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Rebecca Robbins #2
Skating Over the Line
Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her inherited roller-skating rink in small-town Indian Falls, and---finally---she has a buyer. She can’t wait to head back to Chicago, especially now that her long delinquent father has blown back into town, but Lionel, her veterinarian boyfriend, thinks she should stay put. Also, the gang at the Senior Center wants her to track down the thief who’s been hot-wiring rusted-out classic cars.
Unable to resist, Rebecca soon has the Sheriff’s Deputy threatening to arrest her for obstruction, and strange but scary men threatening her life. Then cars start exploding, with people in them, and Rebecca’s father goes missing. With the help of Pop, her Elvis-impersonating grandfather, Rebecca must find the pyromaniac car thief and put a stop to him---before he stops her first.
Skating Over the Line is the second novel in a delightful cozy series filled with small town charm and delicious laughs.
275 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Joelle Charbonneau
36 books2,660 followersI am a storyteller at heart. I have performed in a variety of operas, musical theatre and children's theatre productions across the Chicagoland area.
While I'm happy to perform for an audience, I am equally delighted to teach private voice lessons and use my experience from the stage to create compelling characters on the page. I am the author of the Rebecca Robbins mystery series (Minotaur Books), The Paige Marshall Glee Club mysteries (Berkley) and The Testing YA triology (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
While I'm happy to perform for an audience, I am equally delighted to teach private voice lessons and use my experience from the stage to create compelling characters on the page. I am the author of the Rebecca Robbins mystery series (Minotaur Books), The Paige Marshall Glee Club mysteries (Berkley) and The Testing YA triology (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 29, 2016
I thought this book was better than the first one, Skating Around the Law.
Rebecca is still dating the 'dreamy' veterinarian. He's the kind of guy (popular in this kind of fiction) who is handsome and a great kisser - but condescending and engaging in some jerk behavior with the heroine. I loved the descriptive kissing (KISSING!) but I didn't like his attitude or the way he treated her.
# OF TIMES I TOLD LIONEL TO GO FLIP HIMSELF: 6.
If you notice, this is less than the amount in the previous book (which was 9). So he might be getting better. I still think he's a jerk, though.
This time the mystery doesn't really revolve around a murder. Someone is stealing cars and then setting them on fire. They are old, beat-up, ugly cars.
Rebecca is on the case, as usual, despite being rather ditzy. Sometimes she puts clues together, and sometimes she is so clueless I just want to scream. She's definitely not a good detective. However, living in the tiny town of Indian Falls, she is better than the actual police force - which consists of one senile old man and one moron.
Pop (Rebecca's 74-year-old grandfather) is still dressing like Elvis and working his way through the female population of the rest home. However, this time it was treated a bit more respectfully, and he didn't come off so callous and heartbreaking as he did in the first novel.
Lionel and Rebecca still haven't slept together. I am happy, and I think that this is a smart decision on Rebecca's part. For one thing, I don't adore Lionel. Secondly, she still thinks she might move back to Chicago. Thirdly, I believe in getting to know a man pretty well before deciding to engage in activities with him that might produce babies or give you STDs. So I admire and respect her decision not to jump in bed with him. She needs time to get to know him and make sure she can trust him.
Rebecca is one of those fictional characters (popular in books, television, and movies) that is thin with a cute figure but stuffs her face with junk food at every opportunity. If she ate in real life like she does in the book, she wouldn't be as svelte as Charbonneau paints her. Add on top of this the fat-shaming of the novel, and you have the recipe for one pissed-off Carmen. The worst scene was when she catches a pudgier fireman dancing while he hoses down and washes the fire truck. She is repulsed and grossed-out because he is chubby and hairy. I was like, "Flip you Rebecca!" Sheesh.
I thought the book did a great job of tackling dating a serious Christian. Rebecca's friend Danielle is dating a pastor. They have been dating for months and he hasn't even kissed her yet. She's freaking out that he's not attracted to her (which is ridiculous, since she is drop-dead gorgeous). Her way of dealing with this is wearing progressively more and more provocative outfits around him. It's pretty funny. She talks to Rebecca about it, and Rebecca gives her the great advice to just talk to the Pastor about it and ask him straight out if he is attracted to her or not. I liked how Charbonneau demonstrates how frustrating and difficult it can be to date a really Christian guy, but never stoops to making fun of him or his beliefs. Everything is resolved great in the end.
Sean Holmes, the moron cop, is a bit less moronic and more human in this book. He also has a few moments with Rebecca in which Rebecca sees him as sexy and attractive. I was shocked - this guy was pretty despised by Rebecca up until now. He's still a moron, but he's getting better.
Rebecca's deadbeat, jerk of a father – Stan – is back in town. He's a con artist, and is constantly asking Rebecca for money and causing her pain. :( He abandoned her and her mother when she was 9.
One of the best parts in the novel was when Rebecca Very brave.
Rebecca does a bit of 'dissing' of city life. She claims that in small towns, you are remembered at restaurants and coffee shops.
No one in any of the Chicago coffee shops ever remembered my drink of choice, let alone my name.
If you go to a coffee shop or restaurant frequently (even in the scary, big bad city!) the people who work there WILL remember you. So that's not a fair statement.
Lastly, and I know I said this in my last review, but I really enjoy Rebecca's sweet, friendly, forgiving nature. She is so big-hearted, forgives easily, and is a friend to everyone. I like her attitude.
P.S. I really like the covers on this series!
P.P.S. Great example of the OPPOSITE of slut-shaming.
Putting the blame where it belongs - love it. :)
Rebecca is still dating the 'dreamy' veterinarian. He's the kind of guy (popular in this kind of fiction) who is handsome and a great kisser - but condescending and engaging in some jerk behavior with the heroine. I loved the descriptive kissing (KISSING!) but I didn't like his attitude or the way he treated her.
# OF TIMES I TOLD LIONEL TO GO FLIP HIMSELF: 6.
If you notice, this is less than the amount in the previous book (which was 9). So he might be getting better. I still think he's a jerk, though.
This time the mystery doesn't really revolve around a murder. Someone is stealing cars and then setting them on fire. They are old, beat-up, ugly cars.
Rebecca is on the case, as usual, despite being rather ditzy. Sometimes she puts clues together, and sometimes she is so clueless I just want to scream. She's definitely not a good detective. However, living in the tiny town of Indian Falls, she is better than the actual police force - which consists of one senile old man and one moron.
Pop (Rebecca's 74-year-old grandfather) is still dressing like Elvis and working his way through the female population of the rest home. However, this time it was treated a bit more respectfully, and he didn't come off so callous and heartbreaking as he did in the first novel.
Lionel and Rebecca still haven't slept together. I am happy, and I think that this is a smart decision on Rebecca's part. For one thing, I don't adore Lionel. Secondly, she still thinks she might move back to Chicago. Thirdly, I believe in getting to know a man pretty well before deciding to engage in activities with him that might produce babies or give you STDs. So I admire and respect her decision not to jump in bed with him. She needs time to get to know him and make sure she can trust him.
Rebecca is one of those fictional characters (popular in books, television, and movies) that is thin with a cute figure but stuffs her face with junk food at every opportunity. If she ate in real life like she does in the book, she wouldn't be as svelte as Charbonneau paints her. Add on top of this the fat-shaming of the novel, and you have the recipe for one pissed-off Carmen. The worst scene was when she catches a pudgier fireman dancing while he hoses down and washes the fire truck. She is repulsed and grossed-out because he is chubby and hairy. I was like, "Flip you Rebecca!" Sheesh.
I thought the book did a great job of tackling dating a serious Christian. Rebecca's friend Danielle is dating a pastor. They have been dating for months and he hasn't even kissed her yet. She's freaking out that he's not attracted to her (which is ridiculous, since she is drop-dead gorgeous). Her way of dealing with this is wearing progressively more and more provocative outfits around him. It's pretty funny. She talks to Rebecca about it, and Rebecca gives her the great advice to just talk to the Pastor about it and ask him straight out if he is attracted to her or not. I liked how Charbonneau demonstrates how frustrating and difficult it can be to date a really Christian guy, but never stoops to making fun of him or his beliefs. Everything is resolved great in the end.
Sean Holmes, the moron cop, is a bit less moronic and more human in this book. He also has a few moments with Rebecca in which Rebecca sees him as sexy and attractive. I was shocked - this guy was pretty despised by Rebecca up until now. He's still a moron, but he's getting better.
Rebecca's deadbeat, jerk of a father – Stan – is back in town. He's a con artist, and is constantly asking Rebecca for money and causing her pain. :( He abandoned her and her mother when she was 9.
One of the best parts in the novel was when Rebecca Very brave.
Rebecca does a bit of 'dissing' of city life. She claims that in small towns, you are remembered at restaurants and coffee shops.
No one in any of the Chicago coffee shops ever remembered my drink of choice, let alone my name.
If you go to a coffee shop or restaurant frequently (even in the scary, big bad city!) the people who work there WILL remember you. So that's not a fair statement.
Lastly, and I know I said this in my last review, but I really enjoy Rebecca's sweet, friendly, forgiving nature. She is so big-hearted, forgives easily, and is a friend to everyone. I like her attitude.
P.S. I really like the covers on this series!
P.P.S. Great example of the OPPOSITE of slut-shaming.
Putting the blame where it belongs - love it. :)
June 21, 2017
Pretty average cozy about a woman who inherited a skating rink in a small town trying to find who burnt someone alive in a car.
Some small town antics, but nothing special.
Some small town antics, but nothing special.
November 29, 2012
What are they putting in the water at that Senior Center?
May 16, 2022
Skating over the line was an enjoyable mystery that is not easily solved by the reader. In fact, I didn't know who the criminal was until it was revealed.
September 8, 2011
SKATING OVER THE LINE: A Mystery by Joelle Charbonneau
Minotaur Books (September 2011)
Review by Linda S. Brown
In SKATING OVER THE LINE, the second in this lively, sassy and (slightly) sexy series from Joelle Charbonneau, Rebecca Robbins is still in her Midwestern hometown of Indian Falls, and still trying to sell the family roller skating rink so she can get back to her life in Chicago. Indian Falls is a town where the familiar feels safe, and strangers of any sort can be dangerous and unwelcome. Or is that really where the danger is coming from? Because this is a mystery, there is going to be danger and intrigue. And a crime wave does indeed hit town, with cars being set ablaze and swarthy strangers chasing Rebecca through town and farmers’ fields.
While Rebecca is kept busy managing the rink, she continues her life in the town where she grew up. But there’s a lot of history growing up in a small town. The Sheriff’s Deputy, Deputy Sean, has known Rebecca since high school as a redheaded troublemaker. He would like nothing better than for Rebecca to stop sticking her nose into police business, and he repeatedly threatens to arrest her if she doesn’t stop meddling. But how can she help it when people come to her with news, or when she, once again, stumbles across clues in her own skating rink?
And this is the town where everyone knows Rebecca as the granddaughter of Pop, the town’s infamous geriatric Elvis impersonator. Pop’s no stranger to eccentricity; so after one particularly odd incident involving being attacked by a taxidermied bear, Rebecca figures, “Pop expected me to do strange things. Everyone in Indian Falls did. They probably thought I had a good reason for looking like I’d just rolled around in the dirt.” Pop serves as her elderly bodyguard as well as her source of information at the local senior center – which is definitely a hotbed of intel. He even comes up with a resident senior who, as the best Pictionary player at the senior center, serves as a sketch artist (of sorts) when the local police can’t track down the culprit who’s setting fire to cars (except when her hands get too tired to draw due to “the arthritis”).
Rebecca has to admit that it’s not so bad being known as girlfriend of the town’s very hot, very hunky veterinarian, Lionel. Lionel does seem to have commitment issues, however, occasionally placing work as priority over a date with her: “Being ditched over a pregnant horse wasn’t all that flattering…” Then again, maybe it’s because Rebecca is so hot to sell the rink and move back to the big city that Lionel is getting mixed signals. Lionel gets such mixed signals that he makes the almost fatal mistake of showing up at a local dance with a flashy woman who raises more than eyebrows.
So when a handsome new lawyer comes to town, Rebecca doesn’t hesitate to strike up an acquaintance with him. But is the lawyer the stranger who’s been asking questions around town about Rebecca? Who is the other strange man who keeps showing up in odd places? And exactly what does the gang of dark-skinned, bowling shirt wearing thugs want with Pop? How can Rebecca protect him?
SKATING OVER THE LINE is a romp of a mystery, in which the reader gets that breathless, whirling sense of skating around a rink, maybe a little too fast, a little out of control, with Rebecca at the head of the “Crack the Whip” line, a line full of colorful characters. And the reader will learn a few lessons along the way about life in a small town – and the twists of fate that keep life interesting no matter where you call home.
Minotaur Books (September 2011)
Review by Linda S. Brown
In SKATING OVER THE LINE, the second in this lively, sassy and (slightly) sexy series from Joelle Charbonneau, Rebecca Robbins is still in her Midwestern hometown of Indian Falls, and still trying to sell the family roller skating rink so she can get back to her life in Chicago. Indian Falls is a town where the familiar feels safe, and strangers of any sort can be dangerous and unwelcome. Or is that really where the danger is coming from? Because this is a mystery, there is going to be danger and intrigue. And a crime wave does indeed hit town, with cars being set ablaze and swarthy strangers chasing Rebecca through town and farmers’ fields.
While Rebecca is kept busy managing the rink, she continues her life in the town where she grew up. But there’s a lot of history growing up in a small town. The Sheriff’s Deputy, Deputy Sean, has known Rebecca since high school as a redheaded troublemaker. He would like nothing better than for Rebecca to stop sticking her nose into police business, and he repeatedly threatens to arrest her if she doesn’t stop meddling. But how can she help it when people come to her with news, or when she, once again, stumbles across clues in her own skating rink?
And this is the town where everyone knows Rebecca as the granddaughter of Pop, the town’s infamous geriatric Elvis impersonator. Pop’s no stranger to eccentricity; so after one particularly odd incident involving being attacked by a taxidermied bear, Rebecca figures, “Pop expected me to do strange things. Everyone in Indian Falls did. They probably thought I had a good reason for looking like I’d just rolled around in the dirt.” Pop serves as her elderly bodyguard as well as her source of information at the local senior center – which is definitely a hotbed of intel. He even comes up with a resident senior who, as the best Pictionary player at the senior center, serves as a sketch artist (of sorts) when the local police can’t track down the culprit who’s setting fire to cars (except when her hands get too tired to draw due to “the arthritis”).
Rebecca has to admit that it’s not so bad being known as girlfriend of the town’s very hot, very hunky veterinarian, Lionel. Lionel does seem to have commitment issues, however, occasionally placing work as priority over a date with her: “Being ditched over a pregnant horse wasn’t all that flattering…” Then again, maybe it’s because Rebecca is so hot to sell the rink and move back to the big city that Lionel is getting mixed signals. Lionel gets such mixed signals that he makes the almost fatal mistake of showing up at a local dance with a flashy woman who raises more than eyebrows.
So when a handsome new lawyer comes to town, Rebecca doesn’t hesitate to strike up an acquaintance with him. But is the lawyer the stranger who’s been asking questions around town about Rebecca? Who is the other strange man who keeps showing up in odd places? And exactly what does the gang of dark-skinned, bowling shirt wearing thugs want with Pop? How can Rebecca protect him?
SKATING OVER THE LINE is a romp of a mystery, in which the reader gets that breathless, whirling sense of skating around a rink, maybe a little too fast, a little out of control, with Rebecca at the head of the “Crack the Whip” line, a line full of colorful characters. And the reader will learn a few lessons along the way about life in a small town – and the twists of fate that keep life interesting no matter where you call home.
November 21, 2011
I should have learned by this point that being impulsive always got me into trouble. – Rebecca Robbins
Considering the misadventure Rebecca found herself caught up in upon her return to Indian Falls in series debut Skating Around The Law, you really would think the concept that impulsive = bad would have sunk in a little deeper. Fortunately for readers it did not, as Rebecca returns for another rollicking adventure in author Joelle Charbonneau’s second Rebecca Robbins mystery, Skating Over the Line.
Still stuck in tiny Indian Falls trying to unload the roller rink she inherited from her mother, things seem to be looking up for Rebecca when her realtor informs her a buyer has finally been located. Rebecca’s escape back to Chicago is interrupted, however, when her grandfather, Pop, and the folks down at the Senior Center implore Rebecca to help locate a car which has been stolen.
Despite having run afoul of Deputy Sean Holmes for her unwanted “assistance” investigating the town’s last crime wave, Rebecca just can’t say no to Pop, the man who helped raise Rebecca after her father walked out when she was twelve. Unfortunately, things get complicated quickly when the missing car turns up ablaze in a cornfield, Rebecca’s deadbeat father blows back into town – and promptly goes missing, along with his car – and a group of menacing men start lurking around the roller rink leaving poorly penned threatening notes… in Spanish.
Throw in a sexually frustrated best friend who’s trying to snag the local Lutheran Pastor, a new rink manager who’s more obsessed with directing his film than doing his job, Rebecca’s gorgeous but slightly patronizing boyfriend, Pop’s wildly popular at the Senior Center Elvis impersonator act, and Rebecca is in for another off-the-wall adventure.
As she did in Skating Around The Law, Charbonneau once again makes Indian Falls come alive in the most vivid and charming manner. The town’s wacky, though well-intentioned, citizens are one of the most colorful casts you are likely to encounter outside a Crayola box. Far from making them over-the-top buffoons, however, Charbonneau’s skillful character development and attention to detail makes each a lovably endearing individual you can easily imagine encountering in the type of a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
Things aren’t all fun and games though, as Charbonneau uses the reappearance of Rebecca’s father to address the lingering commitment issues Rebecca suffers from as a result of that early abandonment. She’s deeply attracted to her boyfriend Lionel, the handsome and intelligent town veterinarian and volunteer firefighter, yet she can’t seem to bring herself to take the next step in their relationship. Similarly, while Rebecca wants to hold onto the grudge she’s been carrying against her father all these years, at the same time she finds herself questioning whether he doesn’t deserve a second chance. They’re complicated emotions for a wonderfully complicated character, one with more depth than you usually expect to encounter in a “cozy” style mystery.
Indeed, Rebecca Robbins is a breath of fresh air in a mystery world seemingly populated with either damsels in distress or female Rambo wannabes. A smart cookie with just the right amount of sass, Rebecca is tough and worldly when the situation calls for it, but still just a laid-back small town girl at heart. And if you give them a chance, Rebecca and the rest of the Indian Falls crew will steal your heart.
Considering the misadventure Rebecca found herself caught up in upon her return to Indian Falls in series debut Skating Around The Law, you really would think the concept that impulsive = bad would have sunk in a little deeper. Fortunately for readers it did not, as Rebecca returns for another rollicking adventure in author Joelle Charbonneau’s second Rebecca Robbins mystery, Skating Over the Line.
Still stuck in tiny Indian Falls trying to unload the roller rink she inherited from her mother, things seem to be looking up for Rebecca when her realtor informs her a buyer has finally been located. Rebecca’s escape back to Chicago is interrupted, however, when her grandfather, Pop, and the folks down at the Senior Center implore Rebecca to help locate a car which has been stolen.
Despite having run afoul of Deputy Sean Holmes for her unwanted “assistance” investigating the town’s last crime wave, Rebecca just can’t say no to Pop, the man who helped raise Rebecca after her father walked out when she was twelve. Unfortunately, things get complicated quickly when the missing car turns up ablaze in a cornfield, Rebecca’s deadbeat father blows back into town – and promptly goes missing, along with his car – and a group of menacing men start lurking around the roller rink leaving poorly penned threatening notes… in Spanish.
Throw in a sexually frustrated best friend who’s trying to snag the local Lutheran Pastor, a new rink manager who’s more obsessed with directing his film than doing his job, Rebecca’s gorgeous but slightly patronizing boyfriend, Pop’s wildly popular at the Senior Center Elvis impersonator act, and Rebecca is in for another off-the-wall adventure.
As she did in Skating Around The Law, Charbonneau once again makes Indian Falls come alive in the most vivid and charming manner. The town’s wacky, though well-intentioned, citizens are one of the most colorful casts you are likely to encounter outside a Crayola box. Far from making them over-the-top buffoons, however, Charbonneau’s skillful character development and attention to detail makes each a lovably endearing individual you can easily imagine encountering in the type of a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
Things aren’t all fun and games though, as Charbonneau uses the reappearance of Rebecca’s father to address the lingering commitment issues Rebecca suffers from as a result of that early abandonment. She’s deeply attracted to her boyfriend Lionel, the handsome and intelligent town veterinarian and volunteer firefighter, yet she can’t seem to bring herself to take the next step in their relationship. Similarly, while Rebecca wants to hold onto the grudge she’s been carrying against her father all these years, at the same time she finds herself questioning whether he doesn’t deserve a second chance. They’re complicated emotions for a wonderfully complicated character, one with more depth than you usually expect to encounter in a “cozy” style mystery.
Indeed, Rebecca Robbins is a breath of fresh air in a mystery world seemingly populated with either damsels in distress or female Rambo wannabes. A smart cookie with just the right amount of sass, Rebecca is tough and worldly when the situation calls for it, but still just a laid-back small town girl at heart. And if you give them a chance, Rebecca and the rest of the Indian Falls crew will steal your heart.
June 21, 2012
Skating Over The Line was another great read. I found myself enjoying this book more than the first one. To me, it seemed like the 2nd book was filled with more mystery, action, of course slightly more of drama and humor added to this one. Once again Joelle brought the books, the scenery to life. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her inherited roller-skating rink in small-town Indian Falls, and---finally---she has a buyer. She can’t wait to head back to Chicago, especially now that her long delinquent father has blown back into town, but Lionel, her veterinarian boyfriend, thinks she should stay put. Also, the gang at the Senior Center wants her to track down the thief who’s been hot-wiring rusted-out classic cars.
Unable to resist, Rebecca soon has the Sheriff’s Deputy threatening to arrest her for obstruction, and strange but scary men threatening her life. Then cars start exploding, with people in them, and Rebecca’s father goes missing. With the help of Pop, her Elvis-impersonating grandfather, Rebecca must find the pyromaniac car thief and put a stop to him---before he stops her first.
It seemed like Rebecca got herself in more trouble in this book, then the first book, she always seemed to be where all the cars that were being set on fire were. Even thought, she had couple break downs through this book, I believe that she’s pretty strong character, the way she dedicates to find out what’s going on, even against the police orders. That’s what I like about her, I actually like her stubborn attitude, it gets things figured out. Unlike the police who I am starting to suspect, don’t do much of investigating, she tends figure out, before they do.
Now, the relationship between Lionel & Rebecca had progressed through this book, even if there was tension between as well. I could tell that he really cares for her though, otherwise why would he tell her to take rink off market, to stay? Also the way he was there for her, when she showed up at his place, all upset. Their kisses in this book seemed to have much more passion. I wasn’t too happy when they broke up towards the end when they broke up. Yet, I know it’s not the end for them. Now, Sean, I have a feeling that he might have some kind of feelings for Rebecca, and possibly love triangle coming up, I’m not too sure yet. I guess I will find out in the next book. Part of me likes Sean, because despite anything, I know he still cares about her and another part, not so much because the way he’s towards Rebecca at times, but then I can’t really blame him.
Now, to Stan. The moment I found that he’s coming back to town, I know there will be tension in the family. However I already had a feeling that Pop would have more problems with him, then Rebecca did. I saw how he changed through the book, and I could tell that he did love Rebecca, despite what he did in the past.
I enjoyed fact, that this book mostly consisted of car theft, and not all involved it around a murder. I always enjoyed authors who can come up with different, unique idea for each book. Joelle did just that. I found myself rooting for Rebecca but at time scared for her as well. I am also beginning to wonder if she’ll ever sell the rink. Another great book, and worth checking out, you won’t want to put it down till very end, each page, each chapter makes you wonder what’s going happen next.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her inherited roller-skating rink in small-town Indian Falls, and---finally---she has a buyer. She can’t wait to head back to Chicago, especially now that her long delinquent father has blown back into town, but Lionel, her veterinarian boyfriend, thinks she should stay put. Also, the gang at the Senior Center wants her to track down the thief who’s been hot-wiring rusted-out classic cars.
Unable to resist, Rebecca soon has the Sheriff’s Deputy threatening to arrest her for obstruction, and strange but scary men threatening her life. Then cars start exploding, with people in them, and Rebecca’s father goes missing. With the help of Pop, her Elvis-impersonating grandfather, Rebecca must find the pyromaniac car thief and put a stop to him---before he stops her first.
It seemed like Rebecca got herself in more trouble in this book, then the first book, she always seemed to be where all the cars that were being set on fire were. Even thought, she had couple break downs through this book, I believe that she’s pretty strong character, the way she dedicates to find out what’s going on, even against the police orders. That’s what I like about her, I actually like her stubborn attitude, it gets things figured out. Unlike the police who I am starting to suspect, don’t do much of investigating, she tends figure out, before they do.
Now, the relationship between Lionel & Rebecca had progressed through this book, even if there was tension between as well. I could tell that he really cares for her though, otherwise why would he tell her to take rink off market, to stay? Also the way he was there for her, when she showed up at his place, all upset. Their kisses in this book seemed to have much more passion. I wasn’t too happy when they broke up towards the end when they broke up. Yet, I know it’s not the end for them. Now, Sean, I have a feeling that he might have some kind of feelings for Rebecca, and possibly love triangle coming up, I’m not too sure yet. I guess I will find out in the next book. Part of me likes Sean, because despite anything, I know he still cares about her and another part, not so much because the way he’s towards Rebecca at times, but then I can’t really blame him.
Now, to Stan. The moment I found that he’s coming back to town, I know there will be tension in the family. However I already had a feeling that Pop would have more problems with him, then Rebecca did. I saw how he changed through the book, and I could tell that he did love Rebecca, despite what he did in the past.
I enjoyed fact, that this book mostly consisted of car theft, and not all involved it around a murder. I always enjoyed authors who can come up with different, unique idea for each book. Joelle did just that. I found myself rooting for Rebecca but at time scared for her as well. I am also beginning to wonder if she’ll ever sell the rink. Another great book, and worth checking out, you won’t want to put it down till very end, each page, each chapter makes you wonder what’s going happen next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2013
The sequel to Skating Around the Law, this book dumps amateur sleuth and roller rink owner, Rebecca Robbins back into a farcical mess when her grandfather’s buddy at the senior center loses his car.
Not lost. Stolen. Or so he claims. Rebecca’s less than sure the old man didn’t just misplace it, not to mention the thing was considered a town eyesore so she figures it’s no great loss, but she agrees to poke around just the same. This thrills her grandfather and the rest of the seniors since they’re convinced Rebecca will do a much better job than the local Sheriff’s deputy. She’s pretty sure she can, too, as long as she stays out of Deputy Sean’s way so he doesn’t haul her in for interfering.
The good news is she might have a buyer for the rink – if she can find a manager so the new owner can run the place remotely. The bad news is she’s not sure what to do about her relationship with the sexy veterinarian. She’s dying to move back to Chicago, but she also doesn’t mind making out with Lionel either. The worse news is her father’s in town. The no-good con man who walked out on her and her mom all those years ago is back and up to something – and nosy as she is, even she’s not sure she wants to know what.
If you’ve read Charbonneau’s debut, you know you’re in for a fun ride full of colorful characters (including an elderly Elvis impersonator and his groupies), ridiculous situations, and guest appearances by a camel in a hat. If you haven’t, strap yourself in and keep you hands and legs inside the car at all times. Well, unless the car’s on fire. Then, you should run like hell.
Pros: Fun, light, easy reading with a cast of comic characters who are real, but not too real or too serious.
Cons: While there are a few scenes with elements of danger, there’s no heart-pounding terror that’s going to keep you up at night. There is, however, the danger of shooting soda out of your nose. Best to stick with water while reading.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for some fun, you could do a lot worse than Skating Over the Line. While it’s not necessary to have read Skating Around the Law first, it’s good enough that, unless you hate fun, you’ll probably want to. Best pick up the third one, too, while you’re at it. (A fourth one is also on the horizon.)
Not lost. Stolen. Or so he claims. Rebecca’s less than sure the old man didn’t just misplace it, not to mention the thing was considered a town eyesore so she figures it’s no great loss, but she agrees to poke around just the same. This thrills her grandfather and the rest of the seniors since they’re convinced Rebecca will do a much better job than the local Sheriff’s deputy. She’s pretty sure she can, too, as long as she stays out of Deputy Sean’s way so he doesn’t haul her in for interfering.
The good news is she might have a buyer for the rink – if she can find a manager so the new owner can run the place remotely. The bad news is she’s not sure what to do about her relationship with the sexy veterinarian. She’s dying to move back to Chicago, but she also doesn’t mind making out with Lionel either. The worse news is her father’s in town. The no-good con man who walked out on her and her mom all those years ago is back and up to something – and nosy as she is, even she’s not sure she wants to know what.
If you’ve read Charbonneau’s debut, you know you’re in for a fun ride full of colorful characters (including an elderly Elvis impersonator and his groupies), ridiculous situations, and guest appearances by a camel in a hat. If you haven’t, strap yourself in and keep you hands and legs inside the car at all times. Well, unless the car’s on fire. Then, you should run like hell.
Pros: Fun, light, easy reading with a cast of comic characters who are real, but not too real or too serious.
Cons: While there are a few scenes with elements of danger, there’s no heart-pounding terror that’s going to keep you up at night. There is, however, the danger of shooting soda out of your nose. Best to stick with water while reading.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for some fun, you could do a lot worse than Skating Over the Line. While it’s not necessary to have read Skating Around the Law first, it’s good enough that, unless you hate fun, you’ll probably want to. Best pick up the third one, too, while you’re at it. (A fourth one is also on the horizon.)
January 14, 2016
If you are looking for a typical, intense page turning mystery then this is not it. What you will find is a light,easy reading mystery, with a lot of hilariously funny undercurrents of sarcasm in the thoughts of the main character. I for one adore this type of humor. We have this Elvis impersonating (swinger) granddad, an estranged,irresponsible dad who shows back up that Rebecca feels an overwhelming anger and a buried sympathy and love for, a frustrated love relationship with a sexy veterinarian (Lionel)that pretty much is common amongst adults under middle age, while looking for a buyer for her inherited roller skating rink. You'll find stolen cars, midnight fires, and murder. The main character (Rebecca) has an inquisitive, tenacious character that cannot release the facts until she brings it to a conclusion. I would classify this book as fun.
May 23, 2013
Skating Over the Line has everything it needs to be a great escape--lots of zany humor, an off-and-on romance, a mystery to be solved, and a small town full of amusing characters. In this second book in the series, Rebecca is still trying to sell the roller rink she inherited from her mother so she can move back to Chicago, but meanwhile someone is stealing cars and blowing them up in isolated farm fields. One of those cars belongs to Rebecca’s salesman-sleazy and long absent father, who’s back in town for unclear reasons.
Most of the characters from the first book return, including Rebecca’s Elvis impersonating grandfather, but this books adds a roller derby team and mariachi band to the mix. The general style, especially the banter between characters, is similar to early Stephanie Plum.
Most of the characters from the first book return, including Rebecca’s Elvis impersonating grandfather, but this books adds a roller derby team and mariachi band to the mix. The general style, especially the banter between characters, is similar to early Stephanie Plum.
January 12, 2012
I traveled to Indian Falls, Illinois to visit a favorite sleuth in action at her Skating Rink, Rebecca Robbins is her name.
Before I could even get caught up on Becca's love life, and there is something there, Pop came running in to get Becca's help with his buddy's stolen car. Becca had to help, I mean this is Pop (sporting his Elvis look,)and he helped raise her. Oh, did I mention Becca's Dad was back in town?
Burned cars, stolen cars, murder or was it? Found love and lost love and the love of a tamed camel, you will laugh, sigh, get frustrated and anxiously turn the pages of this fast-paced murder mystery.
I feel the series is getting better by the book! And, all Rebecca wants is to sell the rink and get back to Chicago...or does she? Find out buy the book!
Before I could even get caught up on Becca's love life, and there is something there, Pop came running in to get Becca's help with his buddy's stolen car. Becca had to help, I mean this is Pop (sporting his Elvis look,)and he helped raise her. Oh, did I mention Becca's Dad was back in town?
Burned cars, stolen cars, murder or was it? Found love and lost love and the love of a tamed camel, you will laugh, sigh, get frustrated and anxiously turn the pages of this fast-paced murder mystery.
I feel the series is getting better by the book! And, all Rebecca wants is to sell the rink and get back to Chicago...or does she? Find out buy the book!
October 6, 2011
Rebecca thinks she's finally found a buyer for her late mother's beloved skating rink--all she has to do is find a manager for the rink, sign some papers and leave town. It's what she wanted--to escape again from her tiny home town--so why does she feel rather let-down? She's having problems with her hunky veterinarian boyfriend Lionel, the father who deserted her family is back in town, and her grandfather is really into Elvis impersonation. When Grandpa's friend's ancient car is stolen, he brags that Rebecca can use her detective skills to find it--but things get rapidly out of hand when she finds it on fire in a field.
April 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this series. Rebecca Robbins is stuck in Indian Falls trying to sell her inherited roller skating rink. All she really wants is to go back to Chicago and resume her life there. But with old cars being stolen her father back in town and with her Grandfather the Elvis impersonator promising folks at the old folks home that Rebecca will solve the case. Now the cars are exploding, Rebecca has to hire a rink manager before she can sell the rink. And a roller derby team wants to use the rink as there home base. The local police want her to stay out of the case. Lots of laughs and a really fun read.
May 4, 2021
Chicago mortgage broker Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her late mother's roller skating rink and return to Chicago, especially now that her deadbeat father has turned up in Indian Falls after a twenty-year hiatus. But trouble follows Rebecca around and this time its arson. Someone is stealing and torching old cars, killing a man Rebecca tried to save. Lots of twists and turns, mistaken identities and small-town charm. I wish there had been more about the roller skating rink and less romance, but that's the result of a romance-writer turning her hand to mystery. I'm done with the series.
April 22, 2013
Rebecca Robbins is not having a good month. First her deadbeat dad shows up, next she is expected to find a friend’s stolen car, and then she is threatened by some scary guys in bowling shirts. And she still can’t sell her roller rink and get out of small Indian Falls. But why would she want to leave Indian Falls? It is the home of her Elvis impersonator grandfather, her favorite camel Elwood, and one very handsome veterinarian.
A fast moving plot, colorful characters, and lots of laughs make this a real winner. I love this series!
A fast moving plot, colorful characters, and lots of laughs make this a real winner. I love this series!
October 2, 2011
I really enjoyed Joelle Charbonneau's book SKATING OVER THE LINE. In this book, Rebecca Robbins, Joelle's protagonist is still stuck in Indian Falls trying to sell her mother's beloved roller rink, when a car theft has Rebecca's grandfather, Pop, promising folks at the retirement home, that Rebecca is just the amateur sleuth to solve the case. Doesn't matter that the local police department considers the crime their primary responsibility. Lots of laughs and a page turning good read.
September 7, 2016
I'm enjoying these books even though they are not earth shattering and they are easy to read. The coverage of the skating rink is pretty well done as she describes how they operate. I've been working at a skating rink for 17 years and I have to admit I laughed out loud when Rebecca first came in contact with the Roller Girls.
The other characters are fun but the plot is a tad weak as Rebecca tries to figure out why different cars are getting stolen.
The other characters are fun but the plot is a tad weak as Rebecca tries to figure out why different cars are getting stolen.
March 3, 2012
Another great book about the fun citizens of Indian Falls! I liked this one better than the the first in the series, maybe because I knew the characters already? In any case, it was a fun read, a great mystery, and I enjoyed it till the end. Can't wait for the next one!
November 15, 2014
This is the second book in the series and I am still enjoying it. The characters are fun and just quirky enough to keep you involved. I look forward to the 3rd book and seeing what happens next. These are great summer reads!
March 19, 2013
Finally decided to take a look at this series and am glad I did! Too bad the books aren't also available as paperbacks....they'd definitely get a wider audience. I liked the first one, but thought this one was even better! RECOMMEND!
April 3, 2013
Lots of action and comedy in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it was hard to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I wish there were more scenes and affection between Rebecca and Lionel, but either way, very good book.
September 6, 2013
It was okay. The characters were quirky, the writing was decent, but it seemed like it was trying too hard, like trying to have too much going on or trying too hard to force a laugh. I think I would give another book in the series a try, but I'm not rushing out to find one.
June 9, 2012
Loved it! Just laughed and laughed!! This picked up right where the last one ended and is just as funny and enjoyable!!! Love this series and the characters! Can't wait for the next one!!!
July 11, 2012
Couldn't get into it.
October 14, 2011
Loved, Loved, Loved this book! Just as great as the first one. Funny storyline and funny characters. It is just good wholesome fun! Really great, sweet and fun mystery!!
November 4, 2011
Another fun mystery from Joelle, with great characters, sexy guys, and a camel. What more could you ask for?
November 10, 2011
I love this series. I also think it's time for the Sheriff to make Rebecca an auxiliary member of the force, or hire her as a consulting detective to work with Sean in the future. LOL LOL
October 11, 2012
Great series. Funny, interesting characters and plot twists
October 31, 2012
The story takes place in a roller skating rink in a small town in Illinois. Our red-haired heroine's geriatric grandfather makes this book well worth reading.
January 18, 2013
seniors in this series act like something you'd see through the window of the monkey house.
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