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The Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mysteries #2
The One We Love
Who is killing the women of Devlin House? Following the death of a co-worker, psychotherapist Letty Whittaker learns she has “inherited” her colleague’s case load. As professional executor, Letty assumes the care and responsibility of Regina’s clients, including those from Devlin House, the local domestic abuse shelter where Regina had worked... and mysteriously died. When Letty takes up her duties, she makes some disturbing discoveries, including a set of files from the shelter that Regina had stolen and secreted away. Do the files—or the abused women they represent—have anything to do with Regina’s death? What about the shelter resident and her young son, missing since the morning after the discovery of Regina's body? Are they on the run from an abusive husband/father... or someone even more dangerous? Then there's the ethics complaint Regina made shortly before she'd died. Who did she report? And why? Most importantly? Just what kind of trouble did Letty really inherit? The Letty Whittaker 12-Step Mystery series—edge-of-your-seat suspense sprinkled with laugh-out-loud moments. Fans of humorous mystery writers Janet Evanovich, Carl Hiaasen, and Harlan Coben have fallen in love with this wise-cracking amateur sleuth. love child of Stephanie Plum and Alex Delaware after a wild night of Twister and tequila shooters. Don’t miss this funny mystery series!
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2012
222 people are currently reading
1152 people want to read
About the author
Donna White Glaser
18 books101 followersDonna White Glaser is the author of the Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mystery series. Like her main character, Donna is a psychotherapist and lives northwestern Wisconsin. As if that weren’t enough, she and her husband own a residential construction company where it’s Donna’s job to deal with any overly emotional, what-do-you-mean-you-can’t-put-roof-trusses-up-in-a-thunderstorm? clients. Strangely enough, she often comes up with ideas for creative murders and hiding bodies during business hours. Currently she is at work on the fourth Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mystery-THE BLOOD WE SPILL. Donna would love to hear from you via her website at www.donnawhiteglaser.com or on Twitter: @readdonnaglaser.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 11, 2014
Letty Whittaker, a psychotherapist who’s found a home in AA, inherits the caseload of a co-worker who got violently dead, including clients at a local domestic violence shelter. In closing out the co-worker’s “work estate,” she finds confidential client files in a place they shouldn’t be, an AWOL shelter resident who disappeared shortly after the co-worker’s death, and an ethics complaint by the co-worker.
Letty must deal with professional jealousy, people with secrets, angry husbands, and scary truths while she tries to honor her co-worker’s final wishes. I like that Letty is flawed, but realizes it and keeps trying to improve. I learned things I didn’t know from this book, like that therapists have “professional wills,” and how a domestic violence shelter operates.
This is a well-written series with complex, multi-dimensional characters (even the supporting ones), and complicated but riveting plots. The AA stuff is, as usual, spot-on. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was sad when it ended. Sad enough that I immediately bought books three and four in the series. I’m having to hold myself back from binge reading.
Letty must deal with professional jealousy, people with secrets, angry husbands, and scary truths while she tries to honor her co-worker’s final wishes. I like that Letty is flawed, but realizes it and keeps trying to improve. I learned things I didn’t know from this book, like that therapists have “professional wills,” and how a domestic violence shelter operates.
This is a well-written series with complex, multi-dimensional characters (even the supporting ones), and complicated but riveting plots. The AA stuff is, as usual, spot-on. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was sad when it ended. Sad enough that I immediately bought books three and four in the series. I’m having to hold myself back from binge reading.
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October 30, 2015Free 10-30-15 (murder-mystery)
http://www.amazon.com/The-One-We-Love...
http://www.amazon.com/The-One-We-Love...
December 13, 2015
Former colleague Regina wishes Letty to take over her cases. As Letty tries to search through the patient files of her former colleague, the story gets even more intriguing. As Letty tries to get more information at the Devlin House on these clients, she is roadblocked, but why??? To me that's where the mystery starts to pull you in. If you liked book 1, you'll like this book.
March 13, 2017
Letty Whittaker, who is working to become an ex-alcoholic, is attending Rebecca’s funeral and feeling guilty. Letty feels guilty a lot and her conscience drives her remorselessly into trouble. This time it’s about Rebecca: Letty feels she should have liked her; she saved her life. Told that Rebecca has appointed her, a mere two weeks before, as executer of her will, leaving her responsible for cases at the psychotherapy clinic where they worked together and those at a refuge for battered women, guilt refuses to allow Letty to opt out. Hampered by lack of access to files, suspect files, and refusals to answer her questions by the refuge boss and her staff, Letty becomes convinced that Rebecca’s “accidental death” was no accident, but why, and who murdered a woman whose mission in life was to help others?
Humour, in the hunt for a killer? Yes. Writing that is never clichéd: consider this: “She came in like Wisconsin winters: deceptively serene, potentially fatal.” And so many red herrings it is impossible to guess “whodunit” left me reading happily for days. The other Letty Whittaker books are on my TBR list.
Humour, in the hunt for a killer? Yes. Writing that is never clichéd: consider this: “She came in like Wisconsin winters: deceptively serene, potentially fatal.” And so many red herrings it is impossible to guess “whodunit” left me reading happily for days. The other Letty Whittaker books are on my TBR list.
March 14, 2017
A mystery with a touch of humor...
The book begins at the funeral of Regina Fleisher. Regina, a social worker, was found dead at the bottom of narrow, steep stairs in the women's shelter where she volunteered. She had a knitting needle stuck in her throat. The death was ruled accidental.
Letty Whittaker, a colleague of Regina's, is the narrator of this "humorous mystery". Designated "professional executor" in Regina's will, Letty is now responsible for Regina's caseload, both at the clinic where they both worked, and at the women's shelter where Regina volunteered. She's not pleased, but very soon she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
I inadvertently started reading this book before realizing it was Book 2 of a five book series subtitled "Suspense with a Dash of Humor". Unfortunately, I hadn't read Book 1, so was in the dark every time something was mentioned that happened prior. And, believe me, there must have been a lot that happened. Even so, I found the book mildly humorous, and now I am going back and reading Book 1. This book is worth three and a half stars in my mind. I'm rounding up because I seldom read series books or "humorous mysteries", but maybe I've changed my ways...
The book begins at the funeral of Regina Fleisher. Regina, a social worker, was found dead at the bottom of narrow, steep stairs in the women's shelter where she volunteered. She had a knitting needle stuck in her throat. The death was ruled accidental.
Letty Whittaker, a colleague of Regina's, is the narrator of this "humorous mystery". Designated "professional executor" in Regina's will, Letty is now responsible for Regina's caseload, both at the clinic where they both worked, and at the women's shelter where Regina volunteered. She's not pleased, but very soon she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
I inadvertently started reading this book before realizing it was Book 2 of a five book series subtitled "Suspense with a Dash of Humor". Unfortunately, I hadn't read Book 1, so was in the dark every time something was mentioned that happened prior. And, believe me, there must have been a lot that happened. Even so, I found the book mildly humorous, and now I am going back and reading Book 1. This book is worth three and a half stars in my mind. I'm rounding up because I seldom read series books or "humorous mysteries", but maybe I've changed my ways...
January 15, 2014
The One We Love is a good mix of mystery and humor. The characters are flawed, which makes them seem more real. Letty's struggles with AA and "keeping between the lines" provide much of the humor in the serious situations she encounters (murder, abuse). I very much enjoyed Letty as a narrator. The secondary characters also grew on me, and I'd like to know more about them. I have not read the first book in the series, but there were enough references to the prior story to explain actions in this story without dousing my interest in reading more of Letty. All in all, Donna White Glaser has provided a very good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
June 29, 2017
This was an enjoyable mystery with a dash of humor set in. The pacing is good, and the plot is very intriguing. Letty is a likable character, and easy to relate to, which really draws readers in. I really liked the plot here, as she is dropped into the middle of a mystery after the death of a colleague. It has a bit of slow start, but then it really picked up quickly as I became wrapped up in the plot. Solid mystery and a good read.
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August 25, 2012another fast-paced, well thought-out mystery from Donna White Glaser. my only complaint is that I read it too quickly and have to wait for the next one!
February 12, 2024
more than that
Suspense and humor, yeah,but more than that. Little truisms peak out about our relationship to food, drink, friends and relatives, even the furry kind. The Letty Whittaker mystery books are sink down in your bed, chair or other reading place, and escape to a world that you recognize and makes you smile, frown in surprise and suspense, and sigh at the fairly happy ending. Then you’ll want to start on the next one. What could be better?
Suspense and humor, yeah,but more than that. Little truisms peak out about our relationship to food, drink, friends and relatives, even the furry kind. The Letty Whittaker mystery books are sink down in your bed, chair or other reading place, and escape to a world that you recognize and makes you smile, frown in surprise and suspense, and sigh at the fairly happy ending. Then you’ll want to start on the next one. What could be better?
June 4, 2017
Another winner
Realistic characters in insane situations, with plot twists I couldn't predict. The story absolutely races along. I did have some questions, like isn't Letty going to have problems missing so many days of work? And the situation with Marshall seemed an unnecessary addition. But all in all, a satisfying, amusing read.
Realistic characters in insane situations, with plot twists I couldn't predict. The story absolutely races along. I did have some questions, like isn't Letty going to have problems missing so many days of work? And the situation with Marshall seemed an unnecessary addition. But all in all, a satisfying, amusing read.
July 3, 2017
I never knew how much I would enjoy this mystery. It had intrigue and excitement. Letty Whitaker was made executor of her AA sponsor's estate. This caused her to investigate murders, abuse, and stay sober at the same time. Such an enjoyable read.
October 26, 2018
I liked the story line and characters in the book. Letty finds herself with the added cases of her coworker Regina's cases from a women's shelter when she is found dead. She is still dealing with the after effects of her stalker terror she went through. Would recommend this book to mystery lovers.
March 19, 2024
Good book
This is a fairly easy read that will keep you entertained until the end. The only thing I'm slightly disappointed in is the "12 Steps". I was hoping there would be more about AA in this book than the first, but that is not the case.
This is a fairly easy read that will keep you entertained until the end. The only thing I'm slightly disappointed in is the "12 Steps". I was hoping there would be more about AA in this book than the first, but that is not the case.
June 18, 2017
Sleuth rather slow catching something I thought was obvious but otherwise good. Solid 3
July 28, 2018
Letty the therapist, aka private eye solves another murder. These are good, short, kind of funny reads.
July 22, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
June 5, 2020
This is an interesting series. The 12-step angle adds to the story. Letty is not a detective, and she makes mistakes, but she's not over-the-top bumbling like so many. Good stories
August 10, 2020
I read this book to the end, but the humour didn't really appeal to me. Not a bad whodunnit. It just wasn't for me.
abandoned
July 30, 2021Abandoned at 17%.
As far as I can tell, therapist Letty doesn't like anyone she meets.
Her inner monologue made me glad she's not my therapist.
As far as I can tell, therapist Letty doesn't like anyone she meets.
Her inner monologue made me glad she's not my therapist.
March 16, 2017
Grabs attention from the start! Fun and easy read!
April 26, 2014
Book #2 in the series about newly sober therapist Letty Whittaker. I enjoyed this immensely. Not in an all-consuming way, but in a guilty-pleasure way, sort of like when I watch General Hospital or eat a Krispy Kreme.
In The One We Love, Letty's fellow therapist Regina is found dead at the battered women's shelter at which she volunteers. Regina's will puts Letty in charge of wrapping up her paperwork, including files from the shelter. The women running the shelter are oddly resistant to Letty's presence. Before long, Letty finds herself determined to uncover the truth behind Regina's death.
The story is rich with detail regarding the shelter. I didn't always understand Letty's motivation, but I was sure eager to follow her wherever she went. I would love to see a lot more involving her alcoholism and her commitment - faltering or otherwise - to AA, especially in a series that bills itself as "The 12 Step Mysteries." So far, all she's done is go to meetings and have a few go-rounds with her sponsor about working on her steps. If I were Letty, I'd get a new sponsor. The current one isn't giving her any real motivation that I can see.
At any rate, I am loving this series so far!
In The One We Love, Letty's fellow therapist Regina is found dead at the battered women's shelter at which she volunteers. Regina's will puts Letty in charge of wrapping up her paperwork, including files from the shelter. The women running the shelter are oddly resistant to Letty's presence. Before long, Letty finds herself determined to uncover the truth behind Regina's death.
The story is rich with detail regarding the shelter. I didn't always understand Letty's motivation, but I was sure eager to follow her wherever she went. I would love to see a lot more involving her alcoholism and her commitment - faltering or otherwise - to AA, especially in a series that bills itself as "The 12 Step Mysteries." So far, all she's done is go to meetings and have a few go-rounds with her sponsor about working on her steps. If I were Letty, I'd get a new sponsor. The current one isn't giving her any real motivation that I can see.
At any rate, I am loving this series so far!
August 7, 2013
I received an advanced copy of this book through Goodreads.
The book is a whodunit told from the perspective of Letty, a therapist. Much of the book is taken up with Letty’s inner monologues, which provide most of the book’s humour.
The question becomes: is Letty a character the reader will care about? Or want to follow?
The book suffers from one central problem: we are never sure what Letty’s motives are. She’s behaving in clearly irresponsible ways because of some wild hunches.
When exactly does Letty become certain that her colleague was murdered? Why doesn’t she immediately report her suspicions to the police? The book lacks one “a-ha!” moment when everyone – Letty and reader – has to agree that Regina was probably murdered.
Basically, to like the book, you have to like Letty. And to like Letty you definitely have to believe that the ends justify the means at all times.
The good part about the book? The “collapsedchair/squashed brownie” passage made me laugh out loud. I never laugh out loud.
The book is a whodunit told from the perspective of Letty, a therapist. Much of the book is taken up with Letty’s inner monologues, which provide most of the book’s humour.
The question becomes: is Letty a character the reader will care about? Or want to follow?
The book suffers from one central problem: we are never sure what Letty’s motives are. She’s behaving in clearly irresponsible ways because of some wild hunches.
When exactly does Letty become certain that her colleague was murdered? Why doesn’t she immediately report her suspicions to the police? The book lacks one “a-ha!” moment when everyone – Letty and reader – has to agree that Regina was probably murdered.
Basically, to like the book, you have to like Letty. And to like Letty you definitely have to believe that the ends justify the means at all times.
The good part about the book? The “collapsedchair/squashed brownie” passage made me laugh out loud. I never laugh out loud.
December 20, 2017
I enjoyed this one more than the first, I think. But I still don't really like Letty. She, for some reason, makes me think of a diminutive older lady. So that's the picture I have in my head when I think about her. But when she talks about guys ogling her all the time it just doesn't fit how I picture her.
She's a horribly unethical therapist and I have a hard time with someone simultaneously getting self-righteous about someone using info about her that they got in therapy sessions and then her doing almost the same thing.
Still, this one wasn't bad. You pretty much knew that the culprit was going to be one of three people and there was no real surprise there. So, yeah.
She's a horribly unethical therapist and I have a hard time with someone simultaneously getting self-righteous about someone using info about her that they got in therapy sessions and then her doing almost the same thing.
Still, this one wasn't bad. You pretty much knew that the culprit was going to be one of three people and there was no real surprise there. So, yeah.
December 27, 2016
After reading the first book, I felt I should read this one too. I was not disappointed.
This is a mixture of Female Amateur Sleuth and Healthcare Industry.
Letty has been undergoing counseling with a colleague/mentor. After her colleague passes away, Letty is surprised to learn that she has "inherited" her caseload. Her boss wants her to determine who or what to let go. As Letty looks into things, she discovers some things she never knew about her mentor and wishes she had.
I really enjoyed this story and how Ms. Glaser shows the growth in Letty both personally and professionally.
This is a mixture of Female Amateur Sleuth and Healthcare Industry.
Letty has been undergoing counseling with a colleague/mentor. After her colleague passes away, Letty is surprised to learn that she has "inherited" her caseload. Her boss wants her to determine who or what to let go. As Letty looks into things, she discovers some things she never knew about her mentor and wishes she had.
I really enjoyed this story and how Ms. Glaser shows the growth in Letty both personally and professionally.
October 14, 2014
I give this one a 4.5 stars.
I found some of this book confusing as it's been a long while since I read the first book as an ARC copy.
It felt like there was another book written before this one (and after the first book) and therefore I was missing some information.
Either way I was stumped until the end with all all the cloak and dagger mystery!
I've already started on the third in the series.
I found some of this book confusing as it's been a long while since I read the first book as an ARC copy.
It felt like there was another book written before this one (and after the first book) and therefore I was missing some information.
Either way I was stumped until the end with all all the cloak and dagger mystery!
I've already started on the third in the series.
August 30, 2015
I am really enjoying this series, although a little disturbing at times. Letty is giving it her all to try and keep her life together, but she is a disaster magnet, and then not one to sit around and let it all sort itself out, she goes full throttle to solve all the issues. Again, a little disappointed in her love life (or lack thereof) but as a recovering alcoholic she isn't supposed to have a love life yet. [sigh] I just know it will all work itself out, eventually, maybe.
November 17, 2015
I enjoyed the light tone and clever dialogue and narration of this mystery. The plot is well-crafted, the characters are fairly well-drawn, and the book is adequately revised for clarity and edited for accuracy. Just a side note - it was odd (and a little irritating) that almost all the female character had odd names: Clotilde, Astrid, Karissa, Regina (rhymes with Vagina), Cherly, Letty, Bettina, and Lachlyn to name a few.
November 25, 2014
Would have given it 4 stars....
I enjoyed this book and generally liked the author's style. Would've enjoyed it more if she could have given the heroine the same spunky personality without the slightly raunchy language. I love whodunit s written with clean language, but like I said it's a 4 star book if you don't mind "a little" vulgar language.
I enjoyed this book and generally liked the author's style. Would've enjoyed it more if she could have given the heroine the same spunky personality without the slightly raunchy language. I love whodunit s written with clean language, but like I said it's a 4 star book if you don't mind "a little" vulgar language.
November 30, 2014
THIS BOOK WAS SET IN THE USA (Midwest) BUT IT SEEMED LIKE THE AUTHOR WRITING IT WAS FROM ENGLAND. THE NAMES OF THE CHARACTERS AND SOME OF THE TERMINOLOGY SEEMED BRITISH FOR SOME REASON. THE MAIN CHARACTER, LETTY IS A MS. MARPLE TYPE ONLY A YOUNGER VERSION. THIS SORT OF JUST DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT WHILE I READ IT AND IT WAS WAY TOO LONG. ;[
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December 15, 2014The One We Love
A well-written murder mystery. Psychotherapist, Letty Whittaker's colleague dies, and as professional executor, Letty assumes responsibility for Regina's clients. A suspension that Regina may have been murdered leads to an interesting story with lots of red herrings.
A well-written murder mystery. Psychotherapist, Letty Whittaker's colleague dies, and as professional executor, Letty assumes responsibility for Regina's clients. A suspension that Regina may have been murdered leads to an interesting story with lots of red herrings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews