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High Heels #3
Undercover in High Heels
#1 Amazon, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling series! Death on the set of a TV show turns into a real life crime drama for one fashion designer turned amateur sleuth...Secret affairs, hunky gardeners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all... welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's hottest new prime time show. A place where LA shoe designer Maddie Springer should be in fashion heaven. That is until the body of a rising young starlet is found dead on the show's set. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a leading lady with a secret, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a risqué cyber scandal, and one tabloid reporter who'll stop at nothing to get the story of the century. Not to mention Maddie's hot-cold relationship with the case's familiar lead detective, Jack Ramirez. In a world where secrets, lies, and deception can earn you an Oscar, Maddie plays the role of a lifetime to catch Hollywood's hottest killer. But if she doesn't watch her step, Maddie's fifteen minutes of fame just may be her last.Rating: This story does not contain any graphic violence, language, or sexual encounters. Its rating would be similar to PG-13 or what you would find on a Hallmark Channel movie or TV series.What critics are saying about the High Heels "A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible."~ Chicago Tribune"Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!"~ Publishers' Weekly, *starred review*"Ms. Halliday is the undisputed queen of the genre."~ Fresh Fiction
485 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2007
273 people are currently reading
2168 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,892 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
February 18, 2023
Our first-person narrator Maddie Springer's impetuousness and terrible judgment get her into one hair-raising scrape after another, but each time her considerable survival skills turn on, perhaps too late? but we know she'll survive for the sake of the series. She's really bright, and it shows in her delightfully humorous narration. She did well in her fashion course, and is now a successful shoe designer for small children; it's gig work, so she can go off on a tear whenever the impetus hits, which it does quite often.
The first scene Maddie throws this time around is at the Cabana Club, where she finds her boyfriend, Los Angeles police detective Ramirez, with another woman and promptly has a very public jealous tantrum--until the woman draws a gun, grabs Maddie as a hostage, and takes off. Maddie has just spoiled Ramirez's sting operation, causing him to be "reassigned" to security patrol at a Hollywood TV studio where the star of a hit show has been receiving death threats.
Ramirez tells Maddie in no uncertain terms not to go anywhere near the set where they're filming the show, but then Maddie's best friend Dana has a brainstorm--they'll penetrate the set and find the culprit for Ramirez and earn his forgiveness. That's because, as wildly enthusiastic fans of the show, they know so much more about its inner workings than Ramirez ever could. So Dana becomes an extra and Maddie gets to be a wardrobe assistant thanks to her fashion expertise.
Then the stand-in for the threatened star is murdered, in the star's trailer no less, so it looks like mistaken identity, and Ramirez is back in action with the investigation--and back to his damsel-in-distress horror when he runs into Maddie there. The action never lags, there's another murder, and the suspense keeps growing; death threats come to Maddie too, and you know she's headed for several kinds of peril as she attempts once again to play detective. She has skills, but detection isn't one of them, and once again all the revelations come to her as big surprises.
What saves the story is the lightness and humor in Maddie's telling of it. Here's an example:
The first scene Maddie throws this time around is at the Cabana Club, where she finds her boyfriend, Los Angeles police detective Ramirez, with another woman and promptly has a very public jealous tantrum--until the woman draws a gun, grabs Maddie as a hostage, and takes off. Maddie has just spoiled Ramirez's sting operation, causing him to be "reassigned" to security patrol at a Hollywood TV studio where the star of a hit show has been receiving death threats.
Ramirez tells Maddie in no uncertain terms not to go anywhere near the set where they're filming the show, but then Maddie's best friend Dana has a brainstorm--they'll penetrate the set and find the culprit for Ramirez and earn his forgiveness. That's because, as wildly enthusiastic fans of the show, they know so much more about its inner workings than Ramirez ever could. So Dana becomes an extra and Maddie gets to be a wardrobe assistant thanks to her fashion expertise.
Then the stand-in for the threatened star is murdered, in the star's trailer no less, so it looks like mistaken identity, and Ramirez is back in action with the investigation--and back to his damsel-in-distress horror when he runs into Maddie there. The action never lags, there's another murder, and the suspense keeps growing; death threats come to Maddie too, and you know she's headed for several kinds of peril as she attempts once again to play detective. She has skills, but detection isn't one of them, and once again all the revelations come to her as big surprises.
What saves the story is the lightness and humor in Maddie's telling of it. Here's an example:
Either this was the most bumbling killer ever, to have gotten the wrong target twice, or there was more going on here than I could figure. It was harder to follow than last season's love triangle between Tina Rey, the electrician, and that hooker they killed off in the supermarket after her secret love child with the neighbor burned down Tina Rey's house and hit her dog with a diaper-delivery truck.Things move quickly, physical comedy combines with dangerous adventure, there's always something happening, and for me Maddie's sincerity and good intentions make the humor work.
January 22, 2013
Argh! I like Felix even more after this book! He's adorable and, though we only get the story from Maddie's POV, seems like he has some feelings for her. Even knowing that, obviously, Maddie is with Ramirez and is going to stay that way, I still can't help but like Felix even more! Good thing I don't bet on the ponies, I'd back the wrong one all the time. =P
But other than that, another good book. Not quite as hilarious as the previous one, but still good as, once again, the murder reveals themselves to Maddie while she's thinking it's someone else. (even though the reader can figure it out) I did like that they brought back a minor character from the first book, who didn't really get along with Maddie, but who then gets into the "Charlie’s Angels" thing and goes around with her trying to figure things out, for a while.
I like the Maddie character, she can be very competent; e.g. doing some aggressive driving to get away from another car trying to run them off the road and knowing who to talk to to figure things out, but then again she also makes huge gaffs; e.g. frequently mucking up Ramirez’s cases and forgetting little things like a gun in her purse when sending it through an x-ray machine. It makes her a more realistic ‘sleuth’, more or less. Granted some of the scenes are very wacky and unlikely, but it’s supposed to be comedic and entertaining, which it totally is.
But other than that, another good book. Not quite as hilarious as the previous one, but still good as, once again, the murder reveals themselves to Maddie while she's thinking it's someone else. (even though the reader can figure it out) I did like that they brought back a minor character from the first book, who didn't really get along with Maddie, but who then gets into the "Charlie’s Angels" thing and goes around with her trying to figure things out, for a while.
I like the Maddie character, she can be very competent; e.g. doing some aggressive driving to get away from another car trying to run them off the road and knowing who to talk to to figure things out, but then again she also makes huge gaffs; e.g. frequently mucking up Ramirez’s cases and forgetting little things like a gun in her purse when sending it through an x-ray machine. It makes her a more realistic ‘sleuth’, more or less. Granted some of the scenes are very wacky and unlikely, but it’s supposed to be comedic and entertaining, which it totally is.
January 10, 2013
These are getting worse and worse, aren't they? In this installment, Maddie has evidently lost more and more of her brain. She barges into a club that her cop boyfriend is in and confronts him after he just broke a date and told her where he'd be. Does she not stop to think for one minute. He's a cop. Perhaps this is a suspect or an informant? No, she does what she always does and doesn't think. Evidently Dana's having the same issue. Then, even though he tells her to leave his investigations alone, she barges in again and tried to solve the crime. Never mind that everyone reading the book knows exactly who the culprit is from nearly the beginning, she can't see it. I don't see how the cop hasn't dumped her ass before now. She's so incredibly stupid, it's infuriating. These are books are like if the main character of those Shopaholic books decided to solve crimes. /shudder Also, again, does this author not have a proofreader or something to check for continuity? Evidently not. I'm not particularly grammatically fussy, but seriously: Snickers is capitalized. Also, there's a big difference from, "I said no more, Britney" and "I said no more Britney." You mean the second, but you wrote the first. Gah!
September 1, 2010
This is the 3rd in the series, and boy is it a wild ride! Maddie gets hired on the set of Magnolia Lane, a tv drama show, then one of the star doubles, is found strangled with a pair of pany hose. As Maddie is trying to uncover the secrets and scandals, another body turns up dead. After getting death threats via makeup, Maddie is determined to find out the killer, and fast, before shes next!
Not only does Maddie get kidnapped, her apartment gets ransacked, her car rammed into, she also ends up appearing on internet porn (via her shoes); Guns constantly pulled in her face, and cake icing in her face too. She also gets arrested not only for carrying a gun, but a personal "massager" as well!!!
Poor Maddie just cant stay out of trouble!
This is a great book, and I highly reccomend reading all in the set!
It has it all, humor, mystery, action, and not to mention run-ins with LAPD's Sexiest cop! I am proud to say I had the killer pegged!
Not only does Maddie get kidnapped, her apartment gets ransacked, her car rammed into, she also ends up appearing on internet porn (via her shoes); Guns constantly pulled in her face, and cake icing in her face too. She also gets arrested not only for carrying a gun, but a personal "massager" as well!!!
Poor Maddie just cant stay out of trouble!
This is a great book, and I highly reccomend reading all in the set!
It has it all, humor, mystery, action, and not to mention run-ins with LAPD's Sexiest cop! I am proud to say I had the killer pegged!
January 24, 2012
I don't know why I get sucked in, but I read the first two and couldn't stop myself from reading #3. And of course, I'm now on #4. And honestly, I'm kinda hating myself for it. I'm sure I'll just go full tilt and end up reading #5. Might as well finish the pain I started.
these books are not well written, the main character is annoying to all end, there are typos all over the place and I get frustrated at some of the inconsistencies from the author in terms of her vision of how Los Angeles is laid out (Beverly Hills to Larchmont to West Hill in 20 minutes? Or Venice to Studio City in 15 minutes during morning rush hour? What?)
Yet, I still find myself reading the next chapter, with the next set of unbelievable circumstances, knowing full well I'm gonna get upset at something. At the very least, I console myself with the fact that I borrowed these books, so it is just a waste of my time (and as they are pretty quick reads, not too much time on my part) and not money too.
these books are not well written, the main character is annoying to all end, there are typos all over the place and I get frustrated at some of the inconsistencies from the author in terms of her vision of how Los Angeles is laid out (Beverly Hills to Larchmont to West Hill in 20 minutes? Or Venice to Studio City in 15 minutes during morning rush hour? What?)
Yet, I still find myself reading the next chapter, with the next set of unbelievable circumstances, knowing full well I'm gonna get upset at something. At the very least, I console myself with the fact that I borrowed these books, so it is just a waste of my time (and as they are pretty quick reads, not too much time on my part) and not money too.
April 1, 2025
Silly but fun. Everyone needs a little Maddie Springer in their life.
This book, Undercover in High Heels, wasn't as good as I remember the first two books but Maddie is still as inquisitive, rash and impetuous and ready to rush into danger or for cocktails in deliciously High Heels but something was a little off for me.
The book wasn't as funny, perhaps more outlandish, than I recall the previous two, and I felt Maddie was just a little less competent, forgetful and less clear headed. However, memory is susceptible to slip ups, mine and hers, and characters evolve, so it could just be me, time or distance, or just the wrong shoes for the event.
Perhaps, if I were to sink a few martinis and reread this further down the line, it might click.
Still, it was a pleasant little jaunt in good company in a 'cosy crime', a label I normally abhor, but this time definitely more Murder She Wrote than LA Confidential. So steal a shoe analogy, not quite the fit for me, too much pinch in the toe!
This book, Undercover in High Heels, wasn't as good as I remember the first two books but Maddie is still as inquisitive, rash and impetuous and ready to rush into danger or for cocktails in deliciously High Heels but something was a little off for me.
The book wasn't as funny, perhaps more outlandish, than I recall the previous two, and I felt Maddie was just a little less competent, forgetful and less clear headed. However, memory is susceptible to slip ups, mine and hers, and characters evolve, so it could just be me, time or distance, or just the wrong shoes for the event.
Perhaps, if I were to sink a few martinis and reread this further down the line, it might click.
Still, it was a pleasant little jaunt in good company in a 'cosy crime', a label I normally abhor, but this time definitely more Murder She Wrote than LA Confidential. So steal a shoe analogy, not quite the fit for me, too much pinch in the toe!
February 20, 2019
This book had me giggling and doing a lot of forehead smacks. Maddie just knows how to push the buttons of her hot detective. Will they stay together or will he finally give up on her? I hope he cant resist her and make it official.
January 26, 2012
Since I read the first two, I felt obligated to read book 3. And since I have, eh, approximately 90 seconds to do a review before running off to work, this one will need to be super quick.
Basically, our airheaded heroine is back again, this time on the set of a popular soap opera where a lead actress has been receiving death threats. Ever so conveniently, as always, Maddie is able to step her way onto a celebrity-studded television set as an assistant in the wardrobe department. And here she learns that bitchy actress Mia, who has nothing but enemies on the set, has been receiving stalkerish death-threat type letters -- which soon escalate to a murder or two.
Always able to dodge the most ridiculous potentially-deadly scenarios, Maddie manages to save the day, while also ending up entangled in on online porn site where her personally-designed pink stilettos make her an overnight YouTube sensation. And of course, her handsome almost-boyfriend cop Ramirez has warned her to stay out of the detective business .... Will he forgive her a third time?
Silly, stupid, brainless, but overall fun, UNDERCOVER IN HIGH HEELS was was an enjoyable read --- as long as you're willing to suspend reality for a few hours!
Basically, our airheaded heroine is back again, this time on the set of a popular soap opera where a lead actress has been receiving death threats. Ever so conveniently, as always, Maddie is able to step her way onto a celebrity-studded television set as an assistant in the wardrobe department. And here she learns that bitchy actress Mia, who has nothing but enemies on the set, has been receiving stalkerish death-threat type letters -- which soon escalate to a murder or two.
Always able to dodge the most ridiculous potentially-deadly scenarios, Maddie manages to save the day, while also ending up entangled in on online porn site where her personally-designed pink stilettos make her an overnight YouTube sensation. And of course, her handsome almost-boyfriend cop Ramirez has warned her to stay out of the detective business .... Will he forgive her a third time?
Silly, stupid, brainless, but overall fun, UNDERCOVER IN HIGH HEELS was was an enjoyable read --- as long as you're willing to suspend reality for a few hours!
November 7, 2012
I read Undercover in High Heels by Gemma Halliday. I recommend this book. It is a cute story! Maddie doesn't know how her relationship is with Ramirez because she hardly sees him. Maddie loves this show called Magnolia Lane. Ramirez gets to trail an actor from that show because of stalking and death threats. Maddie and her friend Dana wants in it to snoop around and meet the actors. She gets a job as a designer assistant and Dana becomes an extra. Things fall apart, people get killed & threats are on Maddie. Maddie stays with a tabloid reporter, Felix, so Ramirez wouldn't find out about her shenanigans. Felix and Maddie almost for something that she would regret & Dana has to go to Sex Addicts class. Maddie wears her own designers pink heels while she gets sucked in to internet feet porn. Her heels become a sensation. In the end the killer is caught and Maddie and Ramirez are OK. Great story!
March 29, 2016
I thought this was the first part or a standalone. Unfortunately it was part 3. I dislike starting a series in the middle, although in this case I didn't feel like that was much of a problem.
Maddie is a shoe designer and hobby detective going undercover in a soap opera after a starlet of that show was found dead.
I loved the setting of that soap opera and the atmosphere at the set. The heroine was fun and quirky and manages to get herself into the worst of situations but that was something that started grinding on my nerves after 2/3 of the book although I really had enjoyed it at first.
The love story would have worked better for me if I had known their start of the relationship rather than being thrown into the first problems they encounter.
I don't think I will follow the series any firther, but it was an ok read.
Maddie is a shoe designer and hobby detective going undercover in a soap opera after a starlet of that show was found dead.
I loved the setting of that soap opera and the atmosphere at the set. The heroine was fun and quirky and manages to get herself into the worst of situations but that was something that started grinding on my nerves after 2/3 of the book although I really had enjoyed it at first.
The love story would have worked better for me if I had known their start of the relationship rather than being thrown into the first problems they encounter.
I don't think I will follow the series any firther, but it was an ok read.
November 27, 2016
Another rollicking ride with Maddie Springer as she tries to get hunky Ramirez his position back in the force, after she herself was the cause of him losing it in the first place. Yet again, we're given a new scenario, as Maddie works for a costume department on the set of her favorite day time soap. We get a host of new characters, but the old ones still stick around to lend a hand to solving the mystery.
My same complaints from last book are still there; Ramirez and his temper, the fact he silences Maddie with a kiss. It just isn't sexy to me. But well, there is Felix on the horizon, so maybe it's not all bad?
Onto book four, although I'm feeling tempted to read something else too. I started a book on my kindle at the same time. I need more hands, eyes and brain to read even more! haha
My same complaints from last book are still there; Ramirez and his temper, the fact he silences Maddie with a kiss. It just isn't sexy to me. But well, there is Felix on the horizon, so maybe it's not all bad?
Onto book four, although I'm feeling tempted to read something else too. I started a book on my kindle at the same time. I need more hands, eyes and brain to read even more! haha
September 19, 2009
Maddie Springer is back. Again. She's still an incredibly unlucky stupid woman. Jack Ramirez is back. He's still a perfectly forgiving hero. I just can't get over how much I dislike the heroine. Two more books in the series? I don't know if I can do it. The mystery is somewhat better in this one, but it only takes up a small portion of the book. maybe if the reporter were a little more involved...
September 12, 2014
Didn't get to finish it. My nook stopped letting me turn pages on that book only. Wasn't all that crazy about it though. She was more frustrating than anything else. She knows her "boyfriend" is an undercover cop and yet for all 3 books, she barges into where he tells her to stay out. I found it rather maddening, so it didn't bother me that I couldn't finish it.
September 8, 2015
I enjoy these books by Gemma Halliday. It is also entertaining to read about the trouble that Maddie gets into. This particular book reminded of the LUCY and ETHEL antics from the I LOVE LUCY series. Maddie and her best friend always seemed to be where the action is.
This has been a fun series to read.
This has been a fun series to read.
November 15, 2009
This is the closest thing to a Stephanie Plum novel I have found. Luckily Maddie Springer and Stephanie Plum are solving their mysteries on opposite coasts, but if they ever get together...look out!
I am going to look for the other books in the series.
I am going to look for the other books in the series.
April 13, 2012
Cute book. hmm Felix I would not mind seeing what could happen there?????
May 30, 2017
3.5 כוכבים
משעשע והזוי יש קטעים ממש קורעים מצחוק עד כמה שהם הזויים במיוחד הצילום בווידאו והסופרת לא גולשת לסקס שזה יאמר לזכותה. היא מצליחה לשמור על המתח המיני בלי באמת להגיע לאקטים.
משעשע והזוי יש קטעים ממש קורעים מצחוק עד כמה שהם הזויים במיוחד הצילום בווידאו והסופרת לא גולשת לסקס שזה יאמר לזכותה. היא מצליחה לשמור על המתח המיני בלי באמת להגיע לאקטים.
December 4, 2016
I love these. So funny!
January 7, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and number two was fun and quirky. However, part three is a disappointing entry. The problem for me is not the setting or the unrealistic scenarios; I read and listen to these kind of books for the enjoyment of escapism of everyday life. Sadly, the problem I have is with the main character Maddie.
Maddie and her BFF Dana have gone from wacky Lucy and Ethel adventures to annoying bimbo type characters getting into obviously dangerous predicaments reminiscent of 1980s slasher movies. Instead of getting help they are like the characters who run into the dark woods at night towards the sound of the chainsaw wielding maniac.
Maddie naivety is no longer sweet and her thirst for adventure has gone from exciting to stupidity. A glaring example, one of many, is when someone rams into her Jeep over and over trying to kill them. Instead of calling her homicide detective boyfriend, Maddie and Dana leave the Jeep on the side of the road and act as if it is not a big deal. Why? Because Maddie is mad at Jack. Seriously? Again, instead of getting help they are like the characters who run into the dark woods at night towards the sound of the chainsaw wielding maniac.
Jack has proven time and time again that he likes Maddie and wants to keep her safe. She sees this as a way of controlling her. Hello? Did she forget about her deadly adventures from the first two books?
Not all is bad with this story. The setting is unique. I enjoyed the ending scenes with the two people trying to kill Maddie. Also, there is plenty of humor sprinkled about in this book. Especially, Maddie's nephew's one year old birthday party; Dana trying to commit to her SA promise, and when Maddie's foot fetish video goes viral.
The narrator of this audio book Caroline Shaffer did an Excellent job.
In the end I am glad that I listen to this book even though it is a major step down from the first two volumes. I have not given up hope and will listen to volume four soon.
Maddie and her BFF Dana have gone from wacky Lucy and Ethel adventures to annoying bimbo type characters getting into obviously dangerous predicaments reminiscent of 1980s slasher movies. Instead of getting help they are like the characters who run into the dark woods at night towards the sound of the chainsaw wielding maniac.
Maddie naivety is no longer sweet and her thirst for adventure has gone from exciting to stupidity. A glaring example, one of many, is when someone rams into her Jeep over and over trying to kill them. Instead of calling her homicide detective boyfriend, Maddie and Dana leave the Jeep on the side of the road and act as if it is not a big deal. Why? Because Maddie is mad at Jack. Seriously? Again, instead of getting help they are like the characters who run into the dark woods at night towards the sound of the chainsaw wielding maniac.
Jack has proven time and time again that he likes Maddie and wants to keep her safe. She sees this as a way of controlling her. Hello? Did she forget about her deadly adventures from the first two books?
Not all is bad with this story. The setting is unique. I enjoyed the ending scenes with the two people trying to kill Maddie. Also, there is plenty of humor sprinkled about in this book. Especially, Maddie's nephew's one year old birthday party; Dana trying to commit to her SA promise, and when Maddie's foot fetish video goes viral.
The narrator of this audio book Caroline Shaffer did an Excellent job.
In the end I am glad that I listen to this book even though it is a major step down from the first two volumes. I have not given up hope and will listen to volume four soon.
June 7, 2017
A fun, light book to spend an afternoon reading. Maddie lets her insecurities get the best of her and gets into a situation that causes her boyfriend, Det. Jack Ramirez to get re-assigned to celebrity bodyguard for an actress receiving creepy fan mail. In order to "help" Ramirez get back into his boss' good graces, Maddie goes "undercover" as a wardrobe assistant for the television show the actress is on and her BFF Dana works as an extra. And we get more help from Felix Dunn, Brit hottie who writes for the tabloid LA Informer and somewhat friend of Maddie who wants to be more than friends. Lots of hijinks ensue.
I figured out the murderer pretty damn quickly - Halliday really doesn't try to hide her killers. What keeps me entertained is Maddie and her antics and hot as hell Ramirez. Seriously, romance needs more Latino heroes. There are some major developments in the romance between Maddie and Ramirez. Maddie also gets a lift in the career development, which was nice.
Just a solid, if predictable, installment in the series.
I figured out the murderer pretty damn quickly - Halliday really doesn't try to hide her killers. What keeps me entertained is Maddie and her antics and hot as hell Ramirez. Seriously, romance needs more Latino heroes. There are some major developments in the romance between Maddie and Ramirez. Maddie also gets a lift in the career development, which was nice.
Just a solid, if predictable, installment in the series.
August 3, 2019
Okay, this entry into the High Heels mystery series scraped three stars by the skin of its teeth. The main reason for this is that you'd honestly think by now that Maddie would use some of her brain cells and not get herself into these situations... I mean, I know that if she didn't there wouldn't be the books, but my lord does she come across as stupid here.
Again, I know this is chick-lit and I am not expecting a whole lot from this (honest) but even in the world of Maddie and her shoe obsession she's not coming across well!
I'm also not a huge Ramirez fan if I am honest. I get that his job comes first and all but he really ought to know that some of the things he says to Maddie is going to push her to stick her neb in where it really doesn't belong. Honestly, he's setting himself up for her interference!
I'm going to read on but I won't be purchasing any new books past book five.
Again, I know this is chick-lit and I am not expecting a whole lot from this (honest) but even in the world of Maddie and her shoe obsession she's not coming across well!
I'm also not a huge Ramirez fan if I am honest. I get that his job comes first and all but he really ought to know that some of the things he says to Maddie is going to push her to stick her neb in where it really doesn't belong. Honestly, he's setting himself up for her interference!
I'm going to read on but I won't be purchasing any new books past book five.
January 23, 2018
Arrhghh. I’ve been enjoying this series. Nice, easy, silly, over the top....but this book just annoyed me. I hated the way Rameriz talked, and treated, Maddie. I hated her apologising all the time. I got annoyed that his police pager just kept going off at the wrong time, all the time. It felt like there was lots of copy and pasting from previous books. I did enjoy the pop culture references and the drama and action to do with the mystery, but overall I think this wasn’t my favourite book of the series.
June 24, 2019
I wasn't wanting or expecting great literature but it was worse than I had expected. The love interest isn't appealing, I really disliked the main character, the murder mystery aspect wasn't believable (even in the realms of a light, fluffy story) and the writing quality is terrible. For comparison I read the start of 50 Shades of Gray at the same time as this, and the writing quality of 50 Shades was considerably better. I did like it for being light, easy reading - exactly what I was in the mood for - and I quite liked the tabloid reporter.
April 17, 2020
This was painful to read. What either of these men see in Maddie, I have no idea.
This started off as a fun mystery series (minus some fatphobic comments I could have done without) but is just getting dumber and dumber.
Speaking of fatphobic comments, I kept notes: Our recurring fat character, Mrs. Rosenblatt, has a total of 12 pages of page time. Her weight? Is mentioned in some way or form 7 times. And it's never in a good light. I just...don't understand this. It's beyond frustrating. Being fat is not someone's DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC.
ANYWAY. Definitely not the series' best.
This started off as a fun mystery series (minus some fatphobic comments I could have done without) but is just getting dumber and dumber.
Speaking of fatphobic comments, I kept notes: Our recurring fat character, Mrs. Rosenblatt, has a total of 12 pages of page time. Her weight? Is mentioned in some way or form 7 times. And it's never in a good light. I just...don't understand this. It's beyond frustrating. Being fat is not someone's DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC.
ANYWAY. Definitely not the series' best.
August 14, 2020
Only Maddie could make the plot of the (over the top) soap opera, that was the setting of this story, seem tame. Lots of humor, more fleshing out of the characters and their relationships and a mystery to tie it all together.
While I was pretty sure I knew who dun it by half way through the book, that didn't detract from the story as Maddie bumbled her way to accidentally finding the answer. Sherlock Holmes, she isn't, but definitely more entertaining.
While I was pretty sure I knew who dun it by half way through the book, that didn't detract from the story as Maddie bumbled her way to accidentally finding the answer. Sherlock Holmes, she isn't, but definitely more entertaining.
October 10, 2024
I put this book down so many times. I had to really sit down one day to finish it. It has an okay storyline. Sort of predictable with Mia but I loved how even with her not trying Maddie would fall into trouble more time than she wants but at the end the killer is found. I liked the twist of Isabel being the the one to shoot Mia. 3 stars because it was a good read but just not captivating enough for me to stay glued to the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2018
Another one I read all at one setting...fun adventure, mystery, and super characters...especially Maddie...who doesn’t take no for an answer...Gemma Halliday, author must have a wicked sense of humor...as parts of this series is laugh at loud situations. I’ll be ordering all her series...hope you do the same!
January 6, 2021
Entertaining romance mystery
Another entertaining romance mystery that is will written with interesting will developed characters. The story line is entertaining and complicated leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who is looking for entertaining light reading. Enjoy reading 2019
Another entertaining romance mystery that is will written with interesting will developed characters. The story line is entertaining and complicated leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who is looking for entertaining light reading. Enjoy reading 2019
June 18, 2021
There is something about the way this author writes that I find very addictive.
The characters are over the top, but hilarious.
The dialog is witty.
It’s like reading a script for a series. You want to know more and the fact that characters from the first novel appear in the third…just brillant.
Yeah, I could read a million of these and not get bored!!
The characters are over the top, but hilarious.
The dialog is witty.
It’s like reading a script for a series. You want to know more and the fact that characters from the first novel appear in the third…just brillant.
Yeah, I could read a million of these and not get bored!!
June 20, 2021
Dumb and shallow blond
Suppose to b funny but lady is and sounds so stupid its frustrating. Boyfriend is only good part of book but even he is not credible because no intelligent man would go for a idiot like Maddie. How can this author be female and create a stupid female like this. It is a insult to the female race. Get a clue Halliday
Suppose to b funny but lady is and sounds so stupid its frustrating. Boyfriend is only good part of book but even he is not credible because no intelligent man would go for a idiot like Maddie. How can this author be female and create a stupid female like this. It is a insult to the female race. Get a clue Halliday
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