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Tattoo Shop Mystery #4
Ink Flamingos
Dee Carmichael, lead singer of the pop sensation The Flamingoes, has been one of Brett Kavanaugh's most dedicated customers at her tattoo shop. When Dee is discovered dead surrounded by ink pots and needles, Brett is branded a suspect.
It seems that someone is impersonating Brett. And if she doesn't act fast, the killer is sure to put the dye in dying once again...
It seems that someone is impersonating Brett. And if she doesn't act fast, the killer is sure to put the dye in dying once again...
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 7, 2011
1 person is currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Olson
18 books287 followersI am the author of the Black Hat Thrillers and the Annie Seymour and Tattoo Shop mystery series. My new book AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a Modern Tudor Mystery, is a modern retelling of Henry VIII and his wives as a crime novel. The sequel, A DEFIANT WOMAN, will be published in March 2026.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 16, 2017
I've found out that Tattoo Shop Mystery series ends with this book. On the one hand, I am truly sorry because I really like these characters and the whole feeling I get from the series. On the other, though, the author has ended it in the best way possible and at just the right moment for a a reader to feel like I do now.
There are many different (and yet still the same) things in Ink Flamingos. The tone is way, way darker than in the previous three books. Brett is more vulnerable than ever and it shows in her behaviour. It fits perfectly into the story. The murder that kicks off the whole thing is of a young and lovely woman Brett tattooed in the past. Add a creepy stalker and someone who wants to hurt Brett into the mix and you get the idea.
If I loved Jeff Coleman in previous books, I don't know what to call this now. He is awesome. I know Brett often repeats stuff about him and it can get a bit annoying, but I honestly don't care. Everything about him is great. The way they changed their relationship from whatever that was in the first book to this now is well written - it happens over the course of the four books.
Not everything was left as clear (and resolved) as Brett and her personal issues, though. Some things are simply left to us to imagine.
There are many different (and yet still the same) things in Ink Flamingos. The tone is way, way darker than in the previous three books. Brett is more vulnerable than ever and it shows in her behaviour. It fits perfectly into the story. The murder that kicks off the whole thing is of a young and lovely woman Brett tattooed in the past. Add a creepy stalker and someone who wants to hurt Brett into the mix and you get the idea.
If I loved Jeff Coleman in previous books, I don't know what to call this now. He is awesome. I know Brett often repeats stuff about him and it can get a bit annoying, but I honestly don't care. Everything about him is great. The way they changed their relationship from whatever that was in the first book to this now is well written - it happens over the course of the four books.
Not everything was left as clear (and resolved) as Brett and her personal issues, though. Some things are simply left to us to imagine.
June 4, 2018
Another fun mystery! Wish this wasn't the last one. It was pretty confusing, I mean, did everyone do it? I got a little lost but still liked it.
December 28, 2013
So this series...it's tough for me to really put my finger on why I read it...and why I don't really like it.
I mean, it's about a woman who owns a tattoo parlor (awesome). She's sassy. I like her. Mostly. Though she has her moments when I want to throttle her, too.
But then there's all the rest. I think the thing that irks me the most about these books is that I want to like them. But honestly, I feel like so much fluff is carved out of these novels that it exceeds my ability to suspend disbelief (which if you've been following what I read, seems an incredible task). Once the mystery begins, everything that our heroine does - every breath, every step - hell, even going to the bathroom, is somehow tied to the mystery. The action is LITERALLY NON-STOP. I find myself rolling my eyes and thinking - Come on already, we all need a break for a moment. Seriously. It's too convenient that every action of the herione (who is essentially falling from one clue to another...not even really looking for clues, just essentially stumbling over things left and right) pulls her further along towards the conclusion of the mystery.
These books are short - this one was 310 pages. And the heroine was falling upon clues all the way up to page 297. Then everything is wrapped up in 13 pages. Holy smokes, that's a lot of loose ends to tie up in such a short amount of space. And it often causes me to feel like - really? Does that even make sense?
And as a heavily tattooed person, the end of this book seriously made my skin crawl. It was every tattooed person's worst nightmare. Cruel, cruel, cruel. Luckily for me, the horror only lasted a few pages, but it was hard for me to read. And while it is tied up with a bow at the end...the way it's played off makes me think that for all the research Karen E. Olson has done about tattoos and tattooing, she doesn't have any. Shiver. Hate that those images are burned in my brain.
Finally, the love interest that has been growing for 4 books almost has the opportunity to blossom. Not sure I can stomach another book only to watch the heroine find a way to mess that up...since this is not a romantic series, but a mystery series, I imagine they will continue to skirt the issue and find a way to implode.
For all that...I did devour it in 2 days. It's a frantic read from start to finish and it does pull me along, even if, at the end of it all, I feel sort of...unfulfilled.
I mean, it's about a woman who owns a tattoo parlor (awesome). She's sassy. I like her. Mostly. Though she has her moments when I want to throttle her, too.
But then there's all the rest. I think the thing that irks me the most about these books is that I want to like them. But honestly, I feel like so much fluff is carved out of these novels that it exceeds my ability to suspend disbelief (which if you've been following what I read, seems an incredible task). Once the mystery begins, everything that our heroine does - every breath, every step - hell, even going to the bathroom, is somehow tied to the mystery. The action is LITERALLY NON-STOP. I find myself rolling my eyes and thinking - Come on already, we all need a break for a moment. Seriously. It's too convenient that every action of the herione (who is essentially falling from one clue to another...not even really looking for clues, just essentially stumbling over things left and right) pulls her further along towards the conclusion of the mystery.
These books are short - this one was 310 pages. And the heroine was falling upon clues all the way up to page 297. Then everything is wrapped up in 13 pages. Holy smokes, that's a lot of loose ends to tie up in such a short amount of space. And it often causes me to feel like - really? Does that even make sense?
And as a heavily tattooed person, the end of this book seriously made my skin crawl. It was every tattooed person's worst nightmare. Cruel, cruel, cruel. Luckily for me, the horror only lasted a few pages, but it was hard for me to read. And while it is tied up with a bow at the end...the way it's played off makes me think that for all the research Karen E. Olson has done about tattoos and tattooing, she doesn't have any. Shiver. Hate that those images are burned in my brain.
Finally, the love interest that has been growing for 4 books almost has the opportunity to blossom. Not sure I can stomach another book only to watch the heroine find a way to mess that up...since this is not a romantic series, but a mystery series, I imagine they will continue to skirt the issue and find a way to implode.
For all that...I did devour it in 2 days. It's a frantic read from start to finish and it does pull me along, even if, at the end of it all, I feel sort of...unfulfilled.
August 15, 2011
What’s it about? Classically trained in art turned tattoo artist and shop owner, Brett Kavanaugh, returns to solve her final mystery in the last installment of the Tattoo Shop series. In the fourth novel of the series Brett must once and for all clear her name when a rock star, who gets her tattoo exclusively from the Painted Lady shop, turns up dead from what looks like a bad tattoo and a pink ink allergy. Heartthrob and once rival, turned friend, turned lover (??) Jeff Coleman also returns to help Brett uncover the truth behind a vicious blogger and discover the identity of the tattooist who is framing Brett in series of crimes.
What I thought about it? Of course I loved it and am very sad that this is the last book in the series. I can understand where the author is coming from though…she wants to leave the characters and the series in a good place, she doesn’t want to over kill her series which can very much happen in this genre. Despite this though, I can’t help but feel disappointed, I want more. I have come to really love the characters and believe that Olson’s books have gotten better as the series has progress. I am grateful thought that at the end she gave me many things I wanted and she left things in such a place where Brett and Jeff & the Gang can be happy.
Bravo to Olsen and the amazing illustrator of these books, if not for their amazing skills I would of never picked up this hidden literally treasure.
What I thought about it? Of course I loved it and am very sad that this is the last book in the series. I can understand where the author is coming from though…she wants to leave the characters and the series in a good place, she doesn’t want to over kill her series which can very much happen in this genre. Despite this though, I can’t help but feel disappointed, I want more. I have come to really love the characters and believe that Olson’s books have gotten better as the series has progress. I am grateful thought that at the end she gave me many things I wanted and she left things in such a place where Brett and Jeff & the Gang can be happy.
Bravo to Olsen and the amazing illustrator of these books, if not for their amazing skills I would of never picked up this hidden literally treasure.
October 1, 2019
#4 in the Tattoo Shop cozy mystery series
I really like this series and am very sorry that this seems to be the final book. This time someone is impersonating Brett and committing murders in her name. There's a blog (Skin Deep) that not only talks about tattoos but also includes candid photos of Brett, without her permission. And there's another one (Ink Flamingos) that claims to be written by Brett, in which she brags about the crimes she's committed. So Brett's freaked out while she's trying to clear her name and keep her business running. Brett and Jeff's romantic relationship is finally heating up. And I always am entertained by brother Tim and coworkers Bitsy and Joel. This time there's also a handsome ne'er-do-well (Harry) who hangs around the shop and wants to take Brett on a date. Interesting mystery that kept me occupied throughout, and things moved forward quickly.
I really like this series and am very sorry that this seems to be the final book. This time someone is impersonating Brett and committing murders in her name. There's a blog (Skin Deep) that not only talks about tattoos but also includes candid photos of Brett, without her permission. And there's another one (Ink Flamingos) that claims to be written by Brett, in which she brags about the crimes she's committed. So Brett's freaked out while she's trying to clear her name and keep her business running. Brett and Jeff's romantic relationship is finally heating up. And I always am entertained by brother Tim and coworkers Bitsy and Joel. This time there's also a handsome ne'er-do-well (Harry) who hangs around the shop and wants to take Brett on a date. Interesting mystery that kept me occupied throughout, and things moved forward quickly.
February 15, 2020
2020 bk 58. Brett is being framed for murder by allergic reaction. And the framer has a doppleganger of Brett ready and available to pose. The framer/murderer is also an internet stalker and purveyor of false information. This book finds Brett more at a loss of what to do than any of the other books, luckily Coleman and Bitsy and Tim are more than willing to lend a willing hand and to provide body service because the victim has some vengeful fans out there.
January 16, 2016
One of Brett's customers at The Painted Lady, a high class tattoo shop, has been found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room. She is found surrounded by several tattoo supplies including needles and ink pots. A woman matching Brett's description was witnessed leaving the crime scene.
As Brett is been profiled as the prime suspect a blog is found on the internet showcasing the dead clients tattoo. Then pictures of Brett start showing up on the blog and it even looks like the blogger is Brett herself.
Brett is frantic to find out who is behind this blog because she knows it will lead her to the real killer. The sooner she does that she can get back to her own life and see where the ink may lead her.
I loved this book so much. Karen is a wonderful writer and all these stories were pure pleasure to read. They almost have me convinced to get a tattoo, but no flamingos please.
The characters have depth and continue to grow, new sides are shown, romance is budding, each character is so overwhelmingly different but fit together so easily. The scenes are set in your mind clearly through the author's words, I have never been to Vegas but would love to go there now. The plots are well thought through and credible. The stories are some of the best I have read.
It is a fast paced mystery that will keep you up all night inking together the clues to solve the mystery, but in just four stories readers are emotionally connected to the characters that you are rooting for all of them, even some that may have lost their way. I for one am very sad that this is the last we will hear from Brett, Joel, Bitsy, Ace, Tim, Sylvia and Jeff. This is one reader who is having a hard time saying good-bye.
Disclosure Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
As Brett is been profiled as the prime suspect a blog is found on the internet showcasing the dead clients tattoo. Then pictures of Brett start showing up on the blog and it even looks like the blogger is Brett herself.
Brett is frantic to find out who is behind this blog because she knows it will lead her to the real killer. The sooner she does that she can get back to her own life and see where the ink may lead her.
I loved this book so much. Karen is a wonderful writer and all these stories were pure pleasure to read. They almost have me convinced to get a tattoo, but no flamingos please.
The characters have depth and continue to grow, new sides are shown, romance is budding, each character is so overwhelmingly different but fit together so easily. The scenes are set in your mind clearly through the author's words, I have never been to Vegas but would love to go there now. The plots are well thought through and credible. The stories are some of the best I have read.
It is a fast paced mystery that will keep you up all night inking together the clues to solve the mystery, but in just four stories readers are emotionally connected to the characters that you are rooting for all of them, even some that may have lost their way. I for one am very sad that this is the last we will hear from Brett, Joel, Bitsy, Ace, Tim, Sylvia and Jeff. This is one reader who is having a hard time saying good-bye.
Disclosure Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 2, 2011
My musings:
Let me start off by saying I have an aversion to tattoos.
When I received a copy of Karen E. Olson’s Ink Flamingos, I didn’t exactly jump up and down like I was escorted to part 2 of Harry Potter with Daniel and Prince Harry. I left it in the box it arrived in and grimaced.
What to do, what to do. I made another face and hunkered down on the couch to read a chapter – NOT. I couldn’t put it down. AT All!
Olson knows how to propel the mystery from the first clue to the reveal without leaving you discombobulated. She develops her characters with depth, weight, sass, smarts and heart. You become infused with the story Olson actualized, not just an armchair reader looking to pass the time away now that summer reruns are upon us.
The lush, glimmering Vegas strip serves as the spectacular locale and the plot is imaginative, credible and fun! I hadn’t guessed “whodunit” so score extra points Olson fir that one.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Olson’s backlist.
Olson, you got skillz!
Let me start off by saying I have an aversion to tattoos.
When I received a copy of Karen E. Olson’s Ink Flamingos, I didn’t exactly jump up and down like I was escorted to part 2 of Harry Potter with Daniel and Prince Harry. I left it in the box it arrived in and grimaced.
What to do, what to do. I made another face and hunkered down on the couch to read a chapter – NOT. I couldn’t put it down. AT All!
Olson knows how to propel the mystery from the first clue to the reveal without leaving you discombobulated. She develops her characters with depth, weight, sass, smarts and heart. You become infused with the story Olson actualized, not just an armchair reader looking to pass the time away now that summer reruns are upon us.
The lush, glimmering Vegas strip serves as the spectacular locale and the plot is imaginative, credible and fun! I hadn’t guessed “whodunit” so score extra points Olson fir that one.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Olson’s backlist.
Olson, you got skillz!
September 17, 2013
I've said it before and I'll say it again...I love this series! Brett Kavanaugh owns The Painted Lady, a high-class tattoo shop in Las Vegas. I love Brett but I also really like her cohorts Bitzy, Joel and Jeff. I also like her long-suffering brother (the cop) who puts up with Brett's interference in his cases. In this one, a famous client is found murdered and Brett is the prime suspect. Of course, she's vowed to stop investigating but she just can't help herself and once again finds herself in the middle of everything with police scrutiny on one side and rabid fans on the other. Oh I guess I should tell you that someone is setting her up to take the fall for the murder in various and interesting ways. This is one that kept me turning pages. Though I figured out part of the mystery, I was surprised by the ending.
I'm so sad. I just heard that this is the last in the series. I'm going to miss Brett and her gang and her love life was just getting interesting. Darn!
I'm so sad. I just heard that this is the last in the series. I'm going to miss Brett and her gang and her love life was just getting interesting. Darn!
August 21, 2012
This book about tattooist Brett Kavenaugh and her assortment of co-workers was great. Brett owns The Painted Lady and is an easily identifiable Las Vegas resident with her long legs, red hair, and multitude of tattoos. She's good at what she does. When someone begins impersonating her and framing her for murders she is at a loss as to who would hate her that much. Good thing she has a brother who's a cop and friends who have her back.
I've raved about this series before. I've loved them all. Brett is cool, way cooler than anyone I know, and she is always finding herself somehow involved with dead bodies.
And this leads me to the bad news. This is the fourth and last book of the series. This makes me very sad.
I've raved about this series before. I've loved them all. Brett is cool, way cooler than anyone I know, and she is always finding herself somehow involved with dead bodies.
And this leads me to the bad news. This is the fourth and last book of the series. This makes me very sad.
June 10, 2011
So this mystery series is one of my guilty pleasures. I like the characters, the setting (Las Vegas) and the cheesy plots.
Sadly I read on the author's blog that this book was the last one in the series. Boo!
Sadly I read on the author's blog that this book was the last one in the series. Boo!
August 19, 2011
I really enjoyed this book!! I loved the setting (Las Vegas) and the characters. It was a good page turner of a mystery!!
June 22, 2017
Pretty predictable. I liked the characters well enough that I might read another in the series. One main annoyance I have though is when writers talk over explain technology and take the time to write how so and so opened their computer, logged into the system, opened a web browser page, etc instead of just saying so and so read a website.
The main character's voice also seems very unauthentic as a tattooist. I'm not sure if the author has tattoos- but I kind of doubt it. I can't put my finger on it- but the voices just don't seem to match.
The main character's voice also seems very unauthentic as a tattooist. I'm not sure if the author has tattoos- but I kind of doubt it. I can't put my finger on it- but the voices just don't seem to match.
September 11, 2018
Sad this is the last book in the series. I hope Karen E. Olson writes more of them in the future. I like Brett and Jeff. Seems like there was a lot of character development coming.
This one was a thriller. I had no idea who it was until the end. I guessed some things, but not all of them. Although the "why" seemed so.... wishy washy? But I liked the overall story.
This one was a thriller. I had no idea who it was until the end. I guessed some things, but not all of them. Although the "why" seemed so.... wishy washy? But I liked the overall story.
January 11, 2019
Last of a fun series. This one started well, but got into a lot of tedious back-and-forth. The ending was satisfying in some ways, but felt forced. Dennis Lehane said that a series has a life expectancy of 4-5 books. After that, readers know everything there is to know about a character and you're just polishing the polish. (Unless you start dragging in long-lost relatives, evil twins, etc.)
August 28, 2017
I like the way that the series ended (overall), and that this mystery was more personal to Brett.
I couldn't help cringing SO HARD at one of the things that happens near the end, but was glad she was able to make something beautiful out of something so ugly that happened to her.
My incomprehensible moment came when the author equated Metallica, Alice In Chains, and Tool with........Creed.
Yes. Creed.
Oh, he likes heavy metal. For example *this list of things* and Creed is listed as heavy metal.
That's a definite case of one of these things is not like the others.
I couldn't help cringing SO HARD at one of the things that happens near the end, but was glad she was able to make something beautiful out of something so ugly that happened to her.
My incomprehensible moment came when the author equated Metallica, Alice In Chains, and Tool with........Creed.
Yes. Creed.
Oh, he likes heavy metal. For example *this list of things* and Creed is listed as heavy metal.
That's a definite case of one of these things is not like the others.
December 15, 2016
Ever so fun fourth entry in the series (and final?). I enjoyed it thoroughly. Great characters, great mystery, great fun.
July 5, 2017
Loved it, I hope she writes another.
August 17, 2017
Loved this series!!!!
April 20, 2018
I am REALLY looking forward to the next book!
June 6, 2018
Darn this is the end of the line, what a great ride!
July 1, 2019
Ink Flamingos wraps up the Tattoo Shop Mystery series and I have really enjoyed it. The setting of an upscale tattoo shop in Vegas was unusual and interesting, and the cast of characters from Brett Kavanagh, the protagonist, to the secondary players, was well developed with unique personalities that make you want to spend time with them. Each of the four books has a strong mystery plot, particularly this last one. The pacing just kept accelerating so I barely had time to think, which aligned with what Brett was experiencing so I was completely drawn into her desperation and fear as it built. The story twists and turns had me repeatedly changing my mind on who the villian was and, while I was right at one point, I was wrong again by the end of the book. Cozy mysteries often rely totally on plot but I also enjoyed seeing how Brett developed and grew as a character through the four books. This is a wonderful cozy mystery series with (clean) romantic elements that I am happy to recommend to anyone looking for a great read.
October 16, 2019
This is what a cozy mystery series should be! Perfect ending. Absolutely loved it.
March 16, 2024
I love this series so much. And i'm so sad that this is the last book in it.
May 27, 2025
Lots going on to end a series I wish would continue.
August 10, 2019
Wish there were more........
May 31, 2020
review pending
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 26, 2011
Ink Flamingos
By Karen E. Olson
Copyright June 2011
Publisher Obsidian Mystery
Dee Carmichael, lead singer of the pop sensation The Flamingoes, has been one of Brett Kavanaugh's most dedicated customers… or was. Dee has been discovered dead in her hotel room, surrounded by ink pots and needles. And a tall redhead matching Brett’s description was seen leaving the crime scene. Now Brett has been branded the prime suspect. This can’t be good for business…
Meanwhile a blog has been showcasing Dee’s deadly tattoo. Things get worse when pictures of Brett start appearing on the site. Turns out, someone isn’t merely following Brett, but impersonating her all over town. Now if she doesn't act fast to find out who’s out to get her before the killer puts the dye in dying once again...
Brett just can’t seem to catch a break. She’s trying so hard to not only stay out of trouble, but also not get caught up in anyone else’s. When she gets a call from her brother Tim, asking her where’s she’s been all day she just knew that something bad was happening. When she finds out that it’s one of her best and more famous customers, she has already decided that she needs to intervene to help find the killer.
Brett is definitely a “murder magnet”. Then again, the world she lives in does bring her the type of clients who like to either live on the edge, or are in positions that place them in the way of trouble. I love the character of Brett, she is a very bright girl who gets caught up in things only because she is also a very caring person. Her friends at work, Bitsy and Joel, and Jeff who is a competitor are there to back her up, pull her out, or drive her to the ER. Doesn’t matter what, they are there for her.
I’ve totally enjoyed this series and hope that Karen has a lot more great stuff coming down the pike to enthrall and entertain us.
Karen E. Olson is also the author of the “Anne Seymour Mysteries” and can be found at http://www.kareneolson.com and also https://www.facebook.com/#!/karen.e.o...
FTC Full Disclosure: The author sent me this book, and requested that I review it.
By Karen E. Olson
Copyright June 2011
Publisher Obsidian Mystery
Dee Carmichael, lead singer of the pop sensation The Flamingoes, has been one of Brett Kavanaugh's most dedicated customers… or was. Dee has been discovered dead in her hotel room, surrounded by ink pots and needles. And a tall redhead matching Brett’s description was seen leaving the crime scene. Now Brett has been branded the prime suspect. This can’t be good for business…
Meanwhile a blog has been showcasing Dee’s deadly tattoo. Things get worse when pictures of Brett start appearing on the site. Turns out, someone isn’t merely following Brett, but impersonating her all over town. Now if she doesn't act fast to find out who’s out to get her before the killer puts the dye in dying once again...
Brett just can’t seem to catch a break. She’s trying so hard to not only stay out of trouble, but also not get caught up in anyone else’s. When she gets a call from her brother Tim, asking her where’s she’s been all day she just knew that something bad was happening. When she finds out that it’s one of her best and more famous customers, she has already decided that she needs to intervene to help find the killer.
Brett is definitely a “murder magnet”. Then again, the world she lives in does bring her the type of clients who like to either live on the edge, or are in positions that place them in the way of trouble. I love the character of Brett, she is a very bright girl who gets caught up in things only because she is also a very caring person. Her friends at work, Bitsy and Joel, and Jeff who is a competitor are there to back her up, pull her out, or drive her to the ER. Doesn’t matter what, they are there for her.
I’ve totally enjoyed this series and hope that Karen has a lot more great stuff coming down the pike to enthrall and entertain us.
Karen E. Olson is also the author of the “Anne Seymour Mysteries” and can be found at http://www.kareneolson.com and also https://www.facebook.com/#!/karen.e.o...
FTC Full Disclosure: The author sent me this book, and requested that I review it.
February 8, 2017
Ink Flamingos is the fourth and last book in the Tattoo Shop Mystery series, a cozy mystery series set in a Las Vegas tattoo shop. I didn’t know when I read it that it was the final book in the series – I didn’t even know it was part of a series! To be honest, the reason I chose this book is because the word “flamingos” is in the title and I love flamingos. I even have a flamingo tattoo myself! A flamingo tattoo is integral to the plot of this book. Anyway, even though Ink Flamingos is part of a series, I had no trouble jumping right in and figuring out who all the characters were. It definitely can stand alone.
When tattoo artist Brett Kavanaugh’s famous client Daisy (Dee) Carmichael turns up dead, Brett takes it upon herself to find her killer. After all, someone is impersonating Brett and making it look like she’s the killer. Brett’s brother Tim is an actual police officer on the case and Brett’s interference into his investigation is frustrating him to no end. I got the sense that this isn’t the first investigation she’s inserted herself into.
This was a well-crafted mystery with several red herrings that kept me guessing up until the end who the killer was. There was also some romance thrown in for good measure. I don’t read a lot of cozies but I liked this one enough that I’ll probably read the other three books in the series – even though they don’t have the word “flamingo” in their titles!
When tattoo artist Brett Kavanaugh’s famous client Daisy (Dee) Carmichael turns up dead, Brett takes it upon herself to find her killer. After all, someone is impersonating Brett and making it look like she’s the killer. Brett’s brother Tim is an actual police officer on the case and Brett’s interference into his investigation is frustrating him to no end. I got the sense that this isn’t the first investigation she’s inserted herself into.
This was a well-crafted mystery with several red herrings that kept me guessing up until the end who the killer was. There was also some romance thrown in for good measure. I don’t read a lot of cozies but I liked this one enough that I’ll probably read the other three books in the series – even though they don’t have the word “flamingo” in their titles!
November 26, 2011
Brett Kavanaugh is a woman of thirty-two who owns her own shop, The Painted Lady, and one of her most famous clients, Dee Carmichael, lead singer of The Flamingos is murdered in a local hotel room. Brett can’t figure out who would have been there, because Dee is allergic to the colored ink used in tattooing, and she is found with a colored tattoo of a flamingo. How can this be? Brett has been entrusted with all her other line-drawn tattoos, and Dee has only had black lines, no color. Does this mean that Brett is responsible for her death? That’s what the police think.
Then, Brett finds that someone is pretending to be her, and is making it harder and harder for Brett to deny her presence at Dee’s death. Brett is being stalked…but by whom? And why?
As Brett works her way through her questions and her crusade to clear her name, her friend Jeff Coleman helps her and tries to protect her from harm. Her brother, Tim—a Las Vegas detective—is ready to throttle her because she won’t stay out of the investigation. Thank God for good friends, as her employees at The Painted Lady cover for her and help her get information.
Brett discovers that people she thought she knew were not what they seemed, and that she should consider all life’s possibilities as she works to clear her name.
This is a really cute book and allows a view into a world that is becoming more “normal” all the time. Brett is a funny and likeable heroine and I recommend this to anyone looking for a good beach read, or a good book for a lazy Sunday afternoon. You’ll really enjoy it!
Reviewed by Holly Price, author of “At Death's Door,” coming soon for Suspense Magazine
Then, Brett finds that someone is pretending to be her, and is making it harder and harder for Brett to deny her presence at Dee’s death. Brett is being stalked…but by whom? And why?
As Brett works her way through her questions and her crusade to clear her name, her friend Jeff Coleman helps her and tries to protect her from harm. Her brother, Tim—a Las Vegas detective—is ready to throttle her because she won’t stay out of the investigation. Thank God for good friends, as her employees at The Painted Lady cover for her and help her get information.
Brett discovers that people she thought she knew were not what they seemed, and that she should consider all life’s possibilities as she works to clear her name.
This is a really cute book and allows a view into a world that is becoming more “normal” all the time. Brett is a funny and likeable heroine and I recommend this to anyone looking for a good beach read, or a good book for a lazy Sunday afternoon. You’ll really enjoy it!
Reviewed by Holly Price, author of “At Death's Door,” coming soon for Suspense Magazine
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