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Francesca Vierling Mystery #3
The Pink Flamingo Murders
Whacked with a lawn flamingo? A reporter wants to know--who killed with kitsch...The rehabilitation of North Dakota Place is a feel-good story--the kind St. Louis City Gazette columnist Francesca Vierling likes to write. Grand houses restored to former glory. Pride in a neighborhood--and, like all good stories, this one has a hero, the woman who made it all happen, the city's guardian of good taste. Some call her a rehabbing saint, others a fanatic.The first death on North Dakota Place was certainly shocking but not entirely unwelcome--after all, the victim was a cranky old man who had been painting his house purple. The second death, of a drug dealer, brings tacit approval--and growing suspicion. But all bets are off when another victim is found, a socialite unceremoniously whacked with a pink lawn flamingo. Now the neighbors want Francesca to investigate. But her boyfriend wants her to commit to marriage, not crime. Soon the gutsy reporter is experiencing a deepening personal crisis--and something more heinous than vinyl the dark secrets of heart, home, and blighted dreams.From the Paperback edition.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 1999
24 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Viets
84 books570 followersAs a young girl, Elaine Viets was taught the virtues of South St. Louis: the importance of hard work, housecleaning, and paying cash. She managed to forget almost everything she learned, which is why she turned to mystery writing.
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.
To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.
For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.
For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”
Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.
Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.
Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.
Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.
Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.
Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.
Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 21, 2017
I've now read three of the four novels in this newspaper reporter series.
This one had rehabbing old houses in it.
I love watching TV series where people fix up old houses, so this topic made this crime fiction even better for me.
This one had rehabbing old houses in it.
I love watching TV series where people fix up old houses, so this topic made this crime fiction even better for me.
March 14, 2013
If I could do 3.5 stars I would, but I would rather err on the side of more than less.
At any rate, this is an earlier work of Elaine Viets than the Josie Marcus or Dead End Job heroine Helen and it shows. The characters are not quite as well developed, nor is the plot. However, the tributes to St. Louis, Viets' hometown are still present, and the heroine, Francesca, is likeable and independent. I have to confess I only read this one because of the title...my geocaching and waymarking mascot is a pink flamingo. I have costumed pink flamingos in my yard. So how could I not read this one? I did like the idea of church fundraiser of being flocked. My church tried a similar tactic with a porcelain throne, if you understand...but some people were not as comfortable with that. Perhaps a flock of flamingos would be less offensive and more financially profitable. Happy Reading!
At any rate, this is an earlier work of Elaine Viets than the Josie Marcus or Dead End Job heroine Helen and it shows. The characters are not quite as well developed, nor is the plot. However, the tributes to St. Louis, Viets' hometown are still present, and the heroine, Francesca, is likeable and independent. I have to confess I only read this one because of the title...my geocaching and waymarking mascot is a pink flamingo. I have costumed pink flamingos in my yard. So how could I not read this one? I did like the idea of church fundraiser of being flocked. My church tried a similar tactic with a porcelain throne, if you understand...but some people were not as comfortable with that. Perhaps a flock of flamingos would be less offensive and more financially profitable. Happy Reading!
September 16, 2017
I've read the Dead End Job series and, generally, enjoyed them (not so much after she didn't HAVE to take Dead End Jobs) so I thought I would try this. It was enjoyable. The story was good. The mystery was good. The only problem was that Francesca is not the most sympathetic character. I may try others in the series.
June 27, 2023
This is the second book I've read by this author, and they are already beginning to feel formularized. Not much character depth, but I did appreciate the one character in the book that was quite well developed - the City of St. Louis.
September 12, 2017
I like this series. A bit more edgy.
January 13, 2019
Interesting group of characters!
April 17, 2020
Elaine Viets never disappoints. Reliable fun. DPL ebook via Libby
April 11, 2014
#3 in the Francesca Vierling series. Author Viets dedicated the latest entry in her Mystery Shopper series to her grandmother, Frances Vierling, so we know where our protagonist's name came from. Once again, Viets' love and knowledge of St. Louis comes through and makes the rudimentary mystery secondary. Although some of the characters are one-dimensional, this novel is recommended for those who enjoy a story with a strong sense of place.
Francesca Vierling series - Francesca Vierling depends on tips from loyal readers to feed her ideas for her columns. So she is eager to follow up on a phone call from Margie, a fellow South City resident who invites her to observe "forking," (sticking hundreds of plastic forks into a lawn). When Francesca arrives at Margie's house on North Dakota Place to witness this spectacle, she realizes she is in the midst of serious rehabbers -- hardy pioneers who buy run-down old homes so they can restore them to their former grandeur. While Margie and her two friends are busy forking a neighbor's lawn as a practical joke, Francesca meets Caroline, the Queen Bee of the rehabbers. Caroline's tireless efforts and strong personality have helped revitalize North Dakota Place. However, some of the neighbors have protested that she is too controlling. When an old man who was painting his house purple in defiance of Caroline is electrocuted, Francesca wonders if his death is truly an accident. Suddenly death becomes almost a daily occurrence on North Dakota Place. Francesca is sure she knows the link between the murder victims, but the police won't listen to her theory. Then the identity of the fourth murder victim invalidates Francesca's suspicions. She now has to re-think her theory before North Dakota Place becomes a ghost town. In the meantime, she is also attempting to preserve her work life and her love life. The Gazette is populated by clueless editors and backstabbing co-workers, while her marriage-minded boyfriend won't take no for an answer.
Francesca Vierling series - Francesca Vierling depends on tips from loyal readers to feed her ideas for her columns. So she is eager to follow up on a phone call from Margie, a fellow South City resident who invites her to observe "forking," (sticking hundreds of plastic forks into a lawn). When Francesca arrives at Margie's house on North Dakota Place to witness this spectacle, she realizes she is in the midst of serious rehabbers -- hardy pioneers who buy run-down old homes so they can restore them to their former grandeur. While Margie and her two friends are busy forking a neighbor's lawn as a practical joke, Francesca meets Caroline, the Queen Bee of the rehabbers. Caroline's tireless efforts and strong personality have helped revitalize North Dakota Place. However, some of the neighbors have protested that she is too controlling. When an old man who was painting his house purple in defiance of Caroline is electrocuted, Francesca wonders if his death is truly an accident. Suddenly death becomes almost a daily occurrence on North Dakota Place. Francesca is sure she knows the link between the murder victims, but the police won't listen to her theory. Then the identity of the fourth murder victim invalidates Francesca's suspicions. She now has to re-think her theory before North Dakota Place becomes a ghost town. In the meantime, she is also attempting to preserve her work life and her love life. The Gazette is populated by clueless editors and backstabbing co-workers, while her marriage-minded boyfriend won't take no for an answer.
July 17, 2011
I love a main character with flaws that are common to so many of us. Francesca Vierling is a newspaper columnist who says what she thinks in her column (which her readers love) and in real iife (which gets her into trouble at work and at home). Don't we all wish we had the courage to voice our opinions out loud? We typically don't because we want to avoid the negative consequences-this is not Francesca's style. Set in St. Louis, she explains to her readers the fun indiosyncrasies that make St. Louis St. Louis.
Francesca's downtown neighborhood with its diverse personalities suddenly becomes a gathering place for emergency responders - four murders in a very short span. None of them seem to have anything in common except for their murder location. Francesca becomes part of the investigation to bring an end to her neighbors being killed. She does this while trying to work on her relationship with Lyle, handle massive, negative changes in the newsroom and dealing with a crazy fan.
I love Elaine Viet's ability to incorporate her St. Louis roots into her mysteries. For those who live in or are familiar with St. Louis, this is another great book and fun read. For those who are unfamiliar with St. Louis, you will be prepared for your visit after reading Viet's St. Louis-based books.
Francesca's downtown neighborhood with its diverse personalities suddenly becomes a gathering place for emergency responders - four murders in a very short span. None of them seem to have anything in common except for their murder location. Francesca becomes part of the investigation to bring an end to her neighbors being killed. She does this while trying to work on her relationship with Lyle, handle massive, negative changes in the newsroom and dealing with a crazy fan.
I love Elaine Viet's ability to incorporate her St. Louis roots into her mysteries. For those who live in or are familiar with St. Louis, this is another great book and fun read. For those who are unfamiliar with St. Louis, you will be prepared for your visit after reading Viet's St. Louis-based books.
June 15, 2016
This book centers around an old, upscale neighborhood in St. Louis. It is an area of homes in transition from inner city to up-and-coming neighborhood. Rehabbers abound, fixing up these old mansions and restoring them to their former glory. In the midst of one such neighborhood, three murders occur and then one more murder seemingly unrelated to the other three. Hmmm. . .this poses a dilemma for Francesca, a newspaper reporter and the main character in the story. I enjoyed the book, but Francesca frustrated me with her relationship with her boyfriend and with her job. She is definitely a flawed character but loveable in her own way. I really enjoyed this author's other mystery series, The Dead End Job Mysteries so I thought I would give this one a try. I did like it too and can recommend this to mystery readers. A good, solid, 4 stars.
April 6, 2014
"Killed by kitsch", no kidding, when a nosy neighbor is stabbed with a lawn flamingo. Ha! Faithful presentation of how gentrification can ratchet up the tensions in a neighborhood.
Curious treatment of how the flamingo idea came about, starting with plastic spoons and then evolving into a marketing stunt.
Classic Viets, so I knew I'd enjoy The Pink Flamingo Murders even before I read it. This is a Francesca Vierling mystery, so set in St. Louis and filled with the local detail and wackiness that make Viets mysteries so good.
Thanks Elaine!!
--Ashland Mystery
Curious treatment of how the flamingo idea came about, starting with plastic spoons and then evolving into a marketing stunt.
Classic Viets, so I knew I'd enjoy The Pink Flamingo Murders even before I read it. This is a Francesca Vierling mystery, so set in St. Louis and filled with the local detail and wackiness that make Viets mysteries so good.
Thanks Elaine!!
--Ashland Mystery
June 14, 2016
Wonderful summer read
This is a very intriguing story. I like the somewhat flawed heroine, the rehabbers and residents of the almost gentrified neighborhood, and the crazy politics of the newspaper where Francesca works. The murders and plot were very well written. It's a book I wanted to finish, and quickly. I have not read the first in the series, but will do so this summer. This book would be a great beach or poolside read, but you may end up reading into the night to finish it.
This is a very intriguing story. I like the somewhat flawed heroine, the rehabbers and residents of the almost gentrified neighborhood, and the crazy politics of the newspaper where Francesca works. The murders and plot were very well written. It's a book I wanted to finish, and quickly. I have not read the first in the series, but will do so this summer. This book would be a great beach or poolside read, but you may end up reading into the night to finish it.
June 2, 2008
Very glad I am already a fan of Elaine Viets, because if this was my intro to her work, I'd have never read another. She has two other really good series, which I will continue to search out and read.
This one has a newspaper columnist who has commitment issues and always seems to run into murder. Four murders in her neighborhood....I'd move. She searches out the suspect.
She was just irritating to me and I am not sure what it was exactly. Won't go back to find out.
This one has a newspaper columnist who has commitment issues and always seems to run into murder. Four murders in her neighborhood....I'd move. She searches out the suspect.
She was just irritating to me and I am not sure what it was exactly. Won't go back to find out.
August 28, 2008
This is the 3rd in the Francesca Vierling series. Francesca is a report for the St. Louis Gazette and people are being killed in her neighborhood. Granted they aren't necessarily positive contributors to society but they are still being killed. Francesca manages to stumble across who the killer is (much like the other books) and manages to nearly get killed herself.
this series isn't bad, but it isn't as good as the Dead End Job series IMHO.
this series isn't bad, but it isn't as good as the Dead End Job series IMHO.
Read
September 1, 2011An interesting series of murders, set in the world of St Louis house re-habbing. Francesca Vierling does a credible job of detecting while also writing a column for the St Louis city Gazette.
September 9, 2016
This was a fine no-brains vacation read. The author goes a little heavy on the physical descriptions and the terribleness of many of the bit-players' personalities, but overall the writing was fine. Kudos for having several main female characters who talk about things other than men, and who can get in a real fight (not a catfight). I got it just because it had "flamingo" in the title and was curious. Only recommended if you like lightweight formulaic murder mysteries.
July 5, 2016
Not good, but better than the first two, and I'm definitely compiling a good list of things to try, and to avoid, when visiting STL. Coincidentally, this was set around the Fourth of July, which is when I read it.
August 31, 2016
OK quick read. Desperate Housewives Meets HGTV. I found the newsroom politics and rehabbing stuff much more interesting than the murders. It also made me feel better about moving into a place I probably won't like so much. Loved Charlie and Nails. We all work with people like them.
November 21, 2016
I read this for my mystery book club. I didn't like it. I can usually take a book club selection that does not interest me if well written. Not so with this one. Passable writing style, attempting to be familiar and witty. Mediocre.
June 11, 2016
I liked it & you might like it, too... especially if pink flamingos are your favorite yard bird & you like old houses & nice cars named Ralph :)
June 11, 2016
Tnis was a really fun book--a bunch of murders, some interesting characters--actually just one flamingo murder.
June 17, 2016
Funny, light-hearted book. Not your suspenseful mystery novel, but just a fun read. I would recommend it.
June 18, 2016
Intriguing
I couldn't put it down. Until the very end it surprised me as to "who done it" excellent plot and follow through and wrap up
I couldn't put it down. Until the very end it surprised me as to "who done it" excellent plot and follow through and wrap up
September 2, 2016
Cute easy read. I think I got this book for free. Great for a couple of nights enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews