Jump the Gun

Annabelle Starkey Mystery #1

by Zoe Burke

Meet Annabelle Starkey. A shrewd, sweet, and sexy Stephanie Plum without the Jersey girl attitude. She’s a one-man kind of girl who loves hats and shoes.

Annabelle also loves movies. She can’t help but wonder why her own life doesn’t match her favorite silver-screen scenarios.

Then, one day she meets the charming, slightly mysterious, and definitely magnetic Mickey Paxton and decides it’s time to live one of those Cary Grant films. She accepts Mickey’s invitation to fly to Las Vegas for a holiday and a test flight for
Romance.

The script takes a surprising turn when they arrive in Sin City. Suddenly Annabelle and Mickey are on the run, but from what? And why? Did Mickey lead Annabelle into this mess? Then a murder in Annabelle’s San Francisco apartment sends the couple winging west to that city where, once again, criminals and cops pursue them.

In two frenetic days of fast driving, fast talking, and fast thinking, Annabelle discovers several truths by learning to trust her own instincts. No matter what the danger, Annabelle’s fresh and funny voice is her best weapon. Jump the Gun begins a cinematic new series.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Adult, Romance, Adult Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel dropped more movies than the Sundance Film Festival. Since I happen to appreciate all things cinema related and routinely engage in movies for dialogue and action and drama and comedy and chick-flick entertainment, along with the simple fact that it helps me forget who I am for about two hours, without the detriment of doctors and metal probes and electric shock treatment and prescription medication and anesthesia, I was open to the deviations. I was somewhat comforted when Al Pacino and Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson and others appeared on the printed page. But there were quite a few of them, possibly too many for individuals who like fewer movie references with their literary works, and I must confess here that it was possibly even a bit too much for me. And my wife and I do everything we can to keep Netflix in business, along with enjoying the summer movie-going season.

Where JUMP THE GUN really took a swing and a miss with me, though, was the relationship between Annabelle Starkey and Mickey Paxton. Sure, Annabelle felt fresher than a sunflower in the New Mexican sun, and Mickey had abs that could crack walnuts and possibly almonds as well, but I didn’t buy the two of them together. It felt forced in the beginning, and I needed more details to believe that Annabelle would hop in a car with Mickey, end up in Las Vegas, and make sweet-lovin’ to the sounds of Aretha Franklin. Call me old-fashioned, call me conservative, but don’t call me Shirley, and please help me help you, because this is one relationship that could have worked better.

The mystery could have been ratcheted up a bit as well. This felt more like a romance novel with cinematic tendencies and then a mystery was tossed into the mix. It’s certainly not bad for a debut novel, but I had hoped for a bit more.

I received this book for free through NetGalley.

[Sydney Merten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was told that Annabelle was just like Stephanie Plum, without the Jersey girl attitude, but I was sadly misinformed.

I was on the hunt for an audiobook to listen to while at work and stumbled across this book. When they compared Annabelle to Stephanie, I was intrigued, as I am starting the Plum series and was waiting on a hold for the next book.

While this was highly zany and bouncy, Annabelle is no Stephanie Plum! I felt that she was too timid and just was very confusing. And, do NOT get me started on all the movie references! I know that was part of her character, but I just had to roll my eyes at every reference, and my eyes got a workout because that was very often.

While there was some fun action and some cute romance, I was screaming (in my head of course) with the entire "Some hot guy asked me away on a trip who I met like a hot second ago, so I'm gonna go and then get my ass in hot water over something stupid." While she said this was highly out of her character to do so, why did she not back out when her gut was all being run over by buffalos as she mentions a lot? I would say that is some cause for concern, but what the hell do I know?

I thought the ending was a little sappy for my taste, and that is nothing like Plum. I just couldn't fully get into the story, but it was a great way to pass the time.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle Starkey is at a book convention as part of her job, and she meets an interesting man, Mickey Paxton, he invites her to go with him to Las Vegas. On a whim she takes him up on it. She loves movies, and her life just hasn't been matching up. One delightfully, slightly sinful weekend in Las Vegas, what could possibly go wrong?

Almost from the time they arrive in Sin City, things become complicated to say the least. Annabelle and Mickey find themselves running from, who? Definitely running for their very lives, but have no idea what is going on. Then when her BFF is murdered in Annabelle's San Francisco apartment, things become even more mystifying. They spend their time running from bad guys, bad cops, and don't know who to trust or why this is happening.

I really liked this book. The characters were fun, there were lots of movie references. It was a quick read, in places funny, in places sweet. I'm looking forward to Annabelle's next adventure.

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a ridiculous book. And I enjoyed it.

But if you want a book that is approaching believable, and has fleshed out characters... this is not the book for you.

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light, witty. Great read when I'm looking for an easy distraction.

[Tory · Rating 1 out of 5]

completely unbelievable,

[LeeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOOOOVED THIS BOOK! Such a fun, fast read! Can't wait for #2!

[JJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of enjoyed this book but it was really terrible. Parts were trying way too hard to be quirky (the dumb ears thing, and the movie references). But mostly the mystery was unsatisfying. In the sense that no one really was doing much to actually solve the mystery so much as things were repeatedly happening to the main character while she said over and over that she wanted to figure out what was going on while only reacting to things that kept happening to her, often so quickly that there was no time to even question what was going on. And the run of coincidences, convoluted bad guy connections, and over blown response to something that no one could have guessed at was all so random. And much of it was unbelievable because it was impossible, immoral, plain wrong, or too stupid. But I loved the love interest and kept reading mostly to see if he was going to turn out to be bad, since he was obviously not what he seemed. And he wasn't what he seemed but the reveal on that made the first part of the book even more stupid. I'll probably still try the second one to see if it improves, but yeah this was not good.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book this fast paced and I loved it! I love how much action filled this book and the characters were amazing! Good on Bea (or Annabelle, or whatever her name is) for being so brave. I loved how she kept referencing to old movies and celebrities, I thought that was fun. And Mickey, wow, big plot twist with HIM BEING A DETECTIVE. WHAT. This book reminded me a lot of Firekeeper’s Daughter, just it was different. The plot was clear but a bit confusing at the end to be honest. I can’t believe all this happened just because of some hatpins! I hated Brad, probably more than I hated Jake. Luis was a nice character and idk why but I felt bad for Mary for no reason. I really want to read the sequel too! There were so many plot twists in this book and I don’t think I read a book this fast paced before!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This madcap romp was a barrel of fun! The mystery was paper thin, but the characters were so likable and the story was so funny and compelling that I didn't care.

Annabelle Starkey describes herself as always the safe, loyal sidekick, never the leading lady in any story. So when she's at a convention in Chicago and meets a guy with whom she has instant chemistry, she decides to go against her usual behavior and accept his invitation for a trip to Las Vegas. But they hardly more than arrive when they get abducted, and then one adventure follows quick on the heels of another. I figured out the key to the "mystery" early on, but it didn't dampen my enjoyment any. Annabelle had me laughing and rooting for her throughout!

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

On impulse, Annabelle Starkey, agrees to a trip to Vegas with Mickey, a cute guy she just met. When she and Mickey are confronted by a man with a gun in a casino, they find themselves embroiled in murder, crooked cops, and sweet old ladies. This light summer read had some fun moments and I enjoyed Annabelle’s continual references to movies. Annabelle’s character was a little confusing, at times she appeared to be an airhead, at other times she was forensic and astute. The blurb compares her to Stephanie Plum which immediately puts a lot of unmet expectations on the character - Annabelle is klutzy, but quite different. I’ve enjoyed Hillary Huber’s audiobook narrations before, and I thought she struck all the right comedic notes here.

[Kathy KS · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery here is ok, but the book as a whole is not compelling enough to keep me reading the next in the series. Although I'm sure that the review that led me to this title problem intrigued me with the idea that there were lots of movie references, I discovered that the use of this device got old fast for me. Thank goodness, the references became less common as the book progressed. Annabelle is feisty, but didn't always use her head, so she was irritating at times. I've read that Annabelle is similar to Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich's character), but I found her to be a cheap imitation.

All that being said, the narrator probably caught the characters pretty well.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This turned out to be a funny, quirky, and entertaining mystery. I liked that there were actually several "mysteries" going on. There was the mystery of who Mickey really was, then the mystery of the chain of circumstances that led him and Annabelle to where they ended up, and then, of course, the murder. Not the best, not the worst, but fun and easy to get through. There were enough twists and turns to keep me going. I would rate this a solid summer/vacation read.

[Bierka · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so dumb. I don't even know why it was on my to-read list. I need to reevaluate my life choices.

[Janet Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced romantic mystery, well performed by Hillary Huber

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was a fun read.

[Rachel Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid beach read. You need to suspend reality a bit, its not a realistic plot. But it's light and fun.

[Natasha Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun breezy romantic mystery.

[Christyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jump the gun was a quick, fluffy and passably entertaining read. I may have found the movie parts more entertaining if I myself were a movie buff, as it was a lot of the movie references went completely over my head. Some of them I got, more of them I didn't. The mystery was okay, it wasn't the best but it wasn't the worse, which for a debut novel is actually pretty normal. I enjoyed the action and 'investigating' by Annabelle and Mickey, it was fast-paced and entertaining.

My biggest issue was the relationship between Annabelle and Mickey. Not even five pages into the book, Annabelle a reasonable intelligent woman decides to fly to Vegas with a guy she just met not even a whole day ago? Why? I mean I understand that some people can occasionally feel the impulse to do something irrational hit them, but when they do they get tattoos, go skydiving, buy a new car, get a pet not decide to hop on a plane to Vegas with a stranger. And if that's what you're going to do could you at least explain it to me a little more? What makes a supposedly smart woman decide to hit Vegas with some random dude she met at a convention? If there had been more time spent on that initial meeting, with more interaction and information I could've coped better with it then thinking that there is something wrong with both of them (what kind of guy asks a woman he just met to Vegas, and what kind of woman accepts - survival instincts anyone? That person could be anyone).

To sum it up after they get to vegas they get into trouble, jump into bed, more trouble, more sex and then surprise revelation (to one person, not to me, the reader - I saw that coming), angry/hurt emotions, confessions and L-word (despite the fact that they've known each other for days and how they got to know each other and feel so deeply after everything going on I have no idea), confrontation, rest - with more sex (none - by the way explicit), confrontation, wrap up. This is the bare bones of the story and their relationship - I just didn't buy the relationship. The biggest problem was it didn't have any real detail, any interactions or reasoning for why they felt what the felt (and sometimes did what they did). It's one thing to fast-track a story, but a relationship - I think this could've been done differently - especially if Mickey and Annabelle are to have a long-term, multi-storyline relationship. But then again in the long term - I suppose it could work, it's romantic - in a spontaneous, unusual kind of way.

As characters they were okay. I mean I liked Annabelle, she was quirky, adorable, feisty at times, enthusiastic and impulsive and with a fairly good gut instinct. I was trying to picture her as I read but the only description we get is from the dust jacket which compares her to Stephanie Plum "without the Jersey Girl attitude" and the few sentence in the book mostly devoted to her big ears and fondness for hats (that supposedly hide the big ears). I have to say I'm picturing an average sized brown haired girl with dumbo ears, it's a little disconcerting I mean what qualifies as big ears, is it just that she has a small head (and am I now going to be picturing her with a small head)? As for Mickey, I liked him okay - I'd probably have liked him more if I didn't know he was keeping things from Annabelle, and if he was more competent as a detective. I'm not saying he was a bad detective…he just wasn't particularly good - at least in my opinion - he was just okay. I mean if Annabelle figured things out first, and how many times did this guy get beat up/hurt in this book (mostly because someone got the jump on him), three times - minimum, not to mention not being able to tell one of his fellow detectives is a bad actress and another is dirty.

I know this sounds like I didn't like this book but it was likable - there were just some things in the book that could've been done better. I would read another in the series just to see how things turn out for Mickey, Annabelle and Luis (whom I did like) and their new venture. This was fast-paced and entertaining when you want light (and quick) reading. 3 stars.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

From an uncensored mother to an impulsive detective, to a heroine with unfettered drives, a mosaic appears that brings divers impulses to the fore. From tremors in Chicago to kidnapping in Las Vegas, to murder and sex in San Francisco, Burke has her characters on the run at a pretty frantic pace.

The dialogue is fresh and zingy, the plot a little messy but it clings together, and the relationships between the various characters work extremely well, even if the logic is a bit strained at times. Can you spell coincidence? This is a short novel and its length is well served by its pace and circumstance. Don’t take it to the beach for a long restful afternoon.

San Francisco book promoter Annabelle Starkey goes to Chicago to a big book convention where she meets Mickey Paxton. He’s attending the convention from New York. Right from the start there are sparks and something a little off about Mickey. He falls hard and invites her to go to Las Vegas with him. Naturally she agrees, falling in love herself. And the game is on.

Murder, kidnapping violence and various other chicanery, much of it lightly handled, goes on apace. Eventually, of course, bad guys are identified and dealt with and two smart characters start looking for a romantic sunset. Recommended.

[Marika Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was an engaging book. Maybe it's because of my unfamiliarity with the mystery genera, but I didn't find the case monotonous or predictable. Instead, I was insatiably curious about what would happen next, even up until the last few chapters. There were definitely a couple twists that I didn't see coming and I always love a good surprise.

However, the writing itself was a bit awkward at times, and the frequent movie references felt forced (and also went completely over my head as I'm not a movie buff). I feel like it starts off shakier than the rest of the book, the writing getting better as you progress, but nonetheless it was still a big enough issue with me to knock the book back two stars.

Considering this book is a really quick read, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's curious. It really is an engaging mystery.

As a sidenote, and although this doesn't really affect the rating I give, I feel the need to mention that (spoiler alert), disappointingly, the only murder that happens in this story is of the only lesbian character (besides her girlfriend who shows up for a couple lines in, what is essentially, the epilogue). Another example of the "dead gay" trope.

[Anna Olswanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Annabelle Starkey, who has cinematic fantasies, meets dashing Mickey Paxton at a book trade show in Chicago, she's off to Las Vegas with him for what she thinks will be her own real-life romance. Instead, she and Mickey find themselves pursued by a thug who might be a policeman and a sweet old lady who might be a swindler—and they have no idea why. A murder leads them to San Francisco, where in a violent resolution, they find the answers—and their hearts’ desires.

This is the first in a new series that blends mystery, romance, and Janet Evanovich-like humor. When I read Jump the Gun, I fell in love with Annabelle's voice. She's ditzy, but she's also smart, not to mention she's probably seen every movie ever made (I wish I had the time!). She's a modern-day Nora, Mickey is her Nick, and her story is made all the more fun because of her snappy comebacks.

A fast read.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was such a good mystery that I finished it in one sitting! It's the start of a new series and that excites me - I love coming in on the ground floor! Annabelle Starkey is a thirty-something publishing employee with a passion for cinema. She is attending a book conference in Chicago when she meets Mickey Paxton, who invites her to Las Vegas for a spur-of-the-moment trip the next day. In an uncharacteristic moment, she accepts. It's the Las Vegas that the adventure really takes off and continues back in her home town of San Francisco. This novel has romance, bad cops, good cops, good old ladies, bad old ladies, gangsters, cab drivers, and hardly anyone is who they seem to be. I thought it was a rollicking good time and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night in Chicago while attending a convention, Annabelle Starkey meets a hunk named Mickey Paxton, and the two decide to fly off to Vegas, where it all goes downhill from there! Mayhem ensues starting with an assault, and when Annabelle learns that her house-sitter friend has been murdered in Annabelle's apartment, Annabelle and Mickey head back to San Francisco for even more twists and turns.

If you've read everything that Janet Evanovich has to offer and are looking for more Stephanie Plum-like thrills, this one certainly fits the bill. Annabelle, a self-proclaimed movie nut, tends to look at each harrowing situation and immediately thinks of scenes from her favorite flicks. Surprising secrets are revealed in this roller-coaster ride, as well as romance. A fun and quick read!

[Edgar Yu · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I “Jump the Gun” from Lee Child to a Zoe Burke to instil some modicum balance in my household. The wife is happier now that we’ve completed our first female mystery novel author albeit in a weird attempt to create a new heroin in Anabelle Starkey (An adult/promiscuous Nancy Drew type). I don’t know why we enjoyed switching from a rough, back to basics strong male personality to a creative and inventive softer character but if we are comparing like mystery and suspense thrillers and aside from the many dull and obvious corny subplots… The sexual innuendo and romance setting are much better carried by Mrs Burke (wife happily agrees).

[Billie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the second book in this serious, and thought I'd also love the book that started it off as well. But...I didn't. It was good, but I still felt very let down by the story and the action. The mystery and suspense was rather uneventful and simple. Annabelle is still an entertaining Nancy Drew like character, but her whirlwind romance with Micky seems unrealistic and crazy fast. I wish Burke had built up their relationship/getting to know each other just a little bit more so it would be slightly more believable. Because as wonderful as a perfect relationship is, too perfect is a little unbelievable.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle is usually sensible, but something about Mickey Paxton gets to her. A day after they meet at a book convention in Chicago, she and the New Yorker are flying off to Las Vegas. When they get there, they find that people are after them. Each blames the other, until Annabelle realizes that the thugs are using her disliked first name--and just how do they know that? There's a lot of chasing around, new allies, betrayals by old friends, and (obviously) mysteries about Mickey before a happy ending. I didn't believe a word of it, but I enjoyed reading them.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Annabelle meets Mickey Paxton, a spontaneous Las Vegas trip turns into a nightmare. Annabelle is a movie buff and every character and event reminds her of a movie she has seen. Annabelle has a little Stephanie Plum (you will know who that is if you are a Janet Evanovich fan) in her but I loved her mom and dad - her mom has the New Jersey attitude in this series. This is the first and only novel in the Annabelle Starkey Mystery series and I hope it isn't the last. It was a fun, fast-paced, and comical read.

[Amy Thorleifson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought this was a Stephanie Plum clone story, but as the plot unfolded, the heroine, Annabelle, came to life as her own person. When Annabelle, a publicity manager for a publisher, meets Mickey at a convention she agrees to a quick trip to Las Vegas with him. After a kidnapping and an escape, Annabelle learns that her cat sitter has been murdered in her apartment. With twists and turns, the murder is solved and a scam uncovered.
I enjoyed this enough that I will be reading Annabelle's next adventure.

[Chloe Peddicord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to see the author read an excerpt out of her novel at the Mysterious Bookshop, in NYC. When Zoe Burke read from her novel, it came to life. Her body language was in sync with character as she was reading. It was wonderful. As I read the book, her voice stayed in my head; overall it was a great introduction to my very first mystery novel and I will be sure to continue to read books from this author.