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High Heels #2
Killer in High Heels
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling series!
L.A. shoe designer Maddie Springer hasn't seen her father since he reportedly ran off to Las Vegas with a showgirl named Lola. So she's shocked when he leaves a desperate plea for help on her answering machine - ending in a loud bang. Gunshot? Car backfire? Never one to leave her curiosity unsatisfied, Maddie straps on her stilettos and, along with her trigger-happy best friend, makes tracks for Sin City in search of her MIA dad.
Maddie hits the jackpot, all right. She finds not only her dad, but also a handful of aging drag queens, an organized crime ring smuggling fake Prada pumps, and one relentless killer. Plus, it seems the LAPD's sexiest cop is doing a little Vegas moonlighting of his own. In a town where odds are everything, Maddie bets it all on her ability to out-step a vicious murderer. She just hopes her gamble pays off… before her own luck runs out.
*** BONUS MATERIAL***
This ebook includes a special sneak peek at the next High Heels book, UNDERCOVER IN HIGH HEELS.
"This amusing whodunit scores big. Maddie's winning return, with her bold comical voice and knack for thinking fast on her strappy slingbacks, will elicit cheers from fans of the growing chick mystery field."
- Publishers’ Weekly
"Blending romance and humor, Maddie and her madcap friends are an enjoyable treat."
- Parkersburg Sentinel
"KILLER IN HIGH HEELS is ‘packing’ with action, hilarity, danger, almost-sex, and fashion wows and woes. Gemma Halliday gives the reader nothing but pure indulgence and fabulous fun!"
- Once Upon a Romance
L.A. shoe designer Maddie Springer hasn't seen her father since he reportedly ran off to Las Vegas with a showgirl named Lola. So she's shocked when he leaves a desperate plea for help on her answering machine - ending in a loud bang. Gunshot? Car backfire? Never one to leave her curiosity unsatisfied, Maddie straps on her stilettos and, along with her trigger-happy best friend, makes tracks for Sin City in search of her MIA dad.
Maddie hits the jackpot, all right. She finds not only her dad, but also a handful of aging drag queens, an organized crime ring smuggling fake Prada pumps, and one relentless killer. Plus, it seems the LAPD's sexiest cop is doing a little Vegas moonlighting of his own. In a town where odds are everything, Maddie bets it all on her ability to out-step a vicious murderer. She just hopes her gamble pays off… before her own luck runs out.
*** BONUS MATERIAL***
This ebook includes a special sneak peek at the next High Heels book, UNDERCOVER IN HIGH HEELS.
"This amusing whodunit scores big. Maddie's winning return, with her bold comical voice and knack for thinking fast on her strappy slingbacks, will elicit cheers from fans of the growing chick mystery field."
- Publishers’ Weekly
"Blending romance and humor, Maddie and her madcap friends are an enjoyable treat."
- Parkersburg Sentinel
"KILLER IN HIGH HEELS is ‘packing’ with action, hilarity, danger, almost-sex, and fashion wows and woes. Gemma Halliday gives the reader nothing but pure indulgence and fabulous fun!"
- Once Upon a Romance
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2007
364 people are currently reading
2,535 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
92 books1,896 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 366 reviews
August 8, 2022
Yet another misleading title. The first book in this series, Spying in High Heels, made you think of spies, but first-person narrator Maddie Springer used "spying" to mean just hanging around crime scenes watching police work. In this one, you might think the title is a spoiler. There are murders here, after all. But no, I think it's just meant to be a drag queen expression, as "You look killer in high heels." And there are a lot of drag queens here, too.
The back cover blurb on my edition has more information than the summary at the top of this Goodreads page, so with your indulgence I'll quote some of the blurb:
The story wanders between funny and silly most of the time, with a few life-or-death moments of course, and it was fairly enjoyable. But as you can probably tell, I didn't relate to the main characters as well this time. It's only because I read the first book that I knew Maddie was pretty smart--she did well in a school of fashion design and she landed a job designing luxury shoes for tiny children. I'm afraid if this is the first book you read in the series, Maddie will just be a ditzy blonde all the way through it--impetuous and eager, but not one to think too clearly.
And what's with Maddie and Ramirez (apart from how he could possibly be there doing what he's doing, no spoiler here)? They have the hots for each other. But this is a novel of comic foreplay interruptus, very graphic on the foreplay, too repetitive on the interruptions, and when they're finally safe from outsiders popping in on them, Maddie breaks it off. Why? If you opened that spoiler tag, you may agree with me that Maddie's self-image gets in the way of true love. Sigh. And yuck.
The gangsters were pretty much standard issue, ripe for ethnic humor delivered by Marco ("Italian-American!"), but the night club one of them ran featured drag queens who were a lot of fun (see blurb above), and there was fairly good reason (again, no spoilers) for Maddie to believe her father was in danger from the criminal element (and was he part of it? after all, he abandoned Maddie when she was three years old, didn't he?). So there are more positives to this tale than might appear from my little grumbles.
Enjoyable enough for three stars, I guess.
The back cover blurb on my edition has more information than the summary at the top of this Goodreads page, so with your indulgence I'll quote some of the blurb:
Maddie straps on her stilettos and, along with her trigger-happy best friend, makes tracks for Sin City in search of her MIA dad.Maddie is still clearly not a detective, and once again she's surprised by the solution to the mystery, along with numerous nasty surprises along the way. Ramirez the real detective, who's Maddie's intense romantic interest, was fairly believable at home in Los Angeles, but he loses credibility for me in Las Vegas. That's where Maddie, Dana, and Marco have gone to look for Maddie's long-lost father, and I had a hard time believing how easy their quest was, getting to the right place at the right time for murder No. 1.
Maddie hits the jackpot, all right. She finds not only her dad, but also a handful of aging drag queens, an organized crime ring smuggling fake Prada pumps, and one relentless killer. Plus, it seems the LAPD's sexiest cop is doing a little Vegas moonlighting of his own.
The story wanders between funny and silly most of the time, with a few life-or-death moments of course, and it was fairly enjoyable. But as you can probably tell, I didn't relate to the main characters as well this time. It's only because I read the first book that I knew Maddie was pretty smart--she did well in a school of fashion design and she landed a job designing luxury shoes for tiny children. I'm afraid if this is the first book you read in the series, Maddie will just be a ditzy blonde all the way through it--impetuous and eager, but not one to think too clearly.
And what's with Maddie and Ramirez (apart from how he could possibly be there doing what he's doing, no spoiler here)? They have the hots for each other. But this is a novel of comic foreplay interruptus, very graphic on the foreplay, too repetitive on the interruptions, and when they're finally safe from outsiders popping in on them, Maddie breaks it off. Why? If you opened that spoiler tag, you may agree with me that Maddie's self-image gets in the way of true love. Sigh. And yuck.
The gangsters were pretty much standard issue, ripe for ethnic humor delivered by Marco ("Italian-American!"), but the night club one of them ran featured drag queens who were a lot of fun (see blurb above), and there was fairly good reason (again, no spoilers) for Maddie to believe her father was in danger from the criminal element (and was he part of it? after all, he abandoned Maddie when she was three years old, didn't he?). So there are more positives to this tale than might appear from my little grumbles.
Enjoyable enough for three stars, I guess.
May 30, 2017
מאדי ספרינגר, הפשניסטית הבלונדינית חוזרת והפעם אחרי 6 שבועות שבהם לא התראת עם הבלש רמירז, היא נוסעת במשימת הצלה לאביה בווגאס.
ישנם קטעים משעשעים ביותר בספר במיוחד קטעים שקשורים לשוקר שהחברה של מאדי קונה. בנוסף הספר קולח. אבל העלילה כל כך מופרכת והזויה שזה פשוט מצחיק ומגוחך. נהנתי מהגיחוך אבל אם מחפשים בלש רציני הספרים של מאדי ספרינגר הם לא הכתובת.
ישנם קטעים משעשעים ביותר בספר במיוחד קטעים שקשורים לשוקר שהחברה של מאדי קונה. בנוסף הספר קולח. אבל העלילה כל כך מופרכת והזויה שזה פשוט מצחיק ומגוחך. נהנתי מהגיחוך אבל אם מחפשים בלש רציני הספרים של מאדי ספרינגר הם לא הכתובת.
January 21, 2012
WARNING: Spoilers included.
Ok, not really sure how I want to rate this one. On one hand, the writing is witty and enjoyable to read. However, the story-line is way beyond far-fetched and I am finding it even harder to like Maddie, the heroine of the series.
Let’s start with the good. The book is a light and quick read. The humorous style makes it really fun. The author has a way with words, especially tying in the shoe theme. I particularly like the line when Maddie fears a mobster may fit her with “cement sling backs.” There is also good chemistry between Maddie and Ramirez, which is important if you are going to have a romantic story line.
The problem is that in order to maintain the enjoyment, I really have to turn my brain off while reading. Once reality sets in, I start to feel a little cheated.
For example, the story line has so many unrealistic details, that they become more and more difficult to overlook. Local police officers to do NOT take on long-term undercover assignments in another state to bring down mob bosses. And, we are supposed to believe that in six weeks this undercover cop is good enough to infiltrate a mob gang this closely, and yet he continually jeopardizes his assignment by making out with Maddie in proximity to said mob gang. Oh, and the mobsters are running a drag club and never seem to notice conspicuous cars. I could go on.
Then, there are the “gaps” in the story where it contradicts itself. It opens with Maddie dealing with Ramirez having ZERO contact for 6 weeks. He apparently is still very interested but makes NO ATTEMPT to let her know he is on assignment? And then, she is just going to forgive and forget like he had only been absent for a week? Also, there is a scene at the end where she introduces her mom to Ramirez. In the first book, Ramirez had been at her mother’s wedding and met her family.
As for Maddie herself, I am finding it increasingly difficult to like her. First of all, she is a habitual liar. She is constantly making promises which she has no intention of keeping. She whines about her job and yet she makes no effort to improve her situation. She acts without logic and reasoning in almost all scenarios. She never stops to consider the danger in which she kept placing herself, but more importantly, her friends and family. This indicates a very self-centered and shallow personality.
Finally, at the end of book two, shouldn’t we be beyond intense physical chemistry between Maddie and Ramirez? At some point, shouldn’t they find some emotional common ground beyond arguing or making out?
I bought a 5-book collection of this series on impulse, so I feel a bit compelled to continue. The humor DOES make up for a lot. We’ll see how I feel after the 3rd book in the series.
Ok, not really sure how I want to rate this one. On one hand, the writing is witty and enjoyable to read. However, the story-line is way beyond far-fetched and I am finding it even harder to like Maddie, the heroine of the series.
Let’s start with the good. The book is a light and quick read. The humorous style makes it really fun. The author has a way with words, especially tying in the shoe theme. I particularly like the line when Maddie fears a mobster may fit her with “cement sling backs.” There is also good chemistry between Maddie and Ramirez, which is important if you are going to have a romantic story line.
The problem is that in order to maintain the enjoyment, I really have to turn my brain off while reading. Once reality sets in, I start to feel a little cheated.
For example, the story line has so many unrealistic details, that they become more and more difficult to overlook. Local police officers to do NOT take on long-term undercover assignments in another state to bring down mob bosses. And, we are supposed to believe that in six weeks this undercover cop is good enough to infiltrate a mob gang this closely, and yet he continually jeopardizes his assignment by making out with Maddie in proximity to said mob gang. Oh, and the mobsters are running a drag club and never seem to notice conspicuous cars. I could go on.
Then, there are the “gaps” in the story where it contradicts itself. It opens with Maddie dealing with Ramirez having ZERO contact for 6 weeks. He apparently is still very interested but makes NO ATTEMPT to let her know he is on assignment? And then, she is just going to forgive and forget like he had only been absent for a week? Also, there is a scene at the end where she introduces her mom to Ramirez. In the first book, Ramirez had been at her mother’s wedding and met her family.
As for Maddie herself, I am finding it increasingly difficult to like her. First of all, she is a habitual liar. She is constantly making promises which she has no intention of keeping. She whines about her job and yet she makes no effort to improve her situation. She acts without logic and reasoning in almost all scenarios. She never stops to consider the danger in which she kept placing herself, but more importantly, her friends and family. This indicates a very self-centered and shallow personality.
Finally, at the end of book two, shouldn’t we be beyond intense physical chemistry between Maddie and Ramirez? At some point, shouldn’t they find some emotional common ground beyond arguing or making out?
I bought a 5-book collection of this series on impulse, so I feel a bit compelled to continue. The humor DOES make up for a lot. We’ll see how I feel after the 3rd book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Ah the high heels series. This is fast becoming my unwind guilty pleasure reading series for when I just need some total chill out time. No, this isn’t Jane Eyre or some other beautiful timeless classic, nor does it pretend to be. With lines like:
Wanna come with?" Does a bear go poo poo in the woods? "I'm there."
This book fully has me sold in the chick lit comedic value category. Sure it’s a bit cheesy, and sure there are several cringe worthy moments, but as far as I’m concerned that’s all part of the charm. Would I pick this up if I was in the mood for an intellectual book? Or a thriller that has me on the edge of my seat with every page? Nope. But for an evening after work with a glass of rosé and a need for a laugh, this is my pick hands down.
So why the 4 stars not 5? The story follows Maddie’s continued dramatic life journey as she falls straight from one mystery involving her boyfriend into another involving her long lost father... I mean how unlucky does a girl have to be? Because she is decidedly insane she again decides to (again) take on her own investigation in direct opposition to her undercover agent boyfriends instructions...because of course. Honestly I can’t justify giving it the same rating as other books with more solid story telling and where the romantic scenes don’t make me roll my eyes almost out of my head. It is fantastic for the humour and light entertainment but as far as being an epic read? Sadly I just can’t go that far.
Wanna come with?" Does a bear go poo poo in the woods? "I'm there."
This book fully has me sold in the chick lit comedic value category. Sure it’s a bit cheesy, and sure there are several cringe worthy moments, but as far as I’m concerned that’s all part of the charm. Would I pick this up if I was in the mood for an intellectual book? Or a thriller that has me on the edge of my seat with every page? Nope. But for an evening after work with a glass of rosé and a need for a laugh, this is my pick hands down.
So why the 4 stars not 5? The story follows Maddie’s continued dramatic life journey as she falls straight from one mystery involving her boyfriend into another involving her long lost father... I mean how unlucky does a girl have to be? Because she is decidedly insane she again decides to (again) take on her own investigation in direct opposition to her undercover agent boyfriends instructions...because of course. Honestly I can’t justify giving it the same rating as other books with more solid story telling and where the romantic scenes don’t make me roll my eyes almost out of my head. It is fantastic for the humour and light entertainment but as far as being an epic read? Sadly I just can’t go that far.
September 17, 2009
Maddie is back. This time in Vegas with family and friends. Her absentee father finally decides to surface in her life and needs her help to get him out of a jam. And that's not the only surprise he has for her. I don't know what happened to the series. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit. This one, not so much. In fact, if I didn't already order the rest of the books, or had read this one first, I would not be reading the others. There was zero growth from the first book. The characters actually lost some depth if anything. The story is pretty much Ramirez telling Maddie, 'I'm going to tell you all the secrets I'm not allowed to tell anyone. Then I want you to stay right here while I try to do my job.' Then Maddie tells everyone what she was told and does the one thing she was not supposed to do. Then Ramirez miraculously shows up and saves her. Again. About as unlikely as they come. If Ramirez were a real person and not a cardboard cutout of a good cop, he would have ax murdered Maddie about a third of the way through this book. (4/10)
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June 5, 2023I have officially given up on this series. Cannot tolerate a heroine who is too stupid to live and I have no interest in a ditsy person whose eating habits at fast food restaurants take up a large percentage of the story...
October 15, 2023
3.5 for the fun, messed up, light fluffy read.
Some of the things that happened in this book were less realistic than the previous one, but hey, the humour that kept popping up made this still a relatively enjoyable read, not to mention all those moments with Ramirez..... ;)
Some of the things that happened in this book were less realistic than the previous one, but hey, the humour that kept popping up made this still a relatively enjoyable read, not to mention all those moments with Ramirez..... ;)
January 22, 2013
Even funnier than the first one! Lots of wacky hijinks, some things that I wasn't expecting and some things I had figured out, but altogether entertaining. I remember looking at this series when browsing for Kindle books and passing on it. You just never know from the small blurbs if they are going to be good or not, but this series is more than worth the reasonable prices on Amazon.
I'm not a big fan of love triangles, but I rather liked Felix the reporter, probably because he was British and called Maddie, 'love'. I wouldn't mind seeing him again, though I've skimmed the blurbs for most of the future books... and I'll leave it at that.
I'm not a big fan of love triangles, but I rather liked Felix the reporter, probably because he was British and called Maddie, 'love'. I wouldn't mind seeing him again, though I've skimmed the blurbs for most of the future books... and I'll leave it at that.
August 22, 2014
I enjoyed it from start to finish.
July 30, 2018
Love everything Gemma writes!!
October 27, 2012
H/h Ramirez and Maddie
This is the 2nd book in the series and I enjoyed it more than the first. The story takes place in Las Vegas but this time Maddie has her possie with her posse with her. Maddie and her crew are trying to help her long lost dad who calls when he needs her help after seeing an article about her in a tabloid. Things move from "are you kidding me" to "off the charts funny" in a matter of pages.
If you are looking for a book that is light, fun, but with some intrigue this maybe the book for you. I've been having a hard time finding a book to read that would hold my attention lately. Killer in High Heels was able to hold my attention. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I couldn't put the book down but if I did put it down I definitely wanted to get back to it and see what was happening to our H/h.
For those who love romantic suspense I'm not sure this book will do it for you. It really doesn't have much romance and the suspense is done all in fun. All the "love" scenes are interrupted except for the last one and it is fade to black. However, if you want a light read you may really enjoy Gemma Halliday's style of writing and brand of humor.
This is the 2nd book in the series and I enjoyed it more than the first. The story takes place in Las Vegas but this time Maddie has her possie with her posse with her. Maddie and her crew are trying to help her long lost dad who calls when he needs her help after seeing an article about her in a tabloid. Things move from "are you kidding me" to "off the charts funny" in a matter of pages.
If you are looking for a book that is light, fun, but with some intrigue this maybe the book for you. I've been having a hard time finding a book to read that would hold my attention lately. Killer in High Heels was able to hold my attention. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I couldn't put the book down but if I did put it down I definitely wanted to get back to it and see what was happening to our H/h.
For those who love romantic suspense I'm not sure this book will do it for you. It really doesn't have much romance and the suspense is done all in fun. All the "love" scenes are interrupted except for the last one and it is fade to black. However, if you want a light read you may really enjoy Gemma Halliday's style of writing and brand of humor.
September 28, 2011
This is the second book in the High Heels series starring Maddie Springer. The first book was very interesting and held my attention, and the second book was even better. I was laughing out loud through the whole book, and literally couldn't put it down. It was a page turner, and I'd recommend it to any person who wants to read a chick-lit, romantic, cozy mystery.
I was rooting for Maddie and Ramirez the whole way through. I can't wait to start the 3rd one. It's a fast, fun read for a rainy day, road trip, weekend, whatever the occasion may be. I finished the book in 2 days-- it was that good.
While many say the main character gets on their nerves, honestly you love her. You can't help but love all the characters in the series. Gemma Halliday is a good writer and keeps readers interested.
I actually liked this book better than the first one. However I DO NOT SUGGEST READING OUT OF ORDER IN THIS SERIES.
I was rooting for Maddie and Ramirez the whole way through. I can't wait to start the 3rd one. It's a fast, fun read for a rainy day, road trip, weekend, whatever the occasion may be. I finished the book in 2 days-- it was that good.
While many say the main character gets on their nerves, honestly you love her. You can't help but love all the characters in the series. Gemma Halliday is a good writer and keeps readers interested.
I actually liked this book better than the first one. However I DO NOT SUGGEST READING OUT OF ORDER IN THIS SERIES.
August 3, 2012
So I like this book and I don't like it at the same time. Mostly I will continue reading this series because I like the other characters and the story is pretty good. I just don't like the main character, Maddie. She is way too obsessed with her looks. For example, she doesn't end up having sex with her almost boyfriend (even though they were rounding 3rd base) because she couldn't remember if she shaved her legs or what underwear she was wearing. It wasn't going to be "special" enough for her first time with Mr. Sexy Cop. I don't know, but some of her thoughts, ramblings, and actions put me off. I've caught myself skimming through her thoughts just to avoid being annoyed by her. Like I said, I will likely continue reading the series just because I really do like the other characters and the storyline. Hopefully Maddie gets some sense knocked into her.
January 10, 2013
Eh, well. I thought Maddie was a little dim in the first one, but I put it down to her thinking she was pregnant. But in this one? God, she's an idiot. In many ways, but specifically her scheme near the end? How in the HELL did she not see that coming? And why does she keep showing up in places where club owner guy will see her and connect the dots? And why doesn't he? In addition to that, notes for the author: it's "minutes" and not "minuets," "uzi" and not "oozi," and "Dentyne" and not "Dentene." Seriously. Does she not have a proofreader?
July 8, 2014
Funny, easy to read, good characters. I just love these books. Looking forward to the next one.
June 4, 2016
So fun!
November 24, 2016
Book two, and we see a return to the life of fashion crazy Maddie as well as the host of secondary characters from the first book. Her mom is still floating around in fantasy land, her best friend Dana is still attracting in hunks and having sex, and absentee beau Ramirez makes an appearance too, although more on that later. Maddie is still scoffing Big Macs and somehow remaining thin enough to fit into designer clothes (pure evil, I tell you!) and there is another murder mystery to solve.
The things I liked
>Set in Las Vegas, so different from the first book
>New Characters, including Maddie's dad
>Convoluted mystery, although the reasoning was there we needed Ramirez to tell us
The things I disliked;
>Maddie comparing her food to Dana's on every second page- WE GET IT. You like cheese, she eats 'heath' food
>Ramirez and his attitude. He stays away for weeks because he's undercover, but couldn't he have rang her and said "Oh hey, going undercover, I'm not going to ring you and blow my cover, but let's pick things up in a couple of weeks?" Like seriously, he just disappears off the face of the earth, and Maddie sits around watching rom com. This series started because her then beau disappeared, but Ramirez does it and it's fine. Plus, he 'shuts her up with a kiss' about five times in this book. Once, maybe cute and alright. Five times and it feels like he doesn't value her opinion, trust her or value her. It seriously pissed me off!
Well those things aside, I did still enjoy this book. I definitely want to follow more of Maddie's mysteries in the following books. I just hope the romance blossoms into something I can agree with, because at the moment Ramirez is walking all over her and I don't want to see more of that! :/ Four stars, let's see where this series goes.
The things I liked
>Set in Las Vegas, so different from the first book
>New Characters, including Maddie's dad
>Convoluted mystery, although the reasoning was there we needed Ramirez to tell us
The things I disliked;
>Maddie comparing her food to Dana's on every second page- WE GET IT. You like cheese, she eats 'heath' food
>Ramirez and his attitude. He stays away for weeks because he's undercover, but couldn't he have rang her and said "Oh hey, going undercover, I'm not going to ring you and blow my cover, but let's pick things up in a couple of weeks?" Like seriously, he just disappears off the face of the earth, and Maddie sits around watching rom com. This series started because her then beau disappeared, but Ramirez does it and it's fine. Plus, he 'shuts her up with a kiss' about five times in this book. Once, maybe cute and alright. Five times and it feels like he doesn't value her opinion, trust her or value her. It seriously pissed me off!
Well those things aside, I did still enjoy this book. I definitely want to follow more of Maddie's mysteries in the following books. I just hope the romance blossoms into something I can agree with, because at the moment Ramirez is walking all over her and I don't want to see more of that! :/ Four stars, let's see where this series goes.
November 5, 2024
I stuck with the first book because even though I thought Maddie was a nut job, I am an Angeleno and I enjoyed the mostly accurate jaunts through So Cal on our freeways. And I was able to find humor in her fast food antics. This book did not endear her character to me. She is a certifiable nut job if she thinks for one moment that she is somehow qualified to solve any type of crime. She really just gets herself into incredibly dangerous situations, and in this book she drags her friends and and parents along. Her crime solving is more like wrong place at the right time. There are plenty of scenes that are really included only for their comedic value, and I enjoyed them, but I prefer my female crime solvers to have some smattering of brain power, and Maddie comes off more as both a lucky and unlucky idiot who not only can't take care of herself, but also does the opposite of every piece of good advice she is given. Also, her almost boyfriend is almost as crazy as she is, if he thinks for one minute that she is trustworthy enough to keep secrets concerning his undercover job, since naturally the first thing she does is spill the info to her companions. I was hoping I had stumbled into a nice long series of witty cozy mysteries that I could go through, but since it took me almost month to read this one and I had to renew my library borrow twice to get through it, I have no great desire to make this my new light read.
April 3, 2020
At all times through Maddie’s journey, her best friend Dana was with her. She was being a constant support no matter what circumstances were. Dana was humorous, audacious and came up with peculiar ideas.
The actors in the play were same as in the first book. From fearless maddie,dana,maddie’s anxious mom, persistent Mrs. Rosenblatt to the sexy LAPD officer Ramirez. Some were introduced for the first time. Such as the ostentatious Marco. They all were comical which made the story exciting.
Killer in High Heels was able to hold my attention.The end was quite unpredictable and you’ll be open-mouthed after identifying the real killer.For those who love romantic suspense I’m not sure this book will do it for you. It really doesn’t have much romance and the suspense is done all in fun. However if you want a light read you may really enjoy Gemma Halliday’s style of writing and her brand of humor.
There’s a plethora of adventure,exploits along with plenty of laughs. And watch out, there were a few surprises along the way as well. Overall the script was chucklesome and hilarious.
If you are looking for a book that is light, fun, but with some intrigue this maybe the book for you.
I’d recommend it to any person who wants to read a chick-lit, cozy mystery.
The actors in the play were same as in the first book. From fearless maddie,dana,maddie’s anxious mom, persistent Mrs. Rosenblatt to the sexy LAPD officer Ramirez. Some were introduced for the first time. Such as the ostentatious Marco. They all were comical which made the story exciting.
Killer in High Heels was able to hold my attention.The end was quite unpredictable and you’ll be open-mouthed after identifying the real killer.For those who love romantic suspense I’m not sure this book will do it for you. It really doesn’t have much romance and the suspense is done all in fun. However if you want a light read you may really enjoy Gemma Halliday’s style of writing and her brand of humor.
There’s a plethora of adventure,exploits along with plenty of laughs. And watch out, there were a few surprises along the way as well. Overall the script was chucklesome and hilarious.
If you are looking for a book that is light, fun, but with some intrigue this maybe the book for you.
I’d recommend it to any person who wants to read a chick-lit, cozy mystery.
July 12, 2021
Handlung:
Maddie bekommt einen Anruf von ihrem Erzeuger, der von einem Schuss beendet wird.
So macht sich Maddie mit ihrer besten Freundin Dana, die durch ihren neuen Freund Rio ausgerüstet mit einem Elektroschock-Handy ist, auf nach Las Vegas und wird wieder in allerhand Ereignisse verstrickt.
Meine Meinung:
Es war schon ein wenig absurd ihn einfach so in Vegas suchen zu wollen und Maddies Essverhalten - sie schaufelt sich eigentlich nur Fast Food rein - scheint ein Running Gag zu sein.
Insgesamt hat mir "Mörderjagd auf High Heels" etwas wenig gut gefallen als Teil 1, vielleicht lag es aber auch ein wenig an der Mafia-Thematik, die nicht so mein Fall ist.
Ansonsten erinnert mich die Reihe ein wenig an die Chrissy McMullen-Reihe, wegen dem Hin und Her mit Detektiv Ramirez an den dortigen Riviera, die ja auch ständig unterbrochen wurden. Wobei an Riviera kommt natürlich nichts ran ;) - schließlich gehört er zu einer meiner Lieblingsbuchreihen.
Insgesamt war der Band unterhaltsam und gut lesbar.
3,25-3,5 Sterne
Maddie bekommt einen Anruf von ihrem Erzeuger, der von einem Schuss beendet wird.
So macht sich Maddie mit ihrer besten Freundin Dana, die durch ihren neuen Freund Rio ausgerüstet mit einem Elektroschock-Handy ist, auf nach Las Vegas und wird wieder in allerhand Ereignisse verstrickt.
Meine Meinung:
Es war schon ein wenig absurd ihn einfach so in Vegas suchen zu wollen und Maddies Essverhalten - sie schaufelt sich eigentlich nur Fast Food rein - scheint ein Running Gag zu sein.
Insgesamt hat mir "Mörderjagd auf High Heels" etwas wenig gut gefallen als Teil 1, vielleicht lag es aber auch ein wenig an der Mafia-Thematik, die nicht so mein Fall ist.
Ansonsten erinnert mich die Reihe ein wenig an die Chrissy McMullen-Reihe, wegen dem Hin und Her mit Detektiv Ramirez an den dortigen Riviera, die ja auch ständig unterbrochen wurden. Wobei an Riviera kommt natürlich nichts ran ;) - schließlich gehört er zu einer meiner Lieblingsbuchreihen.
Insgesamt war der Band unterhaltsam und gut lesbar.
3,25-3,5 Sterne
July 5, 2022
library ebook
i really like this series!
she designs shoes for kids. but it seems like she never works! her friend is a personal trainer
her mom and step dad own a beauty salon
she got a call on her answering machine from her dad, who she only remembers waving goodbye as he drove away , and heard a gunshot. her mom wont give her any info on her dad
she found out her dad is in lv, but told her mom she was going to palm springs
she likes a undercover cop but he didnt call her for 6 weeks after the end of the last book. i wish i could read this series in order but the library doesnt have them
she goes to lv with her friend the personal trainer and her gay friend
she finds out her dad is working as a female dancer and he has a shoe addiction like she does
she is afraid he is mixed up with the mob and is trying to help him, but he doesnt want her help
she find out the cop she likes is working undercover where her dad works.
they solve the crimes, with some close calls, but never get to go to bed with each other, they keep getting interrupted. as the book ended, he was going to put a sock (signal) on the doorknob
i really like this series!
she designs shoes for kids. but it seems like she never works! her friend is a personal trainer
her mom and step dad own a beauty salon
she got a call on her answering machine from her dad, who she only remembers waving goodbye as he drove away , and heard a gunshot. her mom wont give her any info on her dad
she found out her dad is in lv, but told her mom she was going to palm springs
she likes a undercover cop but he didnt call her for 6 weeks after the end of the last book. i wish i could read this series in order but the library doesnt have them
she goes to lv with her friend the personal trainer and her gay friend
she finds out her dad is working as a female dancer and he has a shoe addiction like she does
she is afraid he is mixed up with the mob and is trying to help him, but he doesnt want her help
she find out the cop she likes is working undercover where her dad works.
they solve the crimes, with some close calls, but never get to go to bed with each other, they keep getting interrupted. as the book ended, he was going to put a sock (signal) on the doorknob
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
Maddie gets a surprise phone message from her dad that she hasn't seen in 20+ years asking for help. At the end of the phone message she hears a gun shot. Worrying about her dad, Maddie, Dana and Marco take a trip to Vegas to try and find her dad and see what kind of help he needs.
In Las Vegas, Maddie tracks her dad down, and find a few surprising things about him. Including the fact that he has the mafia looking for him also. With the death of one of his friends, and the disappearance of another, Maddie is worried she may not find her father in time. Not to mention that she receives some unwanted attention that puts her and her friends in danger also.
This was another fun story from Gemma Halliday that was mostly fast paced, and had well developed characters. While there's some minor profanity, Gemma did come very close to crossing, without actually breaking the line of a cozy with this one.
In Las Vegas, Maddie tracks her dad down, and find a few surprising things about him. Including the fact that he has the mafia looking for him also. With the death of one of his friends, and the disappearance of another, Maddie is worried she may not find her father in time. Not to mention that she receives some unwanted attention that puts her and her friends in danger also.
This was another fun story from Gemma Halliday that was mostly fast paced, and had well developed characters. While there's some minor profanity, Gemma did come very close to crossing, without actually breaking the line of a cozy with this one.
August 3, 2019
Although I did like this book I found it required more suspension of belief than the first in the series, which is why I am surprised this book got a three stars back in 2012 whilst the first only got one... especially as the events in this are a lot more absurd and the characters are a bit out there.
That isn't to say this isn't enjoyable, it was and I suppose it is fitting in with this universe but Maddie seems even stupider in this book. She deliberately puts herself into risky situations here whereas in the first she... well, she still puts herself in them but it was more accidental.
I'm hoping the next books don't go as absurd as this did as it was verging on eye rolling territory but it's still half decent chick-lit that is perfect for killing a few hours in an enjoyable light-hearted (despite the murders) manner.
That isn't to say this isn't enjoyable, it was and I suppose it is fitting in with this universe but Maddie seems even stupider in this book. She deliberately puts herself into risky situations here whereas in the first she... well, she still puts herself in them but it was more accidental.
I'm hoping the next books don't go as absurd as this did as it was verging on eye rolling territory but it's still half decent chick-lit that is perfect for killing a few hours in an enjoyable light-hearted (despite the murders) manner.
September 2, 2019
2.5 stars
The first book of series alternated being annoying and hysterical. Sadly, this one alternated being annoying and annoyingly silly. I also have to wonder how old this author's photo is. She looks young, but so many of the things she references haven't been part of pop culture for decades. So either she's older than she wants us to know or she's writing for an old audience.
One of the pluses of the first book was the sexy cop Ramirez. He was in this book but didn't really get the chance to shine, so this book lacked that redeeming quality. I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
The first book of series alternated being annoying and hysterical. Sadly, this one alternated being annoying and annoyingly silly. I also have to wonder how old this author's photo is. She looks young, but so many of the things she references haven't been part of pop culture for decades. So either she's older than she wants us to know or she's writing for an old audience.
One of the pluses of the first book was the sexy cop Ramirez. He was in this book but didn't really get the chance to shine, so this book lacked that redeeming quality. I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
October 24, 2021
Maddie Springer’s father, Larry, is in trouble. She hasn’t seen him since she was three and had run off to Las Vegas with Lola. Maddie thinks she hears a gunshot just before Larry’s call ends. With her two best friends she sets out to find her father and becomes embroiled with the mob after locating her father who is really Lola, a drag queen! It seems her dad has stolen some expensive shoes from them. When one of her father’s drag queen friends, Hank, is found murdered, the plot thickens. There were light hearted moments and some interesting twists but I simply couldn’t get into this book. This definitely is not a cozy mystery series I will read again.
December 7, 2021
Las Vegas, Show Girls, Cross Dressers, Mobsters, Murder, and Shoes. What does all these have in common? Another fun filled adventure with Maddie and her quirky friends and family.
This story is even more unrealistic then the first book and there are a bunch of times I thought that Maddie is incredibly brave and incredibly naive with a major lack of common sense. But that is the fun with this series.
The narrator of this audio book, Caroline Shaffer, did an excellent job keeping the pace quick and superbly expressing the emotions of the characters.
I am looking forward to book three in the series.
This story is even more unrealistic then the first book and there are a bunch of times I thought that Maddie is incredibly brave and incredibly naive with a major lack of common sense. But that is the fun with this series.
The narrator of this audio book, Caroline Shaffer, did an excellent job keeping the pace quick and superbly expressing the emotions of the characters.
I am looking forward to book three in the series.
January 5, 2018
Once again, I was totally caught up in this series...and was up till the wee hours to finish...won’t give away the plot...let’s just say, it’s a madcap adventure as Maddie travels to Los Vegas to search for and help a lost relative! Gemma Halliday is an excellent writer. She moves forward from book to book in the series without their being repetition....keeping the reader in suspense and anticipation for the next in series!
January 23, 2018
What silly silly books we read - not oh how I enjoy these simple easy sassy stilly dramas. Yes the main character is self absorbed, makes dumb decisions and pays way too much attention to what people are wearing. Yes it was silly that her undercover cop kept trying to make out with her when he was supposed to be knee deep in the mob...but above it all was a grand bit of fun and a few good laughs. No great literature in these pages, but escapism and frivolity - you bet!
May 30, 2021
So stupid and redundant
This is the worst book I have ever read. It is suppose to be funny but it is embarrassing so not. I can't list all the reasons this is so ridiculous. Also the narrator makes it even worse. Don't waste your time unless want to experience a farce.I kept thinking it was going to get better but it didn't. I gave up half way through. Maddie so dumb and her Mother is a joke. The whole theme and plot have no credibility at all
This is the worst book I have ever read. It is suppose to be funny but it is embarrassing so not. I can't list all the reasons this is so ridiculous. Also the narrator makes it even worse. Don't waste your time unless want to experience a farce.I kept thinking it was going to get better but it didn't. I gave up half way through. Maddie so dumb and her Mother is a joke. The whole theme and plot have no credibility at all
December 20, 2022
This book was OK… I could definitely put it down… A few times. I’m not sure what I don’t like about this series, but this is the second I’ve read and the character development and personalities of the characters remind me of a knock off of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I will probably read another book or two in this series just to see how the author progresses with her writing… But I don’t expect more than three stars out of these books.
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