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193rd out of 660 books
—
636 voters
Undercover in High Heels (A High Heels Mystery #3)
by
Gemma Halliday (Goodreads Author)
Secret affairs, hunky gardeners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all... welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's hottest new prime time show. A place where L.A. shoe designer Maddie Springer should be in fashion heaven. That is until the body of a rising young starlet is found dead on the show's set. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a leading lady with a secret, an a...more
ebook
Published
October 25th 2010
by Gemma Halliday
(first published August 1st 2007)
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Ditto what i wrote about the first two that I bought with this one in a box set.
I bought a box set of three of these (3 novels plus a short story) real cheap on Amazon. What can you expect for $.99? I'm glad I didn't spend much money. The writing style was nerve-wracking. I know the character is supposed to be shallow and spacey, but the constant avoidance of verbs with the Junie B. Jones-esque "I did a little eye blink" or "he did a low whistle" or "I did a noncommital shrug" or "I did a sigh"...more
I bought a box set of three of these (3 novels plus a short story) real cheap on Amazon. What can you expect for $.99? I'm glad I didn't spend much money. The writing style was nerve-wracking. I know the character is supposed to be shallow and spacey, but the constant avoidance of verbs with the Junie B. Jones-esque "I did a little eye blink" or "he did a low whistle" or "I did a noncommital shrug" or "I did a sigh"...more
These are getting worse and worse, aren't they? In this installment, Maddie has evidently lost more and more of her brain. She barges into a club that her cop boyfriend is in and confronts him after he just broke a date and told her where he'd be. Does she not stop to think for one minute. He's a cop. Perhaps this is a suspect or an informant? No, she does what she always does and doesn't think. Evidently Dana's having the same issue. Then, even though he tells her to leave his investigations al...more
This is the third book in the High Heels Series. The first book is Spying in High Heels and the second book is Killer in High Heels. While it is not completely essential that you read the other two books before this one, the build up of Maddie's life and relationships start, grow and blunder through the first two books and really they are just fun reads.
"Secret affairs, hunky gardeners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all... welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's hottest new prime time show."...more
"Secret affairs, hunky gardeners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all... welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's hottest new prime time show."...more
I don't know why I get sucked in, but I read the first two and couldn't stop myself from reading #3. And of course, I'm now on #4. And honestly, I'm kinda hating myself for it. I'm sure I'll just go full tilt and end up reading #5. Might as well finish the pain I started.
these books are not well written, the main character is annoying to all end, there are typos all over the place and I get frustrated at some of the inconsistencies from the author in terms of her vision of how Los Angeles is lai...more
these books are not well written, the main character is annoying to all end, there are typos all over the place and I get frustrated at some of the inconsistencies from the author in terms of her vision of how Los Angeles is lai...more
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Argh! I like Felix even more after this book! He's adorable and, though we only get the story from Maddie's POV, seems like he has some feelings for her. Even knowing that, obviously, Maddie is with Ramirez and is going to stay that way, I still can't help but like Felix even more! Good thing I don't bet on the ponies, I'd back the wrong one all the time. =P
But other than that, another good book. Not quite as hilarious as the previous one, but still good as, once again, the murder reveals themse...more
But other than that, another good book. Not quite as hilarious as the previous one, but still good as, once again, the murder reveals themse...more
This is the 3rd in the series, and boy is it a wild ride! Maddie gets hired on the set of Magnolia Lane, a tv drama show, then one of the star doubles, is found strangled with a pair of pany hose. As Maddie is trying to uncover the secrets and scandals, another body turns up dead. After getting death threats via makeup, Maddie is determined to find out the killer, and fast, before shes next!
Not only does Maddie get kidnapped, her apartment gets ransacked, her car rammed into, she also ends up a...more
Not only does Maddie get kidnapped, her apartment gets ransacked, her car rammed into, she also ends up a...more
Since I read the first two, I felt obligated to read book 3. And since I have, eh, approximately 90 seconds to do a review before running off to work, this one will need to be super quick.
Basically, our airheaded heroine is back again, this time on the set of a popular soap opera where a lead actress has been receiving death threats. Ever so conveniently, as always, Maddie is able to step her way onto a celebrity-studded television set as an assistant in the wardrobe department. And here she lea...more
Basically, our airheaded heroine is back again, this time on the set of a popular soap opera where a lead actress has been receiving death threats. Ever so conveniently, as always, Maddie is able to step her way onto a celebrity-studded television set as an assistant in the wardrobe department. And here she lea...more
I read Undercover in High Heels by Gemma Halliday. I recommend this book. It is a cute story! Maddie doesn't know how her relationship is with Ramirez because she hardly sees him. Maddie loves this show called Magnolia Lane. Ramirez gets to trail an actor from that show because of stalking and death threats. Maddie and her friend Dana wants in it to snoop around and meet the actors. She gets a job as a designer assistant and Dana becomes an extra. Things fall apart, people get killed & threa...more
She's getting better at the mystery elements--I considered the killer early on, but had dismissed it because it didn't fit her pattern. So good for her for mixing it up a bit. The romance is getting a little frustrating though. Introducing Felix as a "competitor" for Maddie's affections, Halliday has done it a little too well. I find myself rooting for Felix, even though it's been clear since the first chapter of the first book that Maddie is "meant" to end up with Ramirez. Their relationship se...more
“Undercover” is another fun little tale about hot mess Maddie, her obsession for shoes, and her tendency to land herself in danger. I was glad to see that this scenario was not quite as far-fetched as the last. Let’s face it, it is still not rooted in reality, but then, that is kind of the point of fiction, right?
Maddie is her typical self in this book; blowing off work, putting herself in danger to chase down a mystery without a basis in logic and reasoning, and doing the extreme over reaction...more
Maddie is her typical self in this book; blowing off work, putting herself in danger to chase down a mystery without a basis in logic and reasoning, and doing the extreme over reaction...more
This edition of the High Heels mysteries was certainly jam-packed with action! Lots of twists and turns, predictable squabbles and heat between Maddie and Ramirez, and a little unexpected spice from our favorite tabloid reporter. With the plot built around murders connected to a TV series, there were interesting new characters, favorite old friends, and even the re-appearance of an old nemesis from the first book in the series, this time turned into an asset.
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed the book...more
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed the book...more
Fashion. Shoes. Murder. A hot cop. A feisty heroine.
The story is good, not extraordinary or unique, just an average everyday story. Similar to the movies who make you momentarily laugh but months later, you don’t even remember the name. It was a good thing the book did not cost much. It’s definitely more chick lit, haha, hehe, then mystery.
The mystery itself is not very original and very bland. It was too predictable and the author could’ve gone at so many angles with a murder but she chose the...more
The story is good, not extraordinary or unique, just an average everyday story. Similar to the movies who make you momentarily laugh but months later, you don’t even remember the name. It was a good thing the book did not cost much. It’s definitely more chick lit, haha, hehe, then mystery.
The mystery itself is not very original and very bland. It was too predictable and the author could’ve gone at so many angles with a murder but she chose the...more
This time, Maddie and company are on the set of TV’s hottest new show; Magnolia Lane (Hello, Desperate Housewives). A body of a rising star is found on the set and of course Maddie gets involved. But this time she does so in an attempt to make up with Rameriz whom she got demoted from Homicide Deceive to body guard.
Like the other High Heels Mysteries, Undercover In High Heels is a laugh out loud page turner in my opinion. It took me 2 days to zip through this hysterical mess of Maddies. I love h...more
Like the other High Heels Mysteries, Undercover In High Heels is a laugh out loud page turner in my opinion. It took me 2 days to zip through this hysterical mess of Maddies. I love h...more
Probably closer to 2.5 stars.
This series is one to read when you don't feel like expending too much brain power, and/or when you just need a distraction that isn't too emotional. What I mean by that is that it's an easy to read series that's good for those times when a person needs to escape.
The solution to the mystery in this one was obvious pretty early in the story, but Maddie and Dana's Lucy-and-Ethel-like antics are there for the amusement. I really think I might have enjoyed it a bit more...more
This series is one to read when you don't feel like expending too much brain power, and/or when you just need a distraction that isn't too emotional. What I mean by that is that it's an easy to read series that's good for those times when a person needs to escape.
The solution to the mystery in this one was obvious pretty early in the story, but Maddie and Dana's Lucy-and-Ethel-like antics are there for the amusement. I really think I might have enjoyed it a bit more...more
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I'll admit, Maddie Springer is not the brightest. She is hair brained, doesn't think things through, and generally screws up whatever it is she sets out to do. That being said, she does what we would all do if we didn't have the common sense not to. Rush into a club to confront a possibly cheating boyfriend? Check! Flee a hit a run scene because talking to the police is too stressful? Check! Go undercover on the set of a favorite prime time soap to try to catch a killer? Check! Okay, maybe not s...more
Dana begins her every sentence with "OhmyGod!" -- at some point it gets VERY annoying!!!
It's frustrating that Maddie doesn't say what she thinks -- at least half of the time. Don't really want to push ( but hope is last to die) and expect her to show some character strength. She clearly hasn't got any to spare. I'm waiting for her to show some personality...
Jack ... sigh! So far I'm not content with their interactions. I didn't read one flowing conversation between them. He refuses to express hi...more
It's frustrating that Maddie doesn't say what she thinks -- at least half of the time. Don't really want to push ( but hope is last to die) and expect her to show some character strength. She clearly hasn't got any to spare. I'm waiting for her to show some personality...
Jack ... sigh! So far I'm not content with their interactions. I didn't read one flowing conversation between them. He refuses to express hi...more
Ms. Halliday delivers yet another enjoyably light read in her High Heels Series. The storyline, centering around murders on the set of a Desperate Housewives like television show, was interesting and witty. Maddie and her best friend Dana are still a great pairing who, at times, had me laughing out loud. The supporting characters including Mrs. R, Maddie's mother, and Jasmine were also enjoyable and laugh out loud funny. I will definitely read the fourth book in this series, but will most likely...more
This is #3 in the series. I think there are 5. Once again Gemma is channeling Janet Evanovich. Maddie the shoe designer is now working on the set of Magnolia Lane, the hot Hollywood night-time soap opera, as a wardrobe assistant. She is trying to figure out who is terrorizing the star of the show. A star with a secret, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a sexy cyber scandal, a foot fetish and and one tabloid reporter who'll stop at nothing to get the story of the century. A quick fun...more
The thing is: I should have stopped reading after the first ten pages - Maddie's "boyfriend" police cop Ramirez cancelled their date because of other committments. The thought that Ramirez has other committments in a pick-up bar really doesn't sit well with Maddie so she's off to "spy" on him. So far so good - BUT not only does she blow up the undercover work, no she was then on a mission to help out Ramirez, who got demoted to bodyguard to the celebrities, to get back to homicide.
I took me more...more
I took me more...more
Halliday's characters are back in this third series. This particular round takes place on a Hollywood tv set. The plot is fairly predictable and doesn't really push the characters any further, but is still an entertaining escape read. Readers will be a bit disappointed if they are looking for something new and fresh, but Halliday has a successful formula and sticks with it in this book. After the fun of the second book, this tale was a bit of a let down, but overall it was still entertaining and...more
I love how Hollywood likes to make fun of itself (just watch the Bones episode "The Suit on the Set"). Gemma Halliday knows this, and ran with it to make the LA in her High Heels novel.
"Undercover in High Heels" starts out with Maddie and Dana catching up on their "Desperate Housewives"-esque prime time soap. Setting the scene like that is always a good way to make the characters relatable. Who doeesn't watch TV with their friends.
After the Murder du Jour, Maddie and Dana get it into their heads...more
"Undercover in High Heels" starts out with Maddie and Dana catching up on their "Desperate Housewives"-esque prime time soap. Setting the scene like that is always a good way to make the characters relatable. Who doeesn't watch TV with their friends.
After the Murder du Jour, Maddie and Dana get it into their heads...more
Maddie finds herself on the set of one of her favorite tv shows when she gets her boyfriend "demoted" to security detail for one of its stars. She's on a mission to help him solve the murders that are racking up on set. Somewhere in the mix though she ends up with her own stalker who runs her out of her own home.
She shacks up with Ramirez for a night before they end up in one of their typical angry phases. She's hiding out from her stalker and her boyfriend when she finds herself at that rat rep...more
She shacks up with Ramirez for a night before they end up in one of their typical angry phases. She's hiding out from her stalker and her boyfriend when she finds herself at that rat rep...more
Undercover in High Heels
Author: Gemma Halliday
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself
Book 3 in the High Heels Series
Description: (Goodreads) As the new wardrobe assistant on the set of Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a...more
Author: Gemma Halliday
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself
Book 3 in the High Heels Series
Description: (Goodreads) As the new wardrobe assistant on the set of Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a...more
This series is funny and quite light-hearted and good for days when you want to read something "fluffy." My only caveat is that the heroine, Maddie, keeps disregarding the warnings of her not-quite-boyfriend Detective Ramirez, and getting into dangerous situations. Sure it advances the plot, which would not happen if she just stayed at home doing nothing, but it is a bit annoying that she keeps being foolhardy, and we don't want Ramirez being mad at her all of the time!
This is the 3rd book in Gemma Halliday's "High Heels" series. So far, this has been my least favorite book in the series. It was good-- but I felt that both books 1 and 2 were much better. The plot between Maddie and Ramirez develops a lot more during this book, however, I didn't think the story line was that great. There are 2 whole separate issues going on in the book, which is a little odd. Even so though, I'd recommend it, and I'm continuing to read the series.
This is one of the most enjoyable chick-lit-mystery series out there. Maddie Springer is essentially a more high-fashion Stephanie Plum living in Los Angeles with her own cast of wacky family and friends. In this book, Maddie screws up an informant meeting for her almost boyfriend, detective Jack Ramirez. When he gets bumped down from homicide to bodyguard duty for the star of the hit show, Magnolia Lane, Maddie tries to make it up to him by getting a job on the set and sticking her nose into th...more
Maddie was at it again. making me lmao. I loved the stuff with the metal detector. It was so cute how it had tormented her for so long, and then it helped her in the end. It was nice to see maddie and Ramirez actually together...finally. I loved "Tabloid Boy" I really like him. He's cute, but i dont know if i like that he could come between Maddie and Ramirez. The show set was funny. I loved this book.
Maddie Springer is back. Again. She's still an incredibly unlucky stupid woman. Jack Ramirez is back. He's still a perfectly forgiving hero. I just can't get over how much I dislike the heroine. Two more books in the series? I don't know if I can do it. The mystery is somewhat better in this one, but it only takes up a small portion of the book. maybe if the reporter were a little more involved...
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Undercover In High Heels
Gemma Halliday
Romantic Mystery
313 pages
copyright: 2007
isbn: 0-8439-5834-0
Secret Affairs, hunky gardners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all...welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show. As the new wardrobe assistant, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a sexy cyber scandal, and one tabloid rep...more
Gemma Halliday
Romantic Mystery
313 pages
copyright: 2007
isbn: 0-8439-5834-0
Secret Affairs, hunky gardners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all...welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show. As the new wardrobe assistant, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a sexy cyber scandal, and one tabloid rep...more
Gemma Halliday continues to entertain and tickle readers' funny bones. Once again Maddy gets involved in a mystery that makes her a target--this time, the target of two murderers. After getting love interest Ramirez demoted from crime detective to soap opera queen body guard, Maddy meddles in studio affairs and causes Ramerez more trouble than he ever saw coming. But Maddy will solve the crime even if it means debuting as a cyber porn goddess, flaunting her high heels and the sexy feet she keeps...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is Gemma Halliday just ripping off Janet Evanovich? | 4 | 44 | Feb 14, 2013 01:06pm |
Gemma 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...more
More about Gemma Halliday...
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels...more
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Jan 25, 2012 03:28pm