High Heels And Homicide

Maggie Kelly Mystery #4

by Kasey Michaels

When mystery author Maggie Kelly heads across the pond for a movie shoot -- accompanied by her once-fictional, now all-too-real (not to mention sexy) hero, Alexandre, Viscount Saint Just -- she can only hope for a jolly good time. And that s exactly what she gets -- if "jolly good" is Britspeak for "totally crazy" !

We are not amused

Don t get me There was plenty to laugh about when we first arrived in Merry Olde England to watch one of my novels being shot as a major motion picture. Alex was delighted with the location (a seventeeth-century manor house), but horrified with the surfer-dude mimbo playing him. I, personally, found the situation hilarious -- then the leading lady started rubbing up against "my" hero, leaving me no choice but to start a little flirtation of my own with the lord of the manor s nephew. It was all very Regency House Party until the scriptwriter showed up ... dead.

Lights, camera...action! No, not that kind of action. Well, maybe a little

Okay, so things are suddenly getting hot and heavy between Alex and me -- and our timing is atrocious as usual, what with the murder and mayhem. Suspects? Don t get me started. There s Mr. Contemptuous Director, Ms. Man-Crazy Production Assistant, Mr. Fancy Pants English Actor, Ms. Diva Leading Lady, and -- yours truly. Yep, I was seen arguing with the victim right before his unfortunate demise, so I am, as the Brits would say, in a bit of a pickle...

It was a dark and stormy night...

No, seriously. Some truly nasty English weather has flooded the property, cutting off the power as well as access to the roads. Plus, someone s stolen all the cell phones. Oh, there s also that second body we just found. And did I mention the ghost? Mm-hmm -- the place is haunted. You know, it wasn t too long ago that a scenario like this would have had me reaching for a cigarette. Now, it just has me reaching for Alex...

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

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Kasey Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books (she doesn't count them). Kasey has received three coveted Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, two for the historical romances, THE SECRETS OF THE HEART and THE BUTLER DID IT, and a third for contemporary romance LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (that shows diversity, you see). She is a recipient of the RITA, a Waldenbooks and Bookrak Bestseller award, and many awards from Romantic Times magazine, including a Career Achievement award for her Regency era historical romances. She is an Honor Roll author in Romance Writers of America, Inc. (RWA)

Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").

A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.

Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!

Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls

Reviews

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Maggie was invited to meet the cast and crew of her movie in an English manor. So of course, Alex and Sterling came along, together with her bestie editor Bernie and agent Tabby.

Not long after they arrived, the rain isolated the manor and cut everything off. When Maggie discovered the dead body of the scriptwriter hanging outside her window and then later the producer, Alex knows he's the perfect person to solve the crimes.

I enjoyed this installment, with Maggie's other beau Steven back in NY, there's a bit more "romancing" between Alex and Maggie. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm being a little generous with three stars, but I haven't read the first three books in this series and maybe that makes a difference. I did like the concept. The mystery wasn't bad. I liked that any romance was really only hinted at. The pacing, however, was agonizingly slow. The murder didn't even occur until halfway through the book. And the main character is a writer but the best response she seems to be able to come up with is "bite me," which she says A LOT. Also the title is really misleading. The main character definitely doesn't seem like a high heels girl, but maybe she did in the other books.

[Wench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I'm glad I continued the series. The mystery in this one was a little slapdash and slapstick, but whooooo lord the slow burn romance? DAAAMN.

Content notes: murder, murder made to look like suicide, suicide of historical person as plot point, mild slut shaming

[Rachel Consoli · Rating 2 out of 5]

One issue is I definitely didn’t realize this was a part of series because I’ve just had it forever. So it made it very difficult for me to care because it’s expected I already know about the characters, which I don’t. It’s a bizarre premise, but worse than that is I expected a good, fun mystery and I didn’t even get that. Also it was just so slow. Nothing happens until half way through and even then I just couldn’t be bothered. The romance is slow burn but TOO much so to the point where it’s basically non-existent. I definitely set myself up for failure but just jumping in mid series, but certainly doesn’t interest me enough to read more.

[Maija Cota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick read. Kind of confused how the name high heels has nothing to do with this book. I like the Maggie Kelly books for sure but I'm waiting for something more!!

[Samie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Thanksgiving with Maggie's family, Maggie, Alex and Sterling are off to Merry Olde England for the first of the made-for-TV movies of Maggie's books. Things start to go wrong right after they arrive at Medwine Manor (the movie site). It's been raining for at least a week and the pond is overflowing causing the power to go out. Then the generators fail after someone leaves the basement doors open. The screenwriter is found hanging outside Maggie's bedroom window (murdered, not suicide). As Alex and Maggie are closing in on the murderer, they find another victim. Which of these seemingly, crazy movie people is responsible? Why? Will there be more victims? Read the book to find out!

I really enjoyed the characters in this story. The actors portraying Alex and Sterling were wonderfully well rounded. The contrasts and comparisons to both Alex and Sterling were great. The characterizations of the other actors portraying Maggie's leading-lady, the director, the villain, even Clarence (St. Just's Valet) were developed beyond the usual stereotypes, which mad this such a wonderfully funny, action-packed read. I really enjoyed this book and I'm adding it to my Keeper Shelf.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Maggie Kelly Mystery series written by Kasey Michaels. Maggie Kelly, bestselling author of the Alexandre St. Just Mystery Series, is on her way to jolly old England to watch the filming of one of her books for the small screen. Her entourage includes her editor, her agent, the viscount and his loyal sidekick, Sterling Balder. Once at the lovely old manor house where the filming is to take place, the mayhem that seems to travel wherever St. Just saunters rears its ugly head. We have a manor cut off from the world by a flood, motives galore, and a cast of characters anyone would cheerfully choke. When a dead body is discovered they put their sleuthing skills to the test to find out what really happened.This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Kelly should be overjoyed. One of her bestselling Saint Just mysteries is being made into a movie and she and her fictional characters who have come to life, are going to England to see the filming. What could possibly go wrong with her perfect hero and his sidekick on the set? She's afraid to find out, but never in her wildest imagination does Maggie expect the chaos, drama and murder that befalls them. The country manor where they are staying even has a ghost. Perfect! Uncle Willis fits right in with the quirky characters who are already there. With Saint Just on his game and Maggie to try to keep him out of trouble, I knew that there would be plenty of action. I love the hint of romance and want Maggie to take a chance. After all Saint Just is her dream man. The dialogue is humorous and snarky and made me laugh. Thank goodness Kasey Michaels has a way with words and a vivid imagination.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most series begin to lag in the middle, and an author casts wildly around to find something different for the characters to do. By book 4, we have read all the best stuff, and things start to get dicey. Not with this book. The something different is to head to England, and that is a brainstorm! Most of the regular characters get to come, too (sorry, Socks!), but we get some fun new ones (hello, Evan). The cast is larger this time, and the mystery more complicated. Groundwork is laid for the next two books, and Alex and Maggie make good progress on their relationship, too. Best of all, the snark flies thick and fast in this one. I enjoyed every minute of this reread.
I was offered a free ebook copy in exchange for my honest review, and I was pleased to have it to go along with my paperbook copy.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth Maggie Kelly mystery and I think that they just keep getting better and better!

There is going to be a movie made from one of Maggie's books, so St. Just, Maggie, and Sterling, as well as Bernie and Tabbie travel over to England to observe. Nothing is going smoothly since the rain has been falling nonstop and the estate grounds are flooded and the actors are going a bit crazy staying indoors. Maggie isn't happy about the changes to her story that the screenwriter has made, but she certainly isn't guilty of murdering the poor man! So St. Just (in person) and the actor that is playing the role now have a chance to look around the manor house for clues to the murder. I will admit that I didn't figure out the mystery too easily this time. Be prepared for some surprises in this one!

I received a complimentary copy but all opinions are my own.

[Kme_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fourth book in the enjoyable Maggie Kelly Mysteries. This time Maggie , Sterling ,St John and crew go to England , to supervise one of Maggie's books becoming a made for TV movie. As always trouble follows the group, when a murder happens and no one from the highly unusual movie crew can leave the house because of a rain storm flooding the only way to town. This book was a fun read! I laughed at the very descriptive way she talked about the movie cast. Also there were some delightful moments between Maggie and St Just. I did read the first one in the series and somehow jump to this one. But was not lost. I do recommend reading at least the first to get the basic plot down. But each book could be read as a standalone.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the best I would call this book cute. The title is really misleading. It makes it sound like some super cool glamorous character gets caught up in these homisides and deals with it all fashionably. In reality the main character is an awkward mystery writer who's fictional hero some how became real in a previous book. Since her mysteries historical, her now real life hero doesn't quite fit in our current time period. I kept picturing the actor who plays Shrlock Holmes on PBS as the hero character. If you didn't have anything else around to read, I would recommend it. Otherwise, I think there are a lot better reads waiting for you.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Maggie book from Kasey Michaels. The more I read Maggie's story the better I like it. In Maggie In Too Deep (formerly High Heels and Homicide) we get more mystery and more humor. I love Kasey's humor. The book is as always well written with the two main characters slowly getting closer. I hope by the end of the series they will get their HEA. The mystery was well thought out and the secondary characters are almost like family to me by now. I highly recommend the series to anyone who loves a good mystery combined with laugh-out-loud humor. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't care for this at all. I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood, or was eager to get back to Jack, but this didn't do anything for me at all! Firstly, I didn't like the phrases the protag used - just my own little bugbear, and one which I could probably have lived with. What I couldn't get over was the fact that her characters (she is an author) had come to life....WHAT!!!??? Sorry, just not my cup of tea, I'm afraid.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time Maggie, St. Just and Sterling are off to England for a filming of one of her Regency mysteries, starring St. Just as the main character.

Quirky and silly but still a bit of fun. This time she takes on screenwriters too. Maybe I just like writers who don't take themselves too seriously, and it shows through here.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I didn't realize this was party of the maggie series. I tried reading one a couple of months back, and couldn't get over alex's way of talking. i finished this one only because i still wanted to know how it ended, but it took me over a month to actually finish it... i most likely won't get any more books in this series because its just not my style of reading.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of this series by far - probably because of the very lack of romance Maggie's editor is lamenting in her latest tome. I think I will stick with the series though and try the last one - just because the premise and characters are so entertaining.

[Beby · Rating 3 out of 5]

gue kasi tiga bintang untuk novel ini karena sampe buku ke-4 hubungan Maggie dan Alex tidak ada perkembangan. misteri pembunuhannya juga tidak terlalu menarik. hal yang gue suka dari novel ini kepolosan Sterling, hubungan persahabatan yg cukup erat antara Alex dan Sterling.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder and mayhem ensues as Maggie and her entourage head to jolly old England! An enjoyable read, but this installment was a little slower than the previous books. I'm glad to see that Maggie and Saint Just are moving closer finally!

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring!!

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously lame. Poor plot, exceptionally poor writing (very hard to follow). Blah!

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just Ok. Maybe because I think it is part of a series and I never read the others, I just could not get into this.

[Amanda frankl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute and fun book. Very Nancy Drew but only for adults.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another humorous murder mystery for Alex, Maggie & Sterling! The new cast of characters was very entertaining, and the English setting was a nice change. Fun!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Might have enjoyed it more if I'd read earlier books from this series. Didn't figure out who the murder/s were, but really did't care either.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't one of the best books I've ever read. Kind of boring. Did not live up to the hype. I wanted a new series to read. This isn't it.

[Karen Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

5

[Jacque · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may have enjoyed this book more if I had read the previous books in the series. It was hard to grasp what was going on and I had a hard time relating to the characters.

[Kasey M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. Kind of cliche, the whole 'mystery' aspect, and I totally saw parts of it coming. Overall though the book was pretty awesome. XD