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The Million Dollar Mysteries #4
A Quarter for a Kiss
It’s April, spring is in the air, and Callie and Tom have just spent a wonderful few weeks getting to know each another after years of a telephone–only relationship. But as their time together draws to a close, they are called to the hospital bed of mutual friend Eli Gold, who has just been shot. Eli asks Callie to find out who is responsible for the shooting and begs Tom to help her. The search leads Tom and Callie to the beautiful island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. There they face a sinister enemy among the ruins of an old sugar plantation—an enemy who’s willing to do anything to keep his identity secret and the past deeply buried.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
14 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Starns Clark
57 books633 followersMindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Review Magazine’s 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 6, 2021
An exciting continuation of the story of Callie, Tom, and Eli. I can feel how enthusiastically Mindy Starns Clark researches and plots her mysteries! This was a fun one.
December 5, 2017
There might be spoilers here - especially if you haven't read the rest of the books leading up to this one.
With a title like this you'd think the romance would be over the top, but no. Instead, it was really well done. We get to see a lot of Tom, but I'm still totally confused about who he is. And, I know we are supposed to be slightly confused, but I think I just have a mental block because I can only see him as a slightly overweight guy in his 50s, and I know that's totally NOT the case. So, because of that I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story. Still, I'm SO glad we're finally getting to have a book with Tom in it. I think the author has done a great job of stringing us along, wondering who Tom is, but not making it last too long. (You know how annoying it is when something is foreshadowed forever and then you never feel satisfied....)
There's one place where it talks about how hard it is at times staying pure when you're dating, and I appreciated that part - it came off well, not sounding preachy or going into detail, but makes total sense. That was a good set up because one thing I did have an issue with was that Callie and Tom spent a LOT of time totally alone while on the investigation. I actually didn't even think about it at first because the author did a really good job at staying focused on the mystery instead of them as a couple, but still.... Example: the two of them would go off on a boat for an entire night of scouting. To me that isn't avoiding temptation or avoiding all appearances of evil. But, nothing would happen (between the two of them) during that time, so it didn't really bother me, I just don't think it's a good example.
This book left me with SO MANY QUESTIONS and I had to pretty much start reading the next book right away. This book is different from the rest of the books, and I liked it a lot. There were quite a few places that were redundant though, so I did a lot of skim reading. Still, Goodness. Y'all. I don't want this series to be over.
With a title like this you'd think the romance would be over the top, but no. Instead, it was really well done. We get to see a lot of Tom, but I'm still totally confused about who he is. And, I know we are supposed to be slightly confused, but I think I just have a mental block because I can only see him as a slightly overweight guy in his 50s, and I know that's totally NOT the case. So, because of that I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story. Still, I'm SO glad we're finally getting to have a book with Tom in it. I think the author has done a great job of stringing us along, wondering who Tom is, but not making it last too long. (You know how annoying it is when something is foreshadowed forever and then you never feel satisfied....)
There's one place where it talks about how hard it is at times staying pure when you're dating, and I appreciated that part - it came off well, not sounding preachy or going into detail, but makes total sense. That was a good set up because one thing I did have an issue with was that Callie and Tom spent a LOT of time totally alone while on the investigation. I actually didn't even think about it at first because the author did a really good job at staying focused on the mystery instead of them as a couple, but still.... Example: the two of them would go off on a boat for an entire night of scouting. To me that isn't avoiding temptation or avoiding all appearances of evil. But, nothing would happen (between the two of them) during that time, so it didn't really bother me, I just don't think it's a good example.
This book left me with SO MANY QUESTIONS and I had to pretty much start reading the next book right away. This book is different from the rest of the books, and I liked it a lot. There were quite a few places that were redundant though, so I did a lot of skim reading. Still, Goodness. Y'all. I don't want this series to be over.
September 11, 2020
I read this series many years ago when they first came out and I loved them! Now listening to them on audio, I cannot get past the voice of the narrator! Her voice is certainly pleasant and easy to listen to; however, it does not match the character. I have to keep reminding myself that Callie is a 30-year old woman, and not a 50-year old woman! The narrator’s voice is that of an older woman and just doesn’t fit! And when she sings, I cringe. Again, her voice is pleasant enough, but it warbles when she sings! It is totally fine for singing in the shower or at church with the congregation, but a solo? No way! I am not trying to be unkind, just noticing what happens as we age.
Lastly, I love the Christian perspective; however, I find it hypocritical how they pick and choose what is in keeping with God’s law! Lying and deception are NOT of God.
Lastly, I love the Christian perspective; however, I find it hypocritical how they pick and choose what is in keeping with God’s law! Lying and deception are NOT of God.
May 13, 2023
I think this is my favorite book in the series thus far. The plot is intriguing, although maybe at times a bit unbelievable. Callie, again, at times does things that seem a little impetuous (almost lacking carefulness) in her investigations, but the story does emphasize that she is a skilled investigator and good at what she does, so that kind of balances it out.
Her relationship with Tom is progressing, but they maintain purity, which I appreciate, although I do think the writer could emphasize more the guarding of "appearances" in a relationship. This is a very small part of the book. The book emphasizes the mystery, rather than the romance.
The book ends on a cliff-hanger, so I will definitely carry on and read the last book in the series.
Her relationship with Tom is progressing, but they maintain purity, which I appreciate, although I do think the writer could emphasize more the guarding of "appearances" in a relationship. This is a very small part of the book. The book emphasizes the mystery, rather than the romance.
The book ends on a cliff-hanger, so I will definitely carry on and read the last book in the series.
April 15, 2018
Intense, a thriller, non stop action, with characters we have come to love in this series. A time for Callie and Tom to be together, just them, to know one another, without work commitments. Her mentor Eli been shot, the question will he live hangs in the balance for days. He sends her and Tom on a mission, which starts off as an old love of Eli, then turns into secrets. stolen objects, and so much more. Questioning could they make it out alive, or would they be caught. Truth has been revealed for Eli, but what secrets did Tom still have. For Callie she is ready to move forward, with her love for Tom. A great series, full of love, and adventure.
January 28, 2024
I hover between a 3.5 and 4 stars. I live thus series but I did remember this is the least good of the books. I've always liked the romantic tension between Callie and Tom and this book has the least because they are working together on a mystery. I do like their dynamic but I prefer the other books for the tension.
It also took me 2 months longer to finish than the first 3 books.
Still good just not the best
It also took me 2 months longer to finish than the first 3 books.
Still good just not the best
March 10, 2019
Oh for heavens sake. Get on with this. Audio presenter is terrific. The story has several lulls, false direction making it so it’s not a tight plot, repeated clichés, and singing??? Found this book tedious because by the ending the story hadn’t moved forward. I could have skipped book #4 altogether and read book #5.
October 15, 2025
In this installment, Callie and Tom actually work a case together while her mentor Eli’s life hangs in the balance after a shooting leaves him in a coma. A woman who Eli was investigating is a former spy and an art fence; and it’s hard to know which of her careers is the biggest danger now…
June 10, 2019
When her mentor gets shot it sends Callie and her boyfriend/boss Tom to the Caribbean to solve the mystery. Easy read and interesting.
July 17, 2020
Another good book in the series
February 10, 2021
This was another great page turner by Mindy Starns Clark, read by Ruth Ann Phimister.
August 10, 2021
What a cliffhanger!
September 26, 2021
The dumbing down, drives me nuts at times.
August 20, 2022
I loved this book. Another very good read packed full of mystery that kept me guessing. Tore my heart in two at the end... So hoping for a good ending in the last of this series
February 12, 2023
Good book
October 26, 2011
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
While I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, A Dime a Dozen, I wasn’t crazy about it. Consequently, I began this book, A Quarter for a Kiss with some trepidation. In the end, all my worry was for naught! The story kicks off with a great start and, really, doesn't slow down till the end. Besides being a bit wordy in areas, from start to finish I completely enjoyed this book.
Maybe one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much more was because Tom was with Callie during this investigation. I loved watching these two interact and deal with the case. Through it all, Tom and Callie's relationship felt so...natural. Believable. They spent time together, enjoyed each other’s company, often were tempted, but each time triumphed over the temptation. One point that Mindy drove home that I just loved was when Callie had to urge Tom to leave her room. They were getting tempted, and the reason she made him leave her room was because she loved him. I saw that, and silently applauded Mindy Clark. I don’t think I’ve seen it put just that way in a book before, but it is all so true.
The plot was, once again, very intricate and complex. I kept trying to figure out “who dunnit”, but once again…had a hard time doing that! In the end, I was able to deduce who one of the bad guys was before Callie and Tom. I felt so proud of myself. (lol!) There wasn’t anything inappropriate in this book outside of a few kisses exchanged between Callie and Tom and an old affair that they uncovered during their investigation. Mindy doesn’t go into detail in either area and keeps the whole story very clean as a whole.
I finished the book with batted breath and was so pleased at how everything came down. But then that last scene totally threw me! Way to go, Mindy Clark, ending with a cliffhanger!! Now I am going to have to get my hands on a copy of the next book as soon as possible. Tom might have a rough past, but Callie hasta forgive him—those two are so perfect for each other! If you’re into mysteries, then I don’t think you can go wrong by looking Mindy Clark up. Her books are sure to keep you entertained and deducing for hours, right along with Callie the sleuth!
While I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, A Dime a Dozen, I wasn’t crazy about it. Consequently, I began this book, A Quarter for a Kiss with some trepidation. In the end, all my worry was for naught! The story kicks off with a great start and, really, doesn't slow down till the end. Besides being a bit wordy in areas, from start to finish I completely enjoyed this book.
Maybe one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much more was because Tom was with Callie during this investigation. I loved watching these two interact and deal with the case. Through it all, Tom and Callie's relationship felt so...natural. Believable. They spent time together, enjoyed each other’s company, often were tempted, but each time triumphed over the temptation. One point that Mindy drove home that I just loved was when Callie had to urge Tom to leave her room. They were getting tempted, and the reason she made him leave her room was because she loved him. I saw that, and silently applauded Mindy Clark. I don’t think I’ve seen it put just that way in a book before, but it is all so true.
The plot was, once again, very intricate and complex. I kept trying to figure out “who dunnit”, but once again…had a hard time doing that! In the end, I was able to deduce who one of the bad guys was before Callie and Tom. I felt so proud of myself. (lol!) There wasn’t anything inappropriate in this book outside of a few kisses exchanged between Callie and Tom and an old affair that they uncovered during their investigation. Mindy doesn’t go into detail in either area and keeps the whole story very clean as a whole.
I finished the book with batted breath and was so pleased at how everything came down. But then that last scene totally threw me! Way to go, Mindy Clark, ending with a cliffhanger!! Now I am going to have to get my hands on a copy of the next book as soon as possible. Tom might have a rough past, but Callie hasta forgive him—those two are so perfect for each other! If you’re into mysteries, then I don’t think you can go wrong by looking Mindy Clark up. Her books are sure to keep you entertained and deducing for hours, right along with Callie the sleuth!
October 21, 2011
A Quarter for a Kiss is the fourth book in the Million Dollar Mysteries but it is only the second book of the series that I have read. I recently read book three and really enjoyed it so I decided to give this book a shot too! I was not disappointed.
In A Quarter for a Kiss Callie is vacationing with her beau Tom when their mutual friend Eli gets shot. Eli is like a father to Callie and she is devastated. Tom and Callie rush to Eli’s side and when they get there they see Eli is struggling to live but he has told his wife that Tom and Callie can help figure out what happened to him. This starts an investigation that sends them to the Virgin Islands is search of Eli’s shooter. Little do they know about the mystery they will unravel?
This book was quite an adventure for Callie and Tom. There are all sorts of pieces to a major puzzle that they have to put together and I was intrigued with all the little details that emerged to find out what happened to Eli. This wasn’t as dangerous feeling as the last book was until you got to the last 100 pages or so. That is when the action really picked up and you were on the edge of your seat.
A Quarter for a Kiss had a lot more about Tom and Callie’s relationship than the previous books, which was enjoyable. We got to learn some of the mystery surrounding Tom and we also were able to see them grow closer together and it was very touching. However, I won’t spoil the ending but there is a new development that emerges that will forever affect Tom and Callie’s relationship and I know I will be looking in to book five to figure out what they will do.
If you have enjoyed the previous Million Dollar Mysteries than be sure to read A Quarter for a Kiss. Great page turner, intriguing mystery and a delightful romance!!
Disclosure: I was graciously provided a free copy of this book from FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
In A Quarter for a Kiss Callie is vacationing with her beau Tom when their mutual friend Eli gets shot. Eli is like a father to Callie and she is devastated. Tom and Callie rush to Eli’s side and when they get there they see Eli is struggling to live but he has told his wife that Tom and Callie can help figure out what happened to him. This starts an investigation that sends them to the Virgin Islands is search of Eli’s shooter. Little do they know about the mystery they will unravel?
This book was quite an adventure for Callie and Tom. There are all sorts of pieces to a major puzzle that they have to put together and I was intrigued with all the little details that emerged to find out what happened to Eli. This wasn’t as dangerous feeling as the last book was until you got to the last 100 pages or so. That is when the action really picked up and you were on the edge of your seat.
A Quarter for a Kiss had a lot more about Tom and Callie’s relationship than the previous books, which was enjoyable. We got to learn some of the mystery surrounding Tom and we also were able to see them grow closer together and it was very touching. However, I won’t spoil the ending but there is a new development that emerges that will forever affect Tom and Callie’s relationship and I know I will be looking in to book five to figure out what they will do.
If you have enjoyed the previous Million Dollar Mysteries than be sure to read A Quarter for a Kiss. Great page turner, intriguing mystery and a delightful romance!!
Disclosure: I was graciously provided a free copy of this book from FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2011
I really enjoyed this mystery read! When Callie's dear friend Eli is shot, he tells his wife to get a hold of her. Tom and Callie had just finished there vacation in West Virginia and were headed to their respective homes when the call came. The change their plans immediately and head to Florida to be by Eli.
He is critical and no one is sure he will survive. Stella, Eli's wife, has a message for Callie that Eli had given her, just before he went unconscious.
Tom and Callie end up in in St John in the Virgin Islands, they are accompanied there by Jodi, Stella's daughter. What and adventure they are about to begin! Shootings, underwater surveillance, bombs, kidnappings, etc. This is a real spy whodunit, will keep you guess throughout, and then surprise you again.
A real wonderful page turner!
I was provided with a copy of this book by Harvest House publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
He is critical and no one is sure he will survive. Stella, Eli's wife, has a message for Callie that Eli had given her, just before he went unconscious.
Tom and Callie end up in in St John in the Virgin Islands, they are accompanied there by Jodi, Stella's daughter. What and adventure they are about to begin! Shootings, underwater surveillance, bombs, kidnappings, etc. This is a real spy whodunit, will keep you guess throughout, and then surprise you again.
A real wonderful page turner!
I was provided with a copy of this book by Harvest House publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 27, 2011
A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark is the fourth book in the Million Dollar Mystery series. Callie Webber and her boyfriend, Tom Bennett, are just finishing up their first vacation together and are regretting their return to the real world when she gets a terrifying phone call. Eli, her mentor and father figure, was shot by a sniper and before going unconscious gave instructions to his wife Stella to tell Callie to find his notes and that she would need Tom's help. The pair head down to the Virgin Islands in hopes of solving the mystery Eli was working in and learn who tried to kill him. Clark manages to mix just the right amount of suspense, thrills, and romance to keep the pages turning and pulses pounding. I'm not normally a big fan of romantic suspense novels, but Clark's elevates this above the standard fare. I could not put this book down! I hope I don't have to wait long for the next one.
October 26, 2011
Wow. To sum up how I felt after finishing 'A Quarter for a Kiss' in one word would be...Wow!
This was not the first time I've read 'A Quarter for a Kiss' (I read the entire 'Million Dollar Mysteries' series years ago), but I was still captivated by the story and read it in about one day!!! I now want to finish the series by reading 'The Buck Stops Here' again.
I loved 'A Dime a Dozen', but 'A Quarter for a Kiss' was even better! It's definitely one of my favorite books!
A 'Quarter for a Kiss' ends with such a cliff-hanger that I can hardly wait to read 'The Buck Stops Here' and continue Callie and Tom's story.
All-in-all this is definitely a book that I recommend if you enjoy a great mystery with romance and don't mind being "on-the-edge-of-your-seat"!
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion.*
This was not the first time I've read 'A Quarter for a Kiss' (I read the entire 'Million Dollar Mysteries' series years ago), but I was still captivated by the story and read it in about one day!!! I now want to finish the series by reading 'The Buck Stops Here' again.
I loved 'A Dime a Dozen', but 'A Quarter for a Kiss' was even better! It's definitely one of my favorite books!
A 'Quarter for a Kiss' ends with such a cliff-hanger that I can hardly wait to read 'The Buck Stops Here' and continue Callie and Tom's story.
All-in-all this is definitely a book that I recommend if you enjoy a great mystery with romance and don't mind being "on-the-edge-of-your-seat"!
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion.*
June 15, 2010
This was a mystery book with some romance added but no with no explicit scenes. It was well written and kept my interest through the same book with some interesting twists that could have been foretold if you were good enough. (I wasn't.) It is the 3rd book of a 4 book series. I am no going to read the other three. Fortunately my library had it available in large print. I read it just because I pulled 6 books out of the large print area to read. It was the only one of the books I found really interesting. If you don't like being preached at just a little bit, the book is not for you. The heroine and hero were both christian and let you know that was why no x-rated scenes. I liked it a lot and recommend it to anyone to read.
October 4, 2008
(Genre: Christian fiction/mystery) I decided that I just have to increase my ratings on this series. I have really been enjoying them. I did skip book 3 (they were all checked out of the library and I just couldn't wait for it to come back in! But I do plan on going back to read it) and you probably shouldn't do that, since it is a series and the character development that occurs in each book is important in the next story. I really like the main character in the series, Callie. She is a strong and capable person, yet has a very tender and vulnerable heart. Nicely told mystery and it was fun that she got to work on this case with her boss, Tom.
January 31, 2011
I am not huge fan of mysteries, but my mom recommended this story. I accidentally read this book #4 first, but the story is fully self contained, and I was not at all confused. I enjoyed the Christian undertones of the plot, with clear morals being laid out for the reader to learn from. The main characters are in their 30's, close to my age, and their concerns are similar to my own. All in all, an enjoyable read, but not a fantastic story.
October 17, 2011
Callie's good father-figure, friend, and fellow investigator is seriously wounded, and she is sure it was not an accident. Along with her new boss,Tom (also her boyfriend), they go to St Thomas to try to figure the whole thing out. It was so refreshing to have them Not share a room (let alone the bed), and be very conscious about not doing things together so they would not become inappropriately sexually aroused. A great mystery and love story.
November 9, 2013
I think this one has been my favorite of the series, so far. I think it was about time that we got to hear of Callie and Toms story. And that they were finally, in person, together, instead if their weird, long distance phone relationship. Callie still is annoying to me for several reasons, but her constant need for a canoe is just plain strange. And now I really want to read the next one in this series, which is the last, as this one left a cliff hanger.
March 19, 2014
Callie and her boss Tom are finally getting to know each other as something more, but their time together is interrupted with mutual friend Eli is shot. Can they figure out who is after him? Another great read with plenty of twists and great characters. Just watch out for that killer cliffhanger.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 24, 2014
This book stars a lawyer/detective who works for a philanthropist investigating charities who apply for a grant from the foundation. If everything checks out, then she gets to give them a big check. Along the way, she keeps running into mysteries, and solves them while investigating the charities at the same time.
November 4, 2008
Wonderful book! It took me so long to get through it, just because I only allowed myself to read it while I was on the treadmill. (It's suppose to get me on it more often. But with sicknesses and all sort of other things, it took me longer then usual to get through it.) But it was still great!! I'll get started on the next one probably tomorrow!
October 15, 2010
Enjoying this storyLine ! A lot. I luv the characters, and though I only read her "A Penny for your Thoughts" , of this series previous books (Penny, Don't take any wooden Nickels, Dime a Dozen, and last.."Buck......")...From reading that one earliest book, jumped right into this one, and FANTASTIC!
I LIKE this authors' wrk and look forward to reading more by her.
I LIKE this authors' wrk and look forward to reading more by her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews