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High Desert #4
Murder at the Polo Club
Antiques, polo, and relationships. What do they have in common? Murder!
Why was the Palm Springs polo club owner's fiancee, Pia, murdered? Old relationships, Mafia vendettas, and inheritances all play a part in this cozy mystery. Jack Rutledge, the owner of a world class polo club in Palm Springs hires Marty Combs, an antique appraiser, to evaluate Jack's collection of art pottery and Pia's collection of art glass. When Marty and her husband, Jeff, a Palm Springs police detective, attend a cocktail party at the Rutledge Polo Club, they find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
Who killed Pia? Was it Kevin, the has-been polo player jealous of Jack's success? Roberto, the reputed second-in-command of the West Coast Mafia who loved Pia? Gerta, Pia's sister, who feels the art glass collection willed to Pia should be hers? Pia's ex-husband, a felon newly released from prison? Jensen, Jack's son, who'd been promised he would inherit Jack's very valuable art pottery collection, or even Lupe, the polo club owner's maid?
Why was the Palm Springs polo club owner's fiancee, Pia, murdered? Old relationships, Mafia vendettas, and inheritances all play a part in this cozy mystery. Jack Rutledge, the owner of a world class polo club in Palm Springs hires Marty Combs, an antique appraiser, to evaluate Jack's collection of art pottery and Pia's collection of art glass. When Marty and her husband, Jeff, a Palm Springs police detective, attend a cocktail party at the Rutledge Polo Club, they find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
Who killed Pia? Was it Kevin, the has-been polo player jealous of Jack's success? Roberto, the reputed second-in-command of the West Coast Mafia who loved Pia? Gerta, Pia's sister, who feels the art glass collection willed to Pia should be hers? Pia's ex-husband, a felon newly released from prison? Jensen, Jack's son, who'd been promised he would inherit Jack's very valuable art pottery collection, or even Lupe, the polo club owner's maid?
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2016
328 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 16, 2017
New series but same irritating timeline and POV issues. Introduce main character, go back in time to see the POV of all the people that hated the victim, then back to the main character.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 4, 2017
The main characters in this cozy mystery continue from previous books, but it is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this one. Love, money, greedy relatives, pre-nuptial agreements, and criminal past make for an interesting mix when a polo team promotional party goes from fun to murder. If you want a more detailed plot summary, you can read other reviews, but it is a fun, easy book to read with mystery and murder without the blood and gore.
January 13, 2018
This is the fourth book in this series. I enjoy all the characters and in this book, the main character just returned from her honeymoon marrying her police detective boy friend. In the past books, it’s the main character and her boy friend who solve the murder with the help of her sister. In this book, her friends at the compound throw out their thoughts around the compound dinner table and the suspects are weeded out and you can follow along and figure out who the killer is. She gets into a predicament and almost gets shot! Her dog has a cute minor role in the book which adds charm to the book. Duke, doesn’t like to get his paws on the desert floor - he wears pink booties when he goes out walking. Of course, as in all her books, there are yummy recipes at the end! I can’t wait for #5!
September 26, 2022
I really enjoy Dianne Harman's books because they're easy reads that you can read and finish fast but at the same time you can't always see the ending. I've read 2 books and guessed the first but didn't guess the 2nd book. Not even close. I'm hooked on these High Desert Mysterys right now because I live in the Palm Springs area and it makes it more real. I've got an imagination that can put some of the places anywhere I want. Such as, she mentions that the Polo Club is the second one out here so I know the first one is the Empire Polo Club where they have the big music festivals every year so I can pick any place out here and imagine a 2nd Polo Club. Anyway, I enjoy these books and would guess others would enjoy them as well.
January 5, 2019
Where do I start? I found this book to be a poorly written mess. The characters were not believable. They were also not well developed so I couldn't get myself to care about them. All the suspects are introduced then the story is quickly wrapped up into a tidy bow.
Also, I live in the Palm Springs area and we are NOT high desert. All the locations in this book are made up.
***I had to read this book for book club. This review is not meant to offend those who liked it. It is simply my sincere opinion.***
Also, I live in the Palm Springs area and we are NOT high desert. All the locations in this book are made up.
***I had to read this book for book club. This review is not meant to offend those who liked it. It is simply my sincere opinion.***
August 16, 2020
This is the 4th in the series. The main character is Marty. Marty sets out to do an appraisal at the money club but when she gets there she finds the manager slumped over with a knife in this back. He was dead but the rich guys that form the money club do not want any gossip ao they shut everything down. Marty starts to investigate because the cops can't. By the time the cops decide to do something it is almost too late but thanks to Marty they just might figure this out in time.
November 3, 2017
Dianne Harman's books flow just right. They are easy reading cozy mysteries. But the murderer is not obvious. There are always interesting personalities including the ones who live in the compound and sweet Duke with his pink doggy booties. It is always relaxing to read one of Dianne Harman's books.
February 5, 2018
"Another Intriguing Murder Mystery"
In Palm Springs, the polo club owner's fiancee, Pia, is murdered. There is mystery galore involving old relationships, mafia vendettas, and inheritances to enhance your thoughts as Marty and her husband, Jeff, a police detective, find themselves swept into this murder mystery. This is another winning page turner for wonderful author Dianne Harman.
In Palm Springs, the polo club owner's fiancee, Pia, is murdered. There is mystery galore involving old relationships, mafia vendettas, and inheritances to enhance your thoughts as Marty and her husband, Jeff, a police detective, find themselves swept into this murder mystery. This is another winning page turner for wonderful author Dianne Harman.
May 1, 2020
Polo, a moneyed sport
Jack Rutledge owns a polo club in Pa!m Springs. He visits an antiques show in L. A. and meets Pia Marshall. After a couple of months, the two are engaged. There are plenty of suspects when Pia is found murdered at the pre-season polo party at their home. A very interesting mystery.
Jack Rutledge owns a polo club in Pa!m Springs. He visits an antiques show in L. A. and meets Pia Marshall. After a couple of months, the two are engaged. There are plenty of suspects when Pia is found murdered at the pre-season polo party at their home. A very interesting mystery.
August 2, 2020
I love this series from Dianne Harman even if you haven't read the other books in the series you can still enjoy this one. It is a different murder mystery in such as you are given all the suspects and why and how they would like to commit the murder in the beginning. There are many twists and turns before they are revealed. Yes there are one of two typos but this doesn't distract from the story.
March 29, 2022
Great Storyline
I like reading books in order. When I was ready to start this book I realized I didn’t have it. So I purchased it and I wasn’t disappointed. Loved the characters as always. Love the fact Marty doesn’t take chances. And I’m finding that I love Marty’s occupation! It’s fascinating.
I like reading books in order. When I was ready to start this book I realized I didn’t have it. So I purchased it and I wasn’t disappointed. Loved the characters as always. Love the fact Marty doesn’t take chances. And I’m finding that I love Marty’s occupation! It’s fascinating.
June 26, 2024
Another good Cozy Mystery
I am enjoying the High Desert Cozy Mystery Series. I wish Marty would listen to her sister when she is warned about upcoming danger. I was sure the killer would be Nuccio since he researched getting the Chloroform from the Hardware store.
Mahalo,
Robert Ericksen
I am enjoying the High Desert Cozy Mystery Series. I wish Marty would listen to her sister when she is warned about upcoming danger. I was sure the killer would be Nuccio since he researched getting the Chloroform from the Hardware store.
Mahalo,
Robert Ericksen
September 18, 2024
Book 4 in the high Desert cozy mystery series takes Marty to a polo club owners estate for a cocktail party. The owner is newly engaged to Pia, who is found murdered at the party. Several suspects have an axe to grind with Pia and it’s up to Marty to figure out who did it. She puts the pieces together as usual!
April 27, 2018
Another great cozy mystery
I especially like the desert setting of this series as my spouse was from the southwest. The friendship between the couples in the compound are examples to us all.
