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Peyton Brooks' Mystery #0.5

Murder in the Painted Lady

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Please note: This is a novella, not a full length work.

Peyton and Marco have solved more cases than many senior members of the San Francisco PD, but this case (the death of a high end real estate agent) is proving more difficult than the others.

With no evidence, no suspects, and no motive, Peyton fears they won't get a break in the case before the killer strikes again.

In the multi-million dollar San Francisco real estate market, realtors are literally dying for a sale.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2017

264 people are currently reading
289 people want to read

About the author

M.L. Hamilton

114 books424 followers
ML Hamilton taught high school English and journalism in Central California for 32 years.

Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.

In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.

In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.

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5 stars
140 (35%)
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144 (36%)
3 stars
92 (23%)
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16 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,404 reviews80 followers
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Peyton Brooks Mystery series, although in reality it's really a flash back as it was written after the first book. The characters are colourful and larger than life, and the setting of San Francisco is almost a character in itself. I'm not sure about the constant antagonism between some of the starring cast though ..... in reality it wouldn't be tolerated in the workplace.
Profile Image for Emilija.
1,902 reviews31 followers
August 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

An estate agent is found dead in a high end 'Painted Lady' house. Peyton and Marco are given the case. It was really interesting to see them deal with the case and their interactions. I loved their friendship, and the coffee cup rules they have with each other.

The narrator isn't the best I've heard. She suits some of the voices, notably Peyton, but she struggles with other characters.
3,970 reviews14 followers
July 16, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Buckle up, Buttercup."

There's a lot of money to be made selling real estate in L.A., especially in the higher end properties, so rivalry between agents can be fierce. When a much sought after and very expensive Painted Lady came on the market, dollar signs were dazzling the realtors - until one of them was found dead in the garage during a showing to a young and wealthy Google couple. Who killed her, and why? And who arranged her body in the most a unlikely part of the house? The investigative team of Marco and Peyton go to work ...

This is a great fun murder mystery, a light listen/read with colourful characters and delightful description and dialogue. The narrator, Kelly Hazen, has a delicious voice with an enormous character range, from a squeaky little girl to rough and gruff deep voices. Most impressive. Her reading of the text between conversation, however, was sometimes too over the top forceful, a little shrill and strident, but overall it was an impressive performance and it enhanced the overall enjoyment of the book.

Exciting and easy to read, Murder in the Painted Lady was freely gifted to me, without any expectations, by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much for this. I believe it is the first of a series; if so, I look forward to finding more to enjoy in the series to follow in the future. A recommended light, fun and thrilling story.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,151 reviews132 followers
July 21, 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing this audiobook

Peyton is one kick*** cop, and she and her partner Marco are up to their coffee cups in trouble as a real estate agent is killed in a "paints lady" Victorian house. It's up to this dynamic duo to solve the case with the assistance- if you put it that way of the staff at the precinct and the ME, flamboyant Dr. Abe.

I loved the story. However, getting the narrator to do all the voices got a bit trying. Part of me wishes that she'd just read the story and forgot the voices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lidia.
509 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2017
As my review of the audiobook is still pending on audible.com, here's what I think about it:)

I like the book, especially the pair of the main characters, Peyton and Marco. They seem to be complete opposites and yet they strangely complement each other: she, with her sweet tooth and love for everything unhealthy and he, a vegetarian in great shape, both with brilliant minds, great intelligence and brains that work as one:)
I also like the plot; it's quite typical for the genre, but on the good side, with a tad of humor in it. I like the way the investigation is going on, with a varied selection of suspects, witnesses and yes, detectives, working on the case... I also like the solution - I like the fact that it left me wondering how I would feel in Peyton's shoes...

I also in general like Ms Hazen's interpretation of the book; my only problem is with some of the male voices (thus only 4 stars from me), especially Marco's and Stan's. Marco is supposed to be this very handsome Italian guy who turns every woman's head. Well, for me he sounds more like a grumpy old man so tired with life that he doesn't want to lift a finger - maybe it's because his voice is I think too low and he "speaks" too slowly... And Stan sounds like a teenager on too many Red Bulls...:) But other than that, the interpretation is very good. And the female characters sound great. I almost forgot; I like the fact that Ms Hazen really acts out some of the dialogues - like the scene in which Jules, the murder victim's friend, cries talking to the victim's answering machine... There are several instances of fantastic acting in the audiobook.

On the whole, the book is definitely worth reading / listening to:)

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
429 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2017
When a real estate agent is found murdered in a home for sale, lots of questions are raised. Was it random? Was she targeted? And most importantly, who did it? Detectives Peyton and Marco are assigned the case and must solve the murder before the killer strikes again. Peyton will do everything in her power, including risking her life, to bring down the culprit.

Murder in the Painted Lady was a very entertaining listen with a great cast of interesting characters. I loved the witty banter between them and liked the way that Peyton and Marco worked so well as a team. Peyton was a nice mix of toughness, dedication and compassion. Using the clues given in the story, I was sure that I knew who the killer was but was totally wrong! The narration was very well done and I could easily distinguish between the characters. I really enjoyed Murder in the Painted Lady and would recommend it.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for FangirlNation.
684 reviews133 followers
May 24, 2017
In the expensive world of real estate in San Francisco, it is a real coup to get to sell one of the Painted Ladies, the colorful row of Victorian mansions, but when a realtor is about to sell the yellow house, she and her clients find the body of another realtor in the garage in Murder in the Painted Lady. Peyton and Marco, one of the top detective teams in the SFPD, get called onto the case. There they discover that the killer strangled the woman with a silk scarf that he or she then kept, possibly as a souvenir. This usually indicates they have a serial killer on their hands. So they must rush to solve the crime before the killer strikes again.

Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
May 12, 2017
Murder in the Painted Lady
: M.L. Hamilton

I have just discovered this series of wonderfully crafted characters in an almost cozy mystery type book. A murder, suspense, on the job hi-jinx and hints of possible future romance all come together to entertain the listener.




The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kelley Hazen gave each character their own personality and voice. Fun to listen to!



"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
1 review
January 9, 2017
Excellent as always.

I gave the Painted Lady five stars because I hid out from my family to read it without being interrupted. I've read the series and have enjoyed every one. I'm just wondering when the next one will be out.
Profile Image for Aprilleigh.
935 reviews45 followers
March 26, 2020
I was a little wary of starting the series with a novella prequel that was written last, but it was a great introduction to the main character and what I hope will be a recurring cast of supporting characters. Character development was pretty decent for a novella, too, although I suppose that's easier to do when you've already written seven books about them.

Peyton Brooks is a fun character. She appears to be a little rough around the edges at the beginning, but it doesn't take long to see she's smart, dedicated to her job, and has a strong sense of right and wrong. The way the books ends was not at all what I expected, but I loved it. She's a character I think I'm going to enjoy.

The supporting cast is equally entertaining. Her partner, the delicious Marco, is still a bit of a mystery, but I expect that relationship will be fully developed in the rest of the series. The medical examiner, Abe, is as flamboyant as they come and makes an outstanding contrast for Peyton and her more serious partner, Marco. Stan is a little pathetic, but that's to be expected when you're smart, socially-awkward, and have a huge crush on a coworker. I'm really hoping Rob, the CSI, turns out to be more than a guy who can't be bothered to do his job properly and has a giant chip on his shoulder when confronted about it. The sullen department secretary, Maria, turns out to be more than a mutual antagonist for Peyton, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how those interactions develops. Then there's the captain - I read her totally wrong at the beginning and thought it would be one of those my-boss-is-always-riding-me things, but this woman has potential for remarkable layers. Not bad for a 150+ page novella.

The story itself is relatively straightforward. A murder occurs, they investigate lists of suspects, most of whom have solid alibis, meet some interesting characters, figure out who the bad guy is, and capture him. Not a lot of red herrings, which makes sense given the length. The story pretty much resolves during the interrogation, so we don't see any court proceedings at the end, but it will still give you stuff to think about. Great ending, actually. Not what you'd normally expect from a murder mystery.
Profile Image for Charles Ray.
Author 560 books153 followers
December 30, 2017
Peyton Brooks and her partner, Marco D’Angelo, are two of SFPD’s top detectives. No case is too hard for them to solve, until a real estate agent is murdered in a high-end SF property, a painted lady, and there’s no motive, no useful evidence, and no real suspects. Peyton and Marco are working against the clock, trying to catch the killer before he or she strikes again.

Murder in the Painted Lady by M.L. Hamilton is a real nail-biter. Down-to-earth characters in the well-limned setting of San Francisco—from Knob Hill to Fisherman’s Wharf—this is one you won’t be able to put down. A novella, this is a prequel to the Peyton Brooks mystery series, introducing a quirky, but strong female character.
Profile Image for Kelley Hazen.
Author 219 books52 followers
May 9, 2017
A phenomenal beginning to this remarkable 8 audiobook series. We meet Peyton, Marco and the entire San Francisco precinct at the very beginning. For those new to the series it starts you off right. For those deep into the series, you more fully understand how they got to be who they are - like going back in time. You won't regret this listen. You will meet a whole new family of audio characters that will keep you listening for hours as you become a fan of the entire series. ML and I are now working on the Peyton Brooks FBI series. Long may Peyton wave!!!
582 reviews
May 21, 2018
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very entertaining and intriguing. This is a great first book in a series with a very interesting plot, that is developed around two main characters. The story moves along at good pace with enough suspense to keep you listening longer then you intended. About half way through, I was positive I knew who the killer was...I was wrong. I love books that stump me. I've already started listening to the next book, and I'm enjoying very much.
Profile Image for Matt **The Renaissance Man**.
3 reviews
January 19, 2020
My rating is 3.5 stars - I struggled initially with the introduction and early development of the characters. It seemed a little bit rushed, aggressive, and forced and therefore I struggled with that aspect of the writing. I enjoyed the plot, it was executed well, and there were scenes that had me laughing out loud.

The only other thing that I would say is that the final action scene was anti climactic for me, because the way it was resolved did not flow well (too quick and too easy) in comparison to the journey leading up to it. This left me wanting.
Profile Image for Meg.
1,219 reviews14 followers
October 6, 2024
3.5*s
I bought the multiple book Peyton Brooks series on Kindle. It is about black a female detective and her co-workers that I assume will be recurring characters. San Francisco Homicide Detective Peyton Brooks and her partner Marco D’Angelo fight crime in MURDER IN THE PAINTED LADY which is the 0.5 prequel. They are called to the scene of a dead realtor in a historic painted lady home.
This introduces us the the whole gang of cops as they solve the murder. I liked the mystery and the banter between the cops. It was a solid plot and well written and I will read the rest of the series.
483 reviews86 followers
November 19, 2019
Welcome to the Peyton Brooks Mysteries!

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. As the leads quickly began to dwindle, it was up to Peyton and her partner to figure things out. I enjoyed following along as things began to unravel.

I’m a true fan of M. L. Hamilton’s writing. When Kelley Hazen narrates it’s even better. So entertaining and enjoyable!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Martha Brown.
232 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2020
Short and sweet!

ML Hamilton continues her good works. She goes back and adds some more Peyton and Marco from the early days. No one who loves murder mysteries and delightful reading would not enjoy the antics of Peyton and the seriousness of a gorgeous Marco as they solve their cases by hook or by crook. Some parts serious, evolving in to the very serious side of life while bringing in the joyous, the two manage to survive all their ups and downs.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
December 26, 2020
Murder in the Painted Lady (Peyton Brooks’ Mystery #0.5) was a great read by M.L. Hamilton. Peyton and Marco are members of the San Francisco PD. They have together solved more cases than many of the other senior officers. They get a case of the death of a high end real estate agent. This case is difficult because there is no evidence, no suspects and no motives. I really enjoyed this read and enjoyed Kelly Hazen’s narration. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Cindy Cook Morgan.
29 reviews
October 18, 2020
This was a good, quick read. I like to read while walking on the treadmill and this made my walk turn into a quick 2 miles before I knew it. The storyline had a good flow and was believable, not far fetched. The characters were very likeable. Well written. I look forward to reading more with these characters and/or more stories from the author.
1,150 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2023
This was my first Peyton Brooks mystery and it was interesting. She's a strong character, the daughter of a San Francisco policeman who is now a police inspector also in SF. She is very close to her police partner who is "model-like" in appearance and is a close friend to a flamboyant ME. Will read more.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
238 reviews24 followers
April 7, 2024
This was a good murder mystery novella. I didn't feel that the suspense was very strong, but that could be because it was a novella. The creepy factor with the culprit was on point though. I liked the banter between SFPD Investigators Peyton Brooks and Marco D'Angelo. I look forward to continuing the series and learning more about Brooks and D'Angelo.
Profile Image for HAL.
425 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2024
A Solid, Entertaining Mystery

This may not reach Christie's benchmark of quality - hard to say with just one book, but Hamilton delivers good atmosphere, great character development and plot in a clean, entertaining format I can recommend for teens and adults. Would I read another mystery by this author? Yes. Read and enjoy!
Author 3 books38 followers
June 4, 2025
Peyton Brooks, fiesty Inspector with the SFPD, tracks down a budding serial killer with her hunky partner Marco. There's just enough implied romance here to round out the characters and it isn't between the partners. This is not a serious police procedural, more like they watched one too many movies, but the plot is solid and the characters are fun. Nice intro to a series.
Profile Image for Franci Taylor Pennington.
49 reviews
August 24, 2017
Quick read

Only 151 pages on the Kindle, but written very well. Fleshed out characters so that you care about them. Good story, mixing the the thrill of the chase with tedium of police work, and bringing the story to a point that you are teetering toward the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,005 reviews16 followers
May 4, 2018
Murder in the Painted Lady

Excellent crime novel about the murder of a realtor. Detective partners Peyton and Marco are determined to solve the mystery before the killer can strike again. Very entertaining.
162 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2018
This truly is a don't judge a book by it's cover kinda book. I loved that it was full of suspense and drama even though it was a short fast paced read. This was the first book I've read by M.L. Hamilton and I really enjoyed it and can't wait to check out more of Hamilton's books.
31 reviews
October 18, 2019
Good character development

Characters were interesting and we'll developed. Character descriptions and words were good, but actions were a large part of the character development. Liked the lack of profanity and no F-bombs. Will read more by M. L. Hamilton!
28 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2020
Great read!

This book has a lot of interpersonal dynamics to keep me interested. I like the fact that the last “victim” would support a stay in a psychiatric hospital rather than a prison term. I’m looking forward to reading more books with these Mai characters.
Profile Image for Todd Lowe.
110 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2021
Good plots, very interesting characters, and lots of laugh out loud moments. ( I got a lot of strange looks from my wife)

I have read all of the Payton Brooks books, I bought a boxed set of the F.B.I. series and before I was finished, I ordered the rest of the series. Before I finished the F.B.I., I ordered all of the initial series, Payton Brooks Mysteries. Although they would be better read in order, I enjoyed them all and will buy the next ones.

I read the first F.B.I. book on 1/18/21, finished the series on 1/25/21 and minished the Mysteries series on 1/30/21. They will hold your interest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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