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Working Stiffs Mystery #2
Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles
Everybody's got a secret.
A secret crush, a secret liaison, a secret recipe.
And for a deadly few, a secret murder.
Port Merritt’s favorite bad boy, Russell Falco, was a seasoned veteran of secret liaisons. But after his body washes up on the shore of Merritt Bay, Deputy Coroner and human lie detector, Charmaine Digby, suspects one of those liaisons got Russell killed.
Secrets. Lies. Cookie-baking rivals. And a dead guy. Char’s on the case and is determined to find the killer . . . if the killer doesn’t find her first!
A secret crush, a secret liaison, a secret recipe.
And for a deadly few, a secret murder.
Port Merritt’s favorite bad boy, Russell Falco, was a seasoned veteran of secret liaisons. But after his body washes up on the shore of Merritt Bay, Deputy Coroner and human lie detector, Charmaine Digby, suspects one of those liaisons got Russell killed.
Secrets. Lies. Cookie-baking rivals. And a dead guy. Char’s on the case and is determined to find the killer . . . if the killer doesn’t find her first!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2014
422 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Delaney
15 books122 followersWendy Delaney writes fun-filled cozy mysteries and is the award-winning author of the Working Stiffs Mystery series. A longtime member of Mystery Writers of America, she's a Food Network addict and pastry chef wannabe. When she's not killing off story people she can be found on her treadmill, working off the calories from her latest culinary adventure. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Wendy lives in the Texas Hill Country with the love of her life and is a proud grandma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 28, 2019
The second in the Working Stiffs Mystery series, this book finds Charmaine doing her job as assistant coroner while she also tries to investigate what she believes is a definite murder. The police are calling it an accidental death, but Charmaine finds a lot of suspects, quite a few clues, and many opportunities to do what her policeman/love interest/friend Steve calls 'interfering'. When Char is proven right, that it was murder, she has to find the killer before he kills again. This is a good series and I look forward to reading more.
April 30, 2019
Sex, Lies and Snickerdoodles by Wendy Delaney was another fun trip with Char as she goes above and beyond her duties as a Deputy Coroner to prove an "accidental death" was murder. Of course, her and her "friend" Steve don't agree but that doesn't Char when her "lie-dar" is telling her it's murder.
August 9, 2014
Hard-working handyman Russell Falco was putting in lots of overtime with the ladies of Port Merritt, but he wasn't just erecting their cabinets. When Russell is found sleeping with the fishes and his death is ruled an accident, Deputy Coroner Charmaine Digby is on the job—much to the dismay of her sex buddy, Detective Steve Sixkiller. Can Char prove that Russell's death was a murder? Or will Steve see to it that she winds up dead in the water?
SEX, LIES, and SNICKERDOODLES is a real treat (and I'm not talking about all the cookies and ice cream)! Charmaine and her family just exude that feeling of home—like a fresh-baked batch of snickerdoodles. And they make for a super fun read. I especially enjoyed Char's sweet Gram (but not her lasagna with cheddar cheese) and the wacky antics of her actress mother, Marietta Moreau (personally, I like her fake Southern accent, despite what Barry and the family have to say about it). But the best part of the story is the mystery surrounding who offed Falco. You won't figure out whodunit! I'm really looking forward to the next installment of the Working Stiffs Mystery series. I have to now what happens between Char and her sex buddy, Steve!
SEX, LIES, and SNICKERDOODLES is a real treat (and I'm not talking about all the cookies and ice cream)! Charmaine and her family just exude that feeling of home—like a fresh-baked batch of snickerdoodles. And they make for a super fun read. I especially enjoyed Char's sweet Gram (but not her lasagna with cheddar cheese) and the wacky antics of her actress mother, Marietta Moreau (personally, I like her fake Southern accent, despite what Barry and the family have to say about it). But the best part of the story is the mystery surrounding who offed Falco. You won't figure out whodunit! I'm really looking forward to the next installment of the Working Stiffs Mystery series. I have to now what happens between Char and her sex buddy, Steve!
August 1, 2017
Charmaine Digby is working on rebuilding the self-esteem that was crushed after her ex won a top chef competition and kicked her to the curb. She’s learning how to be friends-with-benefits with her childhood friend turned hot cop, Steve Sixkiller, and she’s just about to clear probation in her new job as “deputy coroner”. The “deputy coroner” thing is less impressive than it sounds, because her job includes making coffee for everyone in the office and filing. She’s got an edge though, she is freakishly qualified in spotting liars. In addition to figuring out who killed the town bad boy, Charmain is having to deal with her B-list Hollywood actress other, who is back in town and seriously dating Charmaine’s high school biology teacher, and a cookie baking war.
This is book 2 in the series. It was just as enjoyable as book 1. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Char and Steve is progressing, and I enjoyed the interactions between the other characters. I am getting a little tired of Charmaine having to give up her room in her grandmother’s house to sleep on the couch, aka “The Crippler” when her mother drops in to visit. I’m hoping she’ll take something from her paycheck and at least buy her grandmother a better sleeper sofa. Overall, though, the dialogue is snappy, the writing smooth, and the plot held my interest. This was a light, fun, quick read. There are two more to go in the series, and I will be reading both.
This is book 2 in the series. It was just as enjoyable as book 1. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Char and Steve is progressing, and I enjoyed the interactions between the other characters. I am getting a little tired of Charmaine having to give up her room in her grandmother’s house to sleep on the couch, aka “The Crippler” when her mother drops in to visit. I’m hoping she’ll take something from her paycheck and at least buy her grandmother a better sleeper sofa. Overall, though, the dialogue is snappy, the writing smooth, and the plot held my interest. This was a light, fun, quick read. There are two more to go in the series, and I will be reading both.
July 24, 2017
Sex,lies, and Murder
This was a very interesting book, kept you guessing until the end... Characters and humor were outstanding. This Author was new for me and will be reading more I her books.
This was a very interesting book, kept you guessing until the end... Characters and humor were outstanding. This Author was new for me and will be reading more I her books.
August 1, 2014
Yes...it's NO secret that I am a fan of Wendy Delaney and her books! Sex, Lies and Snickerdoodles is the second book in the Working Stiffs series by this wonderfully talented author. If you are looking for something new to read that both entertains you...gives you some giggles and is a very down to Earth mystery with a little romance thrown in…then don't hesitate to pick up the newest book in this series. The cast of characters in this story are great and very relatable. AND if you would like to find out more about the characters and their crazy antics then pick up a copy of Trudy, Madly, Deeply the first book in this amazing series. I thoroughly enjoyed Sex, Lies and Snickerdoodles and would recommend it to everyone looking for a fun…enjoyable…entertaining book that will looking forward to the next story. Definitely worth reading!
August 7, 2014
Charmaine Digby of Port Merritt, Washington, has an ear for the truth and a nose for trouble. When ladies man and town bad boy Russell Falco turns up death, Charmaine is on the case collecting information for the Coroner’s Office in her role as special assistant to the prosecutor.
While longtime crush Detective Steve Sixkiller admires her brains and assets, he’s not into sharing case details with Charmaine, even though they are currently friends with benefits.
Undeterred, Charmaine calls upon her extensive personal network to trace the victim’s last hours and flush out a killer. She is the tomboy next door, all grown up with womanly appetites and a singular focus. Charmaine is a sleuth hound of the first order, worrying away at the bone of truth.
Delaney writes with rich detail and snappy dialogue that keeps the page humming.
While longtime crush Detective Steve Sixkiller admires her brains and assets, he’s not into sharing case details with Charmaine, even though they are currently friends with benefits.
Undeterred, Charmaine calls upon her extensive personal network to trace the victim’s last hours and flush out a killer. She is the tomboy next door, all grown up with womanly appetites and a singular focus. Charmaine is a sleuth hound of the first order, worrying away at the bone of truth.
Delaney writes with rich detail and snappy dialogue that keeps the page humming.
July 29, 2014
This was a terrific 2nd book in the Working Stiffs (soon to be series).
Wendy has done it again, being able to bring some humor in with the mystery and keeping it all so anyone of any age can read it. Charmaine and this time her Mom are working together from the start which makes it funny from the start.
If you haven't read the 1st book you can still enjoy this one but I suggest you still give the other a try.
Wendy has done it again, being able to bring some humor in with the mystery and keeping it all so anyone of any age can read it. Charmaine and this time her Mom are working together from the start which makes it funny from the start.
If you haven't read the 1st book you can still enjoy this one but I suggest you still give the other a try.
August 5, 2014
FUN AND INTRIGUING
FUN AND INTRIGUING
I enjoyed this author's first book (Trudy Madly Deeply) so much that I've been eagerly awaiting Charmain's next adventure. Ms Delaney's characters are flawed and fun. This mystery was well told and I enjoyed trying to figure out 'who done it'. Now I'm looking forward to the next one.
PS Next day, after staying up LATE to finish reading this, I'm still hearing Char's voice in my head!! Awesome!!
