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Life Coach Mystery #1
Coached to Death
When Catherine Cooper settles in the Hamptons on the heels of a nasty split from her long-time husband, the luxurious coastal community seems like the perfect place to get back on track in style. But as Cat soon discovers, starting fresh on the East End can be deadly . . . Cat Cooper never imagined selling off her in-demand marketing firm would mean going from the pinnacle of success to a walking hot mess. Gouged from an unexpected divorce, Cat suddenly finds herself struggling through a new career as a business-savvy life coach for the hopelessly adrift in East Hampton and contending with Heather Holland—a spiteful neighbor who will do anything to bully her out of town. But her second act may very well continue behind bars when Heather’s dead body turns up next to a shattered punchbowl . . . and Cat’s pinned as the murderer. But given Heather’s mean girl reputation, any one of the guests at her invite-only luncheon could have committed the crime before planting Cat’s punchbowl next to the body. Determined not to trade designer duds for an unflattering prison jumpsuit, Cat sides with her best friend Gilley to scour chic boutiques and oceanfront mansions in search of the criminal who framed her. With a stoic detective looking to get her in cuffs, it’s up to Cat to catch the real killer and land on her feet once again . . .
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
217 people are currently reading
2693 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
46 books3,174 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
May 2, 2021
Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie
1st in The Life Coach Mysteries series. Cozy mystery. A spin-off of the other mystery series with the side kick characters Cat and Gilley transitioning to this new series. I haven’t read the other series and while I was able to follow everything, I felt I was missing quite a bit of Gilley’s backstory. It didn’t make this book any less readable.
Catherine Cooper moves back to the Hamptons after her divorce. Getting accused of a neighbors murder because of an old rivalry was a nuisance. Cat and Gilley take amateur detective to heart to clear Cat’s name when one murder turns into multiple.
Cutesy and entertaining from the rich side of the Hamptons.
I will go back and read the other series books now for more background but will also continue with this since it had the humor and flow you’d expect from a cozy mystery.
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was narrated by Rachel Delude who did a great job with the emotional surprise. I did find myself trying to remember Gilley as male since that got lost in the vocals.
1st in The Life Coach Mysteries series. Cozy mystery. A spin-off of the other mystery series with the side kick characters Cat and Gilley transitioning to this new series. I haven’t read the other series and while I was able to follow everything, I felt I was missing quite a bit of Gilley’s backstory. It didn’t make this book any less readable.
Catherine Cooper moves back to the Hamptons after her divorce. Getting accused of a neighbors murder because of an old rivalry was a nuisance. Cat and Gilley take amateur detective to heart to clear Cat’s name when one murder turns into multiple.
Cutesy and entertaining from the rich side of the Hamptons.
I will go back and read the other series books now for more background but will also continue with this since it had the humor and flow you’d expect from a cozy mystery.
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was narrated by Rachel Delude who did a great job with the emotional surprise. I did find myself trying to remember Gilley as male since that got lost in the vocals.
November 1, 2019
Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie is the first book in the new cozy The Life Coach Mysteries series. While this is the beginning of a new series the characters involved seem to have ties to the author’s two previous cozy series. Cat Cooper is the sister of the lead in the Psychic Eye Mysteries and Cat’s best friend was in the Ghost Hunter Mysteries. Not having read either series myself I can’t say how big a part these characters had or how much is a spin off into this new series.
Cat Cooper now however is just starting her life over again in the Hampton’s after having gone through a divorce. She had sold her marketing firm which has given her enough to live comfortably while building a new home with a guest house for her friend and starting a new career as a life coach.
The only downside to Cat’s new life had been a catty socialite neighbor, Heather Holland. In doing her best to fit in and get along Cat had accepted an invite to Heather’s party only to be treated as staff. This then causes a huge fight with Heather in front or everyone after which Cat heads home only to have the police show up at her door with the news of Heather’s murder.
Coached to Death was a first book of a new cozy that had me up and down with my feelings the entire time. While there were things in this I enjoyed I couldn’t shrug the feeling that I was missing some backstory so I was not surprised to learn of the spin off characters. There are also little things here that felt perhaps a tad off for a cozy so when it was said and done I decided on 3 1/2 stars for this opener and would be curious enough to try book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Cat Cooper now however is just starting her life over again in the Hampton’s after having gone through a divorce. She had sold her marketing firm which has given her enough to live comfortably while building a new home with a guest house for her friend and starting a new career as a life coach.
The only downside to Cat’s new life had been a catty socialite neighbor, Heather Holland. In doing her best to fit in and get along Cat had accepted an invite to Heather’s party only to be treated as staff. This then causes a huge fight with Heather in front or everyone after which Cat heads home only to have the police show up at her door with the news of Heather’s murder.
Coached to Death was a first book of a new cozy that had me up and down with my feelings the entire time. While there were things in this I enjoyed I couldn’t shrug the feeling that I was missing some backstory so I was not surprised to learn of the spin off characters. There are also little things here that felt perhaps a tad off for a cozy so when it was said and done I decided on 3 1/2 stars for this opener and would be curious enough to try book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 14, 2019
After a messy divorce, Catherine Cooper moves to the Hamptons for a fresh start as a life coach. Unfortunately, things are off to a rocky start. While attending her neighbor Heather's lunch party, they get into a heated argument in front of all the guests. When Heather is found dead hours later, she immediately becomes the main suspect. With the help of her friend Gilley, Cat is determined to catch the real murderer before she ends up in jail. Coached to Death is a fantastic start to a new series. The plot is engaging, complex, and nicely paced. Cat was a feisty, likable main character. Her friendship with Gilley was one of my favorite things about this book. Gilley was such a lovable character. He had me laughing out loud a couple of times, and I loved his fun, over the top personality. The last few chapters of the story were action-packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending left off on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book. I recommend this book to readers looking for a slightly darker and unique cozy mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2021
I loved this story! The protagonist and her best friend are hilarious and have a great ‘bestie’ relationship. The setting is charming, and the murder mystery is complex and not easy to guess. The secondary characters are appealing, and I’m very interested in seeing where the author goes with a couple of them in the second book. I highly recommend this cozy mystery
October 18, 2019
Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie is the first book in a new mystery series that actually includes two characters from her other two series, the Psychic Eye series and the Ghost Hunters series.
Ms. Laurie has written a well crafted plot that moved along at a quick pace as she introduced Catherine Cooper, Abby Cooper's sister, and Gilley Gillespie, MJ's partner. Catherine struck me as a strong and determined woman who has reinvented herself in the Hamptons. Gilley is sweet, tech smart and offered some humorous moments to lighten the tension during the story. There were several twists, suspects, an assassin, and the mob which kept Catherine and Gilley pursuing every clue in spite of the danger. It also looks like there may be potential for a love triangle for Catherine in future books. A complex mystery that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Laurie has written a well crafted plot that moved along at a quick pace as she introduced Catherine Cooper, Abby Cooper's sister, and Gilley Gillespie, MJ's partner. Catherine struck me as a strong and determined woman who has reinvented herself in the Hamptons. Gilley is sweet, tech smart and offered some humorous moments to lighten the tension during the story. There were several twists, suspects, an assassin, and the mob which kept Catherine and Gilley pursuing every clue in spite of the danger. It also looks like there may be potential for a love triangle for Catherine in future books. A complex mystery that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 19, 2020
Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie is the first book in the Life Coach Mystery series. After selling her successful marketing business and divorcing her adulterous husband, Cat Cooper moves to the Hamptons and starts up as a life coach, only to find herself accused of murder when her neighbour is killed. A wonderful spin off to the Psychic Eye mysteries and the Ghost Hunter mysteries, making me want to catch up with these series as there are a few references in the book to these. I loved the Life Coach concept and especially Cat, who is smart and capable and Gilley, who is fun and an IT whiz. Sebastian, her electronic butler, sounds awesome. An engaging and enjoyable mystery.
October 29, 2019
I’ve been a fan of this author for a very long time, so I was excited to hear she had a spin-off series in the works. Cat and Gilley are two of my favorite side characters, and it’s wonderful to see them again. In this series-starter, Cat has had to start over in a new place since her divorce, but it doesn’t take long to realize she isn’t well-liked because of one resident. Unfortunately, that one resident dies, and Cat is the prime suspect. I really enjoyed this book. The author’s trademark excellent writing, fun style, and interesting characters all make a comeback on this book. The only thing that didn’t strike an excellent chord with me was Cat at times. I’ve never seen her as dippy or easily flustered like she seemed in this book; she always seemed more unflappable to me. However, that didn’t detract much at all from my enjoyment. This was a fun, cozy-ish mystery that I do recommend! I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
June 7, 2020
I've always enjoyed Victoria Laurie's writing, having been a Psychic Eye fan from the start. This was a really good start to a new series. So ready for the second one to come around.
December 26, 2020
I listened to the audio version of the book and had a really good time.
A great mystery, interesting and fun characters and the heroine and her sidekick are great.
A great mystery, interesting and fun characters and the heroine and her sidekick are great.
November 24, 2019
Cat Cooper moves to the Hamptons, after her husband of 21-years cheated on her, and they got a divorce. Cat tries to reinvent herself as a life coach, although her first client seems to be quite challenging. Not only that, Cat finds herself as main suspect after her neighbor is murdered. The detective on the case, Steve Shepherd, seems really gunning for her. Cat relies on her good friend Gilley, and their witty repartee, to try to prove her innocence.
Victoria Laurie combines two secondary characters from her two other series, and give them a separate series to shine through. Cat Cooper is Abby's older sister (from Psychic Eye Mystery) while Gilley Gillespie is M.J's best friend (from Ghost Hunter Mystery). I went through this book quickly, easy breezy, because I enjoyed this new partnership. I thought Cat and Gilley just fit. Gilley is high maintenance *grin* and let's face it, Cat is more on the upper class than M.J.
Gilley has experience of investigation -- with his hacking skill -- and safer too this time, at least from the supernatural being. Cat has the right determination (and temper *grin*) to forge ahead when she wants. So yep, this book is very enjoyable for me, as a long-time reader of Laurie.
There's a sign that Cat may have two admirers fighting for her affection. I hope that Laurie doesn't play too far along with this 'typical-love-triangle' plot that is usually popular in female amateur sleuth series. Maks Grinkov is charming (he's another character previously appeared in Vision Impossible) but I feel that his role is better being Cat's benefactor when dealing with law or crime organization rather than love interest. It'll be more fun reading Cat's making Shepherd frustrated.
The acknowledgment section said that Laurie has finished writing book #2 of this series. Hopefully it'll be released less than a year...
Victoria Laurie combines two secondary characters from her two other series, and give them a separate series to shine through. Cat Cooper is Abby's older sister (from Psychic Eye Mystery) while Gilley Gillespie is M.J's best friend (from Ghost Hunter Mystery). I went through this book quickly, easy breezy, because I enjoyed this new partnership. I thought Cat and Gilley just fit. Gilley is high maintenance *grin* and let's face it, Cat is more on the upper class than M.J.
Gilley has experience of investigation -- with his hacking skill -- and safer too this time, at least from the supernatural being. Cat has the right determination (and temper *grin*) to forge ahead when she wants. So yep, this book is very enjoyable for me, as a long-time reader of Laurie.
There's a sign that Cat may have two admirers fighting for her affection. I hope that Laurie doesn't play too far along with this 'typical-love-triangle' plot that is usually popular in female amateur sleuth series. Maks Grinkov is charming (he's another character previously appeared in Vision Impossible) but I feel that his role is better being Cat's benefactor when dealing with law or crime organization rather than love interest. It'll be more fun reading Cat's making Shepherd frustrated.
The acknowledgment section said that Laurie has finished writing book #2 of this series. Hopefully it'll be released less than a year...
August 17, 2020
Loved it! Best cozy I’ve read in a long time. I love the Abby Cooper books and for some reason I was thought maybe Abby’s sister Cat would make a boring main character, but Victoria Laurie does not disappoint. Cat is so much fun! I love her attitude and her sense of humor. The mystery is also very good and has a lot going on with it. Cat and her best friend Gilley’s amateur sleuthing felt real and not forced which is always a plus with cozies. The only negative for me is the potential “love triangle” that’s bound to appear in future books. She has what looks like two very eligible and interesting romantic prospects. I’m not a fan of that setup; I’d much rather there just be one. The audio is very nicely narrated, though I did have to increase the speed a little to get the pacing right, but I would for sure listen to more on audio if the same reader is used.
While best friend Gilley comes from the author’s Ghost Hunter series, and the main character Cat is the older sister of Abby Cooper from the Psychic Eye series, you don’t need to have read either to enjoy this book. I’ve read all of the Psychic Eye books but only 1 or 2 of the Ghost Hunter and it wasn’t an issue at all. Though it does have me re-thinking possibly going back to try the Ghost Hunter series again.
Very much looking forward to book two in this series. Just wish I knew when the audio for it would be coming out. It’s certainly worthwhile.
While best friend Gilley comes from the author’s Ghost Hunter series, and the main character Cat is the older sister of Abby Cooper from the Psychic Eye series, you don’t need to have read either to enjoy this book. I’ve read all of the Psychic Eye books but only 1 or 2 of the Ghost Hunter and it wasn’t an issue at all. Though it does have me re-thinking possibly going back to try the Ghost Hunter series again.
Very much looking forward to book two in this series. Just wish I knew when the audio for it would be coming out. It’s certainly worthwhile.
February 14, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow - just Wow!
September 13, 2020
Friends, fiascos, and fun!
I confess to being a big fan of Victoria Laurie. I have read her other series, adoring them and the characters she creates. Imagine my joy when Catherine “Cat” Cooper, sister of Abigail Cooper from her Psychic Eye series, and Gilley Gillespie, from her Ghosthunters series, join forces in a new series of their own! Add to it that this is a great story with a great mystery, and I am hooked! If you enjoy mysteries with best friends acting as sleuths, great moments of both laughter and heart-tugging emotion, and a mystery that will keep you guessing, then this book is definitely for you. I very highly recommend it!
I confess to being a big fan of Victoria Laurie. I have read her other series, adoring them and the characters she creates. Imagine my joy when Catherine “Cat” Cooper, sister of Abigail Cooper from her Psychic Eye series, and Gilley Gillespie, from her Ghosthunters series, join forces in a new series of their own! Add to it that this is a great story with a great mystery, and I am hooked! If you enjoy mysteries with best friends acting as sleuths, great moments of both laughter and heart-tugging emotion, and a mystery that will keep you guessing, then this book is definitely for you. I very highly recommend it!
April 30, 2020
Catherine Cooper has sold her high end marketing firm and moved to the Hamptons.
Her divorce was a mess, she got gouged by her ex, and her two twin boys are in boarding school.
She is trying to re-invent herself as a life coach.
At the same time, she is trying to deal with a spiteful neighbor, Heather Holland. Heather the bully, has tried to stop Cat from building her dream house next door in every possible way.
Meanwhile, Cat is invited to a luncheon at Heather's house.
Next day Heather is found dead but the Medical Examiner cannot figure out what she died from.
Cat is accused of the murder...so Cat decides to look into the murder with her sidekick Gillie Gillespie.
Gillie is a computer hacker and adds a bit of fun to the mystery by coming up with creative ways to investigate!
( Gillie was also a character in the Ghoul busting series by the same author)
Catherine has a take no prisoners attitude with a sophisticated flair. Great characters and a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Her divorce was a mess, she got gouged by her ex, and her two twin boys are in boarding school.
She is trying to re-invent herself as a life coach.
At the same time, she is trying to deal with a spiteful neighbor, Heather Holland. Heather the bully, has tried to stop Cat from building her dream house next door in every possible way.
Meanwhile, Cat is invited to a luncheon at Heather's house.
Next day Heather is found dead but the Medical Examiner cannot figure out what she died from.
Cat is accused of the murder...so Cat decides to look into the murder with her sidekick Gillie Gillespie.
Gillie is a computer hacker and adds a bit of fun to the mystery by coming up with creative ways to investigate!
( Gillie was also a character in the Ghoul busting series by the same author)
Catherine has a take no prisoners attitude with a sophisticated flair. Great characters and a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next book in this new series.
September 30, 2019
I received a copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After going through a terrible divorce, Catherine Cooper is ready to dive into her new business and settle into her freshly build home. Unfortunately, things are not going as smoothly as Cat hoped. Her life coaching business is off to a rough start and one of her new neighbors, Heather, despises her. Cat is determined to dig up some dirt on Heather and air her dirty laundry, but someone beats her to the punch. Literally. Heather is dead and someone beat her over the head with Cat’s punch bowl. Determined to knock her name off the prime suspects list, Cat finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery that is much larger than she could’ve imagined.
I have been a long-time fan of Victoria Laurie’s books, so I was very excited when I heard that she was dropping a spin-off series following Cat and Gilley. I’ve read the Psychic Eye mysteries as well as the Ghost Hunter mysteries, so I was very excited to see how these two characters were going to come together and create a whole new series. This time around, we primarily follow Cat as she finds herself in the middle of a supernatural free murder mystery.
I thought I’d love a book that primarily follows Cat but quickly discovered that is not the case. I found Cat to be too naive to be believable, especially given how much of a successful businesswoman she’s been in the past. I just found many of her choices and thoughts to be unbelievable and found myself raising an eyebrow very high in response. I found myself a bit embarrassed for her as well during some of her exchanges with her love interest. I know that she’s newly divorced, but it’s hard to believe that she’d say or think some of the things she did. She came off as a very sheltered and naive person who has never dated and never pegged Cat as any of these things.
That said, I did enjoy the story and all the characters that surround Cat. I’m particularly excited to see Gilley again and hope that he has a bigger role in future books. I would like to see more of Cat’s new life as a life coach have a bigger role in the future, but I can’t complain too much about how life coaching took shape in this book. The mystery itself was very strong and compelling so that was a plus.
I loved many of the new characters that are here to stay and I’m excited to see where this series will take us. I hope that Cat will be less naive in the next installment because that was my primary problem with her and the book in this series opener. It’ll also be fun to see Gilley take on a bigger role as well as seeing Cat’s new business become more integrated in the story. It’ll also be great to see the new characters develop as well as see what kind of mystery Cat and Gilley will find themselves investigating next.
After going through a terrible divorce, Catherine Cooper is ready to dive into her new business and settle into her freshly build home. Unfortunately, things are not going as smoothly as Cat hoped. Her life coaching business is off to a rough start and one of her new neighbors, Heather, despises her. Cat is determined to dig up some dirt on Heather and air her dirty laundry, but someone beats her to the punch. Literally. Heather is dead and someone beat her over the head with Cat’s punch bowl. Determined to knock her name off the prime suspects list, Cat finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery that is much larger than she could’ve imagined.
I have been a long-time fan of Victoria Laurie’s books, so I was very excited when I heard that she was dropping a spin-off series following Cat and Gilley. I’ve read the Psychic Eye mysteries as well as the Ghost Hunter mysteries, so I was very excited to see how these two characters were going to come together and create a whole new series. This time around, we primarily follow Cat as she finds herself in the middle of a supernatural free murder mystery.
I thought I’d love a book that primarily follows Cat but quickly discovered that is not the case. I found Cat to be too naive to be believable, especially given how much of a successful businesswoman she’s been in the past. I just found many of her choices and thoughts to be unbelievable and found myself raising an eyebrow very high in response. I found myself a bit embarrassed for her as well during some of her exchanges with her love interest. I know that she’s newly divorced, but it’s hard to believe that she’d say or think some of the things she did. She came off as a very sheltered and naive person who has never dated and never pegged Cat as any of these things.
That said, I did enjoy the story and all the characters that surround Cat. I’m particularly excited to see Gilley again and hope that he has a bigger role in future books. I would like to see more of Cat’s new life as a life coach have a bigger role in the future, but I can’t complain too much about how life coaching took shape in this book. The mystery itself was very strong and compelling so that was a plus.
I loved many of the new characters that are here to stay and I’m excited to see where this series will take us. I hope that Cat will be less naive in the next installment because that was my primary problem with her and the book in this series opener. It’ll also be fun to see Gilley take on a bigger role as well as seeing Cat’s new business become more integrated in the story. It’ll also be great to see the new characters develop as well as see what kind of mystery Cat and Gilley will find themselves investigating next.
August 24, 2020
I loved this story! The protagonist and her best friend are hilarious and have a great ‘bestie’ relationship. The setting is charming, and the murder mystery is complex and not easy to guess. The secondary characters are appealing, and I’m very interested in seeing where the author goes with a couple of them in the second book. I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
December 27, 2019
New series from Victoria Lauria, who writes a fav series of mine about Abby Cooper, Psychic Detective. At first, when I realized that this new series was about Abby's sister, Cat, I was a tad concerned. But by the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Catherine (Cat) Cooper made a fortune selling her marketing firm, divorced, built a new home in the Hamptons and readied herself for a new career as a life coach. Unfortunately, her "mean girl" next door neighbor was killed after publicly humiliating Cat. Cat is arrested and left with the task of clearing her name. The book is populated by characters with depth, intelligence and humor, two of whom appeared in the other series. Can't wait for the next installment of this series! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
Coached to Death By Victoria Laurie is a first in a new series featuring Catherine Cooper, sister to Abigail Cooper, in Ms. Lauries other series.
I wasn't sure at first if I would enjoy Cat as a main character, but as I really got into the story, I began to like her a lot. She has a strong presence and a good personality.
This book focuses on the untimely death of Cat's nemesis. When she and her best friend Gilley begin investigating, they find they might have bitten off more than they can chew.
I wasn't sure at first if I would enjoy Cat as a main character, but as I really got into the story, I began to like her a lot. She has a strong presence and a good personality.
This book focuses on the untimely death of Cat's nemesis. When she and her best friend Gilley begin investigating, they find they might have bitten off more than they can chew.
September 12, 2020
This is an amazing first start to a new series. I can't say enough flattering things about Victoria Laurie. I'd literally read a cereal box if she wrote on it and I only say that about 5 authors. I've read and reread her Abby Cooper series.
I love Gilley. There were several parts where I laughed out loud at his one liners, but one in particular had me howling for a good five minutes. Humor is one of the hardest things to write cause you have to get the wording and the situation right. Victoria Laurie nailed it. She's an auto buy for me and again I don't say that lightly.
Recommend.
I love Gilley. There were several parts where I laughed out loud at his one liners, but one in particular had me howling for a good five minutes. Humor is one of the hardest things to write cause you have to get the wording and the situation right. Victoria Laurie nailed it. She's an auto buy for me and again I don't say that lightly.
Recommend.
March 3, 2020
Cat is divorced and rich, she decides to start over as a life coach. She is also battling with her neighbor,Heather, a horrible woman. After a big put down at Heather’s party, where Cat threatens back, Cat is the first blamed with Heather is found dead. Cat decides to team up with her best friend and find out who did it, since she doesn’t think the cops will look hard enough. An enjoyable story and I will look forward to the rest of the series.
June 6, 2020
As far as cozy books go- this was just ok- and to be really honest, not quite sure if I am ever going to get the 2nd one in this series. I read a cozy now and again to clear my mind - which these days it is a tough thing to do ! I would look at others have to say who read cozy mysteries as their main go to read .
November 9, 2019
Series: Cat Cooper Mysteries – Book 1
Author: Victoria Laurie
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Armature Sleuth /Career
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count - 352
A new series from Kensington Books comes Victoria Laurie’s first book in the “Cat Cooper Mysteries” cozy series, Coached to Death.
Cat is starting all over in her life, divorced, a new business, a new home, and new enemies. She has everything the main character in a cozy series needs to make things interesting. The problem is, she isn’t at first very likable. As the story progresses, she becomes a far more believable character with human flaws, fears, and a personality that will have readers smiling and frowning at the same time. Cat takes some getting used too, but by the end of the book, she is almost lovable.
The setting of the Hampton’s is a great location for a cozy series, and it reminds readers that there are places in this world where money is the only way of life, and if you haven’t got it, you won’t enjoy your time visiting, even with plenty of it you still might not have fun. The wealthy residents of the town look down their noses at anyone who can’t or won’t play their games and kowtow to those who think they are superior. Cat is wealthy, but she makes an enemy almost from the moment she steps into the picture. Unfortunately, that enemy ends up dead, and Cat is the #1 suspect.
The situations that Cat, and her best friend, Gilley, find themselves involved in can be humorous and intense. The police investigation and the lead detective add spice to an already volatile situation. Other characters such as Erma are delightful; I hope they continue to play a big part in this series, which is also what has readers turning the page and wanting to read the next addition. This is a cozy series set to become a favorite. The writing is flawless, and the author experienced in how to make a series successful. I am happy to recommend Coached to Death.
Author: Victoria Laurie
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Armature Sleuth /Career
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count - 352
A new series from Kensington Books comes Victoria Laurie’s first book in the “Cat Cooper Mysteries” cozy series, Coached to Death.
Cat is starting all over in her life, divorced, a new business, a new home, and new enemies. She has everything the main character in a cozy series needs to make things interesting. The problem is, she isn’t at first very likable. As the story progresses, she becomes a far more believable character with human flaws, fears, and a personality that will have readers smiling and frowning at the same time. Cat takes some getting used too, but by the end of the book, she is almost lovable.
The setting of the Hampton’s is a great location for a cozy series, and it reminds readers that there are places in this world where money is the only way of life, and if you haven’t got it, you won’t enjoy your time visiting, even with plenty of it you still might not have fun. The wealthy residents of the town look down their noses at anyone who can’t or won’t play their games and kowtow to those who think they are superior. Cat is wealthy, but she makes an enemy almost from the moment she steps into the picture. Unfortunately, that enemy ends up dead, and Cat is the #1 suspect.
The situations that Cat, and her best friend, Gilley, find themselves involved in can be humorous and intense. The police investigation and the lead detective add spice to an already volatile situation. Other characters such as Erma are delightful; I hope they continue to play a big part in this series, which is also what has readers turning the page and wanting to read the next addition. This is a cozy series set to become a favorite. The writing is flawless, and the author experienced in how to make a series successful. I am happy to recommend Coached to Death.
November 4, 2019
4.5 stars
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This was my first book by Victoria Laurie, but it certainly won't be my last. I loved the story, characters and writing style so much; you can tell she knows her way around a cozy mystery novel. Cat is such a smart and caring character and her snappy humor make her such an endearing sleuth. I haven't read the previous series about her sister and friends, but she stood out so well on her own that I didn't need to in order to really connect with her character. Gilley was such a fun and adorable character and the perfect smart and loving sidekick for Cat.
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I absolutely loved the description of her house on LI and can I please get my own Sebastian? I enjoyed all the little bits of new technology that were interspersed throughout the book and used to help solve the murder. This story had a lot of twists and so many possibilities, without being over the top or overwhelming. I love how all the different angles helped guide the investigation up to the culminating point. This was quite the dramatic book and I was definitely shocked by the culprit.
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And a dash or two of romance?! My favorite! I also am looking forward to meeting more of her Life Coaching clients, because that was such a fun portion even though it was just a tiny piece. I am so looking forward to future books in this fun series.
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Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book. I was happy to give my honest thoughts.
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This was my first book by Victoria Laurie, but it certainly won't be my last. I loved the story, characters and writing style so much; you can tell she knows her way around a cozy mystery novel. Cat is such a smart and caring character and her snappy humor make her such an endearing sleuth. I haven't read the previous series about her sister and friends, but she stood out so well on her own that I didn't need to in order to really connect with her character. Gilley was such a fun and adorable character and the perfect smart and loving sidekick for Cat.
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I absolutely loved the description of her house on LI and can I please get my own Sebastian? I enjoyed all the little bits of new technology that were interspersed throughout the book and used to help solve the murder. This story had a lot of twists and so many possibilities, without being over the top or overwhelming. I love how all the different angles helped guide the investigation up to the culminating point. This was quite the dramatic book and I was definitely shocked by the culprit.
_
And a dash or two of romance?! My favorite! I also am looking forward to meeting more of her Life Coaching clients, because that was such a fun portion even though it was just a tiny piece. I am so looking forward to future books in this fun series.
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Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book. I was happy to give my honest thoughts.
October 16, 2019
Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie is the first book in The Life Coach Mysteries and has shown so much promise, that I can't wait for the next installment.
Cat Cooper sold her immensely successful business and relocated to the Hamptons after a nasty divorce and decided to become a life coach. She has also built a perfect house for herself and her boys, her best friend Gilley is working with her at the agency and all would be perfect if it weren't for her devious and hateful neighbor Heather Holland.
After one very heated and very public confrontation with Cat, Heather ends up dead. Cat is obviously a prime suspect and the local detective has no intention of looking any further for the culprit, so it's up to Cat and Gilley to clear her name.
This is some type of spin off from Ms. Laurie's already existing series featuring Cat's sister and some other character who are part of this book as well. Mainly a very mysterious Mr. Maks who quickly becomes Cat's love interest.
I really liked the main protagonist, she is highly successful, smart, funny and sassy. I also love Gilley, his sense of humor is absolutely amazing.
Characters are human and believable, Cat and Gilley's friendship is so special and their easy banter is truly funny.
The book is steady paced, something is always happening and there isn't a dull moment. I love the romance and can't wait to see in which direction it is going to develop. Well told and cleverly delivered mystery.
A truly fantastic start of the new series.
Cat Cooper sold her immensely successful business and relocated to the Hamptons after a nasty divorce and decided to become a life coach. She has also built a perfect house for herself and her boys, her best friend Gilley is working with her at the agency and all would be perfect if it weren't for her devious and hateful neighbor Heather Holland.
After one very heated and very public confrontation with Cat, Heather ends up dead. Cat is obviously a prime suspect and the local detective has no intention of looking any further for the culprit, so it's up to Cat and Gilley to clear her name.
This is some type of spin off from Ms. Laurie's already existing series featuring Cat's sister and some other character who are part of this book as well. Mainly a very mysterious Mr. Maks who quickly becomes Cat's love interest.
I really liked the main protagonist, she is highly successful, smart, funny and sassy. I also love Gilley, his sense of humor is absolutely amazing.
Characters are human and believable, Cat and Gilley's friendship is so special and their easy banter is truly funny.
The book is steady paced, something is always happening and there isn't a dull moment. I love the romance and can't wait to see in which direction it is going to develop. Well told and cleverly delivered mystery.
A truly fantastic start of the new series.
October 11, 2019
This is the first book in Victoria Laurie's new series staring Cat Cooper and Gilley Gillespie. Cat has just moved to East Hampton after her divorce to start a business as a life coach. While at a party at her neighbors, she gets into a fight with the host and storms home. Just hours later the police show up at her door asking about her involvement in her neighbors death. Now Cat, along with Gilley, set to prove her innocence.
This is a spinoff series as Cat is Abby Cooper's sister from the Psychic Eye series and Gilley was MJ's best friend in the Ghost hunter series. This is the perfect blend of both worlds. I always loved Cat's wit and humor whenever she was mentioned in the Psychic Eye books. And of course any chance to still have some Gilley now that the Ghost hunter series has ended makes me very happy. Cat and Gilley's personalities and their humor show off so well and complement each other perfectly. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Irecieved this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a spinoff series as Cat is Abby Cooper's sister from the Psychic Eye series and Gilley was MJ's best friend in the Ghost hunter series. This is the perfect blend of both worlds. I always loved Cat's wit and humor whenever she was mentioned in the Psychic Eye books. And of course any chance to still have some Gilley now that the Ghost hunter series has ended makes me very happy. Cat and Gilley's personalities and their humor show off so well and complement each other perfectly. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Irecieved this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2020
AUTHOR Laurie, Victoria
TITLE Coached to Death
DATE READ 08/14/20
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Cozy Mystery/2019/hoopla audio/ 10 hr 39 min
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 life coach
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 149/120;
GROUP READ WIM
TIME/PLACE 2018/NY
CHARACTERS Catherine Cooper/life coach
COMMENTS Good start to a series. Catherine is recently divorced and sold her former company for a nice sum. She bought property in the Hamptons and plans to work as a life coach. As a new resident and business owner … she is trying to network and be an essential part of her community but seems to be thwarted by one woman in particular, Heather. When Heather dies at a function … Catherine seems to be one of the major suspects.
TITLE Coached to Death
DATE READ 08/14/20
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Cozy Mystery/2019/hoopla audio/ 10 hr 39 min
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 life coach
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 149/120;
GROUP READ WIM
TIME/PLACE 2018/NY
CHARACTERS Catherine Cooper/life coach
COMMENTS Good start to a series. Catherine is recently divorced and sold her former company for a nice sum. She bought property in the Hamptons and plans to work as a life coach. As a new resident and business owner … she is trying to network and be an essential part of her community but seems to be thwarted by one woman in particular, Heather. When Heather dies at a function … Catherine seems to be one of the major suspects.
January 7, 2020
Not believable. I usually like this author’s books, but this one is not one of them. The two main characters are too out there. One is a rich supposedly good businesswoman but is way too trusting to have built and sold her previous business and then be so unrealistic in her current endeavor. And her friend is pulling her into things that don’t seem to be helping her. And both are so wrapped in what she should wear in fashion. The woman has been arrested for murder, charges dropped but she remains the only suspect. She antagonized the detective so much that now he wants to find the evidence to put her away. I could not finish this book because the two main characters were stupidly leading themselves into disaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2021
so, Cat is Abby's sister and Gilley was in the Ghouls series?
April 17, 2020
5 Stars
This is the first book in the Life Coach Mystery series by Victoria Laurie.
I have to say I loved everything about this. There was the strong-willed female lead, the quirky best friend, the mysterious stranger who you don’t know is good or evil and the detective who is a bit of a curmudgeon but has a heart of gold under his badge.
I am not sure why I have not picked up a Victoria Laurie book before. I have a few in my physical paperback/hardbound collection but I think they are from her P-Eye series. There are a lot of references to characters from her other series throughout but it doesn’t detract from the overall message.
I love the AI enhanced she-shed with the digital butler Sebastian who calls Cat Lady Catherine. That comes in quite handy when you need a reliable alibi.
Cat and Detective Steve Shephard get off to a rough start but I like how the entire relationship unfolded. I think it will help to make a stronger bond in the future.
The victim, Heather Holland was not a nice lady at all. I did not have one ounce of sympathy for her when she ended up dead after her dinner party. However, I thought it interesting none the less since I knew a gal in high school with the same name. But she was not dastardly like this character was, thank goodness.
There will be lots to work with as the series progresses and I look forward to all the fun and adventure awaiting us! Book two can’t come soon enough!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Life Coach Mystery series by Victoria Laurie.
I have to say I loved everything about this. There was the strong-willed female lead, the quirky best friend, the mysterious stranger who you don’t know is good or evil and the detective who is a bit of a curmudgeon but has a heart of gold under his badge.
I am not sure why I have not picked up a Victoria Laurie book before. I have a few in my physical paperback/hardbound collection but I think they are from her P-Eye series. There are a lot of references to characters from her other series throughout but it doesn’t detract from the overall message.
I love the AI enhanced she-shed with the digital butler Sebastian who calls Cat Lady Catherine. That comes in quite handy when you need a reliable alibi.
Cat and Detective Steve Shephard get off to a rough start but I like how the entire relationship unfolded. I think it will help to make a stronger bond in the future.
The victim, Heather Holland was not a nice lady at all. I did not have one ounce of sympathy for her when she ended up dead after her dinner party. However, I thought it interesting none the less since I knew a gal in high school with the same name. But she was not dastardly like this character was, thank goodness.
There will be lots to work with as the series progresses and I look forward to all the fun and adventure awaiting us! Book two can’t come soon enough!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 29, 2020
I’m a big fan of Victoria Laurie’s Psychic Eye series, so I was excited to read this “spin-off” featuring Abby’s Sister, Cat. I really enjoyed Cat and Gilley as a team, and although I did occasionally find myself missing the paranormal aspect of the Psychic Eye series, it didn’t take away from the mystery or my enjoyment of the story.
Audiobook narration by Rachel Dulude was interesting. She has a great reading voice (and voiced all the characters wonderfully and distinctly), yet I couldn’t get over her phrasing and pauses. It just felt super awkward and unnatural to me. That being said, the book was captivating enough for me to push through the uncomfortable narration. Looking forward to reading book two, but I’ll probably go with the kindle version instead of the audiobook next time around.
Audiobook narration by Rachel Dulude was interesting. She has a great reading voice (and voiced all the characters wonderfully and distinctly), yet I couldn’t get over her phrasing and pauses. It just felt super awkward and unnatural to me. That being said, the book was captivating enough for me to push through the uncomfortable narration. Looking forward to reading book two, but I’ll probably go with the kindle version instead of the audiobook next time around.
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