I especially like the desert setting of this series as my spouse was from the southwest. The friendship between the couples in the compound are examples to us all.
October 11, 2020
Enjoyable
It is hard to believe that i read this mystery in one sitting, but I simply couldn’t put it down. There were a multitude of suspects who all had great motives. Great book!
It is hard to believe that i read this mystery in one sitting, but I simply couldn’t put it down. There were a multitude of suspects who all had great motives. Great book!
July 31, 2017
Great Read as Usual
Love this author. She can write a mystery worth the read. I recommend her books to any mystery lover. She is the best in my book.
Love this author. She can write a mystery worth the read. I recommend her books to any mystery lover. She is the best in my book.
September 13, 2017
Good one
I keep enjoying and I love duke and his booties! Good storyline and makes you wonder who did the killing.
I keep enjoying and I love duke and his booties! Good storyline and makes you wonder who did the killing.
February 21, 2018
3.5 stars.
July 30, 2020
I like the relationships of the main heroine and her husband how they work together to solve murders
July 1, 2023
Polo Club mystery
Another good mystery read by Diane. I'm really liking this series with Marty . If you like mysteries you'd like Diane Harman series
Another good mystery read by Diane. I'm really liking this series with Marty . If you like mysteries you'd like Diane Harman series
March 3, 2017
Another Winner
Don't know how but Dianne Harman has done it again. This book has all my favorites strong yet loving men, equally strong heroine, and adorable dog and a mystery to be solved.
Don't know how but Dianne Harman has done it again. This book has all my favorites strong yet loving men, equally strong heroine, and adorable dog and a mystery to be solved.
January 15, 2017
Rated almost five stars on Amazon and by a seven-time Amazon All-Star Author, I grabbed Murder at the Polo Club when it was listed at 99¢. I'm glad I didn't pay more.
First, the good stuff-- and there is good stuff. The story did keep me interested, I liked the main character, and the book had a good, steady pace that kept the pages turning. Those are the reasons why I finished the book. When you read what I didn't like, keep the good stuff in mind. It had to be good to keep me reading.
What didn't I like? One of the main reasons why I decided to read the book was because of the setting. Palm Springs, California has always fascinated me-- even more so now that I've been there-- but Murder at the Polo Club could have taken place anywhere. Giving Marty a dog that won't step foot out in the desert without its pink booties isn't enough. There's scarcely anything about polo either. In addition, the writing is often very awkward. When I find myself repeatedly stopping to mentally reword something, it's not a good sign. This particular problem did improve by the midpoint, however.
The suspect pool is established quickly, then obvious clues to the identity of the real killer are given throughout the rest of the book. But... would you like to know what the jaw-droppers were for me? Two glaring faults in police procedure. One, Marty breaks into the house of a suspect to steal a toothbrush to give to her husband to have tested for DNA. (At least her husband didn't ask her to do it.) This evidence would have been completely inadmissible in a court of law. Two, Marty's husband Jeff, the police detective, likes to come home every night after a hard day's work and discuss the investigation in-depth with his new bride and their friends. Another huge no no.
It's good to see that the author has a loyal fan base that enjoys her books. I, however, won't be joining them.
First, the good stuff-- and there is good stuff. The story did keep me interested, I liked the main character, and the book had a good, steady pace that kept the pages turning. Those are the reasons why I finished the book. When you read what I didn't like, keep the good stuff in mind. It had to be good to keep me reading.
What didn't I like? One of the main reasons why I decided to read the book was because of the setting. Palm Springs, California has always fascinated me-- even more so now that I've been there-- but Murder at the Polo Club could have taken place anywhere. Giving Marty a dog that won't step foot out in the desert without its pink booties isn't enough. There's scarcely anything about polo either. In addition, the writing is often very awkward. When I find myself repeatedly stopping to mentally reword something, it's not a good sign. This particular problem did improve by the midpoint, however.
The suspect pool is established quickly, then obvious clues to the identity of the real killer are given throughout the rest of the book. But... would you like to know what the jaw-droppers were for me? Two glaring faults in police procedure. One, Marty breaks into the house of a suspect to steal a toothbrush to give to her husband to have tested for DNA. (At least her husband didn't ask her to do it.) This evidence would have been completely inadmissible in a court of law. Two, Marty's husband Jeff, the police detective, likes to come home every night after a hard day's work and discuss the investigation in-depth with his new bride and their friends. Another huge no no.
It's good to see that the author has a loyal fan base that enjoys her books. I, however, won't be joining them.
October 31, 2016
Another winner from Dianne Harman! Marty, an antique appraiser, is asked to appraise the glass art collection of Pia. After a whirl win romance of only a very short time--Jack asked her to marry him. Jack was a very successful man in his own right. Pia, on the other hand had nothing that she knew of-she worked as a salesperson. Other then that Jack knew nothing of her background.
It turned out that the glass art collection was worth a small fortune--and as we all know--fortunes can cause lots of trouble! But who wanted Pia dead and for what reason?
On a lighter note Martys dog who insisted on wearing his pink booties before setting paws in the desert was cured of this particular habit? Now who in the world could convince that dog to walk without those booties? You will just have to read this book to find out!! AND get ready for some marvelous recipes at the end of the book.
Murder at the Polo Club: A High Desert Cozy Mystery
It turned out that the glass art collection was worth a small fortune--and as we all know--fortunes can cause lots of trouble! But who wanted Pia dead and for what reason?
On a lighter note Martys dog who insisted on wearing his pink booties before setting paws in the desert was cured of this particular habit? Now who in the world could convince that dog to walk without those booties? You will just have to read this book to find out!! AND get ready for some marvelous recipes at the end of the book.
Murder at the Polo Club: A High Desert Cozy Mystery
November 15, 2016
Another great book by Dianne Harman and the High Desert Cozy Mystery series. Marty Morgan Combs is just back from a honeymoon in Hawaii and gets a job doing an appraisal for Pia Marshall. Next thing you know Pia is murder. What a list of suspects her ex-husband, the mob, her sister, her fiancés ex-wife and his son. Just enough twists to keep you on your toes and interest until you turn the last page. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Read
December 1, 2016Having read several of Dianne Harman's books, I have come to expect a good, smooth read, with sly underlying humour, and a plot trajectory that will carry me through to the final page with ease. This latest novel does not disappoint, with dastardly doings at the Rutledge Polo Club and the indomitable Marty to crack the case. All this and recipes too! Ha! A great beach read, and an addictive cozy series.
November 3, 2016
Murder at the Polo Club: A High Desert Cozy Mystery
I just completed this book and found it to be easy ready. There was a little romance, but a lot of good old fashioned murder mystery with a lot of suspects. Each suspect was easily eliminated, thereby leaving only the murderer.
LaMar
I just completed this book and found it to be easy ready. There was a little romance, but a lot of good old fashioned murder mystery with a lot of suspects. Each suspect was easily eliminated, thereby leaving only the murderer.
LaMar
November 6, 2016
Murder at the Polo Club is another great read by Dianne Harman. Thanks for the ride.
The suspense keeps your eyes glued to the book
We see Marty and Jeff involved in another murder.
I loved the plot, and all the characters.it was nice catching up with friends and meeting new ones.
The suspense keeps your eyes glued to the book
We see Marty and Jeff involved in another murder.
I loved the plot, and all the characters.it was nice catching up with friends and meeting new ones.
November 7, 2016
Great story
I was totally intrigued with this story and I found it hard to put down. I have read the other books leading up to this one and I enjoyed them also.
I was totally intrigued with this story and I found it hard to put down. I have read the other books leading up to this one and I enjoyed them also.
November 13, 2016
Dianne keeps them coming, read all her series, enjoy everyone.
November 24, 2016
Another great cozy mystery!
I love all of Dianne Harman's books. Murder at the Polo Club had so many suspects, it kept me guessing. Great story.
I love all of Dianne Harman's books. Murder at the Polo Club had so many suspects, it kept me guessing. Great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews