Death in Disguise

Beth Getty Mystery Series #1

by Karen Neary Smithson

Teenage girls are being murdered in Los Angeles. Four in one week. The latest victim isn’t like the others—not a runaway or prostitute—but a nanny working for a celebrity couple.

And this has Sibeal “Beth” Getty, perplexed. Beth, an Irish born fashion model gifted with an uncanny sixth sense, was acquainted with the nanny and knew of her aspirations to become an actress. The veiled motive for the deaths haunt Beth and after reading the nanny’s stolen diary, she is hell-bent on unraveling the mystery surrounding the slain teens. But she doesn’t know the first thing about conducting a murder investigation, that’s her detective husband’s line. With a healthy dose of determination and her intuition on high gear, Beth forges onward. She begins to link unconnected details and stumbles into a tangled web of deception that makes clear, nothing is as it seems.

Help comes from an unexpected source when Beth’s self-centered, actress friend offers a lead and a hand in solving the crime. As Beth inches closer to detecting the murderer’s true identity will she be the next victim on the killer’s list?

Genres: Mystery

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2018

About the author

Karen Neary Smithson is the award-winning author of the Beth Getty Mystery Series. She also writes the Becca Flynn Mysteries under the pen name of Karen Leigh Charles. Karen has been a child advocate, human rights commissioner, and an art educator. Once the writing bug bit her, she found the creative process magical. In addition to writing, she is a professional artist whose paintings are showcased in local galleries. She has been known to pop up as an extra in Baltimore-based movies and television programs. Karen lives with her husband and three show cats in historic Ellicott City, Maryland.

Reviews

[Beena Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading.

It gave thrill vibes and the first chapter has a strong book. I like the concept of the thriller aspect where young women are getting killed and a killer is on the loose. The sixth sense aspect of the book was also refreshing to read about, I haven't read too many of those. I couldn't even guess who the killer was in the end, I like it when books keep me on the toes and they're not predictable.

The sequel also sounds promising, and I look forward to more work of the author's.

[Laura Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mystery that had me addicted from the first page.

[Chuck Smithson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery is WELL written which makes it so enjoyable to read!! Add to it that the reader is always on the edge of their seat; always having difficulty in putting it down; and always captivated by the story, its settings, and its characters. And if you like a mystery that you can't figure out the ending, until the last few pages, THIS IS IT! Being the season of the Triple Crown you will love the suspense created in this novel at its climax that takes place at Pimlico Race Track. This is a novel that one is compelled to pick up, read, and ENJOY!

[Karen Roulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Disguise is an intricately woven murder mystery with a great cast of well-developed characters. The story line is compelling and holds your attention until the very end. Most of my reading is comprised of mysteries so when I come across one that keeps me guessing until the last few pages, it's a definite treat. It will be interesting to see what Beth gets involved in next! Interesting local angle if you live in the MD area.

[R.T. Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect holiday read! Smithson spins an entertaining tale of murder and lifestyles of the rich and famous in this mystery novel that promises to be the first in a series featuring a nosey ex-model who just can't keep her almost magical intuition to herself.

With an engaging cast of characters, Death in Disguise leaves you eager for the next twist in a plot that is both satisfying and even a little surprising. I look forward to reading more from Smithson!

[Linda K. Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

The book was captivating ,which left you mesmerized. I had difficulty putting it down. Ms. Neary is an exceptional writer; job well done. I'm eagerly waiting for her next book.

[Elsa Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story got me interested on page one. I was sure I knew who the murder was but was wrong, and didn’t figure out the truth until quite far into the story. The main character, Beth, has a sixth-sense (Irish - fey) which has both good and bad consequences. Initially, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with the use of the clichés that frequently emerged in the first half of the book, yet they served their purpose. One of the characters uses the word ‘like’ often and it fits in with her personality. I expanded my vocabulary during the read and had to look up a couple words like resplendent and ebullient. I also looked up some things about how the Irish used ‘so’ at the end of sentences. The story has a little bit of everything. Not only humans, but kittens, horses, and reptiles. All and all an enjoyable read and I look forward to another mystery with Beth Getty in the future.

[Candice Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I loved about this book... I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just tell you that I truly didn't know who the killer was and found out with the main character as she did. This is a murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book doesn't have any gore or disturbing violence like so many books do nowadays... Those books rely on shock value to try to ensnare readers to keep turning the page, which is not my cup of tea. Death in Disguise is different - it has all the elements of a classic: great writing, interesting characters, and a very cerebral storyline that constantly keeps you thinking, exploring, and eager to know what happens next! Looking forward to more books in this series!

[L.R. Trovillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a unique writing style that really turns up the volume with over-the-top characters, detailed descriptions, and lots and lots of emotional ups and downs. This mystery hooks readers and brings them along on a wild ride into the private back rooms of Hollywood glitterati, the backstretch of the horse racing biz, and the secret rooms of some very dark characters. I especially enjoy an amateur detective like Beth Getty who doesn't know enough to keep out of trouble, so she certainly amps up the risk at every turn. Her reliance on her "sixth sense" is a fun quirk that comes into play over and over throughout the mystery. I doubt most readers will be able to solve it before the end. So, if you like rich, colorful settings, high emotions, and a peek behind the scenes of the "rich and famous," you'll enjoy Death in Disguise.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandly captivating

Death in Disguise is the first book of this author's that I've read. I enjoyed this story, and how it was extremely unpredictable. It's an interestingly fast-paced story, bringing its characters to life. I enjoyed the author's writing style and how the story was told. There was a variety of characters, and they didn't get lost. I really liked the character of Beth, and how she becomes entangled with the murders that are occurring fast and furiously. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting and thrilling murder mystery, "Death in Disguise" is sure to send chills of fear down the spine of the stoutest reader, and often uses the reader’s momentum to steer them to a place where anyone can kill.

Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kathryn Ramsperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a reader of murder mysteries usually, yet the excellent writing here had me from the first page. I also usually guess the Macguffin, the perpetrator, and plot. Yet this one kept me guessing with plenty of twists and turns. I loved the character development, and my favorite part was the protagonist's intuitive nature. This is definitely well worth the read even if you're not a mystery reader. If you enjoy mysteries, you'll love this book. Looking forward to the next one!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery with a cast of characters sure to delight and frustrate you. Didn't figure out "who done it" until the last few chapters!

[Cindy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good character development, fast paced action and an interesting plot combine to make this an enjoyable read. Smithson crafts a story which holds the reader's interest and challenges the mystery lover's who-dunnit skills. I look forward to reading the sequel!

[Jennifer Haskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Disguise is the beginning of a brilliant series by Karen Neary Sithson about an Irish housewife with a penchant for solving crime. Though her husband is the detective, "Beth" Getty takes matters into her own hands when a rash of teen murders enters her circle of friends. It's full of action and suspense, with a great twisty ending that will take you for a loop. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing what trouble Beth gets herself into!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best mysteries I have read in ages! I typically only read mysteries and have been disappointed with predictable story line progression and endings. Not so with Death in Disguise! With well developed characters and a captivating story line, this gem will keep you guessing until the very end! I look forward to the next Beth Getty Mystery!

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich characters, unique story & details. Really loved the choice of local area references.