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Hollywood Homicide
(Detective by Day #1)
by
Dayna Anderson doesn’t set out to solve a murder. All the semi-famous, mega-broke black actress wants is to help her parents keep their house. After witnessing a deadly hit-and-run, she figures pursuing the fifteen-grand reward isn’t the craziest thing a Hollywood actress has done for some cash.
But what starts as simply trying to remember a speeding car soon blossoms into ...more
But what starts as simply trying to remember a speeding car soon blossoms into ...more
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Best book ever...written by me. Also only book written by me so...
Seriously, I've wanted to write a book since I was 5 and still can't believe it is happening!
Thank you everyone for reading it. ...more
Seriously, I've wanted to write a book since I was 5 and still can't believe it is happening!
Thank you everyone for reading it. ...more
Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett is a 2017 Midnight Ink publication.
Amusing and highly entertaining!
Dayna, an out of work actress, is in desperate need of money- not just so she can eat, but because her parents need her help. When she witnesses a hit and run, and discovers there is a sizeable reward for information leading to an arrest- Dayna turns amateur detective in hopes of claiming the reward money.
She soon discovers the case could be connected to a recent spate of crimes in Hollywoo ...more
Amusing and highly entertaining!
Dayna, an out of work actress, is in desperate need of money- not just so she can eat, but because her parents need her help. When she witnesses a hit and run, and discovers there is a sizeable reward for information leading to an arrest- Dayna turns amateur detective in hopes of claiming the reward money.
She soon discovers the case could be connected to a recent spate of crimes in Hollywoo ...more
In this first book in the 'Detective by Day' series, former actress Dayna Anderson is on the trail of a hit-and-run driver.
*****
Like lots of gals in Hollywood, Dayna Anderson wanted to be famous, and she was.....for a while. The pretty black actress was the face of "Chubby's Chicken"commercials for two years, until they 'went in a different direction.'
Since then Dayna has retired from acting, and supports herself with temp positions as best she can. This makes it tough for Dayna to buy gas for ...more
First comes the review, and then if you keep reading you’ll get the funny story of how I crossed paths with the author of this one. How’s that for a teaser?
Dayna Anderson had 15 minutes of fame thanks to starring in a string of TV commercials for a fast-food chicken place. However, after losing that gig she’s now struggling to get by, and she’s desperate to make some quick cash to prevent the bank from foreclosing on her parents’ house. Inspiration comes after Dayna sees a billboard offering a l ...more
Dayna Anderson had 15 minutes of fame thanks to starring in a string of TV commercials for a fast-food chicken place. However, after losing that gig she’s now struggling to get by, and she’s desperate to make some quick cash to prevent the bank from foreclosing on her parents’ house. Inspiration comes after Dayna sees a billboard offering a l ...more
I always appreciate discovering a mystery novel with a black female sleuth because they are so hard to find. I first want to mention that I love the cover. Dayna is a retired actress who decides to become an amateur detective after seeing a billboard advertising $15,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest in the case of the murder of Haley Joseph. With the help of her friends Emme and Sienna she pursues the murderer.
With the setting being Hollywood this book mentions many real life locations ...more
With the setting being Hollywood this book mentions many real life locations ...more
A solid 3.5 read. Dayna had a clear voice and some fun friends and helpers along the way. I did figure out the holes in her theories and who the killer had to have been but I read a lot of mysteries & cozies (also, this was her first case). The Hollywood setting was unusual for a cozy and I liked that. This is the second book this week I've read where Hollywood is the setting and I'm definitely clear on its level of otherworldliness. Dayna's quirks didn't put me off entirely and the story moved
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Humour is a particularly individual reader taste and this wasn’t really my style. I found the characters superficial, but I think others would find them fun. Superficial in their interests and in their thin characterization—there wasn’t a lot of backstory for some and they didn’t seem plausible. Some had particular vocal tics but then the narrator commented on them, like I wouldn’t notice. That seems like a debut author kind of flaw.
The heroine, Dayna, goes charging into situations without thin ...more
The heroine, Dayna, goes charging into situations without thin ...more
I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book. I was sucked in from the opening scene of this fun cozy mystery. The main character, Dayna, is so cool and fun to hang out with. When she happens upon the trail of a mystery that could earn her a big reward, she decides to play amateur detective, chasing down leads and thinking she can solve a crime and make some money. But her snooping could get her in big trouble. Her adventures take her through all kinds of neighborhoods in Hollywoo
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3.5 stars. Light, and amusing, with a protagonist who falls into investigating a hit-and-run for the reward money so she can prevent the bank from taking her parents' house. Though Dayna has no experience in investigating, and actually makes several mistakes along the way (her calls to the tip line had me chuckling), she is determined, and takes advantage of her personal connections and her ability to connect with others to find clues the police could not necessarily have uncovered as easily. Sh
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This one was loads of fun. Finally, a cozy mystery with a person of colour (in this case, an African-American woman) as the amateur, smart detective. I learned lots of interesting little nuggets about the Hollywood industry too. The author poked fun at Hollywood but it was all light-hearted jest and it never got too much for me. Get ready for quite a few twists! I didn’t see most of them coming and they kept me guessing. The next book in the series is coming out soon and I’m excited to get back
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This was a funny, lighthearted cozy mystery. The Hollywood setting wasn't super compelling for me, so not one of my favorites, but I did enjoy it, so I'll likely read the next one. Dayna reminded me a bit of Stephanie Plum in the often inept way she bumbled through her investigation, so if you enjoy that series you'll probably like this one.
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After one moderately successful commercial campaign, Dayna Anderson, Day to her friends, has given up on becoming an actress. The problem is, she still has bills that need to be paid and parents who are in danger of losing their home. So when she sees a billboard offering a reward for information on a hit and run and she realizes she and her friends were there, she figures she can provide the information. How hard could it be?
This being a novel, it turns out to be plenty hard, but that’s a great ...more
This being a novel, it turns out to be plenty hard, but that’s a great ...more
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this fresh, funny, twisty-turny mystery. I'm looking forward to the next Detective by Day mystery.
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THIS BOOK! I had a smile on my face the entire time I read HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE. Dayna's voice leaps off the page, her humor and wit a breath of fresh air. The mystery keeps the pages flipping, and oh my God...the romance! It's subtle and perfect. Omari is mine. Called dibs. This was a blast of a read that shouldn't be missed.
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*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really wanted to adore this book. Instead, I only liked it a lot. (Still keeping my preorder.)
Small dif, right? Maybe.
There is so much to love about this book. The cover is absolutely amazeballs! Seriously, scroll back up and look at that gorgeous cover. In an age when most covers are photo-manipulated, Ms. Garrett’s book merited custom artwork.
Ms. Garrett has voice to worship upon an alter to, really, 3 pages into the book a ...more
I really wanted to adore this book. Instead, I only liked it a lot. (Still keeping my preorder.)
Small dif, right? Maybe.
There is so much to love about this book. The cover is absolutely amazeballs! Seriously, scroll back up and look at that gorgeous cover. In an age when most covers are photo-manipulated, Ms. Garrett’s book merited custom artwork.
Ms. Garrett has voice to worship upon an alter to, really, 3 pages into the book a ...more
May 31, 2017
Anindita, A Bohemian Mind at Work
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-thriller,
netgalley
This review and more: http://bohomind.com/hollywood-homicid...
Hollywood Homicide, Kellye Garrett's debut with the series Detective by Day, is an entertaining piece of a cozy mystery with a damsel under a lot of stress who takes matters into her hands instead of playing the easier role of a damsel in distress.
Dayna Anderson is a superb character. A 'retired' Hollywood actress who is almost famous for one commercial and a line (what a line!) is at her lowest of the low when her father faces evicti ...more
Hollywood Homicide, Kellye Garrett's debut with the series Detective by Day, is an entertaining piece of a cozy mystery with a damsel under a lot of stress who takes matters into her hands instead of playing the easier role of a damsel in distress.
Dayna Anderson is a superb character. A 'retired' Hollywood actress who is almost famous for one commercial and a line (what a line!) is at her lowest of the low when her father faces evicti ...more
What a fun read! The entire time I was reading this light amateur detective mystery I was thinking that it reminded me a bit of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, with a hint of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Malone. (Comping white, I know I know - I'm sorry!) But then I listened to an interview with Garrett on a podcast and she talked about her favorite authors and inspiration and THESE were the two main authors she mentioned! Evanovich and Grafton were absolute favorites of mine in high school and
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The jokes in this one was too funny. The jokes Dayna had about herself and others had me on the floor. The story follows Dayna, a childhood actress, who came into some money troubles. Due to those troubles she had to make some tough decisions. One of those decisions was to find out who killed a fellow actress/friend, figure out who is the rat pack, and help her parents through a difficult time.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how awkward Dayna was with the guy she liked, Amari. I felt ...more
One of my favorite parts of this book was how awkward Dayna was with the guy she liked, Amari. I felt ...more
Super fun read!
3.75 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this first book. Shoutout to MsWOCReader for consistently giving great recommendations on her blog! The romance element was cute and the premise of a “retired” actress living in LA turned accidental PI was a refreshing take. The MC is not your typical Hollywood actress phenotype in that she’s a size 10 and Black. Will be continuing with this series ASAP.
3.75 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this first book. Shoutout to MsWOCReader for consistently giving great recommendations on her blog! The romance element was cute and the premise of a “retired” actress living in LA turned accidental PI was a refreshing take. The MC is not your typical Hollywood actress phenotype in that she’s a size 10 and Black. Will be continuing with this series ASAP.
This book is FANTASTIC. Mystery, humor, a dash of romance ... it's all there. I was so addicted to this book that I took it to the gym with me, spent longer than I planned on the cardio machine ("I just have to finish this chapter," I kept thinking ... and then finding myself starting a new chapter), and then eschewed my post-gym shower until I had turned the last page. And then I wished I had more pages to turn ... Author Kellye Garrett gives us a heroine to root for and laugh with in Dayna, an
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If Stephanie Plum were a smart, clothes savvy black woman, she would be a lot like Dayna Anderson. Hollywood Homicide was funny and a great cozy. Kellye Garrett does a fantastic job of creating characters that are well developed individuals with their own personalities. The plot is well developed and keeps the reader interested until the last page.
This is the first cozy mystery I've read in some time. Although it ran long, I enjoyed Dayna, Sienna and Emme's friendship, as well as the fashion and the glitz and grit of Hollywood.
...more
An incredibly fun read - lighthearted escapism at its best! Dayna, a former commercial star with a love/hate relationship with Hollywood, is a complex character brimming with personality. By the end of the novel, you'll wish she was your best friend, keeping you doubled over in laughter all day. The plot is fast-paced and filled with punchy dialogue. Garrett's secondary characters are convincing and memorable - from up-and-coming superstar Omari to super quirky ex-cop Aubrey S. Adams-Parker. Gar
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Aubrey stayed put. I couldn’t take it anymore. In yet another of my well-thought-out decisions, I grabbed my cell, jumped out the car, and took off down the middle of the street. I always said I could run in four-inch heels. It was good to know I was right on that front.
This is very silly. Somehow from the tag line ("detective by day ...") and the (admittedly VERY cheesy) cover, I'd gotten the impression that it featured a reasonably hard-boiled police detective in Hollywood. Nah. It feature ...more
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book. I LOVED the MC's voice. Dayna was hilarious, smart, and strong under pressure. Her life was filled with worry and angst, but she held it together, pushed through like a boss, and . . . well, I don't want to spoil anything for when you read this awesome, funny, dark and twisty book. :) I loved it!
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Jul 01, 2021
Steph's Romance Book Talk
added it
DNF @25% / 0 Stars / 0 Steam Fans
Former actress turned detective that needed money. The story was boring, and there was too much talk about the need for money.
Video review available in Week 21: May 23 – May 29, 2021, full weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more
Former actress turned detective that needed money. The story was boring, and there was too much talk about the need for money.
Video review available in Week 21: May 23 – May 29, 2021, full weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more
Oh my goodness, I’m halfway through and I’m laughing so hard at some of the things she says. I’m loving this book. It’s as if my friends and I got in to solving crime!! Love it. I look forward to the rest of the book and more!!
Some areas are corny but it leads to a very entertaining section! Even better when Bahni Turpin is reading it!!
Some areas are corny but it leads to a very entertaining section! Even better when Bahni Turpin is reading it!!
This book is just pure fun. Imagine your friend trying to solve a murder, but the only things she knows about solving a crime are what she's seen on Law and Order. This book had me laughing out loud one minute, cringing for the hero, Dayna 'Day' Anderson the next. The side characters are extremely well developed and come to life on the page. There are former twin child stars, a wannabe reality star, and a host of others from around Hollywood.
The last chapters had me guessing, as Day was the fun ...more
The last chapters had me guessing, as Day was the fun ...more
I haven't read a mystery in ages; so glad I read this one. I loved the wry, satirical voice of the first-person narrator, a failed aspiring actress turned amateur sleuth, and her deadpan vision of an L.A. full of the famous, the almost-famous, the would-be famous and their various hangers-on. This series is off to a promising start!
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This is the first in a new series, and it is filled to the brim with delightfully off-beat characters whose intentions, good or otherwise, always seem to skid sideways.
The main character, Dayna, an ex-actress, needs money to help her parents out. She witnesses a hit and run and sets out to collect the reward money for solving the mystery. Insanity ensues along with lots of laughs.
The end of the novel sets us up for a second book, with Dayna feeling the drive to start a new career in private in ...more
The main character, Dayna, an ex-actress, needs money to help her parents out. She witnesses a hit and run and sets out to collect the reward money for solving the mystery. Insanity ensues along with lots of laughs.
The end of the novel sets us up for a second book, with Dayna feeling the drive to start a new career in private in ...more
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Kellye Garrett is the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty and Independent Publisher “IPPY” award-winning author of the Detective by Day series and the upcoming #ownvoices suspense novel Like A Sister from Mulholland Books. Her work has been featured on the TODAY show as a Best Summer Read and on several Best of the Year lists. Prior to writing novels, Kellye spent eight years working in Hollywood, including a
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Detective by Day
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Kellye Garrett is the acclaimed author of Like a Sister, in which no one bats an eye when a disgraced reality-TV star is found dead in the...
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