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Booker Brothers Detective Agency #4
Background Checks and Balances
Hollywood is full of secrets, which means LA detective Kacey Chance is never short on work.
Kacey's new assignment involves a top film executive known for his mind-bending plot twists. Kacey's job is to find out what other secret twists the executive is hiding.
This job takes Kacey far away from the comfort of the office, and gives her a chance to use her clever detective tricks to gain access to off-limits locations. There are no limits to what she'll do to solve this case.
But when she finds herself trapped in a very tight space, Kacey has to ask herself: Have I gone too far?
Kacey and the hilarious Booker family work together (sort of) to uncover mind-bending secrets in Background Checks and Balances.
There are plenty of laughs and tons of twists in this feel-good cozy mystery from author Maisie Dean!
Book length: 200 pages, or about 4-5 reading hours.
No graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
This clean, easy read is perfect for lunch breaks or relaxing at the end of the day!
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES is a stand-alone, complete novel you can read on its own.
Kacey's new assignment involves a top film executive known for his mind-bending plot twists. Kacey's job is to find out what other secret twists the executive is hiding.
This job takes Kacey far away from the comfort of the office, and gives her a chance to use her clever detective tricks to gain access to off-limits locations. There are no limits to what she'll do to solve this case.
But when she finds herself trapped in a very tight space, Kacey has to ask herself: Have I gone too far?
Kacey and the hilarious Booker family work together (sort of) to uncover mind-bending secrets in Background Checks and Balances.
There are plenty of laughs and tons of twists in this feel-good cozy mystery from author Maisie Dean!
Book length: 200 pages, or about 4-5 reading hours.
No graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
This clean, easy read is perfect for lunch breaks or relaxing at the end of the day!
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES is a stand-alone, complete novel you can read on its own.
4 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 12, 2019
31 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 24, 2019
When a famous producer is in the position to become the head of a new film studio. They ask the Booker Brothers to run a background check to make sure nothing is going on that would embarrass them.
The investigation discovers that Bryce Forgette is hemorrhaging a lot of money. This could mean one of several nefarious things are being covered up, or even people are being paid hush money to keep his secrets secret.
This is a fun story that has some humor, and hits on several emotional points.
While the story could have gone in many different directions that would be crude or even blatantly obscene. Maisie Dean chose to go the classy route. It was a refreshing story that had a mystery that wasn't based on a murder or evil deeds. It was about a man who is trying to make a difference in not only his own personal world, but the world in general a better place.
The investigation discovers that Bryce Forgette is hemorrhaging a lot of money. This could mean one of several nefarious things are being covered up, or even people are being paid hush money to keep his secrets secret.
This is a fun story that has some humor, and hits on several emotional points.
While the story could have gone in many different directions that would be crude or even blatantly obscene. Maisie Dean chose to go the classy route. It was a refreshing story that had a mystery that wasn't based on a murder or evil deeds. It was about a man who is trying to make a difference in not only his own personal world, but the world in general a better place.
December 18, 2019
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES is the fourth book in the Booker Brothers Detective Agency series. Though each will stand on their own, it is best to read them all and in the order of release
A perfect addition to the Booker Agency series. This one is quick and easy. It is uplifting in a world that seems to always reach for the seediest. Instead, it made my heart happy and left me with a smile.
This was entertaining and endearing.
Narration: Marie Hoffman nails it once again.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES
Series: Booker Brothers Detective Agency #4
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+ due to mature concepts
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper Publishing (as an Audible gifted copy)
A perfect addition to the Booker Agency series. This one is quick and easy. It is uplifting in a world that seems to always reach for the seediest. Instead, it made my heart happy and left me with a smile.
This was entertaining and endearing.
Narration: Marie Hoffman nails it once again.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES
Series: Booker Brothers Detective Agency #4
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+ due to mature concepts
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper Publishing (as an Audible gifted copy)
January 6, 2021
I like this series and Kacey, the 3 Booker brothers-Harrison, Lucky, and Owen and their grandmother Tippy. The characters are likable and interesting. In this one there really isn't much of a mystery and more of a support of dementia and Alzheimer's but it doesn't detract from the story. Booker Brothers Detective Agency is hired by an insurance company to look into a movie producer. He is acting suspiciously. I like the interactions between Kacey and the brothers. Some of the things they do to solve a case are funny and noone dies. In this book, Kasey and one of the brothers get to go to a fancy Ball. In book 1, Kacey mentions that she is married to one of the brothers and it is fun to read the books and try to guess which brother she marries. This series and book are enjoyable but I liked the first 2 books better.
April 3, 2022
This is the worst book in the series so far. The author knew what she wanted to focus on (it wasn't the story) and she set us on the path right away. No mystery, no whodunit, nothing.
The closest this book had to a red herring was the investigated guy dressed like a woman for no reason.
I was not impressed by the description of the box. If they went through the trouble of making sure it was reinforced with shock absorption and special tape it seems like that would be something expensive and not something to just leave lying around.
Casey used her feminine wiles too often and too effectively throughout the book.
The only part I really like was that her roommate is also tired of her 'Will I, won't I' about acting.
Casey is still playing the 'Which Booker brother will I bang' game really hardcore
The closest this book had to a red herring was the investigated guy dressed like a woman for no reason.
I was not impressed by the description of the box. If they went through the trouble of making sure it was reinforced with shock absorption and special tape it seems like that would be something expensive and not something to just leave lying around.
Casey used her feminine wiles too often and too effectively throughout the book.
The only part I really like was that her roommate is also tired of her 'Will I, won't I' about acting.
Casey is still playing the 'Which Booker brother will I bang' game really hardcore
November 22, 2019
I simply love this series and Kacey. She is such a great character! So funny and always getting herself on the worst kind of situations. Potatoes' box, anyone? *laughs*
The plot is truly original, and the resolution was surprising and strangely uplifting. And seeing Kacey interact with Owen during the party? That was simply fantastic. I keep changing which brother I want for her, but right now? Oh, yes! It's Owen :P
Another fantastic story, a quick 'read' that will leave you with a big smile on your face and asking for more.
Marie Hoffman does an excellent job with the narration :)
The plot is truly original, and the resolution was surprising and strangely uplifting. And seeing Kacey interact with Owen during the party? That was simply fantastic. I keep changing which brother I want for her, but right now? Oh, yes! It's Owen :P
Another fantastic story, a quick 'read' that will leave you with a big smile on your face and asking for more.
Marie Hoffman does an excellent job with the narration :)
May 7, 2022
Cute, but the case itself was a little ambiguous. The whole thing was a little disjointed and the resolution at the end was somewhat lacking. But these are enjoyable audiobooks and a nice distraction.
November 23, 2019
Narrated by Marie Hoffman ★ ★ ★
Hollywood is full of secrets, which means LA detective Kacey Chance is never short on work.
Kacey's new assignment involves a top film executive known for his mind-bending plot twists. Kacey's job is to find out what other secret twists the executive is hiding.
This job takes Kacey far away from the comfort of the office, and gives her a chance to use her clever detective tricks to gain access to off-limits locations. There are no limits to what she'll do to solve this case.
But when she finds herself trapped in a very tight space, Kacey has to ask herself: Have I gone too far?
Kacey and the hilarious Booker family work together (sort of) to uncover mind-bending secrets in Background Checks and Balances.
There are plenty of laughs and tons of twists in this feel-good cozy mystery from author Maisie Dean!
Book length: 200 pages, or about 4-5 reading hours.
No graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
This clean, easy read is perfect for lunch breaks or relaxing at the end of the day!
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND BALANCES is a stand-alone, complete novel you can read on its own.
THOUGHTS
This was the first audiobook narrated by Marie Hoffman that I’ve listened to, she did a great job narrating the story. Her voice really brought the characters to life.
Background Checks and Balances wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I was expecting a cozy murder mystery or a who dunnit and due to this I kept expecting the story to pick up the pace. The characters are entertaining and likeable (really likeable).
May 17, 2023
Background Checks and Balances by Maisie Dean (11/19)
[Booker Brothers Detective Agency - 4] (B N/A) [5-17-23]
Audible: Marie Hoffman, Good
Audible: 3 hours 52 minutes
Alzheimer’s
[Booker Brothers Detective Agency - 4] (B N/A) [5-17-23]
Audible: Marie Hoffman, Good
Audible: 3 hours 52 minutes
Alzheimer’s
May 27, 2024
Great book, love the story. Different story than I expected. Love the characters
May 30, 2024
Clever and silly but more like a movie. Not strange so much as just fun. Really enjoyed this one. More than the last one.
March 6, 2025
Good to see Owen in action
September 7, 2025
Good little cozy mystery (no one is murdered if that matters to someone ) quick easy read
January 16, 2026
Will Casey be able to help the Booker Brothers to solve this case? Is the perp really doing something that he should not be doing?
February 6, 2020
I really love this series, the writing style reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum books but much cleaner! This one was a really interesting background check that had its own twist. As well as Kacey goes out with one of the Booker brothers finally and then there's more build up with the other brothers as well.... still trying to figure out who she ends up with. I love that these books have a fun mix of mystery, comedy, and flirtation, This was a ton of fun to listen to and the whole series is one that I will relisten to. The narrator does a great job with the acting and voices and I hope they keep her for the entire series. I am really looking forward to book 5, just hoping I don't have to wait too long for it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 3, 2019
Booker Brothers Go Undercover
The Booker Brothers and Kacey Chance are better than ever in this mystery missing a bad guy. All indicators point to a case of extortion, or sex clubs, maybe a reality television show in a secret village. One glaring "checks and balances" error regarding how Owen & Kacey were driving a town car one minute and Owen's electric car the next. After my confusion the action picked up speed and Kacey found herself hiding in a potato box. Another good read from Maisie Dean!
The Booker Brothers and Kacey Chance are better than ever in this mystery missing a bad guy. All indicators point to a case of extortion, or sex clubs, maybe a reality television show in a secret village. One glaring "checks and balances" error regarding how Owen & Kacey were driving a town car one minute and Owen's electric car the next. After my confusion the action picked up speed and Kacey found herself hiding in a potato box. Another good read from Maisie Dean!
July 23, 2019
This is Background Checks And Balances one of the Booker Brothers Detective Agency series written by Maisie Dean. You are going to love to read about Kacey Chance and the Booker brothers as they work on another case. All together, they make a perfect team that is well knowledgeable about a wide variety of sneakiness. I still can’t wait to find out which one of them will finally make a play for Kacey!! Join me for the fun and try to figure out the case before them. Good luck!
July 30, 2019
The Booker brothers are a real treat. Smart, handsome and such fun to work for. You will laugh at the situations Kasey and the guys find themselves thrown into. This is a really fun series. What a detective agency this one is, they always get their man or woman. It is a real treat to follow their investigations and see where they go, even when they go downhill. A good series.
October 7, 2019
Good easy read
It was an entertaining fun read. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. I especially like the humor along with the mystery.
It was an entertaining fun read. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. I especially like the humor along with the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews