middle of series, it is a lot easier with mysteries than any other genre. I absolutely loved Greiman's voice and how fun that this novel is. Christina McMullen is a professional psychologist living in L.A., but lacking all the glamorized lifestyle that one would expect from a novel set in that city. The driving force of the novel is that McMullen can't pee in her house because she needed a new septic system. There is nothing less glamorous than that. While I had some issues with how the therapy sessions were protrayed and what was said in them, I enjoyed that we got to see that part of McMullen's life. Her rocky relationship with Officer Jack Rivera, while having some problematic elements, was entertaining to watch. Overall, however, what sells this novel is McMullen's "well my life can't get any weirder" attitude. It is something that any working professional can relate to. It's a fun and entertaining read and I think I'm going to look up the rest of the series.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A day in the life of Los Angeles psychologist Christina McMullen is never dull. Not only is she dealing with some wacky clients, but her septic system is on the fritz and California’s state senator Miguel Rivera needs her help. Senator Rivera is the father of LAPD Lieutenant Jack Rivera who Christina has an on-again, off-again relationship with. Jack and his father are estranged because Miguel has a problem keeping his hands off the ladies, especially when it comes to Jack’s former fiancé. Miguel wants Christina to investigate the death of a woman because of a dream he had with her in it. He also dreamt of Jack and believes his son is in danger. Christina wants nothing to do with Miguel’s so-called dream.

But then he offers her money to purchase a new septic tank she so desperately needs.

Because the money is a nice incentive, Christina accepts, even though Jack doesn’t want her anywhere near his father. Jack thinks it is all a ruse on Miguel’s part to seduce Christina. And because Christina won’t listen to Jack, their budding love affair is placed on hold yet again. Christina begins to find out some interesting things about Miguel’s past and the people he has dealt with. She figures out that someone is out to kill Miguel and has killed others who knew Miguel. Christina has to figure out who is stalking the Senator, and maybe she’ll be able to use her bathroom again.

ONE HOT MESS is book number five in this mystery series with amateur sleuth, Christina McMullen. There are enough quirky characters and out-of-this-world situations that will have you laughing. Christina’s life is always off center because of the people she comes in contact with, such as Miguel, who treats Christina like a daughter while he flirts with her to the point that he may want to bed her. His son Jack can’t stand the relationship she has with his father and tries to handle Christina in a macho way she can’t stand. Jack may have the looks and the moves down, but when it comes to his alpha-like tendencies, Christina tells him to get lost. But then again, she still longs for Jack even as a new suitor shows up. "D", otherwise known as Dagwood Dean Daly is involved in the mob. He is the person Christina turns to when she needs help and arrives to save the day (so to speak). “D” also enjoys making Jack jealous because he too wants Christina. The only sane person in all of this mess isn’t even human. Christina’s dog, Harlequin is Christina’s partner in crime and keeps Christina from going off the deep end after dealing with all the crazy people that surround her.


Lois Greiman has a great voice and has come up with an adorable character in that of Christina McMullen. This was my first read by Lois and won’t be my last. If I were you, I would go back and read all the other books leading up to this one. ONE HOT MESS is one hot read with suspense, romance and a few chuckles.

[Lauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Me, I was able to get a quick meet with Lois & have her sign my (purchased) copy of this book just after it's official release during an event at Once Upon A Crime in Minneapolis. Clearly I enjoy reading amateur sleuth action adventure/contemporary fiction/mystery/romance books; but in a genre that is ever expanding and filled with "niche" books (scrapbook mysteries, wine lovers mysteries, dirty laundry mysteries, etc....) Lois Grieman's Chrissy McMullen Series stands out in the crowd. Sure, you know that Chrissy is going to do some investigating that she shouldn't and you know it's going to really get under Jack Rivera's skin; but you never really know what's coming next and despite the stack of mysteries I've read I'm never quite sure just exactly who the bad guy is until we hit the climax. I usually have a few good suspects - but the main bad dude is typically elusive. I've only one gripe with this book and it will only make sense to those who read it, and that is the use of the elipsis...
http://snurl.com/fl10t

[Lori Whitwam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeezum freaking crow. What's this, the fifth in the series? And why do I keep reading them??? Chrissy is smart enough, but seems incapable of explaining her logic, making men listen, and having any street smarts at all. Rivera is arrogant, condescending, and always quick to believe the worst of her. They come so close to consummating their relationship SO MANY TIMES, but never do. The reasons for this are becoming nauseatingly contrived. Yet the ongoing storylines and the hope that SOMEDAY they will actually get past the heavy breathing and accusations and have a real, grown-up relationship make me read the next, hoping Greiman will finally get it right. Maybe she's TRYING to make me insane.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting Lois when she presented a talk on character building to our WisRWA area group Oct. 15th. I'd had her THE GAMBLER on my keeper shelf, and she graciously signed it for me. I bought ONE HOT MESS from her, intending to see if her contemporaries delivered the same good read as her western. This one definitely does! There are great, quirky characters and a wild, unpredictible plot with lots of humorous dialogue. I love the quotations at the beginning of each chapter. They are like little jokes as well as revealing character and hinting at plot.

This book is definitely for those who like fast-paced mystery with humor and hot heroes!

[Janeene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series....author has great character development and just the right amount of sexual tension - humor - suspense......

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Chrissy and add in a lot of hot looking guys and what else do you need in a book oh yes a great mystery. All of that is in this book. I am getting a little tired of Jack Riveria. He either needs to jump in both feet first or just leave instead of this whole crap he does. After the last book when he went to her brother's wedding with her I though great they finally getting on track but of course that was just daydreaming. Besides that I did love this book and couldn't put it down.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this series because I was up-to-date with the Stephanie Plum series and needed something similar. Chrissy McMullen is similar and I have enjoyed the series thus far. But it seems to be dragging....just like Stephanie. I need Chrissy to make some kind of commitment. Make a decision. She's a PhD for crying out loud! But alas...I will continue to read and be hopeful that she can use her education to work on her own life.

[Jean Ann Chernikoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fun read @ the beach

Chrissy has lost her way a little bit - What is her profession? Who is she dating? What is the problem she is trying to solve? Who is the outside force that is arranging all the coincidences? Who really cares??? As a junkie of series, I will give Chrissy McMullen one more try and hope that the author resolves her next book better.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this book. The main character is a hot mess and you feel sorry for her throughout the book. Her sort of boyfriend is a jerk with a bad temper he can not control. I just saw this was a series and I won't be reading any others.

[Elsie Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the next book. I liked Unmanned a tad bit better, but that won't stop me from devouring each book in turn.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissy McMullen is the zaniest person I've ever met (well you know what I mean). Her life is simply nuts. She is a psychologist and we get a smattering of nutty patients craziness throughout the book. Her septic system needs to be replaced so she's peeing in the backyard with Harlequin (her dog) and bathing at a neighbors house. Chrissy and Lieutenant Rivera are still dancing around each other - though this time they actually got naked before being interrupted by his father, the senator. Yup he just came a knocking on her door. And said senator wants Chrissy to investigate the death of a prior campaign supporter which morphs into another death and another.

Have I mentioned that the senator is a womanizer and was planning to marry Jack's ex-fiance? Well the animosity between father and son is intense as is the jealousy. Jack is furious while Chrissy is investigating this out of town murder and spends most of the book ignoring her. But he comes back at the end when it really matters.

I find this series to be hilarious and laugh out loud funny. Chrissy has a smart comeback for everyone and Jack's one-liners are priceless. I can't wait for the next rollicking adventure.

QUOTE:
There was no telling who I might see today. Maybe a mob boss. Maybe a senator with presidential ambitions. Maybe a rabid lieutenant who made me hot and angry and psychotic all in one fell swoop. Or maybe I'd meet someone normal. Stranger things have happened. p140

Yup that just about sums up Chrissy's day to day.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like this book. The heroine does remind me of Stephanie Plum series. Christine is a wise-cracking psychologist who likes to solve mysteries. Of course there's a policeman-almost-boyfriend, and a couple other hunks that are attracted to her. The plot is good, though and now I have to go back and start at the beginning of the series. Christina is a bit over the top sometimes with her comebacks, and goes a bit too far when talking about her relationship with the toy in her bedside table (call me old-fashioned), but the gist of the book is good.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rivera’s father enlists Christine’s help to look into a death that he says might impact his impending bid for the white house and his son. He tempts her by offering her a bunch of money, just in time to help pay for her ailing septic system. As she looks into the death, she finds more deaths, all associated with the elder Rivera’s political career. She solves the crime, and the book is bookended with Chrissy and the younger Rivera. Funny, easy read

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting mid series is always tricky - that said it was pretty easy to find the pace & establish a rapport with the characters.
This is definitely a steamier & grittier variant of Janet Evanovich type stories.
Truly enjoyed the feisty characters & the quotables at start of each chapter.
Nicely convoluted plot.

[Tess Mertens-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books! Chrissy is hilarious to watch. She is a trained psychologist but her personal life is a mess. Great way to laugh at yourself through someone else.
The chemistry between her and Rivera is funny...yet intense

[Josi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. I have read the other Christina McMullen books. They are all good. I am excited to read the next one. The secondary characters are just as great as the main ones. I enjoyed the return of "D" and him helping to make Rivera jealous.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

More craziness from Chrissy and her cop. This time it's supposedly accidental deaths of people all related to Senator Rivera's political past. Not a police procedural by any means, this is more beach read than a deep murder mystery.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars

[Qui2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Live these stupid books. This only get 3 instead of 4 stars, because I had a hard time following some of the plot. Still an entertaining and funny read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this entire series!

[Evelyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light frivolous fun . Chrissy is a Stephanie Plum wannabe. Still a fun read either way.

[Tera · Rating 3 out of 5]

They really just need to get their act together! I wanna kick Mac and the Lt. right in the behind!!!!

[Bethann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, quick read! On to the next one:-)

[Stacie Haden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ms Greiman's sharp sense of humor. Zipping through this series, until l reach the last and will subsequently become frustrated waiting for her next one.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this! have been going through these very quickly!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like D.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

up close and personal

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I'm hooked on this like I'm hooked on Stephanie Plum.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. Can't get enough of all the characters.