FUN AND INTRIGUING
I enjoyed this author's first book (Trudy Madly Deeply) so much that I've been eagerly awaiting Charmain's next adventure. Ms Delaney's characters are flawed and fun. This mystery was well told and I enjoyed trying to figure out 'who done it'. Now I'm looking forward to the next one.
PS Next day, after staying up LATE to finish reading this, I'm still hearing Char's voice in my head!! Awesome!!
July 29, 2014
Another fun read from Wendy Delaney! Charmaine is back with another mystery to solve, along with trying to keep her love life secret! I really enjoy this series and can't wait to see what Charmiane gets mixed up with next! This is a great summer read.
August 9, 2014
I love it when the first line of a book hooks you and you just know that will love the whole book. Once again Wendy Delaney gave us wonderful moments reading her words. I can wait to read more about the adventures of Charmaine, her family and her gorgeous beau.
July 30, 2014
This second book is even better than the first in the Working Stiffs mystery series. It's hilarious, with wonderful characters that are becoming more dear to me with each passing book, and a great plot line and mystery! Kept me guessing right to the end!
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
August 10, 2014
Gotta love Charmaine and crew. She is like a real person, worried about her new job, always dieting and a love interest that may not go anywhere.
Althought Charmaine is always on a diet - she loves chocolate.
i hope Wendy never gets tired of bringing us stories about the crazy family.
Althought Charmaine is always on a diet - she loves chocolate.
i hope Wendy never gets tired of bringing us stories about the crazy family.
November 22, 2023
This was a fun whodunit that had some serious twists and turns. It can be read as a standalone. The book had clean steam and felt more realistic than many cozy mysteries. It was also set near where I used to live so it was fun hearing familiar town names.
June 10, 2024
Too many suspects
When a local handyman is found drowned, Char thinks there something fishy about his death, but the local sheriff, doesn’t necessarily agree with her. She has a suspect but is it the right one?!
When a local handyman is found drowned, Char thinks there something fishy about his death, but the local sheriff, doesn’t necessarily agree with her. She has a suspect but is it the right one?!
May 2, 2016
Love following Chow Mein around town as she once again tries to make something out of nothing - is it a murder or isn't it? I think I need a chocolate martini to help me think.
May 10, 2021
Another satisfyer!
Very fast paced. Once again much humor! And with a satisfying ending that kept me guessing right to the end!
Very fast paced. Once again much humor! And with a satisfying ending that kept me guessing right to the end!
November 18, 2024
This book was so much fun. I really enjoyed reading it!
July 27, 2017
Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish
'Steve's cell phone rang and he stopped and pulled it from his pocket. "Hey, Captain." His gaze sharpened, then he turned his back to me. Steve had kidded me about being a human lie detector ever since I participated in a university study as a favor to my former sister-in-law, the clinical psychologist. Even before my perceptive abilities had been documented, he'd made a point of sheltering his face when he didn't want me to read his body language. But since the Port Merritt PD captain was calling his one and only detective on his day off, anyone in the room should have been able to see that something very bad had happened.
"Tell him not to touch anything," he said. "I'll be there in ten." "What's happened?" I asked the second Steve disconnected, my voice a squeaky blend of breath and apprehension. He pocketed his cell phone. "Russell Falcon has been found."
In Trudy, Madly, Deeply (Book 1) of the Charmaine (Char) Digby series, we followed her as she became an investigative assistant for the coroner's office. We got to know Detective Steve Sixkiller as she solved the suspicious death of a family friend and several other elderly patients whose hearts mysteriously stopped. And who could forget Char's mother the 'actress' who is in the market for her next husband. Author Wendy Delaney brings all of them back plus a few more in Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles (Book 2).
In this episode Char argues with Steve, insisting that the death of Russ Falcon was a murder. Steve isn't saying it was or it wasn't. Actually, he isn't saying anything leaving Char to come up with the evidence and motive on her own. Her main target is the husband of one of Russ' flings. But did he do it? She believe so, even if Steve doesn't seem to think she is right.
Reading Book 2 in this series I wasn't sure who killed Russ or even if it was a murder. I knew who I suspected but had no motive, which lead me to think that maybe his death really was an accident. I have to admit that I had the correct character but never did have the motive until the end. So, read this book and let me know if you came up with the same suspect that I did. Now I'm looking forward to reading There's Something About Marty - Book 3 in this series.
'Steve's cell phone rang and he stopped and pulled it from his pocket. "Hey, Captain." His gaze sharpened, then he turned his back to me. Steve had kidded me about being a human lie detector ever since I participated in a university study as a favor to my former sister-in-law, the clinical psychologist. Even before my perceptive abilities had been documented, he'd made a point of sheltering his face when he didn't want me to read his body language. But since the Port Merritt PD captain was calling his one and only detective on his day off, anyone in the room should have been able to see that something very bad had happened.
"Tell him not to touch anything," he said. "I'll be there in ten." "What's happened?" I asked the second Steve disconnected, my voice a squeaky blend of breath and apprehension. He pocketed his cell phone. "Russell Falcon has been found."
In Trudy, Madly, Deeply (Book 1) of the Charmaine (Char) Digby series, we followed her as she became an investigative assistant for the coroner's office. We got to know Detective Steve Sixkiller as she solved the suspicious death of a family friend and several other elderly patients whose hearts mysteriously stopped. And who could forget Char's mother the 'actress' who is in the market for her next husband. Author Wendy Delaney brings all of them back plus a few more in Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles (Book 2).
In this episode Char argues with Steve, insisting that the death of Russ Falcon was a murder. Steve isn't saying it was or it wasn't. Actually, he isn't saying anything leaving Char to come up with the evidence and motive on her own. Her main target is the husband of one of Russ' flings. But did he do it? She believe so, even if Steve doesn't seem to think she is right.
Reading Book 2 in this series I wasn't sure who killed Russ or even if it was a murder. I knew who I suspected but had no motive, which lead me to think that maybe his death really was an accident. I have to admit that I had the correct character but never did have the motive until the end. So, read this book and let me know if you came up with the same suspect that I did. Now I'm looking forward to reading There's Something About Marty - Book 3 in this series.
November 30, 2018
Loved it!
The Working Stiffs mysteries are just plain fun to read. Char may not have a lot of experience as an investigator but she makes up for it in pure stubborn determination. This time she’s trying to find the why behind a notorious womanizers death. Even though she meets roadblocks in the form of a unfavorable pathologist report, her sort of boyfriend Detective Steve and her somewhat dubious authority as an deputy coroner she keeps digging for the truth. An unexpected ending will surprise you in this second installment.
The Working Stiffs mysteries are just plain fun to read. Char may not have a lot of experience as an investigator but she makes up for it in pure stubborn determination. This time she’s trying to find the why behind a notorious womanizers death. Even though she meets roadblocks in the form of a unfavorable pathologist report, her sort of boyfriend Detective Steve and her somewhat dubious authority as an deputy coroner she keeps digging for the truth. An unexpected ending will surprise you in this second installment.
March 17, 2020
A well developed plot, with good characters.
I enjoy Charmaine and Steve and the rest of the quirky characters in this little northwestern town. I could do with Charmaine talking a little less about how much she needs to lose weight...seems like an unnecessary amount of focus on that, to the point where as a 34 year old woman who could also stand to lose a little weight I get a bit annoyed by her constant focus on this.
However, the plots are well thought out, albeit a little predictable in this installment. I look forward to reading the next book!
I enjoy Charmaine and Steve and the rest of the quirky characters in this little northwestern town. I could do with Charmaine talking a little less about how much she needs to lose weight...seems like an unnecessary amount of focus on that, to the point where as a 34 year old woman who could also stand to lose a little weight I get a bit annoyed by her constant focus on this.
However, the plots are well thought out, albeit a little predictable in this installment. I look forward to reading the next book!
March 3, 2025
Interesting plot. Needs more depth and descriptive phrases cast of characters, mostly family members okay but could be fleshed out better. A bit too much emphasis on bad diet. Mother character did not seem well developed, but she was an actress, so maybe ok. The villain was too much in the background to be a suspect until the end.
Relationship between Char and Steve was developing and seemed to set a basis for sequel. I always wonder how people in small towns can just go around asking questions, but whatever.
Anyway, ok, I read it til the end.
Relationship between Char and Steve was developing and seemed to set a basis for sequel. I always wonder how people in small towns can just go around asking questions, but whatever.
Anyway, ok, I read it til the end.
September 16, 2017
A fun cozy mystery!
Char works as a Deputy Coroner. Her boyfriend Steve is a police detective. They are both out to solve the mystery of what happened to Russell, a handyman with a busy social life. There are quite a few suspects. One thing I liked is the banter with Char and Steve and he doesn't tell her everything he knows which keeps the reader guessing. Quick, fun read with interesting characters, some romance and a good cozy mystery. Looking forward to the next book.
Char works as a Deputy Coroner. Her boyfriend Steve is a police detective. They are both out to solve the mystery of what happened to Russell, a handyman with a busy social life. There are quite a few suspects. One thing I liked is the banter with Char and Steve and he doesn't tell her everything he knows which keeps the reader guessing. Quick, fun read with interesting characters, some romance and a good cozy mystery. Looking forward to the next book.
November 9, 2018
Good read
This is a really good series. Charmaine is a human lie detector working as a deputy coroner. Steve is the only detective in this small northwestern island town. She can't help herself when someone dies. It's always murder in her eyes and he wishes she would stick to her job and stay out of his. There is lots of humor, quirky characters, some suggested sex, lots of mystery, and a little danger. Highly recommend
This is a really good series. Charmaine is a human lie detector working as a deputy coroner. Steve is the only detective in this small northwestern island town. She can't help herself when someone dies. It's always murder in her eyes and he wishes she would stick to her job and stay out of his. There is lots of humor, quirky characters, some suggested sex, lots of mystery, and a little danger. Highly recommend
March 12, 2019
What a fun read, and so well-written to boot! I loved the breezy, irreverent style, so sharp with fresh and clever turns of phrase. I liked that the clue-search was in a very small town but done just like in the big cities of crime--ferreting out facts and talking to people. The characters were a pleasure to meet, and Duke's a place I want to go! Charmaine can be a bit annoying at times, but she sure keeps life exciting and I look forward to hanging out with her some more.
June 7, 2024
Southern fun and murder
Charmaine Digby is now working for the county coroner in her little southern town. A local ladies’ man, Russell Falco is found drowned and Char is suspicious. As she is a human lie detector, she starts her own investigation, much to the chagrin of her old friend Detective Steve.
This book is full of southern charm, small town gossip, and interesting characters.
The story is filled with much talk, family drama and the usual southern-isms. A fun read.
Charmaine Digby is now working for the county coroner in her little southern town. A local ladies’ man, Russell Falco is found drowned and Char is suspicious. As she is a human lie detector, she starts her own investigation, much to the chagrin of her old friend Detective Steve.
This book is full of southern charm, small town gossip, and interesting characters.
The story is filled with much talk, family drama and the usual southern-isms. A fun read.
November 2, 2024
SEX, LIES, AND SNICKERDOODLES is a really good mystery with a wonderful protagonist, Charmaine Digby, and great supporting characters. There are lots of false flags and an excellent twist at the end. I enjoyed this book very much except for the frequent emphasis on a sexual relationship outside of marriage. Even though there are no specific, spicy scenes, it just seemed a little much for a cozy mystery.
April 15, 2025
Engaging but slow
My issue with Cozy Mysteries is that, in general, they move very slowly. Even when they’re propelled by witty banter, clever thoughts from the protagonist, and twisty plots, they seem to take forever to proceed. I tend to lose interest in the characters and who did the evil deed. In SLAS, the writing is good, the dialogue is relevant, & I often didn’t care because I’d lost interest. So if you like cozies more than me, this book could be a good choice.
My issue with Cozy Mysteries is that, in general, they move very slowly. Even when they’re propelled by witty banter, clever thoughts from the protagonist, and twisty plots, they seem to take forever to proceed. I tend to lose interest in the characters and who did the evil deed. In SLAS, the writing is good, the dialogue is relevant, & I often didn’t care because I’d lost interest. So if you like cozies more than me, this book could be a good choice.
August 31, 2017
Fun sequel to Trudy, Madly, Deeply. :)
More small town life with the quirky cast of characters we got to meet in book #1.
The whodunit may not be all that surprising, but I enjoyed following Charmaine on her way to solving the case.
Note from the Cookie Monster: It would be awesome if the ribbon-winning cookie recipes were also on http://www.wendydelaney.com/fun-stuff/ ;)
More small town life with the quirky cast of characters we got to meet in book #1.
The whodunit may not be all that surprising, but I enjoyed following Charmaine on her way to solving the case.
Note from the Cookie Monster: It would be awesome if the ribbon-winning cookie recipes were also on http://www.wendydelaney.com/fun-stuff/ ;)
September 6, 2017
Cookies, Cookies, and More Cookies
A heroine with a sense of humor and a nose for who's lying made for an exciting and amusing tale. A collection of interesting family and friends help Char get back into the single life after her divorce and return to town. She is positive a murder took place and works diligently to prove it. Will she?
A heroine with a sense of humor and a nose for who's lying made for an exciting and amusing tale. A collection of interesting family and friends help Char get back into the single life after her divorce and return to town. She is positive a murder took place and works diligently to prove it. Will she?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews