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52nd out of 92 books
—
25 voters
Die Buying (A Mall Cop Mystery #1)
by
Laura DiSilverio (Goodreads Author)
Emma-Joy Ferris likes mall cop work, even though it's a bit more humdrum than the military policing she did in the army. But there's no time to be bored when someone 'liberates' a 15-foot python from the Herpetology Hut, and a mannequin turns out to be a very real corpse.
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
August 2nd 2011
by Berkley
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A real page turner! Emma-Joy is an injured vet and former military police now working for Fernglen mall, which is suddenly a lot more like the police jobs she's been applying for. Fancy cars are being tagged by spray-paint vandals, there are hints that a drug dealer or two is trying to make the mall their turf, someone just stole and released the entirety of the reptile house's inventory inside the mall (including a 15 ft python named Agatha), and now a prominent developer has been posed naked a...more
I honestly didn't expect much from this book, so I was pleasantly surprised. My dubiousness had a lot to do, I admit, with the fact that I don't particularly like shopping. (Huh. I used to loathe it; I wonder when that stopped being true?)
Anyway, E.J. Ferris is an engaging heroine, determined to make her own way in the world; yet the fact that she doesn't, strictly speaking, *have* to actually makes it more credible that she does things that could easily jeopardize her job. The ex-CIA grandfathe...more
Anyway, E.J. Ferris is an engaging heroine, determined to make her own way in the world; yet the fact that she doesn't, strictly speaking, *have* to actually makes it more credible that she does things that could easily jeopardize her job. The ex-CIA grandfathe...more
I loved this book. The main character is flawed and I like that about her. She was injured while serving in the military police, her knee is in such bad shape that she can't work in the civilian police. She still seems to have nightmares about what happened. I like that she's a little self consious about how her leg looks, but isn't obsessed with it like a lot of 'cozy' mystery characters are with their physical flaws. The closest she can get to working police work is being a mall cop, which nor...more
"Die Buying" is a cozy mystery. There was a nice amount of detail about the setting and job. Suspense was created by the mystery of whodunit and by wondering who was going to die next.
There might have been enough clues by the end to figure out "whodunit" before the reveal, but I lost track of who was who by the last third of the book. The most likely suspects were all similar enough to me as to be hard to keep track of. It also kind of felt like the author had written the story up until then in...more
There might have been enough clues by the end to figure out "whodunit" before the reveal, but I lost track of who was who by the last third of the book. The most likely suspects were all similar enough to me as to be hard to keep track of. It also kind of felt like the author had written the story up until then in...more
E.J. Ferris, used to patrol with her military unit until she was injured and sent home. Now she patrols the halls of Fernglen Galleria shopping mall as a mall cop. Usually, there's not a lot of excitement at the mall. However, when E.J.'s day starts out with the janitor finding a lizard from the Herpetology Hut, and she finds out all the reptiles were released into the mall by an animal rights group going by the name of L.O.A.F. it promises to be an interesting day. When a mall walker sees a dea...more
Emma-Joy Ferris (EJ) was serving her country in Iraq when shrapnel from an IED blast mangled her knee and lower leg and got her medically discharged and sent home. Her dream is to work for any police department stateside but all she has received is rejections. The only job similar that she now has is being a mall cop for Fernglen Galleria just outside of Vernonville, Virginia.
Most days are spent deterring shoplifters, giving directions, and cruising the mall on her Segway. Today is much more in...more
Most days are spent deterring shoplifters, giving directions, and cruising the mall on her Segway. Today is much more in...more
I love when an author set before a reader an intertwining mystery that may lead to dead ends, red herrings and a long list of suspects. Laura DiSilverio does just that with Die Buying. DiSilverio creates a great character in EJ a mall cop (for now) and a ex-military cop who due to an IED injury that left her with a trouble knee, retire from the military EJ still wants to be a cop and is buying her time until she lands her next dream job. In the meantime, she has a lot on her plate from dealing...more
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Thanks Erika..;P
A delightful cozy mystery series.
I've been devouring this genre lately, possibly because they bad guys always get what's coming to them and the good guys continue to live happy, healthy, productive and comfortable lives. Something not alot of us have these days.
At first I thought this would be another typical story of the genre, but this author has surprised me. I'm looking into other series written by her now, including under her other psuedonyms. The main character is very believable as an inj...more
I've been devouring this genre lately, possibly because they bad guys always get what's coming to them and the good guys continue to live happy, healthy, productive and comfortable lives. Something not alot of us have these days.
At first I thought this would be another typical story of the genre, but this author has surprised me. I'm looking into other series written by her now, including under her other psuedonyms. The main character is very believable as an inj...more
Riveting.
I had expected perhaps charming, or even cute. I got page-turning instead. Not that there aren’t delightful slices of whimsy: escaped reptiles, slow-speed Segway chases, faux-mystic roller derby bombshells, an octogenarian spy-kid roué. But there’s plenty more.
In a suburban mall setting DiSilverio finds the balance between the mundane and the eccentric, and places EJ Ferris at its heart. Of course there’s murder – dramatic and titillating – and of course there are colorful associates (I...more
I had expected perhaps charming, or even cute. I got page-turning instead. Not that there aren’t delightful slices of whimsy: escaped reptiles, slow-speed Segway chases, faux-mystic roller derby bombshells, an octogenarian spy-kid roué. But there’s plenty more.
In a suburban mall setting DiSilverio finds the balance between the mundane and the eccentric, and places EJ Ferris at its heart. Of course there’s murder – dramatic and titillating – and of course there are colorful associates (I...more
This is the first in a new series - Mall Cop Mystery. E.J. Ferris used to be military police. Due to some action overseas, she's no longer military and no longer a cop. Unknown to most people she's also the daughter of a couple of movie stars and has not plans to going back to the Hollywood lifestyle. She's living in a small town where she can "keep an eye" on her elderly maternal grandfather - a retired C.I.A. agent. She's taken a job as a mall security cop. Some of her co-workers definitely ha...more
I loved Die Buying and I think you will too. The setting is fresh and original and funny but the characters really make this book an exceptional read. Our main character, E.J. Ferris, is a funny, warm, and flawed former Air Force officer who now works as a mall cop. Her grandfather is possibly my top character of the year. I can't describe him without spoilers, so I won't, but he is simply wonderful. Her love interests are naturally written and very endearing. Okay, I'll admit it, they're hot. T...more
As a former Woman Marine (USMC) I really enjoyed the main sleuth, E.J. Ferris. Our E.J is a true Veteran of Afghanistan/Iraq. Having received a military Medical Discharge, E.J's heart is still in law enforcement but her war injuries has her working as a 'Mall Cop.' Do not feel sorry for E.J though, she is a determined, strong-willed, and smart Cop.
Whether it is a dealing with environmental, animal,religious protestors, or with blatant murders, E.J. is on top of the cases, to the annoyance of the...more
Whether it is a dealing with environmental, animal,religious protestors, or with blatant murders, E.J. is on top of the cases, to the annoyance of the...more
Not a bad read...not stellar, but not bad. The main character is a bit abrasive, but I think she could grow on me. Loved her grandpa! I'll read the next one.
1 like · like · see review
average mystery with some very cliched characters...the annoying or unlikable men are described as varying shades of blond, the super successful black best friend, etc. Boring! Also, the protaganist has a serious chip on her shoulder..she used to be a military cop, but because of injuries can not be hired as a cop stateside...so she is working as a mall cop but gets angry because local law enforcement doesn't take her seriously, nor will they compromise their investigation by sharing details wit...more
I was anxious to read more of Laura's work, and found that she did not disappoint. The characters are engaging; the situations original, often amusing, and the mystery attention-grabbing. (It was most satisfying to have two attractive men available to provide a little sexual tension, without having to expect explicit sex as an inevitable result of turning each page.) EJ's grandfather emerged as one of the most memorable characters, and I certainly hope to see more of him. It was easy to empathiz...more
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Dec 08, 2011
Jennifer Oberth
added it
Die Buying is the first of the ‘Mall Cop Mysteries’ and the cover has a picture of a Segway in a mall. As a lover of ‘cozy’’ mysteries, I thought this set up would make for a fun read and it did. EJ Ferris is the main character, an injured war vet who just wants to be a cop but can only get a job as a mall cop. Various people delight in reminding her of her duties which include giving mall patrons directions and watching the security cameras, not investigating the murder of an unpopular local bu...more
May 30, 2012
Lisa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Lisa by:
Laura DiSilverio
Shelves:
first-reads
"I read this book because of Goodreads First Reads."
Well, nowhere near enough romance for my tastes, but then I love smut.
I really did like this book though. EJ is quirky, the plots are twisty, Grandpa's awesome. It seems like there might be more romance in the next book based on interactions in this one.
All in all, I am glad I won the 2nd book in this series causing me to read the 1st.
And I will definitely be picking up my paperback edition when I get home tonight and starting in on the "Funny...more
Well, nowhere near enough romance for my tastes, but then I love smut.
I really did like this book though. EJ is quirky, the plots are twisty, Grandpa's awesome. It seems like there might be more romance in the next book based on interactions in this one.
All in all, I am glad I won the 2nd book in this series causing me to read the 1st.
And I will definitely be picking up my paperback edition when I get home tonight and starting in on the "Funny...more
“Die Buying” by Laura Disilverio:
What do you get when you combine an ex-air force officer gone mall cop, a grandfather who used to be a CIA agent, a pet store—which EJ (Emmay-Joy) lovingly dubbed The Herpes Hut—devoid of all animals because of their unlawful release, a security force captain with an over-inflated sense of self-worth, his lackey, a murder victim, and a fifteen-foot python named Agatha on the loose? One hell of a great novel!
EJ Ferris works at the Fernglen Galleria shopping mall i...more
What do you get when you combine an ex-air force officer gone mall cop, a grandfather who used to be a CIA agent, a pet store—which EJ (Emmay-Joy) lovingly dubbed The Herpes Hut—devoid of all animals because of their unlawful release, a security force captain with an over-inflated sense of self-worth, his lackey, a murder victim, and a fifteen-foot python named Agatha on the loose? One hell of a great novel!
EJ Ferris works at the Fernglen Galleria shopping mall i...more
I'm always been quite partial to strong female lead in any type of book and this one definitely delivered. EJ was a great character and the author was able to make you understand where she was coming from throughout the entire book. I've read many books where the author was trying to be "too detailed" but this definitely wasn't that type. The author provided very original descriptions and details that made the events realistic. This book definitely kept you guessing throughout and was well worth...more
A well written and captivating mystery by Laura Disilverio. Die Buying is a page-turner which offers a good plot and likeable characters. Some characters are more interesting than others though, like for instance grandpa the retired spy who likes to practice his skills by spying on unsuspecting mall visitors. Or Jay, the cookie man who prefers to remain a mystery. EJ herself may not be as quirky or mysterious, but she is likeable and I do look forward to learning more about her. I like the bits...more
this one was only eh for me. there's very little background so you don't really know the characters, and since I didn't know them I couldn't really care about them. some of it doesn't make sense, like EJ's grandfather, who seems to pop in for some comic relief with no rhyme or reason. and his bizarre escapades do nothing for the story. while it was nice not to have a bunch of romance weirding up the mystery it isn't enough to recommend.
Having worked for years in a mall (albeit not security) I could relate to the setting. Although I am generally not a fan of stories told in 1st person, I enjoyed this this one enough (or the "voice" didn't bug me as so often happens) and I kept on reading. Will read book two. I can already tell, I might be bothered by potential love interests, which always seem so formulaic in this type of mystery.
Spending time with mall cop E.J. Ferris is nearly as much fun as shopping the after-Christmas sales! She’s bright, thoughtful, and spunky with a great backstory that makes her oh-so-human. In fact, Emma Joy (E.J.) is the perfect antidote to buyer’s remorse. With its twisty plot and sparkling cast of secondary characters, Laura DiSilverio’s latest book deserves a spot on your “must buy” list.
Die Buying is up there with the best cozy murder mysteries. E. J. Ferris is a wounded veteran reduced to being a mall cop, and trying to do her best despite some less-than-desirable coworkers. The mall is an ever-changing setting with plenty of zany characters. There is a hint of possible romance in E. J.'s future. I am hoping this series has a long run.
An enjoyable whodunit sure to keep your attention on a rainy afternoon. There's not a lot of in depth revelations about the characters and the list of suspects seemed to grow from one chapter to the next making it quite difficult to figure out who was behind the killings until the last few pages -- literally. The surprising twists and turns in the story kept me glued to the book. Looking forward to reading Laura's followup mystery All Sales Final (Mall Cop Mystery #2).
As an amateur herpetologist, I was thrilled that snakes and lizards were in a featured position right from the start. I had won the second book in this series, All Sales Fatal, at Goodreads and decided it would be a good idea to start at the beginning. I loved the characters immediately. Such a fun read with a twist for an ending.
I could take a lesson from the heroine in this novel about how to deal with a recalcitrant and sometimes downright ornery public. The book has a large dose of wit and had me laughing out loud in certain parts. I look forward to continuing the series.
I loved this mystery! I was filled with many colorful characters. I really enjoyed the mall setting and all of the madness in it. It was amusing when all of the reptiles got loose and were scaring the customers and shop owners. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
An interesting start of a cozy mystery series. Emma-Joy "EJ" Ferris is an ex-military. But because of the injury on her knees her applications to various police department are rejected. So she gets a job as Mall Cop. When the story is opened, EJ deals with runaway reptiles and naked dead man. I enjoy the setting -- not everyday I read mystery that sets in the Mall. I think EJ is smart, and I like it when she is determined to prove to the homicide detective (that man is an arrogant prick, by the...more
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I'm the author of the Swift Investigations and Mall Cop mystery series.
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
More about Laura DiSilverio...
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
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