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bhnmt61's review against another edition
4.0
Since I had never heard of this book until a couple of months ago, I was surprised at how inventive and fun it is. I'm surprised it hasn't had more press. Dayna is an actress who had her moment of fame with a series of popular commercials, but now hasn't had a job in months. She's had to move into a friend's apartment and sell her car. When she finds out that her parents' home is about to be repossessed, she decides in desperation to track down the driver in a hit-and-run so she can collect the $15k reward.
The bumbling heroine who solves crimes in spite of herself will never be my favorite, so it was not particularly to my taste. I'm giving it four stars anyway, because it's high time there were more women of color in mystery novels, and the friends/sidekicks are a hoot. There's also an appealing romantic subplot. Highly recommended for anyone who likes Stephanie Plum, or dishy Hollywood gossip and insider info about the celebrity machine.
The bumbling heroine who solves crimes in spite of herself will never be my favorite, so it was not particularly to my taste. I'm giving it four stars anyway, because it's high time there were more women of color in mystery novels, and the friends/sidekicks are a hoot. There's also an appealing romantic subplot. Highly recommended for anyone who likes Stephanie Plum, or dishy Hollywood gossip and insider info about the celebrity machine.
mabonner's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
trapwomanistcyborgwitch's review against another edition
4.0
Very Funny and hilarious! I listened to the audiobook and the voice acting was AMAZING. I normally don't read mysteries and I really enjoyed this one! Learned a lot about the Hollywood industry and private investigation lol. Great story!
chiog's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mb1520's review against another edition
4.0
The twists-and-turns kept this one interesting. The only problem I had was it was a little difficult to keep track of everyone and everything happening. Overall, a good book with some funny moments. Would definitely recommend to people who enjoy mysteries and crime novels.
henrygravesprince's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a solid mystery and a decently enjoyable book, but you can definitely see the way Garrett’s work has improved since this (her debut) in her more recent work (see Missing White Woman and Like a Sister). The characters here are endearing and flawed, making them relatively lovable for me, and the mystery is compelling enough to keep my attention. There’s definitely issues (the recurring element of unnecessary body shaming being the most notable), but as that appears less and less in her more recent work, I’m still excited to finish her backlog and see what Garrett writes in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Car accident, and Body shaming
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Classism
Minor: Homophobia
Flippant language around eating disorders; Addiction stigma; Blackmailremigves's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
holdenkillfield's review against another edition
3.0
This was a comedy of errors from start to end and amusing throughout. With the flying accusations and the protagonist bumbling through an investigation out of a sheer need for cash, rather than a calling, albeit in leopard stilettos, it brought a fresh look at the accidental detective trope and was entertaining to read. I can see Garrett was influenced by Barbara Neely's Blanche White character.
The characters, especially the main character, Dayna, and her close-knit crew all had distinctive personalities, some larger than others, that brought the story to life.
The running commentary that Dayna had about life, situations, and other characters was hilarious. Kellye Garrett is funny and I found myself chuckling at dialogue or a zinger a character would throw out.
It really was like reading a sitcom as the mystery was forefront but so were the lives of the characters that were just as entertaining, especially when they live in LA.
The characters, especially the main character, Dayna, and her close-knit crew all had distinctive personalities, some larger than others, that brought the story to life.
The running commentary that Dayna had about life, situations, and other characters was hilarious. Kellye Garrett is funny and I found myself chuckling at dialogue or a zinger a character would throw out.
It really was like reading a sitcom as the mystery was forefront but so were the lives of the characters that were just as entertaining, especially when they live in LA.