What do you think?
Rate this book
Samantha Kidd Mystery #5
Grand Theft Retro
When Samantha Kidd’s job at Retrofit Magazine leads her into the archives of seventies style, she’s prepared to report on patchwork velvet and platform shoes. But she never expected to uncover the theft of a major collection of samples from runway shows that took place before disco died. And when the guilty party threatens Samantha's family and friends, her priority shift into protection mode. The investigation heats up faster than fondue over sterno, and all too soon Samantha learns that while beat goes on, there’s no guarantee that she’ll go on with it.
270 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2016
About the author
Diane Vallere
89 books1,035 followersNational bestselling author Diane Vallere writes mysteries where ordinary women stumble into extraordinary situations...and murder is never far behind. From the dawn of the Space Race to contemporary settings, her character-driven novels blend strong premises with humor and heart. A past president of Sisters in Crime Worldwide, Diane edited the Agatha Award–winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. She studied art history at the College of William and Mary and spent years in luxury retail before trading fashion accessories for accessories to murder. She lives in Pennsylvania.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 7, 2021
Samantha Kidd has finally landed a steady job working at an on-line fashion magazine. But when her boss announces plans to release a print edition focused on fashion from the 1970’s, things turn mysterious quickly. The collection of clothing that they planned to use for the magazine is stolen, and Samantha receives threats aimed at her and her friends. Trying to keep everyone safe, she sets out alone to figure out what is going on. Can she do it?
This book kept me off balance but in a good way. There were so many twists and surprises that I never could quite figure out what was going on until I reached the end, when everything made perfect sense. It also meant that I never wanted to put the book down. Samantha is capable of carrying much of this book on her own, but the appearances from the regulars we do get are wonderful. And we see some interesting growth in several of these relationships. Some of her antics had me laughing along the way. My lack of interest in fashion was once again no issue since that is the hook to get us into the story. This is a delightful mystery filled with twists and turns that will keep you entertained.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book kept me off balance but in a good way. There were so many twists and surprises that I never could quite figure out what was going on until I reached the end, when everything made perfect sense. It also meant that I never wanted to put the book down. Samantha is capable of carrying much of this book on her own, but the appearances from the regulars we do get are wonderful. And we see some interesting growth in several of these relationships. Some of her antics had me laughing along the way. My lack of interest in fashion was once again no issue since that is the hook to get us into the story. This is a delightful mystery filled with twists and turns that will keep you entertained.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 25, 2022
3.5 another enjoyable installment of this fun cozy series
May 31, 2016
I just finished reading Grand Theft Retro by Diane Vallere and I’m still trying to decide what I think of it. This sixth book in the Style & Error series has the characters I’ve grown fond of and I’m glad for the chance to see them again. I love seeing what dastardly plot Samantha Kidd will stumble upon and how she navigates through the clues and schemes to figure out what the villain is up to and stop his plan. Best of all, the premise for this one is that Kidd is working on a series of stories about 1970’s fashion.
On the other hand, a couple of the plot points really stretch my credulity. I go along with some of the leaps from point A to point B due to my faith in the author and the likability of the protagonist, not from previously established facts or logical assumptions. I won’t delve into those questionable paths here, since it would cause spoiler situations, but you need to be willing to just go with the flow and know that everything will come together in the end. Also, Samantha continues to torment poor Nick, her sometimes boyfriend, and run his emotions through the wringer. Cut the guy a break and let him have some fun without always subjecting him to an emotional crisis. At least this time the big blowup was staged for dramatic effect to trick the villain, instead of because Samantha was still afraid to commit to him.
Several things impressed me in this volume. First, there was the emotional development of Detective Loncar, who showed some depth and sensitivity, and wasn’t just a standard issue gruff cop. His back story was interesting and appealing. Then there was Nick, who finally got some hobbies and interests besides flirting with Samantha, and he introduced us to his father. Also, Samantha has a job and she might even keep this job for a little while longer than her previous ones. It would give her a chance to explore the styles of other eras and it is always fun to see what the author thinks about fashion. Finally, I loved Mo the cab driver- he added a dash of flavor and humor to his scenes. Hopefully he pops up in future books.
As for the villain, I’m not sure he was terrible enough. Pritchard Smith was a co-worker of Sam’s who acted very suspiciously at first and then very badly at the end. Since his first name is kind of close to mine (just remove a P and T), I identified with him a little and wanted him to be terrifying and thoroughly evil but that wasn’t the case- he was just greedy and manipulative. This is mostly because he was working behind the scenes a lot of the time and didn’t have enough interaction with Samantha to display his potential scariness. Still, he did try to crush her in a car compactor so there’s that.
So in the end, I think I give this a “thumbs up” because Samantha makes it through this adventure with humor, style and heart and that is always fun to watch. I love seeing her make jokes, interacting with Eddie- her friend from high school and earlier books- and pursuing a job with diligence before it all goes haywire due to a robbery or murder. A good story is like a good friend- you always welcome their company and look forward to the next visit.
On the other hand, a couple of the plot points really stretch my credulity. I go along with some of the leaps from point A to point B due to my faith in the author and the likability of the protagonist, not from previously established facts or logical assumptions. I won’t delve into those questionable paths here, since it would cause spoiler situations, but you need to be willing to just go with the flow and know that everything will come together in the end. Also, Samantha continues to torment poor Nick, her sometimes boyfriend, and run his emotions through the wringer. Cut the guy a break and let him have some fun without always subjecting him to an emotional crisis. At least this time the big blowup was staged for dramatic effect to trick the villain, instead of because Samantha was still afraid to commit to him.
Several things impressed me in this volume. First, there was the emotional development of Detective Loncar, who showed some depth and sensitivity, and wasn’t just a standard issue gruff cop. His back story was interesting and appealing. Then there was Nick, who finally got some hobbies and interests besides flirting with Samantha, and he introduced us to his father. Also, Samantha has a job and she might even keep this job for a little while longer than her previous ones. It would give her a chance to explore the styles of other eras and it is always fun to see what the author thinks about fashion. Finally, I loved Mo the cab driver- he added a dash of flavor and humor to his scenes. Hopefully he pops up in future books.
As for the villain, I’m not sure he was terrible enough. Pritchard Smith was a co-worker of Sam’s who acted very suspiciously at first and then very badly at the end. Since his first name is kind of close to mine (just remove a P and T), I identified with him a little and wanted him to be terrifying and thoroughly evil but that wasn’t the case- he was just greedy and manipulative. This is mostly because he was working behind the scenes a lot of the time and didn’t have enough interaction with Samantha to display his potential scariness. Still, he did try to crush her in a car compactor so there’s that.
So in the end, I think I give this a “thumbs up” because Samantha makes it through this adventure with humor, style and heart and that is always fun to watch. I love seeing her make jokes, interacting with Eddie- her friend from high school and earlier books- and pursuing a job with diligence before it all goes haywire due to a robbery or murder. A good story is like a good friend- you always welcome their company and look forward to the next visit.
September 4, 2016
From the very first page, GRAND THEFT RETRO pulls you into the story and keeps you glued to the book. Samantha Kidd is a very likeable protagonist and keeps you entertained. She just can’t keep herself from snooping even though it often leads her into both precarious and humorous situations, with laugh out loud moments. I love how the author includes Reasons #1 – Reasons #8 for not snooping and spying. While I was pretty sure I knew who the “bad” person was, the motive and exactly what they were up to remained elusive and kept me turning pages. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, it is easily read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted read and look forward to reading the other books in this series!
I won this book in a contest. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I won this book in a contest. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 16, 2016
Samantha Kidd is back in a stylish new book by Diane Vallere. This book is a tightly woven mystery, filled with suspense and intrigue. I didn't want to put the book down! I adore Samantha Kidd and would love to be more like her - she is spunky, feisty and marches to the beat of her own drummer. I liked seeing Samantha's journey of self discovery in this book. One of the things I think Ms. Vallere does very well is balance the mystery with the characters (the mystery helps spark the process or move it along). This is one of my favorite series, I look forward to seeing what happens next in Samantha Kidd's world!
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
Poor Samantha Kidd. She just can’t seem to keep a job and trouble follows her where ever she goes. In this book she is working for an online fashion magazine that wants to transition to a print edition. This job doesn’t seem to be any better than her last ones. There’s a theft, danger, kidnapping, and danger to her friends. Through all this she maintains her perfectly coordinated and accessorized appearance, well, except for that outfit with the sweat pants. It’s a funny look at crime, fashion, and the job market within the context of fast-paced crime fiction. Poor Samantha Kidd; I wonder what her next job will be because, of course, this job didn’t last either.
May 22, 2016
Fabulous addition to fun series~you won't want to miss this book!
When Samantha Kidd gets into a project, she goes all out! She dresses the part, listens to the music, takes a bullet for the project, gets kidnapped for the project, takes care of a cat for the victim of the theft, and even snoops around the decade online and in town. When she discovers an incomprehensible collection of clothes followed by the theft of said clothes, she can think of nothing but finding the clothing and solving the mysteries involved. What she doesn't expect is a skull, bullets, her boyfriend's father's kidnapping, and loss of the best paying and most enjoyable job she has had in a decade.
One of the best books written by this author, the story flowed well, the characters were good (Mo!), and it was a pleasure to read. It is the 5th book in the Style and Error series, and if you haven't read any others, Ms Vallere does a great job of filling you in on past escapades that are important to know. Grab this book and relax into a world of fascinating fashion, fun and mysteries!
When Samantha Kidd gets into a project, she goes all out! She dresses the part, listens to the music, takes a bullet for the project, gets kidnapped for the project, takes care of a cat for the victim of the theft, and even snoops around the decade online and in town. When she discovers an incomprehensible collection of clothes followed by the theft of said clothes, she can think of nothing but finding the clothing and solving the mysteries involved. What she doesn't expect is a skull, bullets, her boyfriend's father's kidnapping, and loss of the best paying and most enjoyable job she has had in a decade.
One of the best books written by this author, the story flowed well, the characters were good (Mo!), and it was a pleasure to read. It is the 5th book in the Style and Error series, and if you haven't read any others, Ms Vallere does a great job of filling you in on past escapades that are important to know. Grab this book and relax into a world of fascinating fashion, fun and mysteries!
July 14, 2016
Loved the 70's
Great exciting mystery that I couldn't put down. The references to 70's fashion and the cast of characters was so well written, it's a must read.
Great exciting mystery that I couldn't put down. The references to 70's fashion and the cast of characters was so well written, it's a must read.
June 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book but I did feel that if Samantha was to talk to people rather than just run off, only to return in disguise, the case would have got solved a lot easier. Although I guess if she did, there wouldn't be much of a story. The characters are definitely quirky and entertaining. The mystery took a while for me to understand what was going on. The story starts with a bang and I was hooked but to be honest it did fall a little bit flat in the middle, as I struggled to understand what was going on with her pushing every body away but it did pick as the clues came together. I like the unusual job Samantha has, it is very different to the normal job for amateur sleuths and although fashion plays a big part in the story you don't need to keep with the different genes in order to enjoy this book.
Samantha isn't very happy when her boss hires a new employee, as she has big plans for the direction she wants to take her company. Especially when he seems to be trying his hardest to cut her out, like meeting up with a wealthy woman to view her vintage clothes collection. Something in not right about the man or the phone call she over hears. Then the entire collection disappears before Sam can get a good look and he is threatening her and her lover ones. He wants something back, something he thinks Sam has. She will have to go in disguise if she wants to lose who ever is following her and solve this mystery. But by doing it what will she lose?
Samantha isn't very happy when her boss hires a new employee, as she has big plans for the direction she wants to take her company. Especially when he seems to be trying his hardest to cut her out, like meeting up with a wealthy woman to view her vintage clothes collection. Something in not right about the man or the phone call she over hears. Then the entire collection disappears before Sam can get a good look and he is threatening her and her lover ones. He wants something back, something he thinks Sam has. She will have to go in disguise if she wants to lose who ever is following her and solve this mystery. But by doing it what will she lose?
March 30, 2020
After getting a heads up about a possible job as a fashion director at Retrofit e-magazine, Samantha applies and gets the job. Four months into the job, Samantha's boss, Nancie Townsend announces that they are going to produce a trend magazine (Retrofit Trend Magazine). Something doesn't seem right about newly hired Pritchard Smith, a middle aged guy with a comb-over. Unfortunately, snooping around after him gets Samantha in a heap of trouble and endangers those she loves. Enter Detective Loncar, "Ribbon's version of Columbo", elderly Jennie Mae Tome, and cab driver Mohanned (Mo). Years ago, Jennie Mae Tome tweaked existing designs that contributed to the success of many fashion collections. She received their sample collections which she put in storage. The clothes would be perfect for a look back at 70's fashions. Grand Theft Retro is a wild ride as Samantha tries to stay safe, keep her job, and improve her relationships with Detective Loncar and Nick Taylor. I enjoyed it and I'm ready for the next book in the series!
December 24, 2019
Good Mystery, Clean Cozy
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, although it is not the first book in the series. Each book is a stand alone and can be read without having to read another to get the ending. I love this!
The main characters are fun. This is a cozy, in that it is clean, no profanity, no sex scenes or graphic violence. But it’s a fun cozy, in that it’s not a wispy romance with whiney characters.
I enjoyed the characters, quirky or not, and the plot was well written. The only reason I took a star off was because it tended to run on with extra details, and the main character tends to repeatedly make bad decisions, which was a little frustrating. This makes the conflict a little contrived and less enjoyable. Other than that it’s a great book, a great series, a clean and enjoyable mystery, and I will continue to read more!
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, although it is not the first book in the series. Each book is a stand alone and can be read without having to read another to get the ending. I love this!
The main characters are fun. This is a cozy, in that it is clean, no profanity, no sex scenes or graphic violence. But it’s a fun cozy, in that it’s not a wispy romance with whiney characters.
I enjoyed the characters, quirky or not, and the plot was well written. The only reason I took a star off was because it tended to run on with extra details, and the main character tends to repeatedly make bad decisions, which was a little frustrating. This makes the conflict a little contrived and less enjoyable. Other than that it’s a great book, a great series, a clean and enjoyable mystery, and I will continue to read more!
November 2, 2021
“DYN-O-MITE!”
A good transition story from Samantha floundering in her romantic and professional life to her coming to terms with finding more stability and purpose in her life. Her antics are just as zany as in the previous mysteries. You might even compare them to Lucy’s antics in ‘I Love Lucy.’ And who doesn’t melt when Nick, with the root beer color eyes, is on the page. I also love how the relationship between Sam and the Detective has evolved from combatants to a more collaborative one—like father and daughter. The mystery had you zigzagging all over the place like a chicken with its head cut off. But it ends nicely with a bow on top; or rather, a Rhoda scarf tied on top.
A good transition story from Samantha floundering in her romantic and professional life to her coming to terms with finding more stability and purpose in her life. Her antics are just as zany as in the previous mysteries. You might even compare them to Lucy’s antics in ‘I Love Lucy.’ And who doesn’t melt when Nick, with the root beer color eyes, is on the page. I also love how the relationship between Sam and the Detective has evolved from combatants to a more collaborative one—like father and daughter. The mystery had you zigzagging all over the place like a chicken with its head cut off. But it ends nicely with a bow on top; or rather, a Rhoda scarf tied on top.
November 9, 2019
Story of a woman who was running a business about retro clothing from earlier years. Samantha worked for her and also just hired a man named Pritchard. Seems a woman who had millions of dollars worth of old style outfits she had been given back when she was a model had them stored in her attic. They end up being stolen and Samantha started to do her own investigating. Thats when things started happening to her. The more she found out about seems the more problems she was having in her life and her job.
September 2, 2019
Love this series!
I’ve just finished this, the fifth book in the series. Samantha has really been growing, both as a sleuth and as a good friend to those she cares about. This fifth book was crazier than the first ones with many plots and sub-plots. You might figure out who the villain is but his story is not anything you would expect! A great read, leaving me yearning for the next in the series!!
I’ve just finished this, the fifth book in the series. Samantha has really been growing, both as a sleuth and as a good friend to those she cares about. This fifth book was crazier than the first ones with many plots and sub-plots. You might figure out who the villain is but his story is not anything you would expect! A great read, leaving me yearning for the next in the series!!
August 24, 2020
The adjective retro stems, by way of the French term rétro (short for rétrograde), directly from a Latin preposition meaning “backward” or “behind” and pertains as a stand-alone word to a nostalgic or old-fashioned trend, especially in regard to apparel or decor. If you understand that, you will have no trouble with this story. That is unless you are like Samantha who can’t follow directions. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
February 3, 2020
I am not a fan of cozy-type mysteries or light-hearted ones.... UNLESS they're written by Diane Vallere! How I love her style (pun intended). Samantha Kidd is quite the character and always manages to get herself in trouble. And her relationship with Nick Taylor is on again, off again. I love that characters from previous books return, feels like I know them.
May 22, 2017
This addition to the series was great fun! Interestingly, it continues the theme from the last book in that the mystery is not based on a recent murder. Ok (mild spoiler alert) it turns out there had been a murder, years ago, but it is not only that around which the mystery exists.
September 8, 2019
So much fun!
This was a fun book to read and completely crazy! The seventies and hippies fashion is definitely not my cup of tea but Samantha and her crazy adventures and murder mysteries, are!
This was a fun book to read and completely crazy! The seventies and hippies fashion is definitely not my cup of tea but Samantha and her crazy adventures and murder mysteries, are!
November 11, 2019
Well worth reading
This book has adventure, intrigue and humor. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a great book.
This book has adventure, intrigue and humor. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a great book.
December 31, 2019
I think this series of books gets better with each book. Samantha Kidd has a way of finding trouble but always figures out a way to get Detective Loncar involved to help her out. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 14, 2023
Absolutely wonderful book with great characters and amazing look at exquisite fashion from the ‘70s. I loved every minute of this book! The storyline is great and had me guessing all the way to the end.
September 23, 2017
couldn't put it down. fantastic read
November 7, 2019
Excellent light hearted read and thoroughly enjoyable!
November 10, 2019
Very interesting, excellent series
July 22, 2020
loved it
September 27, 2021
Great read.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
March 26, 2023
Look these books are stupid but they’re fun and well written plus fashion. Just suspend all disbelief and enjoy.
December 23, 2025
This book was far more interesting than many I have read recently. A good page turner.
June 6, 2017
Grand Theft Retro, the fifth book in the Samantha Kidd Style & Error Mystery series, is amazing. Grand Theft Retro begins with Samantha in peril (as did Some Like It Haute), then backtracks to ONE DAY EARLIER. Samantha learns about a new major project at Retrofit magazine, and meets her new coworker — Pritchard Smith.
Samantha quickly learns that Pritchard is very competitive, and does not play well with others. To discover what Pritchard is up to, and what he may be concealing, Samantha resorts to "spying on my coworker," even though she knows "There were seven and a half reasons why it was a bad idea."
Unlike previous Samantha Kidd Mysteries, Grand Theft Retro is not a whodunit. Samantha realizes that Pritchard has committed the theft, but she has no proof. He's after her for some reason. He knows an awful lot about her, and stays one step ahead — but how? Pritchard uses his knowledge to threaten Samantha and everyone she cares about.
Grand Theft Retro is exciting, with suspense, thrills, and danger, in addition to a very good mystery. Samantha's escapades and scrapes make the book especially fun. Her friend Eddie, plus new characters Nick Taylor Sr and Mo the taxi driver, also add a lot to this romp.
I recommend Grand Theft Retro to all cozy mystery fans, especially those who like madcap caper cozies. If you're a fan of Gretchen Archer's Davis Way Crime Caper series or Diane Vallere's other series (Madison Night Mad for Mod Mysteries, Polyester Monroe Material Witness Mysteries, and Margo Tamblyn Costume Shop Mysteries), I think you will particularly enjoy reading about Samantha Kidd in Grand Theft Retro.
I absolutely love Grand Theft Retro, which has earned my highest rating of Five Stars!
Note: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of Grand Theft Retro. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.
Samantha quickly learns that Pritchard is very competitive, and does not play well with others. To discover what Pritchard is up to, and what he may be concealing, Samantha resorts to "spying on my coworker," even though she knows "There were seven and a half reasons why it was a bad idea."
Unlike previous Samantha Kidd Mysteries, Grand Theft Retro is not a whodunit. Samantha realizes that Pritchard has committed the theft, but she has no proof. He's after her for some reason. He knows an awful lot about her, and stays one step ahead — but how? Pritchard uses his knowledge to threaten Samantha and everyone she cares about.
Grand Theft Retro is exciting, with suspense, thrills, and danger, in addition to a very good mystery. Samantha's escapades and scrapes make the book especially fun. Her friend Eddie, plus new characters Nick Taylor Sr and Mo the taxi driver, also add a lot to this romp.
I recommend Grand Theft Retro to all cozy mystery fans, especially those who like madcap caper cozies. If you're a fan of Gretchen Archer's Davis Way Crime Caper series or Diane Vallere's other series (Madison Night Mad for Mod Mysteries, Polyester Monroe Material Witness Mysteries, and Margo Tamblyn Costume Shop Mysteries), I think you will particularly enjoy reading about Samantha Kidd in Grand Theft Retro.
I absolutely love Grand Theft Retro, which has earned my highest rating of Five Stars!
Note: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of Grand Theft Retro. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.
May 17, 2016
Samantha Kidd is back in GRAND THEFT RETRO, the fifth book in the Style & Error Fashion Mystery series. She’s smart and talented and witty, maybe a bit reckless and foolhardy at times, but loyal and honest and caring. And boy oh boy, does she have style. Whatever the job or assignment or occasion, she fully immerses herself in the part, right down to the smallest accessory. It’s a trip down memory lane when Samantha gets dressed. This time it’s the 70’s for her assignment at Retrofit Magazine. The descriptions of her outfits are so detailed and accurate that you feel you have been transported in time, with all the cultural references to go with the clothes. This part of the series is really special. Diane Vallere weaves the fashion into the story, making it as interesting and important as the mystery.
And in addition to being smart and talented and drawn to trouble, Samantha is just plain funny, with a bit of slapstick thrown in. The situations she is in, while often dangerous and frightening, are frequently ridiculous at the same time. She has an odd assortment of friends and coworkers. The things she thinks and says range from subtle to clever to deadpan to laugh out loud funny. In what is shaping up as a very tender moment with Nick, she suddenly wonders if she remembered to shave her legs that morning.
Samantha’s job at Retrofit Magazine seems like a dream come true. She’s well paid, well liked, loves her job and feels like she’s on the cutting edge. After the excitement (read close calls) of her recent past, she feels like she’s finally on a good track. But sometimes it seems like Samantha just can’t catch a break. What starts out as simply trying to stay in the loop where a new, mysterious employee is concerned soon turns into the discovery of a theft. As soon as she begins to investigate she is threatened, and those near her are put in danger. Serious danger – bullets, kidnapping – so Samantha does whatever she needs to do to protect her family and friends, including leaving her home. She is determined to solve this mystery and go home.
As always, Nick is just on the edge of things. Well, this time he’s a little more to the center than the edge. This makes Samantha excited but a little wary at the same time. He moves forward and she moves back a bit. We see a Samantha that is more introspective than in the past, and that’s a good thing. She’s forced to consider what she really knows and what she really wants.
The story was fast paced, with enough clues and excitement for Samantha to hold my interest and make me not want to put it down. There is enough detail in each story for it to work well as a stand alone, but if you haven’t already read the previous books, you really need to go back and do so. Mo is a delightful character in Grand Theft Retro, but you don’t want to miss her initial meeting with Nick, or learning how her relationship with Detective Loncar developed, or how long she’s been friends with Eddie, or even getting to know her cat Logan better or finding out why she goes to Cat’s store.
These are fun stories that I highly recommend. They keep getting better and I can’t wait to see what turns Samantha’s life takes next time out.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And in addition to being smart and talented and drawn to trouble, Samantha is just plain funny, with a bit of slapstick thrown in. The situations she is in, while often dangerous and frightening, are frequently ridiculous at the same time. She has an odd assortment of friends and coworkers. The things she thinks and says range from subtle to clever to deadpan to laugh out loud funny. In what is shaping up as a very tender moment with Nick, she suddenly wonders if she remembered to shave her legs that morning.
Samantha’s job at Retrofit Magazine seems like a dream come true. She’s well paid, well liked, loves her job and feels like she’s on the cutting edge. After the excitement (read close calls) of her recent past, she feels like she’s finally on a good track. But sometimes it seems like Samantha just can’t catch a break. What starts out as simply trying to stay in the loop where a new, mysterious employee is concerned soon turns into the discovery of a theft. As soon as she begins to investigate she is threatened, and those near her are put in danger. Serious danger – bullets, kidnapping – so Samantha does whatever she needs to do to protect her family and friends, including leaving her home. She is determined to solve this mystery and go home.
As always, Nick is just on the edge of things. Well, this time he’s a little more to the center than the edge. This makes Samantha excited but a little wary at the same time. He moves forward and she moves back a bit. We see a Samantha that is more introspective than in the past, and that’s a good thing. She’s forced to consider what she really knows and what she really wants.
The story was fast paced, with enough clues and excitement for Samantha to hold my interest and make me not want to put it down. There is enough detail in each story for it to work well as a stand alone, but if you haven’t already read the previous books, you really need to go back and do so. Mo is a delightful character in Grand Theft Retro, but you don’t want to miss her initial meeting with Nick, or learning how her relationship with Detective Loncar developed, or how long she’s been friends with Eddie, or even getting to know her cat Logan better or finding out why she goes to Cat’s store.
These are fun stories that I highly recommend. They keep getting better and I can’t wait to see what turns Samantha’s life takes next time out.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews