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Terrified Detective Mystery #1
Plateful of Murder
Claire DeNardo is scared of a lot of things. Ordinary objects like roller coasters and men's hairpieces make her knees knock loud enough to be a band's rhythm section. Unfortunately, the only job Claire can find is working for her Uncle Gino in his seedy detective agency. Until now, her cases have all be middle-aged men with trophy wives who needed watching. But when Gino retires and leaves her in charge, Claire gets swept up in a murder case despite her fears. Both the client who hired her and the handsome police detective want her off the case. When the wrong person is charged, it's up to the terrified detective to summon all the courage she can to find the true killer.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2016
278 people are currently reading
981 people want to read
About the author
Carole Fowkes
19 books70 followersCarole is the author of the new cozy mystery series, The Terrified Detective. She has also written a number of stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul and other similar anthologies. She's published several book of short stories. She currently lives in Dallas, Tx.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 25, 2023
A Plateful of Murder is the first in a series of short detective novels by Carole Fowkes a former RN, now mystery writer. The Terrified Detective is an innovative idea that immediately creates in the reader a sense of empathy. Usually detectives are tough, noir, hard-boiled brutes and femmes. Claire Nardo is a private investigator that inherits the business from a retired uncle who she used to work for as a photographer on mild cases of extramarital dalliances. She is not accustomed to dealing with murder and feels she might have bitten off more than she could chew. She manages to behave professionally, despite some stumbles. However, one stalker investigation turns into a murder, then that morphs into another murder and very quickly the pretty Italian private investigator finds herself embroiled in something that could threaten her family, her business, and most importantly, her life. I’ve seen people categorize this as a cozy, but it’s nearly 300 pages. A quick read, nonetheless, well-paced, with exposition dumps smartly allocated. Telling in the first-person perspective is a wise choice which makes the reader even more invested in Claire. I also enjoyed Uncle Gino’s pocket wisdom sparingly sprinkled throughout. I recommend this for all you mystery lovers. This might turn out to be a great find.
November 9, 2018
The chemist and the singer
A terrific start to a new series. Had me going for the wrong culprit for a while. Loved the characters from the shady Ed to the nervous nelly heroine.
Her PI business isn't doing too well but this new case might just give her enough to keep her doors open and her apartment paid. At least for this month. She has been hired by the brother of a woman who has been receiving threatening notes. The woman's death and torn up apartment suddenly move the case up a gear. Even when a second murder occurs she still feels that she has to continue. Possibly her attraction to the brother colours her decision. With the help of the handsome detective, the slightly shady Ed (who seems able to get information easily even if it is illegally) they continue to investigate. Even threats don't stop her although when Ed ends up in hospital she does get mad. Will the killer be found or will the threats become a reality?
A terrific start to a new series. Had me going for the wrong culprit for a while. Loved the characters from the shady Ed to the nervous nelly heroine.
Her PI business isn't doing too well but this new case might just give her enough to keep her doors open and her apartment paid. At least for this month. She has been hired by the brother of a woman who has been receiving threatening notes. The woman's death and torn up apartment suddenly move the case up a gear. Even when a second murder occurs she still feels that she has to continue. Possibly her attraction to the brother colours her decision. With the help of the handsome detective, the slightly shady Ed (who seems able to get information easily even if it is illegally) they continue to investigate. Even threats don't stop her although when Ed ends up in hospital she does get mad. Will the killer be found or will the threats become a reality?
March 4, 2016
The idea of a terrified detective intrigued me from the beginning, and the author wrote it so much better than I could have imagined. Yes, Claire is practically scared of her own shadow, but she manages to find ways to work through that and do what needs to be done. She still remains an awkward, anxious nerd throughout, but you have to applaud her efforts to get the job done.
The plot is very well-done. There are plenty of twists and turns, but they are generally realistic ones which the reader can accept easily. And when the truth is revealed, you definitely won't see it coming. I also loved Claire's Italian family: they are big, loud, protective, nosy, and loving.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is definitely one to add to your list....and then move on to the others in the series as well.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The plot is very well-done. There are plenty of twists and turns, but they are generally realistic ones which the reader can accept easily. And when the truth is revealed, you definitely won't see it coming. I also loved Claire's Italian family: they are big, loud, protective, nosy, and loving.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is definitely one to add to your list....and then move on to the others in the series as well.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
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March 3, 2016
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
The blurb of this book makes it sound like a hilariously bumbling heroine who stumbles upon a mystery, but it ends up being so much more.
Told in Claire's POV, who usually sprouts her Uncle Gino's philosophy while handling his Private Investigation Agency, becomes one bumbling effort after the other to solve her first murder mystery. When Michael, a hot nerd walks into her agency to help him solve who is threatening his sister, her instincts honed by years of cautiousness screams at her to send him away, but her mouth works independent of her brain and she ends up accepting the case. Turns out to be the most intelligent decision she has ever made. NOT!
I loved Claire and her attempts to be a successful PI - though she comes off as an awkward lady, she hides a brain that is quite a keen observer - but does that mean she isn't disparaging about herself and I adored that about her - for she became real to me because of that. As a character, she is as real as it gets - that awkward nerdiness, with insecurities and little bursts of confidence that does nothing to detract from her awesomeness.
As for the plot and the writing - it's simple and definitely effective. It has enough turns and twists, to keep your head swimming, but not enough to be unrealistic. The mystery definitely plays out to be realistic like one of those crime dramas, that you never realize who is responsible for the murder nor the motive - and I absolutely laughed at the fact that the author was sneaky enough to make the ending of this book predictable - I definitely DID NOT see that one coming :P
But what I would have also liked is, a POV of both Michael and Detective Corrigan - it definitely would have given this book more of a closure feeling - but then again, it would have also retracted from what this book is supposed to be - Claire's Evolution as a PI :D
The blurb of this book makes it sound like a hilariously bumbling heroine who stumbles upon a mystery, but it ends up being so much more.
Told in Claire's POV, who usually sprouts her Uncle Gino's philosophy while handling his Private Investigation Agency, becomes one bumbling effort after the other to solve her first murder mystery. When Michael, a hot nerd walks into her agency to help him solve who is threatening his sister, her instincts honed by years of cautiousness screams at her to send him away, but her mouth works independent of her brain and she ends up accepting the case. Turns out to be the most intelligent decision she has ever made. NOT!
I loved Claire and her attempts to be a successful PI - though she comes off as an awkward lady, she hides a brain that is quite a keen observer - but does that mean she isn't disparaging about herself and I adored that about her - for she became real to me because of that. As a character, she is as real as it gets - that awkward nerdiness, with insecurities and little bursts of confidence that does nothing to detract from her awesomeness.
As for the plot and the writing - it's simple and definitely effective. It has enough turns and twists, to keep your head swimming, but not enough to be unrealistic. The mystery definitely plays out to be realistic like one of those crime dramas, that you never realize who is responsible for the murder nor the motive - and I absolutely laughed at the fact that the author was sneaky enough to make the ending of this book predictable - I definitely DID NOT see that one coming :P
But what I would have also liked is, a POV of both Michael and Detective Corrigan - it definitely would have given this book more of a closure feeling - but then again, it would have also retracted from what this book is supposed to be - Claire's Evolution as a PI :D
February 5, 2016
I liked the idea of the main character being terrified of her actual job. The story was a bit of a roller-coaster with some nail biting moments and a bit of humor as well. I could identify with Claire and her nervousness as well as her never give up attitude. You could feel the connection to her Italian family through out the book and I think this was a fun start to a series.
February 25, 2016
My thoughts: What a roller-coaster ride and a fun ride it was. I really liked the main character being afraid of her job you hardly read things like this in a book. I can't wait to read more by this author and this series.
May 22, 2019
As a girl, rather than play with dolls, Claire played “get the crook,” always believing that justice should prevail and the good guys should win. That’s why she became a detective.
What started off as merely taking incriminating shots of sleazebag cheats soon becomes too much to bear when murder gets involved. But the desire for justice and desperate need for money provokes her to pursue the case, even though she has no idea what she’s doing. No question that Claire was scared, which is why this book is part of the Terrified Detective series. She has fears—fear of going blind with too much hair spray, fear of not paying her debts, fear of getting big hips like her aunt, fear of getting killed on an investigation she has no business in.
I liked Claire’s witty side, especially with her metaphors. For example, “the case was like a puzzle, where you had the border pieces only but none of the inside ones, which made it impossible to make out the picture.”
Story was simple and witty, but it lagged sometimes and there were too many characters. What could be so interesting about investigating a pharmaceutical company? And the worst part was that even though Claire was an expert at crime shows and has wanted to catch the criminals since she was a kid, she was not a good sleuth. She had no experience, no clue, and no way to protect herself. Still, the book had charm, but the case wasn’t what I thought it would be. It just wasn’t what I was expecting.
What started off as merely taking incriminating shots of sleazebag cheats soon becomes too much to bear when murder gets involved. But the desire for justice and desperate need for money provokes her to pursue the case, even though she has no idea what she’s doing. No question that Claire was scared, which is why this book is part of the Terrified Detective series. She has fears—fear of going blind with too much hair spray, fear of not paying her debts, fear of getting big hips like her aunt, fear of getting killed on an investigation she has no business in.
I liked Claire’s witty side, especially with her metaphors. For example, “the case was like a puzzle, where you had the border pieces only but none of the inside ones, which made it impossible to make out the picture.”
Story was simple and witty, but it lagged sometimes and there were too many characters. What could be so interesting about investigating a pharmaceutical company? And the worst part was that even though Claire was an expert at crime shows and has wanted to catch the criminals since she was a kid, she was not a good sleuth. She had no experience, no clue, and no way to protect herself. Still, the book had charm, but the case wasn’t what I thought it would be. It just wasn’t what I was expecting.
September 17, 2021
I've been wanting to read this for a long time! Wouldja believe it's been on my WTR so long it was #6? I'm glad I read it because now I want to read more about Claire's investigating adventures. I really liked how she was enough different from most main characters. She still had that drive and inability to listen when the detective warned her off the case though, lol. Although eventually, I'm glad he warmed up to her and figured if she was going to be in his business, he might as well just hang out with her so they could share what they found. Not gonna lie, I'd be just as scared as Claire was and then some! I'm the person who'd be hiding behind Det. Corrigan telling him it was all his to deal with ha! It was a bit of a cat and mouse game to get that perp, but I was really proud of Claire in the showdown!
The characters were well-thought out especially the key players. I liked Claire's dad a lot, what a great guy! I got a kick out of Aunt Lena trying to fix Claire up or calling her with a staffing emergency. And I think Ed's gonna make an awesome partner for her sleuthing biz if she ever gets paid enough to pay him, lol.
I was so compelled all the way through the book to just keep reading this! I honestly never wanted to put it down, but now I know when I start the next one, I should start it super early in the day so I almost literally don't have to put it down.
The characters were well-thought out especially the key players. I liked Claire's dad a lot, what a great guy! I got a kick out of Aunt Lena trying to fix Claire up or calling her with a staffing emergency. And I think Ed's gonna make an awesome partner for her sleuthing biz if she ever gets paid enough to pay him, lol.
I was so compelled all the way through the book to just keep reading this! I honestly never wanted to put it down, but now I know when I start the next one, I should start it super early in the day so I almost literally don't have to put it down.
December 13, 2020
This was my first Cozy Mystery novel. The genre itself is not my favorite. I didn't think it would be. But it's important to me that I sample every genre out there. I like thrillers and horror books. Cozy Mysteries are really the antithesis of thrillers. But this book was well written and I enjoyed it well enough. I'll likely pick up the next book in the series at some point.
This book was cute verging on schmaltzy but managed not to veer in to insipidity or triteness. I hate books that insult my intelligence and it's difficult to write a book that's an easy read that doesn't impugn the reader's intellect. But this book walks that line nicely.
The ending (not a total spoiler but I'm going to hide it behind spoiler tags anyway)
And I want to make those meatballs. They sound good.
This book was cute verging on schmaltzy but managed not to veer in to insipidity or triteness. I hate books that insult my intelligence and it's difficult to write a book that's an easy read that doesn't impugn the reader's intellect. But this book walks that line nicely.
The ending (not a total spoiler but I'm going to hide it behind spoiler tags anyway)
And I want to make those meatballs. They sound good.
August 2, 2019
So much to like in this first book of what promises to be a great series! I like how the main character, Claire DeNardo, admits to being scared but forces herself to continue doing what needs to be done anyway. She doesn't back down. She doesn't need to drag another friend into her business or take them for back-up. She understands the importance of family and is loyal to hers. She doesn't shy away from working hard. She doesn't feel the need for retail therapy every time she hits a snag in her investigations. She does face problems head on and tries to deal with them herself, yet knows when to call the police. These are all refreshing traits in the current cozy murders book trends. i have to say this makes me want to continue reading the series!
I liked the way the author, Carole Fowkes, kept the pace of the book moving briskly forward. No needless rehashing or extraneous padding. The constant forward motion pulse kept the reader engaged and wanting more. I am looking forward to continuing the series!
I liked the way the author, Carole Fowkes, kept the pace of the book moving briskly forward. No needless rehashing or extraneous padding. The constant forward motion pulse kept the reader engaged and wanting more. I am looking forward to continuing the series!
April 1, 2018
New detective series
A very inexperienced stubborn detective or maybe it better to say detective by default. Even though she is inexperienced this detective is learning quickly on the job.
Great storyline, with strong interesting characters. A sub-story of she meets him, well more than one him. He meets her. Feelings blossom.
Glad to find out that this is the beginning of a series.
Excellent read!
A very inexperienced stubborn detective or maybe it better to say detective by default. Even though she is inexperienced this detective is learning quickly on the job.
Great storyline, with strong interesting characters. A sub-story of she meets him, well more than one him. He meets her. Feelings blossom.
Glad to find out that this is the beginning of a series.
Excellent read!
September 12, 2018
This was a fun light mystery with some yummy food descriptions (and a couple of recipes). I had read a later one in the series, so went back to pick up this first one in the series. The characters are appealing (with the obvious exception of the villain). It may not be the most realistic mystery I ever read, but that often happens with cozies.
September 2, 2019
A perfectly good cozy
This story was a bit different, in that our heroine really has no confidence in herself and gets her first murder mystery as a PI. She’s painfully unsure of herself and you are always wondering how she gets into messes she finds herself in! I loved the Italian family dynamic and her bumbling ways morphing into more confidence.
This story was a bit different, in that our heroine really has no confidence in herself and gets her first murder mystery as a PI. She’s painfully unsure of herself and you are always wondering how she gets into messes she finds herself in! I loved the Italian family dynamic and her bumbling ways morphing into more confidence.
October 23, 2018
A twist to everything
Claire is afraid of a lot of things but her sense of justice is strong. She is hired to protect someone's sister, who died the same day. Now she wants to find the killer and he is after her. Wonderful characters and I am looking forward to more of everyone.
Claire is afraid of a lot of things but her sense of justice is strong. She is hired to protect someone's sister, who died the same day. Now she wants to find the killer and he is after her. Wonderful characters and I am looking forward to more of everyone.
April 19, 2019
Delicious
A solid cozy mystery with interesting characters and maybe a spark of romance. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you like your mysteries with some humor please try this author.
A solid cozy mystery with interesting characters and maybe a spark of romance. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you like your mysteries with some humor please try this author.
February 10, 2021
Good read
This is a good read with interesting characters. My only regret being the lack of information on what happened to the meatballs Claire walked from her fathers house with? Lol ..... Really, though, where'd they go?
This is a good read with interesting characters. My only regret being the lack of information on what happened to the meatballs Claire walked from her fathers house with? Lol ..... Really, though, where'd they go?
June 19, 2017
Fun cozy mystery. Claire takes over family P.I. business and takes on a case involving death threats. The case eventually turns into a murder case and the bodies keep staking up around her.
October 21, 2017
Kindle-Free-Ereader News A good cozy mystery with likeable characters,a good beach read
November 22, 2017
I like the way Carole writes and really enjoyed reading this set of mysteries!! Plan to read more of her books.
March 30, 2018
Funny
And very exciting! I am glad I found this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author
And very exciting! I am glad I found this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author
July 7, 2018
How sweet it was.
So he was a good cook and dancer. But he was such a killer of the heart. You weren't sure if he was or wasn't truthful.
So he was a good cook and dancer. But he was such a killer of the heart. You weren't sure if he was or wasn't truthful.
August 3, 2019
Enjoyed
This was the first book I have read and enjoyed the characters and story line it's hard to find a good mystery.
This was the first book I have read and enjoyed the characters and story line it's hard to find a good mystery.
January 6, 2020
Mais uma das muitas histórias de detetive que já li. É interessante, principalmente considerando a atrapalhada protagonista.
March 22, 2016
Claire took over her Uncle’s PI business, but just doing the surveillance type stuff like spying on unfaithful spouses. She never meant to do anything scarier because she gets scared at pretty much everything, then Michael walked in needing a PI to find out who was after his sister.
Then his sister is murdered and she is wrapped up in a murder case and someone is wanting to scare her off the case with some frightening phone calls. The detective on the case doesn’t want her involved and especially now that she is getting threats, then another person who is tied into everything dies and the stakes get higher.
If Claire can contain her fears she might be able to just solve this case.
This was a fun read and a nice twist to PI cozies as the private investigator is scared of being a PI, or at least the kind that takes dangers cases. She prefers staying out of site and getting paid for it. Between trying to keep her little business alive and working for her Aunt she has her hands full. As much as she would like to drop Michael’s case she needs the money more.
Claire was a fun character that I can enjoy and I really liked her nosy Aunt, cause there just has to be one of those characters. :) I wasn’t sure about the detective at first but he grew on me as time went on. I am curious to read another one to see how Claire handles herself.
If you like cozies then you might enjoy this one as well. :)
Then his sister is murdered and she is wrapped up in a murder case and someone is wanting to scare her off the case with some frightening phone calls. The detective on the case doesn’t want her involved and especially now that she is getting threats, then another person who is tied into everything dies and the stakes get higher.
If Claire can contain her fears she might be able to just solve this case.
This was a fun read and a nice twist to PI cozies as the private investigator is scared of being a PI, or at least the kind that takes dangers cases. She prefers staying out of site and getting paid for it. Between trying to keep her little business alive and working for her Aunt she has her hands full. As much as she would like to drop Michael’s case she needs the money more.
Claire was a fun character that I can enjoy and I really liked her nosy Aunt, cause there just has to be one of those characters. :) I wasn’t sure about the detective at first but he grew on me as time went on. I am curious to read another one to see how Claire handles herself.
If you like cozies then you might enjoy this one as well. :)
February 28, 2016
Claire has inherited her uncle’s private investigators business. She used to just film cheating spouses but if she wants to keep the business going she is going to have to accept the job that just walked into the door. Michael comes to hire her because someone has been threatening his sister Constance. But before Claire can really start investigating, Constance is discovered murdered.
Constance worked for a big pharmaceutical business and was clear that she was going to work her way to the top through all the CEO’s. Claire is going to have her hands full trying to figure out who the killer is, especially when they start threatening her. But with the help of Michael, her big family, and lots of food she will save the day.
I really liked this story. Claire clearly is in over her head but she keeps fighting. I wouldn’t say Claire is afraid of everything, that makes me think she neurotic. But she does have a healthy sense of awareness. I loved her family; they are big, loud, and full of love. And the mystery will have you guessing until the end.
If you like cozy mysteries you need to check out this book. As for me, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received Plateful of Murder for free from Sage’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Constance worked for a big pharmaceutical business and was clear that she was going to work her way to the top through all the CEO’s. Claire is going to have her hands full trying to figure out who the killer is, especially when they start threatening her. But with the help of Michael, her big family, and lots of food she will save the day.
I really liked this story. Claire clearly is in over her head but she keeps fighting. I wouldn’t say Claire is afraid of everything, that makes me think she neurotic. But she does have a healthy sense of awareness. I loved her family; they are big, loud, and full of love. And the mystery will have you guessing until the end.
If you like cozy mysteries you need to check out this book. As for me, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received Plateful of Murder for free from Sage’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
Plateful of Murder by Carol Fowkes is an entertaining summer read.
Claire DeNardo has too much compassion to be a true private eye. She takes over the agency from her uncle who retired to Florida. Uncle Gino constantly reminded her to keep personal life separate from her professional life -- don't get involved. Easier for Claire to hear, but harder for her to follow. She becomes enamored with her client and argues with the detective who is giving her the eye.
Who is the killer, and why? Unfortunately the killer also seems to be stalking those who are close to her. Claire is a determined woman who doesn't stop until she has the complete answer.
Look forward to more of the Terrified Detective and the antics of Claire. Thanks, Ms. Fowkes.
I won the Plateful of Murder from goodreads.
Claire DeNardo has too much compassion to be a true private eye. She takes over the agency from her uncle who retired to Florida. Uncle Gino constantly reminded her to keep personal life separate from her professional life -- don't get involved. Easier for Claire to hear, but harder for her to follow. She becomes enamored with her client and argues with the detective who is giving her the eye.
Who is the killer, and why? Unfortunately the killer also seems to be stalking those who are close to her. Claire is a determined woman who doesn't stop until she has the complete answer.
Look forward to more of the Terrified Detective and the antics of Claire. Thanks, Ms. Fowkes.
I won the Plateful of Murder from goodreads.
March 5, 2016
This sort of falls into the cozy genre...although the main character is a PI...however, not a great one since she took over the business from her boss and Uncle. She is broke and doesn't come across as being extremely competent, so it makes her a bit desperate.
There are quite a few characters so there is no shortage of possibilities of who the killer might be. In fact, I was quite surprised when he/she was revealed, but maybe shouldn't have been given a few things that happen in the plot line.
While Claire may not be the most competent PI, she has gumption and wants to see the case through. she also has a couple of suitors, her most recent client and the police detective. Which one will she choose?
I'm going to have to pick up the next books and see where the story goes for Claire.
There are quite a few characters so there is no shortage of possibilities of who the killer might be. In fact, I was quite surprised when he/she was revealed, but maybe shouldn't have been given a few things that happen in the plot line.
While Claire may not be the most competent PI, she has gumption and wants to see the case through. she also has a couple of suitors, her most recent client and the police detective. Which one will she choose?
I'm going to have to pick up the next books and see where the story goes for Claire.
March 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this mystery. A not-so savvy, very likable private detective with limited experience, Claire takes on a case that challenges her to go beyond her comfort zone on many levels. The story is told by Claire in a light conversational tone; she pokes fun at herself, her fears, and her economic situation. It’s easy to relate to Claire as a person – her interactions with her family and others were humorous, yet believable. And there was even a hint of romance in the works. The suspense built nicely, with surprises along the way, keeping me turning pages till way past my bedtime.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
March 20, 2016
This would have been a good book if it hadn't rubbed me the wrong way. There was a very ignorant and insulting comment in one of the first few chapters about people getting diabetes from eating too much sugar. This is just wrong and not true. Sadly people often write inaccurate things about diabetes all the time showing up in books and tv. Check your facts before writing something like that. Despite this I conyinued to read the book. I liked the story but am still angry about the ignorance. Doubt I will be reading any books to follow but I did like the characters.
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