Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Dead-End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery, #1)” as Want to Read:
Dead-End Detective
(Piper and Porter Mystery #1)
by
They were the Two Girls Detective Agency. Now, one of them is dead, and the other is suspected of murder. Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby. Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency
...more
Get A Copy
Audiobook
Published
August 25th 2020
by Dreamscape LLC
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Dead-End Detective,
please sign up.
Recent Questions
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Dead-End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery, #1)
4.5 stars
Dead-End Detective is the first book in Amanda Flower's Piper and Porter Mystery series. Set in New York in a quaint little town on Seneca Lake, we meet Darby Piper, a private investigator whose partner, Samantha, has just been killed in an accident. Except it wasn't an accident at all, someone deliberately ran her off the road and all signs point to Darby being the culprit. Still reeling from her friend's murder, she is shocked to learn that Samantha has left her share of the business ...more
Dead-End Detective is the first book in Amanda Flower's Piper and Porter Mystery series. Set in New York in a quaint little town on Seneca Lake, we meet Darby Piper, a private investigator whose partner, Samantha, has just been killed in an accident. Except it wasn't an accident at all, someone deliberately ran her off the road and all signs point to Darby being the culprit. Still reeling from her friend's murder, she is shocked to learn that Samantha has left her share of the business ...more
Terrific! This is a new cozy series by Amanda Flower. Set in a small town by Seneca Lake, NY, our protagonist, Darby Piper is a private investigator. When her mentor and partner at Two Girl's Detective Agency died from a car "accident" all evidence suggested that Darby is a prime suspect.
...more
Amanda Flower has made a start to another great series with the Piper and Porter Mystery series. Set in New York in a small town on Seneca Lake, Darby Piper and her friend and partner, Samantha Porter, have run the Two Girls Detective Agency for ten years when Samantha is killed by another driver running her off the street on a hill into a ravine. All clues point to Darby and her ex boyfriend Austin Caster is the lead detective. Thinking she will inherit the business where it is a 60/40 ownershi
...more
A great new series. I really liked the mystery. It had a very nice pacing and kept me guessing the whole time. Can't wait for #2...but I fear that'll be a while.
...more
Jul 01, 2020
Linda Strong
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
netgalley-2020,
read-in-2020
Darby Piper and Samantha Porter are co-owners of Two Girls Detective Agency. Samantha, the owner with 60% ownership has decided to sell the business to a real estate organization against Darby's wishes. Darby will be left without a job, her business, or her home. Needless to say, the two are at loggerheads.
When Samantha is killed in an auto accident a day later, Darby is horrified ... even more so when she learns that this was no accident. And the really scary thing is that Darby seems to be the ...more
This is a sensational start to a brand new cozy mystery series by Amanda Flowers. I won't rehash the plot since you can read that in the book description. The characters are well-rounded. The story unravels remarkably. I absolutely love the fact that Darby is a Private Detective. As such, her actions make sense throughout the book. Time flies when you are reading Dead-End Detective. I am looking forward to many more in this series!
...more
Excellent new series! Darby knew there were going to be some uncomfortable situations working as a private eye when her ex long time boyfriend is a cop but when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder case it is beyond uncomfortable.
A well woven mystery with a likable protagonist and a fun secondary character. I look forward to spending more time with Darby, her new partner Tate and even her ex Austin. Thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
A well woven mystery with a likable protagonist and a fun secondary character. I look forward to spending more time with Darby, her new partner Tate and even her ex Austin. Thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Darby and Samantha are partners at the Two Girl Detective Agency when Samantha is killed in a car crash that does not look like an accident and Darby is considered a possible suspect. This was a very good, fast paced mystery and the audiobook narration kept my attention throughout. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to this fun book.
Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower is the debut of A Piper and Porter Mystery series. We are transported to Herrington, New York on Seneca Lake where Samantha Porter and Darby Piper run Two Girls Detective Agency. Darby is upset because Samantha is talking about selling the business and a taking a job as head of security at Lake Waters Retreat. Samantha is then murdered, and someone has set up Darby to take the fall. Darby reluctantly teams up with Samantha’s nephew, Tate Porter to find the kil
...more
This is the first book in Amanda Flower's new Piper and Porter Mystery series. Darby Piper and her partner, Samantha Porter own Two Girl's Detective Agency together. Samantha has decided to liquidate the business and take a job with a local exclusive resort. Darby is devastated by the news but even more so when Samantha dies in a car crash that does not look like an accident. Darby must clear her name as all the clues point to her.
What an excellent start to a series! It's not often that I cry wi ...more
What an excellent start to a series! It's not often that I cry wi ...more
I have read several books in other series by this author and have enjoyed them, so I was excited to read this debut in a brand-new series. The premise of the book is interesting. Darby Piper’s partner in a private detective agency is murdered but instead of inheriting Samantha’s half of the business as expected, Samantha has left her share to her nephew. Darby finds herself as a suspect in Samantha’s death, so while proving her innocence, she has to get to know the mysterious Tate Porter and fig
...more
An interesting mystery with strong leads. When a detective is killed in a small town, the suspect list is short--mostly comprised of the woman who works with her in the detective agency. There seem to be a load of folks who didn't like Samantha, though, and Darby is sure they make better suspects than she does--so why's the town police chief so certain she did it?
I enjoyed the read despite finding the ending rather weak and rushed; there's a lot of action but the denouement was very sudden. I lo ...more
I enjoyed the read despite finding the ending rather weak and rushed; there's a lot of action but the denouement was very sudden. I lo ...more
This is a first time read by this writer for me. She was highly recommended by Natalia R. Thanks girl! Moves at a good pace. Likable characters.
Interesting mystery & clever once you realize what the clues were & who did it.
I do wonder though after reading all these cozy's what is the obsession with having cats?
Negative:
there's alot of info thrown out. (i would imagine it's b/c this is the first in a series so the writer is setting everything up but it was still alot all at once.)
Overall, I like ...more
Interesting mystery & clever once you realize what the clues were & who did it.
I do wonder though after reading all these cozy's what is the obsession with having cats?
Negative:
there's alot of info thrown out. (i would imagine it's b/c this is the first in a series so the writer is setting everything up but it was still alot all at once.)
Overall, I like ...more
I admit to stumbling through the first part of this book. It seemed slow. However, as I continued to read, the plot developed and I couldn't stop reading!
Dead-End Detective is the first in a new series by Amanda Flower for Hallmark Publishing. It, of course, like all good cozy mysteries begins with a murder! The characters developed a little slow for my liking but the plot was great and, once the characters were developed, the story just flew on it's own! I'm looking forward to the second in th ...more
Dead-End Detective is the first in a new series by Amanda Flower for Hallmark Publishing. It, of course, like all good cozy mysteries begins with a murder! The characters developed a little slow for my liking but the plot was great and, once the characters were developed, the story just flew on it's own! I'm looking forward to the second in th ...more
What a great start to a series. This is the first book in the Piper and Porter series. Darby Piper co-owns a private investigative business with her long time friend Samantha Porter. Samantha is thinking of leaving the business which would put Darby out of a job since Samantha owned the majority of the business. Things change though when Samantha dies in a car crash under mysterious circumstances and leaves her portion of the business to her nephew, Tate. The police, which includes Darby's ex, t
...more
“Dead-End Detective“ by Amanda Flower the first instalment in “A Piper and Porter Mystery” series. What a great start to a new cozy mystery series! I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next instalment! I adore Amanda Flower and her other cozy series so I was pretty sure I would like this but I think it is my new favourite.
I loved Mrs. Berger and her cat Romi, who constantly got stuck in the tree. I also enjoyed the tension between Darby, her ex Austin and Tate Porter. I can see t ...more
I loved Mrs. Berger and her cat Romi, who constantly got stuck in the tree. I also enjoyed the tension between Darby, her ex Austin and Tate Porter. I can see t ...more
Darby Piper and Samantha Porter are business partners at the Two Girls Detective Agency. But one morning Darby is awoken by a jarring knock on the door. She finds her ex-boyfriend, officer Austin Caster, on her doorstep. He’s there to tell her Sam has been killed in a car accident. But the cops don’t think it’s an accident, and they think Darby had something to do with it.
Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it to Tate P ...more
Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it to Tate P ...more
Dead End Detective
Piper & Porte, Book #1
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
They were the Two Girls Detective Agency. Now, one of them is dead,
and the other is suspected of murder.
Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby.
Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it t ...more
Piper & Porte, Book #1
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
They were the Two Girls Detective Agency. Now, one of them is dead,
and the other is suspected of murder.
Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby.
Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it t ...more
I have never met an Amanda Flower book I didn't like, and this was no exception! This is the first in the "Two Girls Detective Agency" books. Two Girls is run by Samantha and Darby. They focus on local matters- figuring out if partners are skimming one another and determining if the local horse trainers is taking clients on the side. Darby is devastated when she learns that Samantha has died in a car accident, and that the police suspect it was her car that ran Sam off the road. I love the chara
...more
Outstanding new series! The characters are strong, well developed and likable with their unique characteristics! Two female P.I.'s running their company when one suddenly wants out then ends up dead, it looks like one partner killed the other to save the company....or does it.....you'll have to read to figure out the story for yourself, but be prepared to fall in book love with this book and being eager for more! I know I am! I can't wait to see what will happen with Darby and Tate in the upcomi
...more
I loved the two main characters in Amanda Flower's first Piper & Porter mystery, Dead-End Detective. And, I like a cozy mystery that features a detective agency. It's not quite as cozy as sone books. Best of all, it took me forever to figure out who was the killer, although there was a growing suspicion before the ah ha moment. Two terrific leads, plus two terrific cats. Does it get much better for readers of cozy mysteries?
Darby Piper returns from her morning run, running a little late because ...more
Darby Piper returns from her morning run, running a little late because ...more
Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower is the first book in a new series Piper and Porter Mystery series, and I loved it. I am a big fan of the author, and love all her series. Darby Piper and Samantha Porter are business partners at Two Girls Detective Agency. When Samantha dies in a car crash, the evidence points to Darby. When Samantha leaves her 60% of the agency to her nephew, Tate, they set out to solve Samantha’s murder. This series is off to a great start, and I can't wait for the next book
...more
I'm in love with Tate. He is my favorite character in this book, which I just LOVED, btw. I love his sense of humor, his wit, his wanting to protect Darby. I just loved the chemistry between those two. The friendly banter. I enjoyed the character of Mrs. Berger. She is a hoot! This was a very intriguing mystery. I really didn't know for sure who the murderer was until right before Darby figured it out. I am very much looking forward to book #2 in this series.
...more
This is my first Amanda Flower Mystery and it won’t be the last. Darby Piper runs Two Girl Detective Agency with her partner Samatha. Samatha decides to close the agency and takes a job at the local celebrity resort. Darby is furious but is only a 40 percent stakeholder. Samatha is killed and Darby is being framed. Samatha’s only family a nephew is back in town and is now the new majority stakeholder of the company. Darby must find who ever is framing her to save her freedom and career.
I loved ...more
I loved ...more
What an enjoyable cozy mystery! This book drew me in right from the first chapter and I didn't want to put it down. The setting sounds picturesque and the characters are all delightful. Mrs. Berger is a hoot, as is her cat Romy. The mystery itself was realistic and not far-fetched considering it takes place in a small town. The only question I had in the end was what illness Darby's dad actually has as I didn't find the answer within the pages of the story (perhaps I missed it somehow?). I look
...more
Nov 22, 2020
Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
I have been a fan of Amanda Flower’s books for quite awhile now, and I was delighted to see this first book in a new series. This author knows how to right an interesting cozy mystery, and I was very interested to read it.
I immediately liked Darby, the main character in this story. She’s bright, spunky, and I enjoyed viewing this story from her point of view. She is also a dedicated private detective who suddenly finds herself a suspect in murder of her mentor and business partner, Samantha. Thi ...more
I immediately liked Darby, the main character in this story. She’s bright, spunky, and I enjoyed viewing this story from her point of view. She is also a dedicated private detective who suddenly finds herself a suspect in murder of her mentor and business partner, Samantha. Thi ...more
Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower is her newest cozy mystery series and was an engaging story.
Darby Piper and Samantha Porter were friends and business partners at Two Girls Detective Agency and then Samantha was killed in a car crash. The police's number one suspect is Darby and she is determined to find out who really did the deed. There is also a cold case murder mystery that involves Samantha's father that Darby wants to solve as well. Darby struck me as a little naive' regarding her being ...more
Darby Piper and Samantha Porter were friends and business partners at Two Girls Detective Agency and then Samantha was killed in a car crash. The police's number one suspect is Darby and she is determined to find out who really did the deed. There is also a cold case murder mystery that involves Samantha's father that Darby wants to solve as well. Darby struck me as a little naive' regarding her being ...more
Jul 20, 2020
Elizabeth Plunkett
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arcs-2020
I enjoyed Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower. This first in a new series called A Piper and Porter Mystery is from Hallmark Publishing. Reading it felt like watching one of my favorite Hallmark Movie Mysteries. Darby is one of the two detectives at Two Girls Detective Agency when her partner Samantha dies, Darby joins forces with Samantha’s nephew Tate to solve her friend and partner’s murder and clear her own name. This book has all the classic cozy markers: cute small town, involved family an
...more
DEAD-END DETECTIVE kicks the Piper and Porter Mystery Series off to a good start. The characters are nicely drawn, and the smart mystery unfolds at a brisk pace. Since Darby is the prime suspect, I felt quite invested in the story as she tried to clear her name. Several other suspects and plenty of clues and red herrings kept me guessing for most of the book. My only quibble is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, but this did not deter my enjoyment of the book. I cannot wait to read more of Dar
...more
Woohoo -- a new Amanda Flower mystery and I do so love the way this author weaves a cozy! A small town full of interesting characters makes for the perfect backdrop for this first book in the Piper and Porter Mystery series.
Love that Darby is a PI -- it gives her an edge over her cozy genre contemporaries. :-) She knows a thing or two about working an investigation which is a perk when it comes to keeping herself out of jail! And when Tate shows up -- phew, crackling energy and potential toe-cur ...more
Love that Darby is a PI -- it gives her an edge over her cozy genre contemporaries. :-) She knows a thing or two about working an investigation which is a perk when it comes to keeping herself out of jail! And when Tate shows up -- phew, crackling energy and potential toe-cur ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Amanda Flower, a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. In addition to being an author,
...more
News & Interviews
Happy Women's History Month! One of the undisputedly good things about modern scholarship is that women’s history is finally getting its due....
43 likes · 6 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »






