Book picks similar to
Summer in the Bayou by Caroline Mickelson
humor
romance
z-ma
mystery-cozy-crime-detective
Deadly Beginnings: Hardy Brothers Security Books 1-3
Lily Harper Hart - 2015
And not one of them is looking for a love match. Unfortunately, the women they meet are a little more than they can handle – and in danger at every turn. Find out if Mandy and James can make a relationship work despite a long past. Find out if Grady and Sophie can embrace a future despite obstinate personalities – and warring goals. Find out if Finn can help Emma overcome her haunted past and look forward to a happy ending. This omnibus includes the first three books – Deadly Intentions, Deadly Intuition, Deadly Illusions – in the Hardy Brothers Security romantic suspense series.
The Protectors: Vigilante Justice
Bernard Lee DeLeo - 2012
Bradwick snaps when he and James bust in on a kidnapping ring, enslaving children for pornography. He brutally executes the three kidnappers, stunning James. He sets up the scene to pass for self-defense with Ellie James cooperation. Their ruse succeeds, triggering a two cop crackdown on crime the city of Oakland’s leaders scurry to stop. Dedicated to end ‘look the other way’ crime suppression tactics, ending in destruction and death for the common people in Oakland, Bradwick and James decide it’s time to go on offense.Connor explains it this way after they rescue the kidnapped children, “The kids made me start thinking about how I want folks to look at us. I don’t care anymore to visit someone to tell them we found the people who broke into their business or house and robbed them blind. I want them to wave at us from their house or business as we go by because we prevent the gangbangers, drug dealers and thugs from terrorizing them.”The crime war takes on different meaning when they bust an MS-13 El Salvadoran gangster’s illegal alien processing center. Connor and Ellie run headlong into a corrupt politician on the gangster’s payroll, and the terrorists behind him. Soon, everyday crime fighting busts become a fond memory. (Taken from Amazon.com)
Antiques & Avarice
Jane Firebaugh - 2015
It will make you smile and keep you guessing from start to finish! Olivia McKenna has her own antique shop in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she makes just enough to keep her Golden Retriever, Molly, stocked in treats. But her peaceful existence is about to get turned upside down. One day, while she's out antiquing, she discovers a body in a quaint little antique store. And that leads to a fateful meeting with Josh Abrams, the stunning state trooper with the sexy blue-green eyes who's leading the investigation. Can Olivia help Josh solve the mystery? Will their instant attraction turn into true love? Order the paperback today and find out!
Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries Book Bundle, Books 1-3: Plus a Bonus Christmas Novella!
Christy Barritt - 2016
But one of her extreme good deeds goes horribly wrong, implicating Holly in a string of murders. Holly is suddenly in a different kind of fight for her life. Only two other people know Holly was at the site of the murder, and one of them is the killer. Making matters stickier is the fact that the detective assigned to the case is her old high school crush and present day nemesis. The clock is ticking as Holly is forced to play a dangerous game. Will Holly find the killer before he ruins what’s left of her life? Or will she spend her final days alone and behind bars? Random Acts of Deceit: "Break up with Chase Dexter, or I’ll kill him.” Holly Anna Paladin never expected such a gut-wrenching ultimatum. But the man threatening her makes it clear he’s dead serious. With home invasions, hidden cameras, and bomb threats, Holly must make some serious choices. Whatever Holly decides, the consequences will either break her heart or break her soul. She tries to match wits with the masked man, but he’s always a step ahead of her. The more she fights, the deeper she’s drawn into the perilous situation. Dealing with the ultimatum, her sister’s wedding problems, and riots that have broken out in the city, Holly’s nearly at her breaking point. She must discover the identity of this mystery man before someone she loves dies. But the deceit is threatening to pull her under . . . six feet under. Random Acts of Malice: When Holly Anna Paladin’s boyfriend, police detective Chase Dexter, says he’s leaving for two weeks and can’t give any details, she wants to trust him. But when she discovers Chase may be involved in some unwise and dangerous pursuits, she’s compelled to intervene. Holly gets a run for her money as she’s swept into the world of horseracing. The stakes turn deadly when a dead body surfaces and suspicion is cast on Chase. At every turn, more trouble emerges, making Holly question what she holds true about her relationship and her future. Just when she thinks she’s on the homestretch, a dark horse arises. Holly might lose everything in a nail-biting fight to the finish. Random Acts of Scrooge: Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but a real-life Scrooge is threatening to ruin the season’s good will. Holly Anna Paladin can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. She loves everything about the season—celebrating the birth of Jesus, singing carols, and baking Christmas treats, just to name a few. But when a local family needs help, how can she say no? Holly’s community has come together to help raise funds to save the home of Greg and Babette Sullivan, but a Bah-Humburgler has snatched the canisters of cash. Holly and her boyfriend, police detective Chase Dexter, team up to catch the Christmas crook. Will they succeed in collecting enough cash to cover the Sullivans’ overdue bills? Or will someone succeed in ruining Christmas for all those involved?
Booker Brothers Detective Agency #1-3
Maisie Dean - 2019
She's trying to break into Hollywood, but it isn't easy. She was the prettiest girl in her hometown, but in LA she's a dime a dozen. When a friend offers Kacey a job working at a detective agency, the young actress jumps at the opportunity. Maybe this is the role she's been looking for. The detective agency is unlike any she's ever seen in the movies. It's run by three handsome, single brothers and their sassy grandmother. Her first day at the agency is anything but boring. She's put on the case right away, infiltrating the world of LA's rich elites. Soon Kacey is finding clues for her new bosses, and having the time of her life. But the agency is in trouble. The financial kind. If this case goes wrong, and they lose their biggest client, the Booker Brothers Detective Agency could be shutting down for good. It's up to Kacey to solve the mystery of the State of the Art Heist, save the agency, and keep her new job, which really is the role of a lifetime. BOOK 2 – STUNT DOUBLE TROUBLE Kacey Chance is a former actress turned detective. Luckily for her, acting skills come in handy during investigations. The LA detective agency she works for is unlike any she's ever seen in the movies. It's run by three handsome, single brothers and their sassy grandmother. Kacey loves her new job. Working as a detective is the role of a lifetime. Kacey's latest assignment is to investigate a suspicious workplace accident. The victim, who worked at local hangout Rockburger, is seeking a large cash settlement. A stakeout at the victim's residence reveals nosy neighbors and colorful roommates who drop hints that nothing about this accident is quite as it appears. Plus there's a mysterious stranger calling in anonymous tips. It's up to Kacey to solve the mystery of the Stunt Double Trouble, even though it may cost her dearly. BOOK 3 – READY ON SET DRAMA Kacey Chance said goodbye to her actress dreams to become a private investigator, but now her work is sending her straight into the heart of Hollywood. Her new assignment takes her undercover, working as a personal assistant to a handsome actor. Someone is trying to destroy his career, and it's up to Kacey to find out who, and why. Being on set is every bit as fun as Kacey imagined. The case seems easy enough, until she hits a moral dilemma. Exactly how far should an investigator go to discover the truth? Kacey doesn't want to ruin anyone's life, and yet, she finds herself holding secrets that could destroy careers. Back at the office, the Booker brothers have their own unique approaches to handling delicate secrets. Of course. And then there's Tippy Booker, the supposedly "retired" matriarch of the family, who's always around to drink coffee, look glamorous, and dispense her cynical advice. Kacey and the Booker family race against time to unravel the twisted mystery of the Ready On Set Drama. Get all 3 books in this exclusive series box set. Then cuddle up and get cozy with Kacey and the Booker brothers as they solve cases and have plenty of laughs along the way!
The Jury / Sweet Revenge / Lethal Justice
Fern Michaels - 2008
For years, Paula Woodley has suffered the broken bones and shattered self-esteem caused by an abusive marriage. But what can she do? Her high-profile, Washington power-broker husband is not a man to be crossed. Or so he thinks. The Sisterhood may not be an organization found in any of his memos, but he’s about to take a meeting with them—and they’ll be setting the agenda.…
Sweet Revenge
Isabelle Flanders’ former colleague, the conniving Rosemary, did everything in her power to ruin Isabelle, from framing her for a terrible drunk driving accident to stealing her husband and her architecture firm. Now, Isabelle’s formerly lovely life is in tatters while Rosemary scoops up the spoils. It’s enough to make any friend’s blood boil. Rosemary may think she’s flying high, but she’s about to tangle with the Sisterhood.
Lethal Justice
Alexis Thorn, once a successful securities broker, spent a hellish year behind bars for a crime she never committed. Now she has her freedom, but she’s left with haunting memories of being hauled from her office in handcuffs…of the cell door clanging shut behind her…of her pleas going unheard. Alexis dreams of getting even. The legal system failed her, but the Sisterhood won’t.
Murder by the Book
Gina LaManna - 2021
My name is Lucy Little, and I’m an author.Actually, my mom thinks I’m a homeless bum with no health insurance, and my dad truly believes I’m as famous as Brad Pitt. He frequently asks me to sign napkins that he passes out like currency at the local police station where he likes to steal doughnuts. He’s a former cop. That probably makes his theft acceptable.There’s only one problem with this whole “author career” of mine, and it’s that I’m not actually making all that much money from it. I like to say I have a burgeoning career; I am making a living, but it’s a pretty dismal living. But that’s all about to change. I’ve got a new game plan, a pen that’s mightier than a sword—but not literally because I’m terrified of violence—and a bunch of words to put down on paper.Unfortunately, my plan gets thrown out the window the day I stumble upon a real live dead body. The next thing I know, I’m wrapped up neck deep in a murder investigation with the superhot cop who is also my ex-boyfriend. It’s all fun and games until the killer starts coming for me, and then I start wondering how I can write the end when I might be next?
Phone Kitten
Marika Christian - 2010
Throw in a gig as a phone sex operator, an unexpected hunk of a boyfriend, and a client's murder, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect chick lit romp. Even bloggers at Trashionista just had to read it: "A fabulous book.” Shy, funny, loveable Emily’s a pretty unlikely candidate for a phone sex operator. She’d die if she had to talk dirty face-to-face—especially to her hot cop boyfriend. She sure didn’t set out to do phone sex—she wanted to be a writer. But when her BFF framed her for plagiarism, she got in a tiny financial hole and saw this ad for “phone actresses”… Hey, it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. No pantyhose or pantsuits, no regular hours, you’re your own boss, and lots of people to talk to. Guys, that is. But here’s the odd thing—lots of them want to talk about more than Emily’s imagined attributes; they start to think of her as the best friend they’ll never have to meet. Next thing you know, one of her customers gets killed. What’s a phone kitten to do? Solve the murder herself, of course! “Phone Kitten was a fun debut read with an interesting premise and some great characters – excellent chick lit.” -The Brazen Bookworm “Marika Christian's debut novel was one of the most fun reads I have had this year. Sweet Emily taking a job as a 'phone actress' has to be one of the funniest things ever.” -Just Jump A fun, refreshing treat for fans of Jennifer Crusie, Janet Evanovich, and Stephanie Bond, Phone Kitten is your ticket to hours of giggles—so long as you’re not looking for raunch. Because this is so not it! “When I first heard of this book I was intrigued; a phone-sex worker turned sleuth? Sounds like the perfect mix...a fabulous book. --Trashionista Excerpt: The girl who answered the phone sounded a lot like me. She was perky, upbeat, and wanted me to come in that night for an interview. The thought terrified me, but my only other option was Walmart. I heard Walmart locks employees in the store. I've often wondered what would happen if one of the employees were pregnant and went into labor while locked up. Would they let her out? Would her supervisor deliver the baby in housewares and slap a little smiley face sticker on the baby's bottom? Phone sex had to be better than twenty-four hour retail. The company name was Dimensions. Located in the back of an industrial park, it was a little scary. There was a gravel parking lot with a dozen cars and only one door with a camera to capture anyone who pressed the call button. I was buzzed in immediately. I wondered, Why does a phone sex place need this much security? I was met by Taylor, the bubbly girl I talked to on the phone. “Come on, I'll take you in the back and we can talk.” She wasn't what I pictured. Taylor was a tattooed Goth chick, with every piercing imaginable. Taylor isn't what most people envisioned when it came to “bubbly.” Once we were in her office, she quickly closed the door. “Look, we talk dirty here. The language is sexually explicit. You have to say it all. Tits, cock, and fuck. Can you do that?” “Yes.” There, I said it. I said I could do it. I hoped I really could. She whipped out a headset, plugged it in, and said, “I want you to listen to a call.