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Nikki Hunter #3
Dinner and a Murder
Dinner & A Murder is the third book in a mystery series featuring Nicoli “Nikki” Hunter, a Private Investigator specializing in covert bar and restaurant surveillance.
After surviving two recent attempts on her life, Nikki decides to do something normal for a change and attend her high school reunion, where she becomes reacquainted with an old flame, Paul Marks, now an air traffic control supervisor, and agrees to have lunch with him the next day. Over lunch Nikki becomes convinced that something is terribly wrong and, after a little persuading, Paul confides that three controllers reporting to him have died in the last two months, under suspicious circumstances.
Nikki insists on looking into the deaths and, with the help of her former mentor, Sam Pettigrew, soon discovers that Paul himself is the next target of a savage killer. So much for normal. In an effort to save Paul, Nikki, once again, must put her own life on the line.
After surviving two recent attempts on her life, Nikki decides to do something normal for a change and attend her high school reunion, where she becomes reacquainted with an old flame, Paul Marks, now an air traffic control supervisor, and agrees to have lunch with him the next day. Over lunch Nikki becomes convinced that something is terribly wrong and, after a little persuading, Paul confides that three controllers reporting to him have died in the last two months, under suspicious circumstances.
Nikki insists on looking into the deaths and, with the help of her former mentor, Sam Pettigrew, soon discovers that Paul himself is the next target of a savage killer. So much for normal. In an effort to save Paul, Nikki, once again, must put her own life on the line.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
About the author
Nancy Skopin
9 books65 followersAward winning author, Nancy Skopin, is a native of California who currently lives on the Oregon coast with her husband, Max Ferry, and their dog, Turq. An avid student of human nature, Nancy is happiest spending her days imagining the best, and the worst, that we are capable of, and translating those ideas into her Nikki Hunter mystery novels.
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 17, 2018
Is revenge the clue
A terrific read and I love the way an angle I've never come across is used as the plot. Had me guessing until nearly the end. Also really enjoyed that even though she is gun shy regarding relationships, she has an eye on which of her friends belong together. Terrific light note that took away from the poignant storyline.
Going to the High School reunion made her realise how much she missed some of her old friends and when she was asked to take on a new case, she readily agreed. Even going as far as asking her old mentor to help. Someone has been killing air traffic controllers and with 3 dead, he now fears for his life. Are the deaths linked to the crash that killed all on board a flight? As they look into the case she has an additional problem. Her detective now wants to take their relationship to the next level. Is she ready or even willing to move in together? Especially now that she has a four legged dependant. Can they catch the killer before more people die?
A terrific read and I love the way an angle I've never come across is used as the plot. Had me guessing until nearly the end. Also really enjoyed that even though she is gun shy regarding relationships, she has an eye on which of her friends belong together. Terrific light note that took away from the poignant storyline.
Going to the High School reunion made her realise how much she missed some of her old friends and when she was asked to take on a new case, she readily agreed. Even going as far as asking her old mentor to help. Someone has been killing air traffic controllers and with 3 dead, he now fears for his life. Are the deaths linked to the crash that killed all on board a flight? As they look into the case she has an additional problem. Her detective now wants to take their relationship to the next level. Is she ready or even willing to move in together? Especially now that she has a four legged dependant. Can they catch the killer before more people die?
February 21, 2019
DINNER AND A MURDER
Nancy Skopin
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Nikki Hunter, P.I., goes to her High School reunion and gets invited to dinner by a classmate she has not seen in years. He requests her aid in unraveling what he says is murder, but the police report it as not - the person worked on his shift at the airport.
She looks into the case, and their world moves faster than usual with others dying. The crimes point to one, but not all evidence fall in place.
Nikki gets help and to her credit, its needed during the investigation and in the end when this thriller peeks. At that point in the story, the reader will believe one person did the crimes. Then all goes into high speed to a deadly ending.
Quick read. Good series characters, and for dog lovers, some dogs help make the story a little fun.
Nancy Skopin
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Nikki Hunter, P.I., goes to her High School reunion and gets invited to dinner by a classmate she has not seen in years. He requests her aid in unraveling what he says is murder, but the police report it as not - the person worked on his shift at the airport.
She looks into the case, and their world moves faster than usual with others dying. The crimes point to one, but not all evidence fall in place.
Nikki gets help and to her credit, its needed during the investigation and in the end when this thriller peeks. At that point in the story, the reader will believe one person did the crimes. Then all goes into high speed to a deadly ending.
Quick read. Good series characters, and for dog lovers, some dogs help make the story a little fun.
November 5, 2018
Dinner and a Murder (Nikki Hunter Mysteries, Book 3)
by Nancy Skopin
I am enjoying this series quite a bit. Skopin's writing flows easily through a well-plotted, well-paced mystery. There are plenty of suspects, some flaming red herrings, danger, action, romance, and the addition of a new character in Nikki's life, who I hope will be in on the action soon (Buddy).
In this episode, Nikki travels back to her hometown for a high school class reunion (been there/done that!). She reconnects with some old friends, and picks up a new client, one of her best friends from school. He's now an airline air traffic controller. A few months before, there was an accident during his shift, and someone is killing members of the staff who were on duty that night. Can Nikki and her mentor, Sam Pettigrew, winnow down the list of those who might hold the airline responsible for the loss of their loved ones in time to save her friend, Paul, and the remaining members of his staff?
Fun, fast read, and I'll be moving on the the 4th in the series, soon.
by Nancy Skopin
I am enjoying this series quite a bit. Skopin's writing flows easily through a well-plotted, well-paced mystery. There are plenty of suspects, some flaming red herrings, danger, action, romance, and the addition of a new character in Nikki's life, who I hope will be in on the action soon (Buddy).
In this episode, Nikki travels back to her hometown for a high school class reunion (been there/done that!). She reconnects with some old friends, and picks up a new client, one of her best friends from school. He's now an airline air traffic controller. A few months before, there was an accident during his shift, and someone is killing members of the staff who were on duty that night. Can Nikki and her mentor, Sam Pettigrew, winnow down the list of those who might hold the airline responsible for the loss of their loved ones in time to save her friend, Paul, and the remaining members of his staff?
Fun, fast read, and I'll be moving on the the 4th in the series, soon.
August 21, 2018
Who wouldn’t want to go to a class reunion if you had a handsome guy like Bill along your side. Both drive vintage cars, I love how she describes the girls she went to school with. As well as how she tends to hold a grudge, on how the girls use to tease her, about her underwear. Meeting Paul, a friend, and he later recieves a phone call. Which brings us into the story of a mystery that needs Nikki’s help. Too many have been murdered and to figure out why. Yes, the job is stressful, but is there more, now with Paul being the next one. Good mystery, and one likes the characters, she doesn’t hold back on her thoughts of other people.
October 20, 2018
Nikki Hunter did it again
Nikki's personality is what attracted me the most. She reminds me of a modern Ms. Fisher (the Australian sleuth from the 1920s). Independent, smart, strong yet sensitive, loyal and shrewd, and honest to herself by recognizing when she needs help. This book allies us to meet Sam Pettigrew and enjoy the mentor/father relationship with Nikki, and a turning point in her romantic relationship with Bill.
Resolving the revenge murders due to emotional breakdown through organized and logical deduction provides a great relaxing time.
I read through without even realizing it.
Nikki's personality is what attracted me the most. She reminds me of a modern Ms. Fisher (the Australian sleuth from the 1920s). Independent, smart, strong yet sensitive, loyal and shrewd, and honest to herself by recognizing when she needs help. This book allies us to meet Sam Pettigrew and enjoy the mentor/father relationship with Nikki, and a turning point in her romantic relationship with Bill.
Resolving the revenge murders due to emotional breakdown through organized and logical deduction provides a great relaxing time.
I read through without even realizing it.
October 28, 2018
Entertaining Mystery. Nikki is a PI on her own. When she knows she's out of her league, she's smart enough to ask her mentor for help. At her high school reunion, she runs into her bestie, a hostile classmate, and an old friend who needs help. He's an air traffic controller and the target of an angry spouse whose wife died in an airplane accident. Nikki must sift through passenger lists until she finds a suspect. She finds three.
I found Nikki a very likable character. Her concern over a neighbor's dog endeared me to her. This is the 3rd book in the series. I enjoyed this one so much, I'm going to read the first two.
I found Nikki a very likable character. Her concern over a neighbor's dog endeared me to her. This is the 3rd book in the series. I enjoyed this one so much, I'm going to read the first two.
September 11, 2018
A great PI mystery
I love Nikki and all of her hang ups. I can understand a lot of her issues but you can’t help feel for the girl and want her to find that happiness she loves for everyone else. Okay, the mystery was excellent and so well written.
I love Nikki and all of her hang ups. I can understand a lot of her issues but you can’t help feel for the girl and want her to find that happiness she loves for everyone else. Okay, the mystery was excellent and so well written.
October 21, 2018
A Great Who-done-it!
This is a good romantic thriller. As co-workers begin mysteriously dying. A young man suspects foul play. Nikki Hunter, Private Eye, is on the case. The book also contains interesting side stories. Couldn't put it down!
This is a good romantic thriller. As co-workers begin mysteriously dying. A young man suspects foul play. Nikki Hunter, Private Eye, is on the case. The book also contains interesting side stories. Couldn't put it down!
November 5, 2018
Excellent
Once again Nikki Hunter gets a case that is fascinating, dangerous, and intense. This story clips along at a fast pace and leaves you guessing until the very end. This is my third Nikki Hunter book and I look forward to more.
Once again Nikki Hunter gets a case that is fascinating, dangerous, and intense. This story clips along at a fast pace and leaves you guessing until the very end. This is my third Nikki Hunter book and I look forward to more.
March 25, 2016
Very good
Each book in this series is very different and the mysteries are tricky but make sense when solved. I learned more about Nikki in each book.
Each book in this series is very different and the mysteries are tricky but make sense when solved. I learned more about Nikki in each book.
August 19, 2017
Nikzki Hunter Mystery
Another fantastic story in this series!!! The plot in this was very entertaining, kept you guessing to the very end❤️❤️❤️
Another fantastic story in this series!!! The plot in this was very entertaining, kept you guessing to the very end❤️❤️❤️
August 1, 2018
Another great mystery
This author has great story lines. This one will thrill you along with Buddy. Looking forward to more stories. Thanks again for a wonderful read
This author has great story lines. This one will thrill you along with Buddy. Looking forward to more stories. Thanks again for a wonderful read
August 4, 2018
Nicki is in the middle of things again!
A friend needs help as his colleagues are being murdered.
Plus a stray dog crept into her heart! And then there is Bill......
Good story line as always.
A friend needs help as his colleagues are being murdered.
Plus a stray dog crept into her heart! And then there is Bill......
Good story line as always.
November 17, 2018
Keep up!
If you like fast paced mystery, Nancy Shop in is the bomb. Characters with bravado and emotional depth. Believable action.
If you like fast paced mystery, Nancy Shop in is the bomb. Characters with bravado and emotional depth. Believable action.
August 19, 2023
I picked up this book during a promotion and was immediately pulled into the story by the sassy and witty narration from Californian PI Nikki Hunter. She’s having second thoughts about attending a high school reunion, but partner Bill persuades her to go.
She meets old flame Paul, an air traffic controller with a problem. Three of his team have died in accidents recently. The police aren’t treating any of the deaths as suspicious, but Paul thinks they must be more than a coincidence. Nikki agrees and with the help of her old mentor, Sam Pettigrew, they identify a flight that crashed, killing all the passengers.
One of the relatives of those killed is out for revenge, taking out the flight controllers on the night of the crash. As Paul could be next, it becomes a race against time to find and stop the killer.
It’s an entertaining story with a sharp and engaging lead character, who’s streetwise, self-aware and doesn’t take herself too seriously. There’s an interesting backstory with memorable characters and a cute puppy to supplement the straightforward plot.
It all adds up to an endearing and entertaining murder mystery.
She meets old flame Paul, an air traffic controller with a problem. Three of his team have died in accidents recently. The police aren’t treating any of the deaths as suspicious, but Paul thinks they must be more than a coincidence. Nikki agrees and with the help of her old mentor, Sam Pettigrew, they identify a flight that crashed, killing all the passengers.
One of the relatives of those killed is out for revenge, taking out the flight controllers on the night of the crash. As Paul could be next, it becomes a race against time to find and stop the killer.
It’s an entertaining story with a sharp and engaging lead character, who’s streetwise, self-aware and doesn’t take herself too seriously. There’s an interesting backstory with memorable characters and a cute puppy to supplement the straightforward plot.
It all adds up to an endearing and entertaining murder mystery.
February 4, 2022
im so happy i got this free ebook! i love this series
this book was so good!
she is the one who is a pi (like sue grafton books) she lives on a boat in n calif
in this book she adopts her dog buddy as a puppy
her boyfriend the cop wanted them to move in together but she didnt want to. she got mad when he ordered her a beer without asking
she went to her hs reunion and one of the guys she used to know is a air traffic controler superv. 3 of his workers who worked the day the plane went down and everyone was killed all died in 'accidents' but hes sure someone is killing them
she get the man who trained her to be a pi to help solve the case. it was the husband of one of the families that died on the plane. the woman cop she had looking over her hs friend killed him before he could kill both of them
i really enjoyed this book and im so glad i saw it was free on amazon today, i just read it too fast!
this book was so good!
she is the one who is a pi (like sue grafton books) she lives on a boat in n calif
in this book she adopts her dog buddy as a puppy
her boyfriend the cop wanted them to move in together but she didnt want to. she got mad when he ordered her a beer without asking
she went to her hs reunion and one of the guys she used to know is a air traffic controler superv. 3 of his workers who worked the day the plane went down and everyone was killed all died in 'accidents' but hes sure someone is killing them
she get the man who trained her to be a pi to help solve the case. it was the husband of one of the families that died on the plane. the woman cop she had looking over her hs friend killed him before he could kill both of them
i really enjoyed this book and im so glad i saw it was free on amazon today, i just read it too fast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2018
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book and other Nikki Hunter Mysteries and look forward to reading more of them as Nancy writes a good story, I must say that I do not particularly like Nikki. I feel very bad for Bill Anderson and hope he breaks off his relationship with Nikki because I do not feel that she is capable or mature enough in her own mind for a meaningful relationship. He, like most people who get married, have to give up a portion of their independence and, further, would like to have a family, which Nikki is against. In that regard Nikki should keep all of her affairs casual and superfluous as she seems to be mentally unable to reach the level of maturity required for a sincere, permanent relationship. She is better off sticking to dogs as they give unconditional love and require little in return.
August 19, 2018
The book is good, mostly.
I take issue when the PI begins musing about the waiter and his cleft palate. See, I was born with both cleft palate and unilateral cleft lip. Cleft palate is internal, the cleft lip however would be visible and give the slightly upturned lip, that is not symmetrical, and most likely left a fairly visible scar. Depending on the severity of the cleft lip, it can involve a misshapen nose that along with the cleft lip and palate can result in the nasally sound in speaking described.
If you're going to use a deformity, an illness, or what not, please do your research about it so you don't make a huge mistake like this that leaves a reader like myself who lives with said deformity feeling like the author didn't care enough to get it right.
I take issue when the PI begins musing about the waiter and his cleft palate. See, I was born with both cleft palate and unilateral cleft lip. Cleft palate is internal, the cleft lip however would be visible and give the slightly upturned lip, that is not symmetrical, and most likely left a fairly visible scar. Depending on the severity of the cleft lip, it can involve a misshapen nose that along with the cleft lip and palate can result in the nasally sound in speaking described.
If you're going to use a deformity, an illness, or what not, please do your research about it so you don't make a huge mistake like this that leaves a reader like myself who lives with said deformity feeling like the author didn't care enough to get it right.
May 5, 2019
Things are a changing for Nikki! High school reunion meeting old friends, some have changed but others are the same! Someone is killing air traffic controllers, who is next? Can Nikki solve it before her friend is the next victim? Which one of the survivors are killing the controllers? Will her BFF get married? Will she be moving? Is Bill getting too serious to soon? Will she keep Buddy or will she let someone else adopt him? Decisions, decisions!
February 12, 2020
A Fatal Reunion
A rich vibrant and well established series Nancy Skopin has written an amazing storey for a woman P.I that usually helps restaurant and bars keep close watch on employees, spying on spouses,and the odd murder investigation.Ms.Skopin keeps you in suspence and on your toes with expectation. Her caracters are filled with charm, as much intreage and mystery as possible with humor and a spark of romance blended into each new adventure
A rich vibrant and well established series Nancy Skopin has written an amazing storey for a woman P.I that usually helps restaurant and bars keep close watch on employees, spying on spouses,and the odd murder investigation.Ms.Skopin keeps you in suspence and on your toes with expectation. Her caracters are filled with charm, as much intreage and mystery as possible with humor and a spark of romance blended into each new adventure
August 20, 2021
Our heroine, Nikki, who lives in a boat, is a PI. She's single and after three failed marriages, she's finally independent. After having gone to a class reunion, she hears of 2 mysterious deaths that occurred in a flight control center. Her friend is a supervisor there and he is convinced his colleagues were murdered. Lots of suspects that seem to lead nowhere, until...
A nice cozy mystery with interesting characters. Even two cute dogs!
A nice cozy mystery with interesting characters. Even two cute dogs!
April 5, 2026
Too many details
While the premise of this book is good, as well as the previous two, there was just too much fluff. The details were too detailed. It's not organic. It's overly descriptive. We don't need to know everyone's height, weight, and hair color. Or the brand of cheese used to make a sandwich. For me, the over use of unnecessary details kept pulling me out of the story. I really wanted to finish this series but I don't think I can.
While the premise of this book is good, as well as the previous two, there was just too much fluff. The details were too detailed. It's not organic. It's overly descriptive. We don't need to know everyone's height, weight, and hair color. Or the brand of cheese used to make a sandwich. For me, the over use of unnecessary details kept pulling me out of the story. I really wanted to finish this series but I don't think I can.
August 7, 2019
Who advocates pinch collars??? Could have been 5 star
Good story. I liked Nikki Sam and Bill but.... really what kind of animal/dog person writes a book advocating pinch collars?? 😡 or leaves a dog in a car “with the windows cracked”?? Just about deleted at that point. Lucky it got 3dtars!
Good story. I liked Nikki Sam and Bill but.... really what kind of animal/dog person writes a book advocating pinch collars?? 😡 or leaves a dog in a car “with the windows cracked”?? Just about deleted at that point. Lucky it got 3dtars!
November 17, 2022
Always surprised
Not only.is this 'touching ' at times, Seems to bring in self deprecating humor that makes Me laugh out loud.
I've also been Amazed at how she weaves suspended into this entire network. I have not been this impressed with an author for a long time. Thank.you for the pleasure.
Not only.is this 'touching ' at times, Seems to bring in self deprecating humor that makes Me laugh out loud.
I've also been Amazed at how she weaves suspended into this entire network. I have not been this impressed with an author for a long time. Thank.you for the pleasure.
July 9, 2025
Nikki going after a wacko
Somebody is killing air traffic controllers while Nikki has her sights set on adopting a stray dog. There are several suspects to be investigated, all of whom lost family members in a recent plane crash. After being baffled, Nikki figures out who the killer is. The final confrontation is intense.
Somebody is killing air traffic controllers while Nikki has her sights set on adopting a stray dog. There are several suspects to be investigated, all of whom lost family members in a recent plane crash. After being baffled, Nikki figures out who the killer is. The final confrontation is intense.
August 11, 2018
This was not as fun as I expected. I prefer more humour in my quick read mystery books. Also, 75% of the book was about evaluating restaurant staff and rescuing dogs. I like both topics, but not when they get in the way of a good murder story
October 5, 2019
Interesting
Started out a little slow for me but I know from previous Skopin book they are all worth reading. This book didn't disappoint when it started picking up the mystery was great
Started out a little slow for me but I know from previous Skopin book they are all worth reading. This book didn't disappoint when it started picking up the mystery was great
January 9, 2020
Fun fast paced easy read.
As.in the first 2 books before this, the story of the main character continues. Interesting, detail orientated easy read. Can't wait to start the next in.the series.
As.in the first 2 books before this, the story of the main character continues. Interesting, detail orientated easy read. Can't wait to start the next in.the series.
March 15, 2021
Wow
Amazing thriller. Right from the beginning, the story kept me intrigued. I especially loved the way Nikki managed to discover the actual murderer by linking the chain of events. Fascinating book.
Amazing thriller. Right from the beginning, the story kept me intrigued. I especially loved the way Nikki managed to discover the actual murderer by linking the chain of events. Fascinating book.
March 19, 2021
Good read lots of characters
This was a very good read. I had not read any of this series in the past. The main character is a female P I smart, hard working and has some feelings dealing with personal situations. Keeps your interest but you can read it over several days.
This was a very good read. I had not read any of this series in the past. The main character is a female P I smart, hard working and has some feelings dealing with personal situations. Keeps your interest but you can read it over several days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews