Unplugged

A Chrissy McMullen Mystery #2

by Lois Greiman

Christina McMullen, psychologist extraordinaire, has problems–not least of which are her needy clients, a schizophrenic septic system, and her sizzling-then-fizzling romance with Lieutenant Jack Rivera. But Chrissy has yet another problem she’d like to ignore: finding her secretary’s missing boyfriend. Okay, so she secretly hopes the vertically challenged computer geek has harmlessly departed from Elaine’s life–after all, there’s no evidence to suggest foul play. But when her razor-sharp instincts, honed by years as a cocktail waitress, start screaming, she’ll have to use all her skills to protect Laney and herself from a fate far worse than heartbreak…and a little more like murder.

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

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2006

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

[Sana Zameer · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read Unzipped I thought well it can't get more mindless then this. Sadly, I was wrong. The plot was lame and the MCs where more stupid. Chrissy is a pyschologist and lieutenant Rivera has split personality disorder - it's a match made in heaven. Chrissy needs to understand that she can't just barge anywhere and ask all kinds of questions. Also most of her decisions are quite questionable. I had hoped that it might get better, but after reading this I'm not going to continue this series.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery now and again, something light hearted and fun to cleanse the palette in-between darker reads. This series, featuring Chrissy McMullen, LA psychologist, fits the bill. Chrissy is hilarious in the predicaments she gets into. That said, the series is not without it's faults which are once again on display here. For a professional psychologist, Chrissy probably does more breaking and entering and lying (often for no good reason at all) than your average street criminal. I admit, there's a trick to writing cozies because your amateur sleuth protagonist needs a credible reason for investigating and they need to be able to do it in a way that doesn't come across as obnoxiously nosy. It's a fine line to walk and, in my opinion, most cozies don't do it very well. Such is the case with this book. When "making inquiries", which should be as disreet as possible, Chrissy often comes across with rapid fire questions, interrogation style and it often makes no sense to me why people bother answering her. Personally, I'd slam the door in her face.

Chrissy's BFF announces that her boyfriend of a few weeks, someone that Chrissy doesn't even like, hasn't returned her calls for a few days. Apparently the horror that her extremely beautiful BFF might actually - gasp! - think she was actually dumped by a guy for the first time in, like, ever is enough of a reason for Chrissy to start engaging in all sorts of potentially illegal and dangerous activities. And, once again, she chooses not to share any of the information she comes across with her contact in the police. Apparently getting kidnapped by two scary thugs and shot at isn't enough motivation to think that maybe it's time to involve law enforcement. I like Chrissy, I do, but boy does she make some truly bone-headed decisions. I probably should't expect too much commone sense to prevail in this genre though. I am curious to see how things develop in Chrissy's personal life as she and her police contact, Detective Rivera have some nice chemistry. And he even cooks, too.

Bottom line, if you don't mind putting your brain in deep freeze for a few hours, this book will make for some entertaining reading.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round two with Chrissy and her wacky co-horts, secretary Elaine, the Geekster J.D.,Lieutenant Rivera, and a few of Chrissy's clients.

Elaine wants Chrissy to find J.D., who's been missing since he went to a tech convention in Vegas. For whatever reason, Chrissy doesn't want to accept that Elaine and J.D. are pseudo-dating, but she agrees to see what she can do. After agreeing to look, Chrissy meets a new guy, gets kidnapped, shot at, threatened, forced to deal with a surprise familial visit, and witnesses the aftermath of a possible "murder",all while dealing with the mixed signals coming from Lt. Rivera.

Overall, Chrissy isn't that bad, although I'm not sure why she felt it necessary to lie to Elaine about J.D. Haven't most women had that BFF dating someone we didn't think was right for them but still tried to be there for support? But I digress. At least Chrissy wasn't that shallow in that she actually felt guilty for lying to Elaine. And for the love of canned ham, can Chrissy's sexual drought come (that's what she said!) to an end? I'm hoping that by book 3 she and Rivera have danced the horizontal tango.

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the Chrissy McMullen Mystery series

This series is just so funny! Lots of laugh-out-loud moments as Chrissy searches for her best friend's missing boyfriend, even though Chrissy thinks he's a dweeb. As always, she jumps in with both feet, taking lots of chances and doing/saying crazy things. But because it's so hilarious, I have to forgive her. And Lieutenant Rivera, the sexy cop who keeps bothering her, is on her case and trying to keep her safe, even though it seems more like he's being a pain. Chrissy is a PhD psychologist, so there are some entertainment moments as she describes some of her patients, but this book is mostly focused on her search for J.D. and her involvement in the tech world. Very reminiscent of Stephanie Plum--in all the good ways. I thought at first that Greiman was trying to hard and including too many clever comments and witty repartee, but I couldn't stop laughing, so I decided it was all good. I don't know why it took me so long to continue with this series, but I plan to get to the next one sooner rather than later.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta novela la encontre y compre en una libreria en compañia de mi abuela sin saber con q tipo de historia iba a encontrar y la verdad q Me Gusto, la tensión q hay entre Christina y Jack me encanta, los pensamientos q hay varios hilarantes de Christina me encantaron tambien 👍, al final me quede con ganas de saber más sobre todo por la relacion q hay entre Christina y Jack, y es q averiguando me encontre con q es una serie de varios tomos de los q solo hay traducido dos, esté es el 2do y no tiene un comienzo donde insinue la continuación de un anterior, como si cada tomo iniciara con un nuevo acontecimiento, el primero no lo lei, pero en resumen me gusto mucho y también me defraudo solo por que las continuidades no estan traducidas

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our heroine Christina exemplifies the stereotype that folks with "problems" take up psychology as a profession. She has major trust issues, a serious inability for her mouth and brain to agree on what's going on, and an apparent pathological capacity for avoiding the truth--both understanding what it is and sharing accurately. However, her sleuthing instincts are to be admired as she turns up some seriously hinky behaviors in this comic missing person mystery, as she helps solve it. Narrator Barbara Benjamin-Creel does a marvelous job voicing the various characters and bringing the story to life.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series Chrissy is a feisty, determined woman who is just lovable. Throw in a handsome detective Rivera and how could you go wrong. The story line was fast moving, funny at times with quite a few twists and turns. The only thing that seemed a bit of a none issue was the brother showing up, there was no point to it and it just took away from the main story line.

[K M Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disjointed

I gave this book a three stars because I found parts of it very hard to get through. I will read the next book in the series and decide after it if I want to continue reading this author.

[Pamela Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t like this as much as the first. Took forever to read it, didn’t hold my interest. Too many things going on. Brother dropping by, woman with too many cats, mom calling over and over but we don’t know why.

[Tory · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a bit silly.
I probably say that because I've read the formula before, that said, the formula works and is enjoyable.
I'd read another in the series, happily.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

You devour one book and can't wait for the next

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slightly more enjoyable version of a Stephanie Plum character. Still I don't like comedy in Detective books or TV shows. Did finish, but barely.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character's IQ dropped way too low for me to really like this book.

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the plot is somewhat loose, there is humor and suspense to blend in the gaps. A good read when light romance and zany antics is needed.

[Sandy Lipinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun well written mystery. I loved it. Lots of action and laughs.

[Sofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Muy plano para mi gusto

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stand by my general opinion: "I'm just so stoopid!" is not a workable plot. Characters who can't get it together are more frustrating than enjoyable.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Chrissy, she is very real and relatable. The story was good and kept me entertained. There was a lot going on and I loved seeing it all come together.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Characters are great. One minute I hate Rivera and next I think he's sexy as hell. Such great character development. Laney and JD are so cute.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series. Chrissy is such a hoot! And Rivera is beyond yummy. I absolutely love their bickering and sarcastic dialogue. The sexual tension is unbelievable and I love how Chrissy stutters and stumbles over her words (and her feet) when Rivera gets too close or has his shirt off.

In Unplugged, Elaine's techno geek boyfriend goes off to a conference in Vegas and doesn't return. Chrissy who loves her best friend Elaine to pieces, gets it in her head to track him down and of course, gets caught up in something shady and in over her head.

This is a series that gets funnier with each book. I can't wait to see what Chrissy gets into in Unscrewed and how Rivera reacts.

[Leise Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chrissy's back and she is beside herself with worry! An acquaintance from her Warthog waitressing days in Schaumberg, geeky vertically challenged Jeen Solberg, has taken a fancy for her very best friend Laney. Chrissy owed Solberg a favor and the payback was a date with Laney. Laney is an aspiring actress and incredibly beautiful. Never in her wildest dreams, and Chrissy has had many, could she imagine Laney falling for the Geekster, but she does, and then some. When he goes missing during a business trip to Las Vegas Laney believes he's dumped her. Chrissy begins snooping around and asks Lieutenant Rivera for help, regretting it immediately. The tension between them, sexual and otherwise, could light up LA!

Another adventure where Chrissy is in a pickle! Lots of chuckles!

[Sandra McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this romantic mystery! I loved the characters, I loved the plotting, and I loved all the similes and metaphors. Actually, I was impressed that Ms. Greiman could come up with so many wonderful similes and metaphors! My only criticism (and it's definitely a minor one) is that I found myself becoming a little irritated at times with Chrissy's continued lying and fabricating--I found myself at times wanting to tell her to just tell people the truth (especially Rivera). But, all in all, a great read!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this mystery series. I think the situations Chrissy finds herself in are funny. I also like the sexual tension between her and Lt. Rivera. These remind me a lot of Janet Evanovich. The mystery in this one got to be a little convaluted, but I still enjoyed it. When I got to the final chapter where everything happend, I was a bit confused because one character hadn't been mentioned for quite awhile. But as always, a nice clean wrap up. I am looking for to reading #3 in the series!

[Marfita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me reconsider reading any more mysteries. I realize that sexual tension makes things interesting and as a woman I know that we feel more desire than we exhibit at times - but I thought this was a bit ridiculous. And denying anything was happening on the missing person's case - the endless lying - it palled. I did like her characters otherwise. The clients were the most interesting.
Not only did I reconsider reading mysteries, but this week I also committed the sacrilege of thinking I should stop reading altogether. I have gotten past that, but - omg.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another funny, easy-to-read mystery starring Chrissy. This time, the geeky boyfriend of Chrissy’s beautiful best friend/secretary goes missing. Chrissy looks for him and gets herself into scrapes and messes. Rivera, the investigating detective is back, adding a bit of sexual tension again. As with previous book, mystery neatly solved in the end. And as with previous book, enjoyable. Although I admit to a little skimming towards the end, but this may be more because I read this just after the first in the series, and these may be enjoyed more just a bit at a time.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like this one as much as the first one. The attitude of Christine, the main character, was getting on my nerves. And her attitude toward the character J.D. was getting old. He may be a creep, but he went out of his way to help her in the first book, so she should cut him a little slack. I don't care for stories where the main character needs to keep doing stupid things just to move the plot forward or to stall for time. I plan on reading the next book in the series, I just hope Christine has better luck in that one.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chrissy is not a very bright female, but she loves her best friend. She has horrible instincts on men. I felt like I was on an ADHD roller-coaster.... I wouldn't lie to my best friend that a man who obviously cares for her dumbed her to not tell her the truth - he is missing! There were a lot of things I did not agree with or maybe relate with in this book.


I wasn't as impressed with book two as I was with book one.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is really enticing. It had me guessing until the very end. I did find myself getting frustrated with Chrissy at times, though. She lies so much and kind just keeps dragging out the problem, but maybe the author wants us as irritated at her as her love interest does! Sort of builds some degree of sympathy for the otherwise seemly rude detective!

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty good follow up, but I'm gonna need a little something more to stay in the series, hopefully the next one is better. There's also chrissy's descriptions of her friend Elaine that makes me think maybe she's in love with her the way she's always waxing poetic about her beauty and brains.