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Devil's Gold

(Black Rose Mystery #1)

Amanda McKinney (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 355 ratings · 40 reviews

Death and Darkness are the norm at Black Rose Investigations...

Despite being chronically late, occasionally disheveled and a tad disorganized, Dixie Knight is one of the top private investigators in the country, and when a young woman goes missing in the small, Southern town of Devil’s Den, Dixie takes the case. She expected it to be another ordinary missing person case ...more

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Kindle Edition, 148 pages

Published February 13th 2018

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· 355 ratings · 40 reviews

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May 07, 2018 Dri ✰ rated it liked it

Shelves: 2018

★ 3 stars!!! ★

“The right one is a phantom, a mythical creature that exists only to make men like you reject every single woman that comes across their paths, only to end up being a miserable old bastard who spends their time hovered over the engine of some sports car—that they spent their life savings on—with a bottle of lube in one hand, and a can of Bud in the other.”

Dixie Knight é tipo de mocinha que eu curto ler; determinada, forte, inteligente, corajosa... me simpatizei com ela desde ...more

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Jul 09, 2019 Somia rated it liked it

Shelves: crime-suspense-mystery

The premise of a group of sisters’ running a well-respected and kickass Private Investigator (PI) business they inherited from their famous CIA father sounded fab and had me keen to read and now continue to read). This first book/novella in the series focuses on Dixie Knight, the middle sister. When a young woman goes missing in the small, Southern town of Devil’s Den, Dixie takes the case, but what should have been an ordinary missing person case takes an unexpected and dangerous turn. And when ...more

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Jun 25, 2018 Coco.V marked it as to-read

Shelves: freebie

💝 FREE on Amazon today (6/25/2018)!💝

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Jan 09, 2018 Lauren rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

DEVIL'S GOLD truly managed to surprise me! Going into it I expected to like it. I'm a sucker for a good mystery; however, I never expected to like it as much as I did. Combining a page-turning mystery, a feisty, sarcastic main character, and even a touch of romance, DEVIL'S GOLD proves just how enchanting a novella can be.

DEVIL'S GOLD introduces Dix, a private investigator at her family's Black Rose Investigations. Dix has always been the black sheep of her family. Constantly late, occasionally ...more

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Feb 19, 2018 Minx rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, mystery, read-in-2018, crime

True Rating 3.5 stars!

Devil’s Gold is the first book in the Black Rose Mystery series. Black Rose Investigations was a company that had been started by Clive Knight after his stint with the CIA was completed. After an untimely death his company was inherited by his three daughters, Dixie, Roxie, and Scar. They were all strong women who had their own skills that they brought to the table. In this book Dixie was hired by a woman who was certain her husband was cheating on her. She initially wanted True Rating 3.5 stars!

Devil’s Gold is the first book in the Black Rose Mystery series. Black Rose Investigations was a company that had been started by Clive Knight after his stint with the CIA was completed. After an untimely death his company was inherited by his three daughters, Dixie, Roxie, and Scar. They were all strong women who had their own skills that they brought to the table. In this book Dixie was hired by a woman who was certain her husband was cheating on her. She initially wanted Dixie to prove that her husband was having an affair but when the woman came up missing, the wife wanted Dixie to prove that her husband had something to do with the disappearance so that she could have all the assets in a divorce settlement.

Dixie took the case because she was intrigued by the idea of finding a missing woman. While running down the clues Dixie also ran into a man who was in town visiting family while on leave. Liam had come into town to visit his cousin but he was happily distracted when he ran into Dixie while at a bar. They both had instant chemistry and he wanted to get to know her more. While at the bar, Dixie had received a troubling phone call that had her running out of the bar. Liam followed Dixie because he wanted to make plans with her as he was only in town for a little while. What he had never expected was that he would run into a situation that had all the fingerprints of a case that he was familiar with. Both Dixie and Liam would find themselves working together to follow the clues which would lead down a dangerous path.

The character’s in Devil’s Gold are interesting and I liked the backstory for the sisters and how they came to be investigators. Dixie was feisty and I enjoyed her investigative technique and the relationships she had with the town residents. The romance element between her and Liam was entertaining and cute. I thought that the mystery element was nicely done and I was not sure who had been responsible for the crimes that were committed until the very end and it made complete sense. Devil’s Gold is a short story but it is very entertaining and paced well. I am definitely interested in continuing in this series because I am curious to see if Dixie will remain the main character or if the next book in the series will feature a sister.

This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Xpresso Book Tours. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews ...more

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Feb 23, 2018 Jill rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-books

Dixie Knight is a badass, strong, female PI in author Amanda McKinney’s newest series Black Rose Mystery. Dixie is one of three sisters owning, and working as Private Investigators, for Black Rose Investigations. So when a mysterious disappearance and ultimately murder occurs in her small town of Devil’s Den, Dixie is immediately on the case. But, Dixie is not alone in her investigations as Liam, a marine home on leave, ties the untimely death to a string of Louisiana homicides years past.

Liam ...more

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Feb 20, 2018 Tracey rated it really liked it

*I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.*

This is the story of Dixie Knight, private investigator, and while working on a missing person case in a small town called Devil’s Den. But she soon discovers that this case is not that simple and it is turning to murder.

While visiting family on leave from the Marines, Liam Cash meets up with Dixie in a bar and they find there is an instant attraction there. But Liam decides he is going to help with the investigation ...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Charlotte Woods rated it it was amazing

Loved it! McKinney does it again with Devil’s Gold, writing another enchanting and sexy murder mystery, filled with twists and turns that keep you up at night; fun characters that feel like your old friends; and above all, a creepy, captivating setting that makes you feel like you’re right there with them. Devil’s Gold is a fun, fast-paced thriller, topped with passionate romance. If you enjoyed the Berry Springs books, you’ll fall in love with this new series.

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Feb 11, 2019 Sue Sparks rated it really liked it

3.5 stars fast paced, decent read with insta love

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Feb 19, 2018 Nicole(Newbookcats) rated it liked it

"She glanced up at the leafless trees that had grown like a tunnel above the driveway-like witch's fingers, connected at the tips."

3.5/5 stars

For most of my life, I had wanted to be a veterinarian. Then, it all changed last summer when I had watched one of my favorite shows to watch on a relaxing vacation, "Forensic Files." And, if you know me, you know I HATE change.

I have been watching this particular show for several years with my family as we all like to solve mysteries and any problems that "She glanced up at the leafless trees that had grown like a tunnel above the driveway-like witch's fingers, connected at the tips."

3.5/5 stars

For most of my life, I had wanted to be a veterinarian. Then, it all changed last summer when I had watched one of my favorite shows to watch on a relaxing vacation, "Forensic Files." And, if you know me, you know I HATE change.

I have been watching this particular show for several years with my family as we all like to solve mysteries and any problems that come our way. Even though I watched a lot of episodes, I never really thought about forensic science being the job for me. So, I stuck to my belief that I was going to be a successful veterinarian with some dogs and cats living with me later in my life. Then, just recently, my family and I found a lost dog. Writing that I was scared is an understatement. I was terrified that Benji, the dog, was going to bite me or scratch me. I ran away from him and screamed bloody murder several times because I was so scared. Even before this, I had my doubts of me becoming a veterinarian because it was so hard to even put me in a room with a dog I had no relations with. However, do not worry anymore as Benji is such a sweetheart and wouldn't hurt a fly. I just get a little scared around him at times, but I can mostly forget about my fears as I know Benji would never put me in serious harm. Anyway, after deciding to spend my time on researching what kind of responsibilities a forensic scientist occurs daily, I found this blog tour and decided to give it a chance.

As my decision to get this book was based on my love for mysteries and my desire to learn more about being a forensic scientist, I was very happy to get an inside look into the investigation process . Through researching the murder, looking at all the possible suspects, and just going through the same turmoil as the characters really opened my eyes to how being a forensic scientist would be like. This book made me more sure of my decision to help bring justice into the world(with the Justice League of America).

Also, did you read the quote stated in the beginning of this review? I was asking myself whether or not it is meaningful enough. Or had any special connection to the story? Or if it did not display my love for a chocolate milkshake on a cold winter night? Wait, what? Although the answer is no to all of those question, I found this quote to be a great display of Kinney's ability to write. I found her writing to be so compelling. So much so that I would find myself awake one night finishing it the same day I started. I just kept flipping through my Kindle book as if I would die if I had to be separated from my phone. Also, Kinney's writing is rich with descriptions. From how she explained what the murders looked like to how she described the chocolate milkshakes that made a cameo in this story, I found myself immersed in this world. However, it was pure torture reading about the chocolate milkshakes and not being able to get one myself.

It was a lot to process at the time so if you will, please mourn my past self who did not have a chocolate milkshake. *loudly blows into a tissue*

Another thing I really enjoyed was Dixie Knight, the main character. Dixie Knight is a private investigator, a sloppy human being, a smart thinking individual, and a sassy woman. She is the imperfect one of her two other sisters, who also work at Black Rose Investigations. Dixie reminded me a bit of a grown Nancy Drew, And, if you know me, then you know I enjoyed Nancy Drew as a small child. It was so fun to see Dixie think and make split-second decisions. Also, it helped that she was super sassy and great at making a conversation entertaining.

After discussing this book's strong suits, I think it is time to go into the qualities I would like to dig a grave for. First, I really hated Liam. It would be fine if he was just placed into his novel to help solve the murder, and he did; however, he was also a love interest. It felt as if he and the romance HAD to be added. It did nothing for the story and really lowered the love I had for it. Also, with this romance, Dixie was somewhat pressured to get a man. From her friends and coworkers to her imaginary great aunt Sue, she was pushed to get a man. I did not enjoy reading her coworkers pushing her out of her comfort zone to get a man they deemed suitable for her even if he did help solve the case in the end.

Also, this is my personal preference, but I wish there could have been some connection to the killer. Usually, I have seen the killer or wrong-doer once or twice mentioned or included in a scene. However, due to this story being a novella, everything had to be short, sweet, and compressed. This is good as Kinney could not drag on about chocolate milkshakes; however, I want more to this particular story. I wish I and other readers could get introduced to the killer, but sadly, that does not happen. We just get a name and some past evidence from a closed case.

Also, I have something very special planned. I have a tea recommendation for this book, which is...peppermint. This story looks to be simple and deliciously mysterious, but it packs a punch at how good it is and makes you want more. Also, the story and the tea just give a little chill down your spine.

Full review on my blog. ...more

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Feb 15, 2018 Debbie rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, crime-thriller, military-police-people, short-reads-100-pages-hour, hang-over-cures

Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is only short, just over an hour reading time for me, some 120 pages, but it packs quite a punch!

Dixie is the middle sister of three, running their father's investigation agency. She's good at it, even if she is the least put together of her sisters. Liam is in town visiting relatives, and when their paths cross, it's a proper "eyes across a crowded room" moment. When Dixie puts herself in danger, Liam knows he ca ...more

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Oct 16, 2020 Marie rated it it was amazing

Ask about the golden penis!

I love this, the dysfunctional and slightly crazy Knight family, the kickass Black Rose Investigations and a plot that weaves mystery, suspense and romance seemlessly...a fantastic novella and the first book in a series that leaves you eager for more.
Dixie is awesome, I really like that she is totally disorganised, always late but super smart and can see the missing pieces others have missed. The fact she is not perfect just makes her more appealing and relatable.
Liam ...more

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Mar 14, 2018 Deborah rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own

Devil's Gold - A Black Rose Mystery by Amanda McKinney is a quick read you can finish in one sitting. The characters are strong willed and independent and the plot keeps the reader turning the pages to discover what will happen next in this murder mystery. I loved that the three sisters work for their own PI Investigation firm which opens several opportunities for plot storylines to continue in a series of books. I cannot wait to read the next book and look forward to many more twisted and sexy ...more

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Jun 22, 2020 Deb Diem rated it it was amazing

Devil's Gold is a fantastic romantic suspense by Amanda McKinney. Ms. McKinney continues to impress me with her storytelling abilities with this well-written book. I totally love the characters in this book. Dixie is a private investigator for her family business, Black Rose Investigations. Liam is in town visiting relatives for a couple of weeks while on leave from the Marines. Liam and Dixie's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. Devil's Gold is book 1 of the Black R ...more

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Feb 18, 2018 Jo rated it liked it

This is a decent mystery story with fast pacing and reasonable character development, even if the foreshadowing is perhaps a little obvious.

Dixie is a strong female lead, and although Liam is a little weird, overall, he fits nicely into the story. And for the most part, the novella format worked.

However, the ending did take the shine off this somewhat. It felt unnecessary, and added a rushed feel to what was otherwise a very promising novella.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy ...more

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Mar 12, 2018 Joanne rated it really liked it

So much packed into this Novella! My interest never waned from the time I started reading to the end. The characters are colorful and Ms. McKinney's description, as always, puts a firm figure in your mind as to what each character looks like. Her writing is real. For instance, main character walks into someone's home and everything is pink, pink, pink. She thinks to herself "vomit, vomit, vomit." Yeah, believable. Although I had an inkling of who the killer might be, there were a couple of surpr ...more

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Apr 12, 2018 Gregg Sayers rated it it was amazing

This was the first book I've read from Amanda McKinney and I absolutely loved it! She does a great job with character development and the story literally makes it hard to put down. I read this book in a day and a half. I took it to work intending to read a chapter or two, but every time I set it down I'd do something else for 5 or 10 minutes and then I couldn't take it anymore and had to find out what happens next, so I'd pick it back up. That went on pretty much all day! Lol! This is a great re ...more

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Apr 24, 2018 Rachel Morgan rated it it was amazing

Don’t miss out!

Oh my goodness! I wish I could write this review with the same eloquence and ability to grab your attention that the author uses to write her books. Mystery, romance, surprises...what more could you ask for in a great story? I love any story with a strong female lead but she finds a way to make her character relatable and also vulnerable. I have quickly become a fan of not only this series but also of this author! I love her style and am anxiously awaiting her next book! Don’t mi ...more

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Feb 13, 2018 shayla tisevich rated it it was amazing

Suspenseful, steamy, and a little spooky in the most awesome way! With all the twists and turns, Devil’s Gold kept me wondering who the murderer was until the very end. I really liked the main character, Dixie , and the sisters, and the witty banter between them. Not to mention the sexy, mysterious Marine! If you enjoyed The Berry Springs series, or love female sleuth books, you’ll definitely like the Black Rose Mysteries. Already can’t wait for the next in the series!

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Feb 14, 2018 Kellsie Smalley rated it it was amazing

Amazing Read!

Such an great book by an amazing author,Amanda McKinney. This romantic mystery kept me interested the entire time, I couldn’t put it down! Amanda has such a way with words. I felt like I was right there with the characters attempting to solve this case. This is a great mystery with a romantic twist and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She is beginning to be one of my favorite authors.

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Jul 26, 2018 Victoria Sturlini rated it it was amazing

GOOD MYSTERY!!!!

I enjoyed this book very much. It was short but the suspense and action in it was very satisfying...... I like that the Black Rose Investigators is a family affair.... With lots of interesting characters and personalities. There was a very sexy romance along with the mystery...... I highly recommend it if you are looking for a quick, engrossing, and enjoyable read!!!!!

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Feb 07, 2018 Becca C. rated it it was amazing

Dixie is my kind of girl! A no-nonsense badass chick who gets things done without waiting for the guy to come and rescue her. I loved everything about this book!

The relationships throughout the novella are developed well, and made me want the next book right away! I can't wait to see what the next Black Rose Mystery holds! ...more

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Apr 23, 2018 Will Decker rated it really liked it

A nice novella that covers all the bases. Well written, fast moving plot, great character development, and a touch of suspense. Oh, and let's not forget the bit of romance thrown in for good measure. A lot to take in for a novella, but McKinney does it with ease and a flair all of her own. ...more

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May 16, 2018 Belinda in Alabama rated it really liked it

Good Book

This was a good mystery I did not determine who did it until the story told me. I liked the characters and would like to know them better. I hope you would too. Happy Reading!

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Aug 08, 2018 Rebecca rated it it was ok

2 star

The story feels like it is just starting then suddenly it is tied up. More or less by accident. Also no character arc at all on either of the two primary characters. So it has a smidgen of plot but just feels pointless.

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Jan 20, 2019 Polly J. Van Benthusen rated it it was amazing

Shirt, sweet, and a good read!

I love the turns this book takes. These characters are relatable and these men are incredibly sexy. I'm binge reading the series and know I will enjoy them all. ...more

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Aug 12, 2019 tabitha bradshaw rated it it was amazing

A Quickie with Feels!

This book is a little shorter than normal, but it’s got great characters and sets the stage for even more mysteries. PI Dixie is looking for answers about a missing woman when she meets Marine Liam who is curious about the case and Dixie. Super read! Enjoy!!!

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Aug 15, 2019 Rita rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this book. It has great character's. I enjoyed the love story in the midst of the killings. The plot is great too. I am interested in reading more of this series, too. I am following this author and looking forward to more! ...more

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Apr 21, 2018 Lavenia Otts rated it it was amazing

Great storyline

I really enjoyed this novella. The characters were work-related and the plot well thought out. I recommend this book highly.

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May 01, 2018 Renae rated it it was amazing

Dixie and Liam

Great murder mystery. Just loved the characters and plot. Not going to give away the ending but the twist sure had me going. Thanks so much

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About Amanda McKinney

Amanda McKinney

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Amanda McKinney is the #1 bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than fifteen small-town romantic suspense and mystery novels. She wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY in 2017, after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Her books include the bestselling series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY, the multi-award-winning BERRY SPRINGS series, BLACK ROSE MYSTERIES, ...more