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Piper Harris #2
Fool Me Once
Thirtysomething Piper Harris and her grandmother, former members of a motorcycle gang, are struggling to adjust to their new life in Bitter End, Florida, after being relocated there at a retirement complex as part of the witness protection program.
Let’s just say Gran laundered money so well, she washed away their freedom.
It’s crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation?
Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community.
But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money.
And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new?
Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover?
Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.
Let’s just say Gran laundered money so well, she washed away their freedom.
It’s crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation?
Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community.
But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money.
And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new?
Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover?
Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2023
2286 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Deany Ray
42 books183 followershttps://www.facebook.com/deanyraybooks/
Deany Ray has always wanted to be a writer so she decided to take the plunge and dive into it.
She loves writing cozy mysteries, as this is what she likes to read the most.
Her favorite activities are traveling, going to the movie theatre, meeting up with friends and having cooking sessions with her awesome mom.
Deany Ray has always wanted to be a writer so she decided to take the plunge and dive into it.
She loves writing cozy mysteries, as this is what she likes to read the most.
Her favorite activities are traveling, going to the movie theatre, meeting up with friends and having cooking sessions with her awesome mom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 5, 2023
This volume 2 was just as good as volume 1 (Coming in Hot); maybe a little better. I could see myself in one of these retirement communities in the future. I really enjoyed the scenes where the retirees went all out playing paintball.
September 20, 2023
Very funny
The characters in these books are active, interesting, intelligent and most of all funny as all get out. The stories are fun to read. I love getting to know the characters. I look forward to the next book.
The characters in these books are active, interesting, intelligent and most of all funny as all get out. The stories are fun to read. I love getting to know the characters. I look forward to the next book.
April 19, 2024
Lovin' these...
I don't even know who to compare these ladies to! They're full of sass and brass with just enough courage and confidence to go off investigating things but have enough brains to put the puzzle pieces together or to bring in the big backup. They are a hoot, and I'd love to be in their circle!!! Deany Ray is an amazing writer and gets you completely immersed in the book just as quick as possible! The storyline holds you tight where you don't want to put it down and will stay up past your bedtime, lol. I barely started this one and next thing I knew I was over one hundred pages in and it felt like I had only read for a few minutes!!! I love books like this but they're hard to come across. Deany Ray makes it a point with her books to get you absorbed in the stories and make you feel like you are a character as well. This is a series and most definitely best if you read all of them in order. Although, there's enough details about the past in each book that you wouldn't be lost and could still enjoy the story.
I don't even know who to compare these ladies to! They're full of sass and brass with just enough courage and confidence to go off investigating things but have enough brains to put the puzzle pieces together or to bring in the big backup. They are a hoot, and I'd love to be in their circle!!! Deany Ray is an amazing writer and gets you completely immersed in the book just as quick as possible! The storyline holds you tight where you don't want to put it down and will stay up past your bedtime, lol. I barely started this one and next thing I knew I was over one hundred pages in and it felt like I had only read for a few minutes!!! I love books like this but they're hard to come across. Deany Ray makes it a point with her books to get you absorbed in the stories and make you feel like you are a character as well. This is a series and most definitely best if you read all of them in order. Although, there's enough details about the past in each book that you wouldn't be lost and could still enjoy the story.
September 18, 2025
These aren’t terribly exciting but they are a good steady read that I found myself enjoying. The humor and snark is great and the writing is just good.
April 6, 2023
Deany Ray always conjures up a fabulously written and excitingly comical cozey mystery and she's done it again in the second mystery cozey to the " Piper Harris Mystery " series Piper and her Nona as well as niebour Charlie are in the thick of things once again after coming across a dead body. The familiar and lovable characters along with their niebourhood seniors and Charlie's nephew are a colorful, vibrant and quirky array of characters and then of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer in the background, these characters will immediately have you captivated and drawn into their drama then you will be enticed further through the intrigue of murder, corruption lies secrets ,car chase's and more mayhem than you can imagine all entwined through a plot that keeps things hopping unexpected turn of events hilarious senior events and a big WOW I didn't see that coming at the end. So grab a snack, a favorite beverage and settle in to be entertained. Acquire " Fool Me Once " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
March 30, 2023
Piper and her Gran have been relocated by the witness protection agency to a senior living facility in Florida. They had lived an "active lifestyle" as members of a biker gang but Gran got busted and both are now bored out of their minds in their new location.
Piper agrees to drive her neighbor to deposit more funds into her investment account. When they get there, however, one of the investment advisors has been expertly shot dead. And so starts Piper's 2nd murder investigation. On one hand, she wants to steer clear, but on the other, she loves the intrigue and activity.
Piper and her Gran have been persuaded by a man, who seems to be a potential suitor for Gran, to attend a paint ball event, organized by the senior community. The fierce battle to ensues is a delight to read. In addition to the suitor for Gran, there appear to be some men interested in Piper - and at least one enemy in the making.
This is the second book in the series and it's a must read for people who enjoy Stephanie Plum. I laughed out loud several times.
I was given an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.
Piper agrees to drive her neighbor to deposit more funds into her investment account. When they get there, however, one of the investment advisors has been expertly shot dead. And so starts Piper's 2nd murder investigation. On one hand, she wants to steer clear, but on the other, she loves the intrigue and activity.
Piper and her Gran have been persuaded by a man, who seems to be a potential suitor for Gran, to attend a paint ball event, organized by the senior community. The fierce battle to ensues is a delight to read. In addition to the suitor for Gran, there appear to be some men interested in Piper - and at least one enemy in the making.
This is the second book in the series and it's a must read for people who enjoy Stephanie Plum. I laughed out loud several times.
I was given an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.
September 13, 2025
I fell in love with Piper Harris and her Gran in book one of this cozy mystery series. This book, Fool Me Once, picks up at the end of book one. Finally settling into their new home (the two ladies are in the Witness Protection Program), they are drawn into another adventure by their intrepid neighbor Edie (bouncy white curls and a sweet old lady vibe). This time they are dealing with a couple of scam artists who have bilked most of the seniors in their retirement village of their life savings before managing to have one of them killed. It’s murder and mayhem as Piper is drawn in to Edie’s scheme to get back her money. Gran tries to stay out of it as well but has to tread the fine line of strict rules about being in WITSEC. And along the way we are treated to a baby step forward in the seedling romance between Piper and Ryker, Edie’s hunky grandson who also happens to run the security at the retirement village.
Lots of action, quirky characters, and the return of Lucretia the Sourpuss make for an enjoyable light read.
Lots of action, quirky characters, and the return of Lucretia the Sourpuss make for an enjoyable light read.
May 20, 2024
3.6✨ Piper is growing on me, and again, the supporting cast of characters is brilliant. The scene where the entire retirement community goes to play paintball? Loved it. My primary complaints are the same: Piper occasionally brings out some I’m-not-like-other-girls energy that really gets on my nerves and Gran can really just be a negative Nancy at times. I get that Piper and Gran’s vibes are supposed to be more pessimistic and cynical given their history, but I think that the series could benefit from a bit more balance. That type of development is definitely being seen from Piper, which is why this book has higher ratings than the previous one, but I’m waiting on Gran. Piper can only say “Gran looked like she was miserable but actually had a good time,” so many times before I start wanting to read actual proof of this.
I LOVE Edie and Piper’s dynamic though and if there was a book that purely focused on that I would instantly give it five stars.
I LOVE Edie and Piper’s dynamic though and if there was a book that purely focused on that I would instantly give it five stars.
November 3, 2024
Let’s just say Gran laundered money so well, she washed away their freedom.
It’s crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation?
Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community.
But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money.
And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new?
Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover?
Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.
It’s crucial for Piper and Gran to lay low, but how can they do that when they get involved in another murder investigation?
Lloyd and Tammy Feldman are financial managers, offering investments to the seniors of the Bitter End retirement community.
But when Tammy turns up dead and Lloyd becomes a fugitive, their business is exposed as a fraud. Now, the seniors are searching for answers, for Lloyd, and for their money.
And Piper searches as well. Nobody messes with her tribe. Yes, okay, it takes some convincing from her mischief-loving next-door neighbor, Edie, but what else is new?
Will Piper blow the lid off the swindle, or will she blow her own cover?
Fool Me Once is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn.
April 26, 2023
They're at it again!
It just seems that these two cannot stay out of trouble! Or, at least, they can't seem to help themselves stumbling over crimes and setting things to rights.
Piper and Grams may reluctantly reside in Bitter End, but they do everything they can to help out their neighbours. Even when they didn't actually mean to!
This is another rollicking tale, with Piper forever trying to not do the right thing while keeping Grams on track. You'll be intrigued and outraged in equal measure, but you'll laugh yourself silly too.
Don't miss it!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely, and are entirely my own.]
It just seems that these two cannot stay out of trouble! Or, at least, they can't seem to help themselves stumbling over crimes and setting things to rights.
Piper and Grams may reluctantly reside in Bitter End, but they do everything they can to help out their neighbours. Even when they didn't actually mean to!
This is another rollicking tale, with Piper forever trying to not do the right thing while keeping Grams on track. You'll be intrigued and outraged in equal measure, but you'll laugh yourself silly too.
Don't miss it!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely, and are entirely my own.]
June 8, 2023
It's always a wild and crazy ride with Piper and her Gran in their new retirement village. That Edie absolutely cracks me up! She makes me think of the awesome Betty White (who better to play Edie if this was movie, right?) and Dorothy aka Gran makes me think of well, the Dorothy character from Golden Girls. I'm sure Piper feels like she's herding cats sometimes. Ha, can you just see Gran owning a cat? It'd either drive her crazy or she'd get it a little biker outfit!
As always Piper went down the rabbit hole with her pal Edie and got into the murder investigation, but she did come up with the answer that resulted in a tense but kinda funny showdown. Luckily Edie had her back so the cavalry got there when needed. I'm glad the next book's coming out soon!
As always Piper went down the rabbit hole with her pal Edie and got into the murder investigation, but she did come up with the answer that resulted in a tense but kinda funny showdown. Luckily Edie had her back so the cavalry got there when needed. I'm glad the next book's coming out soon!
August 9, 2024
I didn't like this one as much as the first one. I felt like a big chunk of this book was repetitive from Book 1. Also, some phrases kept repeating throughout the book. I think I counted "we're in WITSEC" elated comments 6 times in a 2-page section. There were some great sections - such as the Paintball tournament. But some sections very reminiscent of Book 1 - such as chasing the bad guy through the woods in flip flops (or boots) and either tripping or stepping on something, so they go away. Piper continues to have tons of self-doubt and issues with actually living a life or finding a job. I'm also a little upset that the money found in the yard gnomes in Book 1 was never mentioned again. What happened with the $500K?
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October 4, 2024I really enjoyed this book. It is written with humor, which makes it fun to read, however the story deals with some very serious situations. A couple is scamming money from the elderly in the community that Piper and her grandmother are relocated to for the Witness Protection. The woman in the couple turns up dead by bullet, and naturally Piper and Edie happen tobe the ones to discover the body. True to form, Edie and Piper come up with a plot to figure out who shot her, and where did the male of the couple disappear to. This leads them down a complicated and dangerous path. By the end, Piper is recuperating from injuries due to the goings on. Along the way, Rfyker takes a sincere interest in Piper so the stage is possibly set for romance in future adventures.
July 16, 2024
3.75 stars
I love Edie, and Theodore was a revelation in this book. The senior paintball was a scream! Piper's lamenting of her old life bugged me more, though I suppose she and Gran still haven't been at the new place that long. Still, it's been over a year.
I think what keeps my scores lower than I like to give is the small errors I see. Some are consistency blips, and some stem from a feeling that the author hasn't been in Florida much - if at all.
The premise and pacing of this title were good, and I do like many of the characters, particularly the senior residents. I won the 4-volume set, so I'll start the 3rd book soon.
I love Edie, and Theodore was a revelation in this book. The senior paintball was a scream! Piper's lamenting of her old life bugged me more, though I suppose she and Gran still haven't been at the new place that long. Still, it's been over a year.
I think what keeps my scores lower than I like to give is the small errors I see. Some are consistency blips, and some stem from a feeling that the author hasn't been in Florida much - if at all.
The premise and pacing of this title were good, and I do like many of the characters, particularly the senior residents. I won the 4-volume set, so I'll start the 3rd book soon.
August 1, 2024
The Piper Harris story has a fun premise. A young woman and her grandmother are in the witness protection after testifying against their biker gang. The two live in a retirement community and Piper’s best friend is now a 75 year old woman. The plots in this series are well-developed. Piper reminds me some of Stephanie Plum - except much more competent. The writing leaves something to be desired. The characters roll their eyes so much the phrase may take up a good percentage of the total novel. The author’s not great at telling us what’s happening through description and dialogue. If that doesn’t bother you it’s a good little summer read.
August 6, 2025
After only 3 weeks in the senior community Piper and Gran are investigating another murder unrelated to the first. Piper is driving their neighbor Edie to run some errands, the last of which is to take the cash Edie just withdrew from the bank over to her new investment agents. Edie and Piper discover the recently shot and killed body of the female partner while the male partner is nowhere to be found. Again the police tell them to leave the investigating to them and again Piper, Edie, and Gran find reasons to ignore the police.
The scene with the senior day playing paintball is funny and well done. But, again, Dorothy (Gran) and Piper are doing just about everything they were told to avoid while trying to get their lives back together in the WITSEC program. I also want to know how Piper went from finding up to $500k in the garden gnomes next door at the end of Book 1, back to being broke and needing to find a job and an apartment in this book. That money is never mentioned in this book.
The scene with the senior day playing paintball is funny and well done. But, again, Dorothy (Gran) and Piper are doing just about everything they were told to avoid while trying to get their lives back together in the WITSEC program. I also want to know how Piper went from finding up to $500k in the garden gnomes next door at the end of Book 1, back to being broke and needing to find a job and an apartment in this book. That money is never mentioned in this book.
May 4, 2023
Full of humor and senior shenanigans. A murder reveals that many of the residents of the Bitter End retirement community have been scammed, including their new neighbor and friend, Edie, who starts an investigation of her own. Although trying to lie low due to being in witness protection, Piper and Gran get dragged into this investigation .
Lots of humor and quirky characters make this a must read. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my freely offered review
Lots of humor and quirky characters make this a must read. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my freely offered review
January 18, 2025
Basic and simple
3 stars ⭐
Just like the first one this is a basic simple cozy mystery. Nothing too complicated, quirky characters, a little bit of drama, but pretty predictable. I liked the thought process behind pipers realization that her life is different and changed, but the rest of the plot was pretty mediocre, and you just kind of knew where it was heading. However, that's how I feel most cozy Mysteries go so, it was cute, I'm moving on to the next one, but nothing that I would rush to recommend
3 stars ⭐
Just like the first one this is a basic simple cozy mystery. Nothing too complicated, quirky characters, a little bit of drama, but pretty predictable. I liked the thought process behind pipers realization that her life is different and changed, but the rest of the plot was pretty mediocre, and you just kind of knew where it was heading. However, that's how I feel most cozy Mysteries go so, it was cute, I'm moving on to the next one, but nothing that I would rush to recommend
March 31, 2023
Piper Harris goes with Edie when she goes to her financial investor to give them some more money.
When they get their, they discover the receptionist in her chair behind the desk.
With a bullet hole in her forehead.
This is the second book in Piper Harris series.
There are developed characters, some humor, some twists, and a lot of highjinx from a lot of retired elderly people.
This is a fun standalone book.
When they get their, they discover the receptionist in her chair behind the desk.
With a bullet hole in her forehead.
This is the second book in Piper Harris series.
There are developed characters, some humor, some twists, and a lot of highjinx from a lot of retired elderly people.
This is a fun standalone book.
April 16, 2023
A terrific book filled with murder, stupid criminals, sore losers, an investment scam, and fun. Great characters and a funny retirement community in Bitter End, Florida. With the threat of being kicked out of the Witness Protection program, Piper, and a reluctant Dorothy, carefully help their neighbor try to recover stolen invested money. You might not think it's possible, but it was hilarious and over much too soon! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
May 19, 2023
Piper and her grandmother were relocated to Bitter End, Florida, in the witness protection program. This is a far cry from the life they used to live! If you think this is a boring retirement community, you will be sadly mistaken! There’s never a dull moment! How can you lay low and not blow your cover when you stumble on a dead body? I loved this book! The characters and their antics kept me in stitches! I can’t wait to see what they get into in the next book in the series!
March 15, 2024
awesome
I so enjoyed this book. I am so glad I stumbled across this series. I think is amazing going to keep reading the books just to see what happens next. These two ladies in witness protection are unbelievable. Then to pair them with Edie and the other seniors, well it makes for some very entertaining stories, especially this book. I am so hoping all eventually get their HEA. Highly recommend this story and the series.
I so enjoyed this book. I am so glad I stumbled across this series. I think is amazing going to keep reading the books just to see what happens next. These two ladies in witness protection are unbelievable. Then to pair them with Edie and the other seniors, well it makes for some very entertaining stories, especially this book. I am so hoping all eventually get their HEA. Highly recommend this story and the series.
March 31, 2024
Scammers Are Bilking Retirees!
This book is the second in a humorous clean mystery series. The story takes place in a Florida retirement community. Our main characters are in the Witness Protection Program and are having a hard time getting used to the retirement culture. The stories are clean with no foul language and minimal violence. There is no gore or sex. The mystery is good with the reader getting clues as the character does.
This book is the second in a humorous clean mystery series. The story takes place in a Florida retirement community. Our main characters are in the Witness Protection Program and are having a hard time getting used to the retirement culture. The stories are clean with no foul language and minimal violence. There is no gore or sex. The mystery is good with the reader getting clues as the character does.
May 10, 2024
Fool Me Once
Piper and Edie walk into and office and discover a dead woman in her office chair. Edie and other retirees were being scammed through what they thought were legitimate investments by this woman and her husband, or is he? Edie drags Piper into helping her find Lloyd and helping her recover her money. Lots of crazy action as they try to solve the multiple crimes. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Piper and Edie walk into and office and discover a dead woman in her office chair. Edie and other retirees were being scammed through what they thought were legitimate investments by this woman and her husband, or is he? Edie drags Piper into helping her find Lloyd and helping her recover her money. Lots of crazy action as they try to solve the multiple crimes. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 22, 2025
I’m still really enjoying this duo, and book two kept the fun going. Once again, the granddaughter gets pulled into another mystery mostly because she’s made friends with the seniors at the retirement home, and of course she can’t resist helping them out.
I still love the character dynamics in this series, and the slow-building romance for both the grandmother and the granddaughter is such a cute touch. This series just keeps getting more charming, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I still love the character dynamics in this series, and the slow-building romance for both the grandmother and the granddaughter is such a cute touch. This series just keeps getting more charming, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
April 6, 2023
Set aside a day for this PG cozy mystery set in Bitter End, Florida where 31-year-old Piper 'Harris' and her 73-year-old grandmother Dorothy are under WITSEC, the witness protection program but do NOT read in public as guffaws will ensue. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.
April 19, 2023
OMG!!!! These are the best books ever....
I live in Florida, surrounded by retirement communities and senior citizens. I might even be a senior myself. These stories are hysterical and full of love and friendship. Please keep adding to Paper's story. You. Deany Ray, are amazing. Thanks for the good time in Bitter End.
I live in Florida, surrounded by retirement communities and senior citizens. I might even be a senior myself. These stories are hysterical and full of love and friendship. Please keep adding to Paper's story. You. Deany Ray, are amazing. Thanks for the good time in Bitter End.
July 18, 2023
Gift Baskets/A Hunting We Will Go/Murder!
Another death & trying to locate a scammer keeps our girls guessing. A lost phone with a deadly audio message sends them on a game of hunting. But Piper uses her sharpness of putting 2& 2 together & the end is near. But what can you do while waiting for the cops!!
A lot can be accomplished if you know what I mean!!
Another death & trying to locate a scammer keeps our girls guessing. A lost phone with a deadly audio message sends them on a game of hunting. But Piper uses her sharpness of putting 2& 2 together & the end is near. But what can you do while waiting for the cops!!
A lot can be accomplished if you know what I mean!!
December 30, 2024
Where's the meat?
I couldn't find any characters I really cared about. Maybe Edie. Too much dialogue that didn't go anywhere. We got told over and over again now much Piper and Granny hate their new life which makes me hate it too. I'm not interested enough to continue with the series.
I couldn't find any characters I really cared about. Maybe Edie. Too much dialogue that didn't go anywhere. We got told over and over again now much Piper and Granny hate their new life which makes me hate it too. I'm not interested enough to continue with the series.
December 21, 2025
Always a fun ride
How can you ever dislike a set of books that always make you have a smile on your face as you read and the occasional lol literally moments.
These books have become my go to during book slumps. After so many boring or predictable books it's nice to know there is somewhere to go for the break.
How can you ever dislike a set of books that always make you have a smile on your face as you read and the occasional lol literally moments.
These books have become my go to during book slumps. After so many boring or predictable books it's nice to know there is somewhere to go for the break.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews