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elliemvbrown's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rcbooksandtea's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - looking forward to more adventure for Berta and Lola!
beastreader's review
4.0
Come Hell or Highball is a comedical, entertaining, cozy mystery. I had such a fun time reading this book. The antics of Lola and Berta had me in stitches many times. They were like Lucy and Ethel. From the situations they found themselves in, to the other quirky characters, and all of the food that Lola seemed to always have stuffed in her bra. Again it was Lola and Berta that I enjoyed so much that I didn't really care what they were doing or if they ever solved the mystery. Although, there were a few surprises to be had when it came to solving the case. I do hope to see more books in this series. If you enjoy the roaring 1920's, quirky characters, and a good storyline then you have to pick up a copy of this book to check out for yourself.
erincataldi's review
4.0
Chance, Maia. Come Hell or Highball. 8 CDs. unabridged. 9.25 hrs. Recorded Books. ISBN 9781490693965.
The first in a few series, Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries, promises rollicking good fun. Author Maia Chance is no stranger to quirky cozy mysteries, she has also authored the popular Fairy Tale Fatal series and seems to be a library favorite. This latest endeavor introduces readers to Lola Woodby, a recently widowed society matron, who suddenly finds herself penniless and embroiled in a mystery. If Lola and her trusty cook, Berta, can solve a crime and find a missing film reel then they can finally have some financial independence. Full of twists and turns, witty dialogue, and saucy characters, this mystery will have readers laughing out loud and craving a highball. Narrator Suzy Jackson, does a charming job as the ever sassy Lola and has quite a convincing Swedish accent for Berta, the bumbling sidekick. For fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and the roaring twenties. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN
The first in a few series, Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries, promises rollicking good fun. Author Maia Chance is no stranger to quirky cozy mysteries, she has also authored the popular Fairy Tale Fatal series and seems to be a library favorite. This latest endeavor introduces readers to Lola Woodby, a recently widowed society matron, who suddenly finds herself penniless and embroiled in a mystery. If Lola and her trusty cook, Berta, can solve a crime and find a missing film reel then they can finally have some financial independence. Full of twists and turns, witty dialogue, and saucy characters, this mystery will have readers laughing out loud and craving a highball. Narrator Suzy Jackson, does a charming job as the ever sassy Lola and has quite a convincing Swedish accent for Berta, the bumbling sidekick. For fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and the roaring twenties. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN
trayceebee's review
4.0
I was checking this in at the library and I saw that it was the first in a new series--which just happened to be the latest "assignment" in the mystery book club I'm in. The picture and the title really hooked me right off the bat--I love the Roaring 20's!
Lola, the protagonist, is a "society matron", much as she hates that term. She's not your typical skinny, waifish flapper. She does love to drink highballs and pretty much any other cocktail--despite them being prohibited--and she loves to eat chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls... well, in fact, she likes to eat just about anything as long as it's not "health food". She's snarky and sassy and curvy. Just the kind of girl I'd like to be, if I were alive during that time.
After her husband's death, she discovers that she's broke and she takes on an assignment to retrieve a missing item for a handsome fee... when murder turns the job into serious business. I look forward to reading more in this series!!!
Lola, the protagonist, is a "society matron", much as she hates that term. She's not your typical skinny, waifish flapper. She does love to drink highballs and pretty much any other cocktail--despite them being prohibited--and she loves to eat chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls... well, in fact, she likes to eat just about anything as long as it's not "health food". She's snarky and sassy and curvy. Just the kind of girl I'd like to be, if I were alive during that time.
After her husband's death, she discovers that she's broke and she takes on an assignment to retrieve a missing item for a handsome fee... when murder turns the job into serious business. I look forward to reading more in this series!!!
arianah26's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cmorrisclark's review
4.0
Chosen on a whim from the "new publications" section of our library, Come Hell or Highball was a delightful surprise. Set in 1920's NYC, Chance's campy novel tells the story of Lola Woodby-- recently widowed society matron unexpectedly turned detective. Told with a creative and sassy narration, Highball was a delightfully quick and unique read. I enjoyed the lighthearted voice, which almost reminded me of a snarky sitcom. Worth a read, especially if you are looking for something fun, quick, and lighthearted.
ebuxton2's review
4.0
This book was a fun, cozy mystery that is just plausible enough to keep you hanging on. If you liked Finlay Donovan is Killing it, you would like this story. Similarly to Finlay, Lola and her housekeeper get tangled up with gangsters, frauds and one maybe bad, maybe good guy who charms our main character. The mystery got a little convoluted and hard to follow about 80% of the way (a few too many characters) but overall a fun read!
bookworm151719's review
4.0
It wasn't overly comical & provided a great deal of entertainment. It wasn't a nail-biter, keep you on the edge of your seat, kind of book, but it got really good.
The only thing I didn't like about it was that the ending was extremely unpredictable. Don't get me wrong, that means it was a thorough mystery. However, there were zero signs whatsoever of there being any homosexuals at all, let alone that they were the killers. There was also the fact that their motive didn't fully make sense.
The only thing I didn't like about it was that the ending was extremely unpredictable. Don't get me wrong, that means it was a thorough mystery. However, there were zero signs whatsoever of there being any homosexuals at all, let alone that they were the killers. There was also the fact that their motive didn't fully make sense.