Perfectly Good Crime

Kate Bradley Mystery #2

by Dete Meserve

From the bestselling author of Good Sam comes a taut and thought-provoking follow-up, Perfectly Good Crime.

When the estates of the 100 wealthiest Americans are targeted in a series of sophisticated, high tech heists, Los Angeles TV news reporter Kate Bradley must venture inside the world of the super rich to investigate the biggest story of the year.

As the heists escalate, Kate’s search is thwarted when the Los Angeles police detective she’s been working with mysteriously disappears, her senator father demands that she stop reporting on the heists, and the billionaire victims refuse to talk to the media. Kate uncovers clues that those behind the robberies have shocking, yet uplifting, motives—it just may be a perfectly good crime that brings about powerful change.

Further complicating her life is a dream job awaiting her in New York, a choice that could shatter from her deepening relationship with Fire Captain Eric Hayes. Kate must trust her instincts—and her heart—in a high stakes search that will test everything she believes and force her to decide where she belongs.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Amazon, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2016

About the author

Dete Meserve is a best-selling novelist and an award-winning creator and producer of films and television series.

She wrote the screenplay adaptation of her debut novel, Good Sam, and produced it as a feature film for Netflix. (Watch today!)

Inspired by a question posed to readers—"What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past?—" her fifth novel, The Memory Collectors, explores the universal desire to revisit pivotal moments in our lives, whether to reconnect with a loved one, undo a painful mistake, or relive a joyous memory. In this suspenseful and emotional journey, four strangers step back into their pasts only to find themselves trapped in time. A shocking twist forces them to unravel hidden connections between them—uncovering secrets that change everything.

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

indas Book Obsession Reviews “Perfectly Good Crime” by @Dete Meserve, Melrose Hill Publishing

Wow! Wow! Wow! I absolutely loved everything about “Perfectly Good Crime” by Author Dete Meserve. The Genres for this wonderful novel are Fiction, Mystery, Suspense and Romance. This is the second novel in the Kate Bradley Mystery Series, but can be read on its own merits. I enjoy a thought-provoking novel, and “Perfectly Good Crime” left me thinking, and yet, I lost another night sleeping, because I just couldn’t put this book down. The author describes her colorful characters as complex, complicated and intelligent. The time-line for this story is mostly in the present and goes back to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.

Kate Bradley is a TV News Reporter in Los Angeles and finds herself in the middle of a demanding story, where billionaires, über wealthy people find themselves being robbed. The most sophisticated equipment is not able to keep the thieves away. Who could be capable of doing this? Why is this being done? As Kate continues to investigate, she finds that enough people want her stopped. A good friend is missing, and subtle threats are thrown her way.

What makes Kate’s job more difficult, is that it is almost impossible to get information from the victims, or the police. Also, whoever is behind this is encouraging a special type of change than can make a huge difference.

I highly recommend this intriguing, intense, captivating, riveting, and enthralling novel to readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories. Kudos to Dete Meserve, who always makes me realize that kindness is contagious.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take from the rich, give to the poor...

We first met L.A. television news reporter Kate Bradley in Dete Meserve's first book GOOD SAM. I loved that book, with its message of hope and giving. This book will stand alone but I re-read GOOD SAM before reading this one and am glad that I did.

Well, Meserve has done it again in this follow-up. This offering is much more intricately told, with Kate following a series of stories about some of the richest people in the world being robbed of millions in cash and high-priced goodies. That's intriguing enough but what follows is the Story of the Year.

I loved reading this book and finding out all kinds of insider information on how the news business runs - both good and bad points.

There is also Kate's continuing romance with Captain Eric Hayes of L.A. County Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue Team. Great details of what that department does, too. The water scenes were beyond scary to me.

Author Meserve has a real talent of bringing her characters to life. The dialogue is realistic and her word pictures brought the story to life.

This is a book that will get you thinking and cause some healthy back-and-forth conversations. It would be a perfect book for a book club to read and definitely discuss.

I am very glad that I received this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Darlene Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the best selling author of the thought provoking :"Good Sam" comes this "perfectly good" follow up, "A Perfectly Good Crime" is bound to keep readers tuning pages into the wee hours of the morning. The "stand-alone" sequel draws the reader into the intriguing, moral dilemma faced by tenacious, TV news reporter, Kate Bradley, as she investigates a sophisticated spree of high tech heists targeting a number of America's wealthiest families. Readers can't help but identify with Kate and ask themselves what they might do in Kate's place as she battles opposing views of right and wrong. A decision made all the more difficult by all the sudden rash of good things happening for those in need. Are these crimes against the rich being waged by a new world Robin Hood? This novel is filled with suspense, romance, as well as real life dilemmas. The author also provides readers with an insider's view of newsroom politics--backroom debates on story versus the value of ratings. When the high profile story catapults Kate into the spotlight, like many professionals in today's world, the intuitive, Kate Bradley, is torn between her personal and professional priories. To go forward in her professional life will she sacrifice the love of her life? Read "A Perfectly Good Crime" to find out.

[Camille Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Dete Meserve. After loving Good Sam and reading it in one sitting, I immediately wanted to continue Kate's story, so I downloaded Perfectly Good Crime. I think I may have liked it even better! I grew up in newsrooms and television stations because of my dad's career, so that setting felt like home to me. I also loved that there's a character who drinks copious amounts of Dr Pepper and that the author knows that "Dr" does not have a period after it in this case. That's the Texas girl in me noticing that kind of detail.

But truly - it was a great read, a surprising end, a thought-provoking premise. I hope there will be more.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, author autographed, free Goodreads giveaway. Kate is an excellent newscaster who is always busy covering breaking news. Her biggest stories are about robberies on several billionaire estates. There are unusual results that surface afterward. Kate and firefighter/rescuer, Eric find they have difficult decisions to make so their love affair continues.
This was interesting and well done. It makes you think about some moral ambiguities regarding robberies. It was a twist on a mystery from a reporter's viewpoint.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I did not read GOOD SAM, the first book in this series, I felt like I got a good overview of the characters and overall feel for the series. There is something for everyone...mystery, intrigue and romance. It was easy to keep turning pages because the characters were very realistic and the real life issues were some that got me thinking. 4 stars

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again our heroine Kate Bradley is back! The sequel to Good Sam continues Kate’s story of finding the good within a mystery. The story begins with Newscaster Kate covering a robbery at one of Los Angeles’ most expensive mansions. The mystery of how the robbers got in past the high tech security system, stole only specific items, and got out in under 15 minutes has everyone baffled. Then, another robbery occurs under the same circumstances, and then another and then another. Everyone being robbed is worth billions. While trying to figure out the robberies, Kate stumbles across a very poor area of Los Angeles that is all of a sudden getting much needed assistance for the poor and homeless. Are the two events connected? Kate seems to think so. The robbers have been dubbed “Robin Hood”. Steal from the rich and give to the poor.

Meanwhile, Kate’s personal life is going through a lot of turmoil. Her father, a US Senator, wants her off the Robin Hood Story, she is offered a job in NY with a large news agency, her relationship with Eric becomes complicated. With so many decisions to make where will Kate’s personal life lead?

Dete Meserve is an exceptional writer of stories shrouded in mystery but also includes the true goodness in people. Perfectly Good Crime is extremely well written and an excellent read.

If you are looking for a book that will have you smiling and feeling good after reading, this book is definitely for you! I loved the story and the writing is amazing. This is a definite MUST read!

Thank you #netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for allowing me to read this book for a fair and honest review!

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I had not read the first Kate Bradley Mystery and that was fine - I didn't feel like I was at a disadvantage and was easily able to follow the story line. I really enjoyed the plot of the book - stealing from the ultra wealthy to give to the poor. For me, I felt like the book was a bit slow in places (but again, this could just be me) and I also would have liked a bit more focus on Kate's personal life, especially since her romantic relationship was a big factor in a large decision that she had to make later in the book.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Good Crime is another wonderful story from Dete Meserve! I loved the people I first met in the book #1 of this series, Good Sam, and I enjoyed spending time with them again.

I love the character of Kate. She is an honest, hard working reporter who always seems to land a story that becomes big news. As she sets to find out who is robbing the richest men in the area, she also discovers that someone is giving riches to the poor.

At the same time that Kate is researching and reporting on this compelling story, one of the biggest television networks is trying to lure her away from her current job and life. Will she be able to make the right decision? And will she be able to have the life she wants and deserves?

Dete continues to write great 'feel good' stories that show that not all news is bad. There is just the right amount of mystery and romance to keep all of her readers satisfied and I look forward to reading more of this exciting, interesting series!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Hood! That's what Kate concludes when high tech billionaires are robbed and then benefits appear for those with considerably less. She's a reporter on a mission, despite her politician father's demand that she stop because she's annoying his campaign contributors. Meserve has written an entertaining novel of the haves and have nots combined with a newsroom (wonderful scenes there!). There's also a nice romance between Kate and her first responder love Eric, which is, as these things must be, up in the air when she gets a career opportunity. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a fast, entertaining read that doesn't require you to have read the first one (and now I'm looking forward to another!)

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book either an unusual slant. Not gripping but very readable.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Dete Meserve. The perfect combination of romance, mystery, and suspense! I do hope we will hear from
Kate Bradley again!

[Tim DeRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't the kind of thing I normally read....But it's very well-executed. Great mystery, engaging characters, very topical.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Good Book. This was my second book of Ms. Meserve's after having read The Space Between last year, and while very different it showed that she is truly a very gifted writer. It is hard to say much about the content of this book without going into spoiler territory, so I will simply say that it was a very quick and very enjoyable read that raised a lot of questions and had what appears to be a decent amount of balance to the overall mystery here - if you subscribe to the dominant thinking. Overall a great new tale that uses a legendary tale in a modern setting to have a discussion about larger issues while telling an interesting story and continuing the world set forth in the previous book.

[Carol Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dete Meserve does it again. Incredible journey, could not put it down. Hope there is a follow up to this book. Love the series, Good Samaritan is the first in the series, but this can be read as a stand alone.

I hope that those who read this one as well as Good Samaritan, will want to be like others and find good deeds to pass on. A smile goes a long way.

Kate Bradley is a news reporter that gets caught up in an intriguing set of thefts. Being a daughter of a senator is not easy, but it gets Kate into see people she wouldn't normally have access to.

Does Kate defy her father's wishes or does she find the facts?

The uber rich are being targeted by "Robin Hood", who is stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Kate thinks she knows who he is, but can she prove it and advance her career? Does she give up her true live to have her own show?

[Debi Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Good Crime by Dete Meserve is a follow up book to a previous book entitled Good Sam. While I didn't read Good Sam, I have certainly added it to my list of "must reads". I will more than likely then re-read this book to get the full impact of the story. What I did, though, was I went to some of my favorite book sites and read the reviews on Good Sam so that I would get the idea of that book prior to reading this one.

Kate Bradley is following a series of stories about some of the richest people in the world being robbed of millions in cash and high-priced goods. I could really identify with Kate and kept asking myself what I would do in her place as she was battling the opposing views of "right" and "wrong". She is thrown into the spotlight with this high profile story and she is really torn between her personal and professional conflicts. If she continues pushing forward with her professional life, it's possible that she is jeopardizing her future with her love interest, Eric.

This novel is filled with suspense and romance, with some real life drama thrown in for good measure. Ms. Meserves shares an insider's view of how a newsroom works - it's politics and debates on a story and the value of ratings.

Perfectly Good Crime provides us with intrigue and layers of complexity involved to figure out the thief, political influence and spectacular Los Angeles estates to carry away our imagination. Ms. Meserve definitely has an amazing talent of bringing her characters to life and making their dialogue seem very realistic through her words. Perfectly Good Crime left me wondering what is next for Kate Bradley.

I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the publishers and BookSparks as part of the 2016 Summer Reading Challenge in exchange for this post, which is my honest review and unbiased opinion.

[Lisa Wainland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfectly Good Crime delves back into the life of Kate Bradley, the tenacious reporter navigating her career and personal life on both sides of the lens. Meserve take readers straight into the maelstrom of a newsroom rife with personalities, egos and aspirations. The curtain of in-office politics is pulled back, revealing a never ending tug-of-war between the value of a story and the quest for higher ratings.

A series of robberies at the homes of America’s most wealthiest captivates the nation and catapults Kate into the spotlight, but it is the surprising reason behind the crimes that turns Kate on her heels.

Kate’s rise to fame also presents a big test to her relationship with Eric. Kate’s career and heart are diametrically opposed as Kate realizes her true ambition and true love may no longer be able exist together. She must make a heart wrenching decision that will impact her life forever.

A Perfectly Good Crime keeps the pages turning with a story filled with intrigue and suspense. As in her first novel, Good Sam, Meserve intertwines the theme of giving back. The message of doing good highlights the intangible, priceless joy found in helping others, and in that it is clear: kindness is the most powerful currency of all.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and in this series. The first Kate Bradley Mystery is titled Good Sam. This book is the next book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. There was a brief mention of events that Kate was recovering from in the first book but nothing that would take away from this book. I really liked Kate and that she did not want to settle with just being a news journalist but an investigative reporter. She has brains and a good knack for sniffing out the story. Although, my issue was that I did not really find the mystery surrounding the wealthy to be that engaging to me. What I mean by this is that I was not engaged in the characters or their situation. Yet this was a pretty fast read. I got to about a third of the way in and then the story just started to settle but than towards the end it did pick up again. I may go back and check out the first book in this series.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL!

There is a crime spree in the Los Angeles area. Only this time the group being targeted are the estates of the 100 wealthiest Americans. They live in opulence that most people cannot even fathom while a mere four miles away sit slums and abject poverty. There seems to be a pattern to these blatant burglaries and that intrigues LA TV News Reporter Kate Bradley and drives her to want to solve this mystery. Meserve does a masterful job with excellent characterization, beautiful, detailed descriptions of the estates, tension among the characters, family love as well as family drama and a love story. This is a story of good vs. evil but told with a twist that will leave you thinking long after you finish the last word!

[Therese Wiese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I don't normally read mysteries, but the premise of this one was intriguing, plus of course set in southern California was a bonus. I didn't realize when I started it that there was another book with these characters. I will definitely go back and read that one, but this book does work well as a stand alone. High profile residential burglaries, thief acting like Robin Hood, a little romance mixed in with TV news reporter Kate and her firefighter boyfriend. Just enough politics tossed in to give an extra story line. I love this author's writing style, enjoyed the characters, loved the clues tossed through out.

Thank you to the Publisher, Author, and Goodreads for a copy of this book.

[vvb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

I did not read book one in this series, but this one was fine as a standalone.

Good intentions is the feeling I get with this one in regards to the crime and with the story itself.

The mystery is revealed through various interviews and speculations by the main character, Kate.

I liked the references to L.A. locations. The settings were captured pretty well. As well as the perspectives of being a reporter and politician in L.A.

A touch of romance and love triangle action is inserted into the story. As this is book two in a series, it looks like Kate could easily end up with either suitor.

Got me thinking of charity funds and fundraising.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is a likable character who faces some tough decisions in her professional and personal life. When pressured by her politician father to give up the popular story of the rich versus poor and risk offending his financial supporters, Kate takes a gut-wrenching stance. Easy and enjoyable read, I am adding her first book to my reading list. Reviewed at http://bit.ly/2bfsbIN

[Jenny Lynn Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect, breezy read with characters I enjoyed. I'm ready for the next one!

[Becky Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is OMG. Loved this book. Got it yesterday. Almost couldn't put it down. Had me from the first chapter. Wanted to know everything from beginning to end.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Perfectly Good Crime is a mystery and a love story. A beautifully written novel that held my interest throughout. Uplifting and thoughtful.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Good Sam, but I loved Perfectly Good Crime! The whole premise of the Robin Hood gang and following what was happening with the bounty that was being stolen , but for good, was great!

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the character of Kate Bradley. I understand there is a previous book involving these characters and I will make a point of reading that one as well.

[Katie Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book made for me to love. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Good Crime is a follow-up novel in the Kate Bradley Mystery series- with the first book being Good Sam . While I did not read Good Sam, I feel like I didn’t miss out on too much as the second book makes references to Good Sam throughout the novel. However, I am still considering picking up the first book in this series as I’ve become quite attached to the characters.

In Perfectly Good Crime we follow news broadcaster, Kate, as she takes on a top-selling new story about a series of heists revolving around several LA estate owners being robbed and losing millions of dollars because of this. This news coverage is a new one for Kate as she usually covers high profile stories such as murders and natural disasters, but this time she decided to take the lead in the most recent news story about a $3 million heist that was executed in a couple of minutes, avoiding high-tech surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarms. With the help of detective Jake Newton as her insider on the exclusive details of the crime scenes, they soon discover that this heist is the first of more to come and they’re only getting bigger.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book’s plot and Kate’s character. She is someone who constantly questions her own decisions because she never wants to disappoint the people she holds close in her heart and her audience who look to her for the latest news reports. We watch her struggle to find the line between her professional life and her personal life, and it soon becomes blurred when Kate finds herself making a decision on whether to follow her career path to its new heights or follow her heart.

This novel not only presents a mystery that seems to never end, but it also blends nicely with the other plot lines in the novel and it is definitely well written. The characters and the way they handled the situations that they were presented with was realistic and well thought out. The mystery was engaging and thought-provoking as we find ourselves caught between the complexity of selective media reporting and political influence on the media.

In Kate's words:

"What did the viewers gain from knowing about these murders and tragedies? Were we simply selling fear and sensationalism?”

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. I sincerely hope the author continues with this series as I am eager to read more about these characters. I gave this book 4 stars and would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a whodunit mystery that is a breeze to fly through and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of reading this novel and hope there’s more to come for Kate Bradley.


Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ebook copy of ‘Perfectly Good Crime’

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am Robin Hood, I take from the rich to give to the poor..." This line is what I'm most familiar with in the story of Robin Hood. In Dete Meserve's book, Perfectly Good Crime, she has taken the basis of Robin Hood's words and actions to create a wonderful story twist of a modern day Robin Hood mystery. I was enthralled with this premise. "Is it possible to commit a perfectly good crime?"
This is the second book in the Kate Bradley series. I was so excited to read this book after reading the first novel, Good Sam! I knew I was going to be in for a fantastic read...and I was so right!
It's hard to justify stealing from anyone and while I was reading, it was the big question. Is it ok to steal from the rich if it makes the lives of those less fortunate so much better?
The characters in this book are so likable. Especially Kate Bradley. She is so relatable and so wants to do the right thing. She asks the hard questions as a reporter. She has a personal life that I kept hoping she would be able to work out, too. I love her grit, determination, and desire to report the truth. This story took me into the uberrich society through the wonderful written descriptions Ms. Meserve is so talented to write. I could visualize the estates and mansions that she eloquently wrote into the story of the actual properties. How grand and magnificent!
I really liked this passage in the book:
"The Robin Hood story lives-like most important stories-in the murky shades of gray between what's good and what's not. Yet there is such a thing as a perfectly good crime."
This is a wonderful story. It made me feel good. I love that Ms. Meserve's novels focus on good and kindness. Being the best we can to others.
I want to thank Ms. Meserve for writing this fantastic book. I also want to thank Lake Union and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a five star novel that I enjoyed so very much.
This is my freely written and honest review! Five stars!!