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The Alvarez Family #7
Casting Call for a Corpse
Super sleuth, Lee Alvarez, finds a dead man wearing a tuxedo in a friend’s bathtub during a soiree for San Francisco’s VIPs. And not just any friend, but an internationally acclaimed actress who recently came to live in San Francisco. And not just any bathtub, but a bathtub residing inside one of Alamo Square’s famed Painted Ladies, recently bought by said actress.
The police believe it’s the actress friend who done the man in. After all, it’s her house and her tub. And another man died under suspicious circumstances around her recently. Both romantic encounters, doncha know. The actress must be guilty.
Or is she?
For ace detective Lee Alvarez, the timing couldn’t be worse. She is supposed to go off in celebration of her 6-month wedding anniversary with her hunky hubby. Paris is calling!
Or is it?
Her long-time friend, plus her mother – She Who Must Be Obeyed – thinks she should stick around and find out who the real killer is. So Lee, family, handsome hubby, and Tugger, the cat, are on the job. But Lee’s nose is itching. Which means not one of the suspects is telling the truth.
Or not all of it. Lee soon uncovers threatening letters, sullen playwrights, dead bodies, and a criminal web of jewel thieves, all treading the boards of her friend’s latest musical. This is showbiz?
Author Haven pulls out all the stops in a cozy fan’s delight about a charming, and unconventional Palo Alto detective family who get their man or woman, as the case may be. Book Seven follows its tradition of the Bay Area’s favorite PI, who rolls over with all four paw in the air when it comes to her darn near perfect mother. But with the help of her computer geek brother and handsome hubby, Lee works to solve the case in time to celebrate her own 6-month wedding anniversary.
The police believe it’s the actress friend who done the man in. After all, it’s her house and her tub. And another man died under suspicious circumstances around her recently. Both romantic encounters, doncha know. The actress must be guilty.
Or is she?
For ace detective Lee Alvarez, the timing couldn’t be worse. She is supposed to go off in celebration of her 6-month wedding anniversary with her hunky hubby. Paris is calling!
Or is it?
Her long-time friend, plus her mother – She Who Must Be Obeyed – thinks she should stick around and find out who the real killer is. So Lee, family, handsome hubby, and Tugger, the cat, are on the job. But Lee’s nose is itching. Which means not one of the suspects is telling the truth.
Or not all of it. Lee soon uncovers threatening letters, sullen playwrights, dead bodies, and a criminal web of jewel thieves, all treading the boards of her friend’s latest musical. This is showbiz?
Author Haven pulls out all the stops in a cozy fan’s delight about a charming, and unconventional Palo Alto detective family who get their man or woman, as the case may be. Book Seven follows its tradition of the Bay Area’s favorite PI, who rolls over with all four paw in the air when it comes to her darn near perfect mother. But with the help of her computer geek brother and handsome hubby, Lee works to solve the case in time to celebrate her own 6-month wedding anniversary.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
273 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Heather Haven
30 books152 followersIn her varied career, Heather has written short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and had two one-act plays well-received in Manhattan. Once she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time. Heather’s first paying job was writing a love story for Moments of Love, published by Bantam Books. But it was her stint at New York City’s No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy – that helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Casting Call for a Corpse by Heather Haven is a fast passed mystery with humor and a bit of snark.
Will Lee find the killer before Gaby goes to jail?
This book is the first Alverez Family Mystery that I have read, and it's incredible. I love the characters, their quick wit and familial teasing is funny and light-hearted.
Liana "Lee" Alverez Hanson
Lee is our point of view but not the only detective as their family business is investigating. However, when it comes to finding dead bodies, it seems that it is Lee's job. She is also the one who does the fieldwork. Lee's husband supports her in her work. They remind me of Jonathon and Jennifer Hart. Their anniversary dinner is following in that tradition.
I like Lee. She is good at setting people at ease and recognizing when they are lying. Lee also knows how to be a lady but lives the way that she wants, except when her mom is around, then it is to mind your manners all the way. The only fear it seems that Lee has is this "anxiety of the heights" as her Uncle Mateo says.
Richard Alverez
Lee's brother Richard is the inside man for Discretionary Inquiries, which is a private investigations company. Richard has a family of his own, but the Alverezs remain close. He is a family man as her wife and daughter mean a lot to him. Richard is also the person that digs up all the things that people don't want to be known. Oh, he is quite good at this, too.
I enjoyed the banter between Richard and Lee; even when the two of them are entirely wiped, they manage to spar back and forth with their words. Yet, you could tell that they love each other.
The Mystery
As we all know, there is never just one aspect of a mystery. This one has a couple of murders of which Gaby (Lee's friend) is the main suspect, some robberies, a jerk of a Police Deputy Chief, a Russian gang, insurance fraud, arson, along with a bunch of secrets from Gaby and her household.
Five Stars
At first, I wasn't sure about jumping into a series in the 7th book, but the last book I read by Heather Haven was excellent. So, I decided to go for it. I am happy that I did as I enjoyed the Alverez family, right down to "She Who Must Be Obeyed." Therefore, my rating for Casting Call for a Corpse by Heather Haven is five stars. Be sure to check this one out, and Karen has graciously listed the previous books in the series below.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (1) A darling, handmade, one of a kind purse. Value $75.(U.S. ONLY)
Will Lee find the killer before Gaby goes to jail?
This book is the first Alverez Family Mystery that I have read, and it's incredible. I love the characters, their quick wit and familial teasing is funny and light-hearted.
Liana "Lee" Alverez Hanson
Lee is our point of view but not the only detective as their family business is investigating. However, when it comes to finding dead bodies, it seems that it is Lee's job. She is also the one who does the fieldwork. Lee's husband supports her in her work. They remind me of Jonathon and Jennifer Hart. Their anniversary dinner is following in that tradition.
I like Lee. She is good at setting people at ease and recognizing when they are lying. Lee also knows how to be a lady but lives the way that she wants, except when her mom is around, then it is to mind your manners all the way. The only fear it seems that Lee has is this "anxiety of the heights" as her Uncle Mateo says.
Richard Alverez
Lee's brother Richard is the inside man for Discretionary Inquiries, which is a private investigations company. Richard has a family of his own, but the Alverezs remain close. He is a family man as her wife and daughter mean a lot to him. Richard is also the person that digs up all the things that people don't want to be known. Oh, he is quite good at this, too.
I enjoyed the banter between Richard and Lee; even when the two of them are entirely wiped, they manage to spar back and forth with their words. Yet, you could tell that they love each other.
The Mystery As we all know, there is never just one aspect of a mystery. This one has a couple of murders of which Gaby (Lee's friend) is the main suspect, some robberies, a jerk of a Police Deputy Chief, a Russian gang, insurance fraud, arson, along with a bunch of secrets from Gaby and her household.
Five Stars
At first, I wasn't sure about jumping into a series in the 7th book, but the last book I read by Heather Haven was excellent. So, I decided to go for it. I am happy that I did as I enjoyed the Alverez family, right down to "She Who Must Be Obeyed." Therefore, my rating for Casting Call for a Corpse by Heather Haven is five stars. Be sure to check this one out, and Karen has graciously listed the previous books in the series below.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (1) A darling, handmade, one of a kind purse. Value $75.(U.S. ONLY)
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 21, 2023
I liked this book but did struggle with keeping everybody straight, as there is a lot of foreign and unusual names. I liked the humour in this book, especially the on stage scene, which had me chuckling. I like the characters, the Alvarez family in particular and having read a few books in the series I am glad to see they haven't changed from the first book and are still as fresh and interesting as ever, with a good strong family bond. The mystery was a twisty one, with plenty of suspects and I wasn't sure how it was going to play out. I hope it is a series that is going to be around for a long time.
A party ends badly when a man is found dead in a bath tub. For the actress who's house he is found in, it is bad news. She dated him and with a show to get ready for the last thing she needs is reporters and police blaming her. The good news is she is good friends with the Alvarez family, who drop everything to help clear her name. Lee knows her friend isn't responsible but what about the people who surround her? And how did the body get into the bath tub without anybody seeing anything? Can the Alvarez family get to the bottom of the murder and who might be targeting there friend?
A party ends badly when a man is found dead in a bath tub. For the actress who's house he is found in, it is bad news. She dated him and with a show to get ready for the last thing she needs is reporters and police blaming her. The good news is she is good friends with the Alvarez family, who drop everything to help clear her name. Lee knows her friend isn't responsible but what about the people who surround her? And how did the body get into the bath tub without anybody seeing anything? Can the Alvarez family get to the bottom of the murder and who might be targeting there friend?
June 7, 2021
Call me a fan. I've read the entire series of the Alvarez Family Mysteries and have enjoyed every one of them.
I'm giving my rare 5 star rating to this 7th book to honor the previous six. I don't usually stick to cozy mysteries, but Heather Haven knows how to keep a reader wanting more. I hope this isn't the last we see of Lea and the rest of the Alvarez family solving corporate crimes which strangely almost always involve dead people not just corporate shenanigans (the ostensible purpose of Discretionary Inquiries, the family investigation agency).
I needn't add any plot details because that's what readers are for: reading the books and enjoying the plot as it unfolds.
Lucky for you who haven't read these books yet. The full set of 7 books is available as of the time I am posting this review.
One other note: Check out Ms. Haven's other books. They're all as entertaining as these are.
I'm giving my rare 5 star rating to this 7th book to honor the previous six. I don't usually stick to cozy mysteries, but Heather Haven knows how to keep a reader wanting more. I hope this isn't the last we see of Lea and the rest of the Alvarez family solving corporate crimes which strangely almost always involve dead people not just corporate shenanigans (the ostensible purpose of Discretionary Inquiries, the family investigation agency).
I needn't add any plot details because that's what readers are for: reading the books and enjoying the plot as it unfolds.
Lucky for you who haven't read these books yet. The full set of 7 books is available as of the time I am posting this review.
One other note: Check out Ms. Haven's other books. They're all as entertaining as these are.
August 3, 2020
Another fun excursion into the Alvarez Family investigating murder. This time it's Lee's good friend Gabby, a renown actress, who is in the spotlight. When a one night stand is found dead in her bathtub during a party, Lee is called into the bathroom by a panicked Gabby. What follows is a twisty trail of bad guys, and strange circumstances including missing and rearranged items in Gabby's bedroom while she sleeps. Lee, with her brother Richard's technical genius uncover as many questions as facts.
The characters we know from the first six books plus more lead us on a merry chase for truth before time runs out! Good investigating, good manners, good grammar, and knowing how to cross your legs at your ankles combine for another great mystery interjected with spots of humor. I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens next!
The characters we know from the first six books plus more lead us on a merry chase for truth before time runs out! Good investigating, good manners, good grammar, and knowing how to cross your legs at your ankles combine for another great mystery interjected with spots of humor. I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens next!
August 29, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Lee has some fantastic sleuthing skills. She belongs to a family of private detectives and has cultivated her skills over the years whether she meant to or not. Her BF is having a charity dinner I her new home. Things are going great until they find a dead body in the bathtub of the guest room. Worried for her friend Lee starts looking into things noticing all kinds of little details that a normal person would overlook. As she starts following the clues she manages to discover a huge plot going on under their noses. Makes for a fun mystery that will keep you guessing trying to figure it. With help from family and her adorable cats Lee solves it just in time to find herself in danger. A fun read perfect for cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Lee has some fantastic sleuthing skills. She belongs to a family of private detectives and has cultivated her skills over the years whether she meant to or not. Her BF is having a charity dinner I her new home. Things are going great until they find a dead body in the bathtub of the guest room. Worried for her friend Lee starts looking into things noticing all kinds of little details that a normal person would overlook. As she starts following the clues she manages to discover a huge plot going on under their noses. Makes for a fun mystery that will keep you guessing trying to figure it. With help from family and her adorable cats Lee solves it just in time to find herself in danger. A fun read perfect for cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
August 22, 2020
The Alvarez Family is Delightful
This was a great read! Lee and her family are often quirky characters, but they are also special human beings. They truly love each other. They also are extremely intelligent and great mystery solvers. The police are appreciative of their assistance. In this book I particularly liked Mac, the Scots police officer on exchange. Wonderful series.
This was a great read! Lee and her family are often quirky characters, but they are also special human beings. They truly love each other. They also are extremely intelligent and great mystery solvers. The police are appreciative of their assistance. In this book I particularly liked Mac, the Scots police officer on exchange. Wonderful series.
November 12, 2020
I admit to hinge reading the first books! Couldn't wait for this one and it didn't disappoint! I love Tio! I never had an uncle who lived close enough for me to have a real relationship with so it warms my heart to see this one - ya I know it's fiction but I enjoy knowing it's possible. Anyway, I digress. Casting Call for a Corpse is wonderful! Everyone makes a appearance. So well plotted! The twists and turns were great! when is the next release? 🙏
February 3, 2022
great series
This is a great series. Book 7 of 8 was even better than the last one. Lee Alvarez and her family own Discretionary Investigations who specialize in cyber type crimes but Lee always manages to get her self involved in taking down the bad guys one karate kick at a time.
This is a great series. Book 7 of 8 was even better than the last one. Lee Alvarez and her family own Discretionary Investigations who specialize in cyber type crimes but Lee always manages to get her self involved in taking down the bad guys one karate kick at a time.
August 12, 2022
A Really Good Read
This was the first book in the series for me so I have a few questions like where does she get all the money,nut that being said it was an intriguing mystery with lots of humor and likeable characters as well as truly evil villains. I will be reading the rest of the series!
This was the first book in the series for me so I have a few questions like where does she get all the money,nut that being said it was an intriguing mystery with lots of humor and likeable characters as well as truly evil villains. I will be reading the rest of the series!
February 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this installment to the Alvarez Family Mystery Series.
This book is a fas-paced mystery with a bit of humor and snarkyness. Lee has to find the killer before her friend, Gaby, ends up going to prison for killing a man that was found in her guest bathroom tub.
Lee is just the person to figure it out. She has some really good skills that she has been able to hone over the years.
Having read the previous 6 books in this series, I have become a fan and will be looking for more books as they come out.
This book is a fas-paced mystery with a bit of humor and snarkyness. Lee has to find the killer before her friend, Gaby, ends up going to prison for killing a man that was found in her guest bathroom tub.
Lee is just the person to figure it out. She has some really good skills that she has been able to hone over the years.
Having read the previous 6 books in this series, I have become a fan and will be looking for more books as they come out.
August 17, 2020
Another great read by Heather Haven. Lee Alvarez is at her professional best trying to solve this five-star mystery. Plenty of red herrings to stump the reader as well as plenty of laughs. Highly recommended.
September 4, 2020
What fun(ny) read!! She kept me reading for hours and made it hard to put the book down. Twists and turns throughout kept you on the edge of your seat and the humor never stopped. Heather Haven is a gifted writer I would recommend to everybody.
October 13, 2020
Brilliant
It was a fun filled thriller. There was never a dull moment as the story gained momentum at a fast pace to keep the readers engrossed throughout the book. Excellent. Deserves a five star rating.
It was a fun filled thriller. There was never a dull moment as the story gained momentum at a fast pace to keep the readers engrossed throughout the book. Excellent. Deserves a five star rating.
October 15, 2020
Great Read!
Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Alvarez family and eagerly looking forward to reading more. I enjoyed the adventures so much I woke up in the middle of the night and had to keep reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Alvarez family and eagerly looking forward to reading more. I enjoyed the adventures so much I woke up in the middle of the night and had to keep reading.
December 12, 2021
Wow! Another amazing entry in the Alvarez Family Murder Mystery series. Lee and the family work so well together and there seems to be nothing that they can’t do. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 2, 2023
This is a fun and quick read with interesting characters. Even without reading prior books in this series, I was able to follow easily and enjoy the book. I look forward to reading more of this authors works!
October 15, 2020
More fun and games
I enjoyed reading more about Lee and her escapades with family and friends. I liked the Scottish policewoman, Mac, who was an interesting character.
I enjoyed reading more about Lee and her escapades with family and friends. I liked the Scottish policewoman, Mac, who was an interesting character.
October 25, 2020
Only 4 stars. Just didnt hold my interest like all the others.
July 19, 2021
This whole series was delightful, hope to see more installments. Lee and Gurn may end up as parents while solving murders
September 16, 2022
Who will be the next victim?
An entertaining story with lots of excitement and tongue in cheek humor. This author writes fun to read stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
An entertaining story with lots of excitement and tongue in cheek humor. This author writes fun to read stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 19, 2023
Casting Call for a Corpse book 📕 7
This book was a fun and fast paced with heart and action with secrets,murder, and hidden history ,, and actors and their drama 🎭❣️💃🏻
This book was a fun and fast paced with heart and action with secrets,murder, and hidden history ,, and actors and their drama 🎭❣️💃🏻
April 30, 2024
A fun addition to the Alvarez Family Mystery series. The little romance touches between Lee and Gurn are sweet. There are many funny moments too as well as an intriguing mystery to solve.
February 1, 2022
What are friends for?
I love the Alvarez family especially Lee. The family dynamic is entertaining & the crimes they solve always seem to be personal for one of them.
I love the Alvarez family especially Lee. The family dynamic is entertaining & the crimes they solve always seem to be personal for one of them.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews