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High Desert #8
Murder in Palm Springs
An aging American idol. A murder. A dog with paranormal abilities. Walking to the mailbox can be deadly, but sometimes things aren’t what they seem. Join Marty and her dog, Patron, as they eliminate suspects in the murder of a beloved rock star in Palm Springs, California. This is book number eight in the bestselling High Desert Cozy Mystery Series by two-time USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Harman. Enjoy!
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
304 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 8, 2019
This will not end the way you think--there are lots of suspects but Patron, the white boxer, knows who it is and he is not talking! Well he does but nobody is paying attention! Marty's sister keeps giving clues--but---Marty is up to her ears in trying to figure this one out as she once again ends up with a dead body while doing an appraisal. Her husband has his hands full as there has been a triple murder at a concert-----
Are all the culprits found and accounted for?
Meanwhile the guys at the compound where she lives are cooking up delicious meals-Yummy recipes which can be found at the end of this book.
Are all the culprits found and accounted for?
Meanwhile the guys at the compound where she lives are cooking up delicious meals-Yummy recipes which can be found at the end of this book.
June 1, 2019
Antique appraiser Marty Morgan and her husband Jeff, head detective at the Palm Springs Police Dept. have more than an interesting life.
When Marty heads out with her buddy Carl to appraise the aging, former Las Vegas superstar Jimmy Joseph’s memorabilia collection, things start to get a little dicey. Patron, her sister’s white boxer, has a canine ESP, and exhibits its feelings with growls and raised fur. Marty trusts Patron’s instincts, and while they’re interviewing Jimmy, the dog, who’s accompanied the duo on their mission, let’s them know danger is right around the corner.
There are quite a number of people who’d love to see Jimmy dead, and while Carl has been assured Marty won’t expose him to another murder case, Marty’s unable to keep her word.
So begins the investigation – my hat’s off to the talented Ms. Harman for penning a mystery story that kept this reader on her toes until the very end.
Also, having visited Palm Springs in California several times, I found the description of the area spot on, and could well imagine the restaurants and shops in my mind’s eye – very nice touch, Ms. Harman!
I don’t do spoilers because I rather like surprises when reading, but I will share this: Murder in Palm Springs is a delightful, entertaining mystery, and one you won’t want to miss - why not check this gem out, and the rest of her impressive collection as well? Five golden stars awarded – highly recommended~
When Marty heads out with her buddy Carl to appraise the aging, former Las Vegas superstar Jimmy Joseph’s memorabilia collection, things start to get a little dicey. Patron, her sister’s white boxer, has a canine ESP, and exhibits its feelings with growls and raised fur. Marty trusts Patron’s instincts, and while they’re interviewing Jimmy, the dog, who’s accompanied the duo on their mission, let’s them know danger is right around the corner.
There are quite a number of people who’d love to see Jimmy dead, and while Carl has been assured Marty won’t expose him to another murder case, Marty’s unable to keep her word.
So begins the investigation – my hat’s off to the talented Ms. Harman for penning a mystery story that kept this reader on her toes until the very end.
Also, having visited Palm Springs in California several times, I found the description of the area spot on, and could well imagine the restaurants and shops in my mind’s eye – very nice touch, Ms. Harman!
I don’t do spoilers because I rather like surprises when reading, but I will share this: Murder in Palm Springs is a delightful, entertaining mystery, and one you won’t want to miss - why not check this gem out, and the rest of her impressive collection as well? Five golden stars awarded – highly recommended~
November 17, 2021
It seems Marty and her friend are involved in another murder. This time they are appraising the memorabilia of a well know singer and as he is waking to get his mail, he is shot in the leg with a Ricin filled pellet gun and dies almost instantly. Marty’s husband Jeff is busy as three people have died while attending a concert. Since Marty had established a relationship with the live in housekeeper and houseman, Jeff asks Marty to help investigate the murder suspects. There are about 4 suspects and Jeff asks Marty to always have boxer, Patron with her. Patron does not react to any of the suspects except the houseman, Horace. After interviewing each suspect, Marty eliminates them all. She concludes the murder had to have something to do with the houseman, Horace as Patron reacted adversely only to him.
The book has a somewhat melancholy ending: Horace shot the singer b/c the singer was dying of cancer and asked Horace to help him die. The doctor and the singer signed a document attesting to the fact Horace had committed a “mercy killing”. Horace is arrested but fell ill b/c of the Ricin poisoning and died. The housekeeper, Ruby inherited everything . She sold the memorabilia and home and moved away.
This book like all the others are easy to ready and very enjoyable. Some people may not like this type of “cozy mystery”, but I like it. I already have the next book loaded in my Kindle.
The book has a somewhat melancholy ending: Horace shot the singer b/c the singer was dying of cancer and asked Horace to help him die. The doctor and the singer signed a document attesting to the fact Horace had committed a “mercy killing”. Horace is arrested but fell ill b/c of the Ricin poisoning and died. The housekeeper, Ruby inherited everything . She sold the memorabilia and home and moved away.
This book like all the others are easy to ready and very enjoyable. Some people may not like this type of “cozy mystery”, but I like it. I already have the next book loaded in my Kindle.
July 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book. This is book eight in the series and when you discover a winning style, why change it? You are treated to many different perspectives at the start of the book, as each of the suspects explain why they had a motive for murder. Then the story focusses in on the main character, Marty as she eliminates them one by one. With the psychic telling dog you sort of know who the killer is (if you are listening) but the motive isn't revealed until the end. Another fun mystery to keep you guessing and cooking (or in my case just hungry).
When an aging American idol suffers a heart attack and is no longer able to perform in Vegas, he rarely leaves his house. The only two exceptions is to sing once a week in a night club and everyday to collect his mail. Making the mail drop the perfect time to commit murder. With Jeff busy investigating the shooting of the mayor's son and his friends, Marty steps in to do the leg work by asking questions. Her appraisal work might be put on hold because of the murder but with Patron by her side she isn't going to stop looking for a killer.
I liked the narrator. She does a great job of portraying each of the different characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
When an aging American idol suffers a heart attack and is no longer able to perform in Vegas, he rarely leaves his house. The only two exceptions is to sing once a week in a night club and everyday to collect his mail. Making the mail drop the perfect time to commit murder. With Jeff busy investigating the shooting of the mayor's son and his friends, Marty steps in to do the leg work by asking questions. Her appraisal work might be put on hold because of the murder but with Patron by her side she isn't going to stop looking for a killer.
I liked the narrator. She does a great job of portraying each of the different characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
October 12, 2021
( Format : Audiobook. )
"Being in a pressure cooker."
A short ( four hour) murder mystery set in Palm Springs: the death of a famous performer has Marty investigating with the seemingly psychic dog, Patron at her side for protection. An interesting plot but sparse and with undeveloped characters - possibly fortunately as all seem most unpleasant persons.
Also included, several recipes including Brussels with parmesan, and chocolate chip cheesecake.
Narration is by Kasey Logan who performs adequately with almost no drifting clitches.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy by the rights holder at my request. No: 8 in the High Desert Mystery series, it is completely stand alone.
"Being in a pressure cooker."
A short ( four hour) murder mystery set in Palm Springs: the death of a famous performer has Marty investigating with the seemingly psychic dog, Patron at her side for protection. An interesting plot but sparse and with undeveloped characters - possibly fortunately as all seem most unpleasant persons.
Also included, several recipes including Brussels with parmesan, and chocolate chip cheesecake.
Narration is by Kasey Logan who performs adequately with almost no drifting clitches.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy by the rights holder at my request. No: 8 in the High Desert Mystery series, it is completely stand alone.
September 20, 2022
I loved the book. I live in Palm Springs and was able to see, in my mind's eye, the places that were described. My friends son n law is the manager of In and Out along the freeway which was described and we got a kick out of that. I'm going to get those animal fries next time I go there. So, the storyline was good and the ending was a huge shock but was finished good. I'm looking forward to reading more stories from Dianne. I love that the chapters are short which let me read that little bit more before shutting the lights off at night.
February 19, 2021
As a long-time resident of Palm Springs, I was intrigued by this book but wondered if the characters would be believable. Dianne Harman didn't disappoint me. I absolutely loved it. Her take on desert society and characters were spot on. Marty is someone I could root for. If you have never spent any time in the desert, you can't get a better tour guide than Ms. Harman. I highly recommend this book. It kept my interest and kept me guessing.
July 25, 2020
This is the 8th in the series. The main character is Marty . She was doing an appraisal for a client when the client was murdered. Since her hubby was so busy with the murder of the mayor's son, Marty steps in to talk to some of the suspects. She hopes to help out but can't believe what she is finding out. Can she figure this out before it's too late ?
July 29, 2021
There’s been another murder at one of Marty’s appraisals. And some people are getting tired of her involvement with murders. It was a local music star who was killed. The combination of characters in this book are so much fun! And the humor throughout is an added bonus. I enjoyed the narration of the audiobook.
September 21, 2024
This was book 8 in the High Desert cozy mystery series. When an aging singer is found murdered In his driveway, Marty comes to the aid of her sheriff husband to help investigate who did it and why. There are several likely suspects to consider - an angry peer, a new neighbor and a stalking fan to name a few. Marty gets to the bottom of it!
May 3, 2019
Very Enjoyable!
This is a light, cozy mystery with many suspects introduced at the beginning. Solution of the ensuing murder is dependent upon elimination of suspects. Characters are likeable and the dogs are essential. I really enjoy this series
This is a light, cozy mystery with many suspects introduced at the beginning. Solution of the ensuing murder is dependent upon elimination of suspects. Characters are likeable and the dogs are essential. I really enjoy this series
July 14, 2019
Great read
If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Dianne Harman is a must read I can't wait to see what happens next
If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Dianne Harman is a must read I can't wait to see what happens next
July 1, 2020
Marty and Jeff
A number of people appear to have a motive to kill Jimmy Joseph and it is up to Marty to question the suspects and help her husband, who is working on a triple murder at the festival, to solve this one.
A number of people appear to have a motive to kill Jimmy Joseph and it is up to Marty to question the suspects and help her husband, who is working on a triple murder at the festival, to solve this one.
July 23, 2020
Marty and Carl do an appraisal!
I enjoy all of Dianne Harman books, but I must say, this is one of my favorite series to read. Not only do they have great storyline and characters but are fun to read.
I enjoy all of Dianne Harman books, but I must say, this is one of my favorite series to read. Not only do they have great storyline and characters but are fun to read.
June 19, 2022
A different type of story
Loved this book. I actually listened to it on audible. This was a softer cozy mystery in my opinion. You think you have it solved, but then you’re wrong. It was more of a loving mystery if that makes sense. Loved it as always!
Loved this book. I actually listened to it on audible. This was a softer cozy mystery in my opinion. You think you have it solved, but then you’re wrong. It was more of a loving mystery if that makes sense. Loved it as always!
July 9, 2024
Another good Cozy Mystery
I enjoyed book #8 in this series. I knew something was up with Patron and his reaction to Horacio. Too bad Horacio didn’t throw away the poison and the pellet gun since he did this out of Love for Jimmy.
Mahalo
Robert Ericksen
I enjoyed book #8 in this series. I knew something was up with Patron and his reaction to Horacio. Too bad Horacio didn’t throw away the poison and the pellet gun since he did this out of Love for Jimmy.
Mahalo
Robert Ericksen
September 21, 2019
Always enjoyable
I gave it a five star rating because it was very enjoyable . The characters and their storyline were interesting. I would recommend it to anyone.
I gave it a five star rating because it was very enjoyable . The characters and their storyline were interesting. I would recommend it to anyone.
November 18, 2020
Another story of intrigue
Dianne has developed a great tale with lots of interesting characters which make this a quick read hard to put down.
Dianne has developed a great tale with lots of interesting characters which make this a quick read hard to put down.
February 24, 2023
Dogs
Man or women best friend can surely be found in this book. The big white dog goes on Marty's interviews of suspects to keep her safe
Man or women best friend can surely be found in this book. The big white dog goes on Marty's interviews of suspects to keep her safe
June 26, 2025
"Campy" but very Palm Springs complete with an old entertainer, jealousy and familiar towns. Not highly recommended.
August 11, 2021
So many potential suspects, so little time. What happens when a person is found dead and there are several people they know who are suspects and had their own reasons to kill the person? That is the basis for this story. The "killer" was a bit of a surprise at the end. Enjoyable story, characters and plot. Certainly one of the better ones in this series.
July 10, 2021
Once again Marty and Carl are called in to do an appraisal of celebrity items, that Jimmy had collected. Carl was hesitant because when they have done appraisal before it turned out murder was involved. In this it’s a case of celebrities, wanting to be a star, the money that goes with it. Along the way we have conversations about the case shared at the compound.
As always an enjoyable mystery and looking for the next one by the author.
As always an enjoyable mystery and looking for the next one by the author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews