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Maizie Albright Star Detective #1
15 Minutes
SHE PLAYED ONE ON TV, BUT CAN MAIZIE ALBRIGHT MAKE IT AS A DETECTIVE IN REAL LIFE?
For fans of romantic comedy mysteries with earnestly optimistic amateur female sleuths like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan. The Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author Larissa Reinhart brings her readers the first in the Maizie Albright Star Detective series, HOT MYSTERY REVIEWS’ "TOP 10 MYSTERIES FOR BOOK CLUBS."
”Child star and hilarious hot mess Maizie Albright trades Hollywood for the backwoods of Georgia and pure delight ensues. Maizie's my new favorite escape from reality.” — Gretchen Archer, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Davis Way Crime Caper series.
#WannabeDetective When ex-teen star Maizie Albright returns to her hometown in Black Pine, Georgia, she hoped to rid herself of Hollywood tabloid and reality show hell for a new career as a private investigator. Instead, Hollyweird follows her home. Maizie’s costar crushing, but now for her gumshoe boss. Her stage-monster mother still demands screen time. Her latest rival wants her kicked off their set, preferably back to a California prison.
But when Maizie entangles herself in a missing person's case, she reprises her most famous role — Julia Pinkerton, Teen Detective. The job will demand the performance of a lifetime. But this time, the stakes are real and may prove deadly.
"Maizie Albright is the kind of fresh, fun, and feisty star detective I love spending time with, a kind of Nancy Drew meets Lucy Ricardo." — Agatha, Macavity, and Anthony award-winning mystery author Penny Warner
"Armed with humor, charm, and stubborn determination, Maizie is a breath of fresh air.” — Terri L. Austin, bestselling author of the Rose Strickland Mysteries and the Null for Hire series.
"Sassy, sexy, and fun, 15 Minutes is hours of enjoyment—and a wonderful start to a fun new series from the charmingly Southern-fried Reinhart.” — Phoebe Fox, author of The Breakup Doctor series
“I love Larissa Reinhart’s books because they are funny but they also show the big heart of the protagonist.” — Lynn Farris, Hot Mystery Review
“Larissa writes a delightful book. Suspense, romance, and some funny situations. Maizie’s a teen star grown up to new possibilities.” — Sharon Salituro, Fresh Fiction
"This new series is a great mix of Hollywood with Southern charm.” — Book Babble
“Celebrity gossip fans, reality TV fans, and of course mystery fans are going to love Maizie Albright. Full of humor and romance, this is a great start to a new series.” — The Book’s The Thing
“This is a great start to a new series that boasts a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and the liveliness that befits this delightfully amusing and fast-paced drama.” — Dru Ann Love, Agatha, Anthony, and MWA Raven award-winning author and blogger of Dru's Book Musing
Books in the series:
15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS
20 CARATS
21 GUNS
For fans of romantic comedy mysteries with earnestly optimistic amateur female sleuths like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan. The Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author Larissa Reinhart brings her readers the first in the Maizie Albright Star Detective series, HOT MYSTERY REVIEWS’ "TOP 10 MYSTERIES FOR BOOK CLUBS."
”Child star and hilarious hot mess Maizie Albright trades Hollywood for the backwoods of Georgia and pure delight ensues. Maizie's my new favorite escape from reality.” — Gretchen Archer, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Davis Way Crime Caper series.
#WannabeDetective When ex-teen star Maizie Albright returns to her hometown in Black Pine, Georgia, she hoped to rid herself of Hollywood tabloid and reality show hell for a new career as a private investigator. Instead, Hollyweird follows her home. Maizie’s costar crushing, but now for her gumshoe boss. Her stage-monster mother still demands screen time. Her latest rival wants her kicked off their set, preferably back to a California prison.
But when Maizie entangles herself in a missing person's case, she reprises her most famous role — Julia Pinkerton, Teen Detective. The job will demand the performance of a lifetime. But this time, the stakes are real and may prove deadly.
"Maizie Albright is the kind of fresh, fun, and feisty star detective I love spending time with, a kind of Nancy Drew meets Lucy Ricardo." — Agatha, Macavity, and Anthony award-winning mystery author Penny Warner
"Armed with humor, charm, and stubborn determination, Maizie is a breath of fresh air.” — Terri L. Austin, bestselling author of the Rose Strickland Mysteries and the Null for Hire series.
"Sassy, sexy, and fun, 15 Minutes is hours of enjoyment—and a wonderful start to a fun new series from the charmingly Southern-fried Reinhart.” — Phoebe Fox, author of The Breakup Doctor series
“I love Larissa Reinhart’s books because they are funny but they also show the big heart of the protagonist.” — Lynn Farris, Hot Mystery Review
“Larissa writes a delightful book. Suspense, romance, and some funny situations. Maizie’s a teen star grown up to new possibilities.” — Sharon Salituro, Fresh Fiction
"This new series is a great mix of Hollywood with Southern charm.” — Book Babble
“Celebrity gossip fans, reality TV fans, and of course mystery fans are going to love Maizie Albright. Full of humor and romance, this is a great start to a new series.” — The Book’s The Thing
“This is a great start to a new series that boasts a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and the liveliness that befits this delightfully amusing and fast-paced drama.” — Dru Ann Love, Agatha, Anthony, and MWA Raven award-winning author and blogger of Dru's Book Musing
Books in the series:
15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS
20 CARATS
21 GUNS
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2017
1507 people are currently reading
1841 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Reinhart
34 books864 followersA Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author, Larissa loves to tell funny, sweet stories about sassy Southern women looking for love (and sometimes dead bodies) in all the wrong places, like in her award-winning Cherry Tucker Mystery, Maizie Albright Star Detective, and/or Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. You might have seen Larissa and her family with their little dog, Biscuit, on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. They’re back in Georgia where Biscuit has a bigger yard but now has to live with thunderstorms.
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.
Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.
Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):
A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE
Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:
15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS
Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:
PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.
Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.
Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):
A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE
Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:
15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS
Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:
PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
February 6, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Maizie Albright has had more than her own 15 minutes of fame and is ready to move on from it. The problem is her momager won’t let her do it. She follows her daughter back to Black Pine and brings the cameras with her. Maizie is trying to train to be a private investigator and wiggles her way into a missing person case. She quickly learns even out in the real world life can all be just a performance, a performance that can keep her alive!
Our main character, Maizie Albright, is a complex character. She seems to be intelligent and on the ball and the next minute staring off into space or not very sure of herself. I liked her because she felt like a real person trying her best to make lemonade from a batch of sour lemons.
Her mother is an overpowering woman, out for herself, and does everything she can to try to get Maizie to do what she wants.
Wyatt Nash is also pretty complex. This is the man Maizie hopes will help her succeed in her dream of becoming a P.I. but he is stubborn and has no desire to bring Maizie into his business.
But Maizie has what the late actress, Mary Tyler Moore had, she has SPUNK! These three characters drive this story and they are surrounded by a great cast.
Ms. Reinhart has struck gold with these characters and she has written them into a fabulous and funny mystery story. Twists and turns, romantic tension, great dialogue full of humor and fast quips, along with some Southern flair had these pages absolutely flying. I was sorry the story had to end.
A smashing debut for this series! I want more Maizie A.S.A.P.!!
Maizie Albright has had more than her own 15 minutes of fame and is ready to move on from it. The problem is her momager won’t let her do it. She follows her daughter back to Black Pine and brings the cameras with her. Maizie is trying to train to be a private investigator and wiggles her way into a missing person case. She quickly learns even out in the real world life can all be just a performance, a performance that can keep her alive!
Our main character, Maizie Albright, is a complex character. She seems to be intelligent and on the ball and the next minute staring off into space or not very sure of herself. I liked her because she felt like a real person trying her best to make lemonade from a batch of sour lemons.
Her mother is an overpowering woman, out for herself, and does everything she can to try to get Maizie to do what she wants.
Wyatt Nash is also pretty complex. This is the man Maizie hopes will help her succeed in her dream of becoming a P.I. but he is stubborn and has no desire to bring Maizie into his business.
But Maizie has what the late actress, Mary Tyler Moore had, she has SPUNK! These three characters drive this story and they are surrounded by a great cast.
Ms. Reinhart has struck gold with these characters and she has written them into a fabulous and funny mystery story. Twists and turns, romantic tension, great dialogue full of humor and fast quips, along with some Southern flair had these pages absolutely flying. I was sorry the story had to end.
A smashing debut for this series! I want more Maizie A.S.A.P.!!
March 15, 2018
So much fun! Highly recommend to anyone who likes funny PI-in-training books. Fresh and entertaining and I immediately snatched up book 2.
February 24, 2019
This was a good one!
I hope to be able to read the next one sooner than soon.
I hope to be able to read the next one sooner than soon.
September 2, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A funny, lighthearted mystery with interesting characters, “15 Minutes” will have readers laughing as Maizie bumbles her way through solving the case.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A funny, lighthearted mystery with interesting characters, “15 Minutes” will have readers laughing as Maizie bumbles her way through solving the case.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 29, 2017
Sorry folks, I can't really recommend this book. I didn't find Maizie at all entertaining. I found her to be spoiled, boring, and so self centered I wanted to tell her to her face how much I disliked her. This was a book I had to force myself to read and the whole time wished I wasn't wasting my time.
February 7, 2017
Larissa Reinhart's newest series, Maizie Albright Star Detective, is represented in her first book 15 Minutes. Maizie's character is much different than Ms. Reinhart's other character Cherry Tucker of the Cherry Tucker mystery series. Maizie's life is in a state of turmoil after a Hollywood judge orders her back to her hometown of Black Pine, Georgia, in hopes she will get her act together. Daughter of a control freak mother and a father who is the founder of DeerNose, maker of deer pee coated clothing, Maizie struggles to establish her new persona. Ms Reinhart has developed Maizie's character to be a combination of Maddy from Moonlighting and Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy. Maizie's desire to prove she can succeed in her new career of Private Detective will have you laughing in spots and feeling her pain in others. It will be interesting to see where Maizie will go in her next adventures.
December 22, 2019
I didn’t get it. I couldn’t finish it. It dragged on and on without a point. The heroine was whiny and annoying. She keeps pushing herself but she’s not wanted just because her own selfish needs. And enough about her TV show. And there is zero chemistry between her and the hero. Could not finish it, no interest in reading any other books in the series.
February 18, 2024
Fun read.
Good writing, fun to read, and moments of laugh out loud . Maizie is a hoot, a name dropping fashionista who is trying to quit show biz and stand on her own two feet. The entire cast of characters had great chemistry and the story had great flow. I listened to the audiobook, and the reader didn’t do it for me. I felt she was a bit flippant with the story.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
Good writing, fun to read, and moments of laugh out loud . Maizie is a hoot, a name dropping fashionista who is trying to quit show biz and stand on her own two feet. The entire cast of characters had great chemistry and the story had great flow. I listened to the audiobook, and the reader didn’t do it for me. I felt she was a bit flippant with the story.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
February 6, 2017
Former teen star Maizie Albright is determined to make a new life for herself in her hometown of Black Pine, Georgia but it’s not easy. Thanks to obstacles being thrown in her path, mainly by her mother, Maizie has her work cut out for her. If she fails, she could wind up back in prison. No way is she going to let that happen.
15 Minutes is the first book in a brand new cozy mystery series and is jam-packed with “laugh out loud” material. It’s filled with zany characters in a crazy, madcap adventure. As I followed Maizie’s exploits, I couldn’t help but be entertained until the last page. I alternated between shaking my head at Maizie’s actions and laughing as I read them. Not to mention I wanted to slap a couple of villains along the way.
This series is off to a great start and I look forward to reading more of it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
15 Minutes is the first book in a brand new cozy mystery series and is jam-packed with “laugh out loud” material. It’s filled with zany characters in a crazy, madcap adventure. As I followed Maizie’s exploits, I couldn’t help but be entertained until the last page. I alternated between shaking my head at Maizie’s actions and laughing as I read them. Not to mention I wanted to slap a couple of villains along the way.
This series is off to a great start and I look forward to reading more of it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 6, 2021
Only 3 stars for this one, which means that you can probably skip it.
Hard to believe this book is actually a series. The characters are so annoying that I can't imagine anyone to read more about them.
The book promises some twists and turns, yet delivers none. The story is totally predictable to the smallest detail, and it leaves the reader completely disappointed.
But the worst part of the book is the constant references to brand names with the intent to build the Maizie character, but that just get in the way of the narration.
If you end up reading this one, I would like to hear from you about the final action scene. The narrative is so convoluted that makes no sense and lost me completely. I couldn't imagine the layout of the scene, I couldn't follow the movement of the characters, I couldn't comprehend the results of actions. Horrible.
But you should skip this one anyway.
Hard to believe this book is actually a series. The characters are so annoying that I can't imagine anyone to read more about them.
The book promises some twists and turns, yet delivers none. The story is totally predictable to the smallest detail, and it leaves the reader completely disappointed.
But the worst part of the book is the constant references to brand names with the intent to build the Maizie character, but that just get in the way of the narration.
If you end up reading this one, I would like to hear from you about the final action scene. The narrative is so convoluted that makes no sense and lost me completely. I couldn't imagine the layout of the scene, I couldn't follow the movement of the characters, I couldn't comprehend the results of actions. Horrible.
But you should skip this one anyway.
February 4, 2017
I absolutely love this book! I was quickly swept up in the story and I couldn't put it down. It's fun and entertaining. I absolutely adore Maizie. Beware - you will crave donuts! At least I did. I can't wait to read what happens next.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
July 13, 2020
Just too much repeating of scenes with a slight variation, however a little bit of clue at the end of each to keep your skimming carefully. Lots of silly antics and mommy problems that the half-hearted attempt at the end barely made up for. But a series is planned so maybe things will improve.
I will say, if you are interested in designer labels and products that you can look up, this book will be a joy.
The mystery was okay, but you hardly cared getting through all the tangents.
I will say, if you are interested in designer labels and products that you can look up, this book will be a joy.
The mystery was okay, but you hardly cared getting through all the tangents.
November 27, 2025
Maisie is an actor that is pulling away from acting after some issues. She comes back to Black Pine to live with her father and get a job required by a judge. She is a wannabe PI and tries to get a job with the local office. There were quite a few characters to keep track of which was a bit challenging. There were plenty of conflicts as well as personality struggles especially with her former agent who is trying to get her to return to the TV series in which she starred as a teenage detective. This is first in a series.
June 8, 2020
This book starts out with 26 year old Maizie acting like 14 but gets better with every page. She’s a spoiled brat actress with a vicious, self-centered mother-manager and a disconnected father, and Maizie wants to be a Private Investigator - even when the going gets rough. Great fun! Loved it!
February 6, 2017
Maizie is a bright new light
I could not put this book down! The title may be 15 Minutes, but Maizie shines much longer than that, and I couldn't wait to see what predicament she got herself into--and out of--next. Maizie has the truest heart, and thanks to the Hollywood mischief-makers who won't leave her alone, she also has the worst luck. And a real addiction to donuts. This exciting new series made me laugh and cheer. The characters are likeable and the mystery is intriguing. Can't wait for the next in the series.
I could not put this book down! The title may be 15 Minutes, but Maizie shines much longer than that, and I couldn't wait to see what predicament she got herself into--and out of--next. Maizie has the truest heart, and thanks to the Hollywood mischief-makers who won't leave her alone, she also has the worst luck. And a real addiction to donuts. This exciting new series made me laugh and cheer. The characters are likeable and the mystery is intriguing. Can't wait for the next in the series.
February 2, 2017
This is the first book in a new series by the author of The Cherry Tucker Mysteries. It was an entertaining read. I'm rooting for Maizie as she tries to chart an independent course as a private investigator in Black Pine, Georgia , away from her Hollywood mom, and reality TV.
September 27, 2019
A lively, humorous mystery featuring the incomparable Maize Albright. Reinhart plays up the comedic aspects of the Hollywood scene, Georgia Mountains, and stage mothers with just the right amount of exaggeration. I will definitely read more of these books.
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December 29, 2019Author gift
February 27, 2017
I Love Larissa's work. This one was a bit slow to start but got into it as the story went along. I really enjoyed the last half of the book when Maizie started taking charge. The naming of what she wore and stuff I have no clue to most of it. I do know it's expensive. I am looking forward to what is going to happen and how she grows. It was great that she had "words" with her mom at the end. I like that there are a bunch of different people Maizie has and can't wait who is involved and maybe a bit more back story on some. I hope she really has two new great friends. It seems that she didn't have anyone in Hollywood. I gave it four stars because of the slow start This is a good book and I look forward to where it is going.
February 6, 2017
I have been a fan of author Larissa Reinhart's Cherry Tucker Mystery Series, so when I saw she had a new series coming out, I was eager to read it and let me tell you, Larissa does not disappoint her fans!
15 Minutes is the first book in the Maizie Albright Star Detective Mystery Series. Written in the first person narrative, the reader is transported to Black Pine, Georgia, to follow ex-teen reality star Maizie Albright's first investigative adventure.
Maizie puts her Hollywood career behind her and returns to her hometown of Black Pine, Georgia to start a new career as a private investigator. But it seems like she can't leave Hollywood behind when she reprises a role and immerses herself in a missing person's case that has plenty of trouble and danger around every corner.
This was such a fun whodunit to read, it had a great mixture of mystery, romance and humor. I easily found myself entertained by Maizie's craziness and her madcap investigative adventures. From Maizie's dysfunctional family, to her romantic issues, to her amateur sleuthing skills, this sassy southern lady's antics kept me entertained and laughing as I followed her quest to solve the missing person's case.
With a zany cast of characters who keep the reader in stitches with their witty dialogue and hilarious interactions; a storyline filled with enough drama, suspense and twist and turns that keeps the reader guessing; and a richly detailed setting that transports the reader to a quirky Southern small town; 15 Minutes is an entertaining new cozy mystery interwoven with Southern charm and humor that leaves you wanting to go on more crazy adventures with sassy Maizie Albright!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
15 Minutes is the first book in the Maizie Albright Star Detective Mystery Series. Written in the first person narrative, the reader is transported to Black Pine, Georgia, to follow ex-teen reality star Maizie Albright's first investigative adventure.
Maizie puts her Hollywood career behind her and returns to her hometown of Black Pine, Georgia to start a new career as a private investigator. But it seems like she can't leave Hollywood behind when she reprises a role and immerses herself in a missing person's case that has plenty of trouble and danger around every corner.
This was such a fun whodunit to read, it had a great mixture of mystery, romance and humor. I easily found myself entertained by Maizie's craziness and her madcap investigative adventures. From Maizie's dysfunctional family, to her romantic issues, to her amateur sleuthing skills, this sassy southern lady's antics kept me entertained and laughing as I followed her quest to solve the missing person's case.
With a zany cast of characters who keep the reader in stitches with their witty dialogue and hilarious interactions; a storyline filled with enough drama, suspense and twist and turns that keeps the reader guessing; and a richly detailed setting that transports the reader to a quirky Southern small town; 15 Minutes is an entertaining new cozy mystery interwoven with Southern charm and humor that leaves you wanting to go on more crazy adventures with sassy Maizie Albright!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 29, 2022
Good quick read.
Enjoyed this book. Will definitely check into this author and possibly buy more from her. Kept my interest and was a quick read.
Enjoyed this book. Will definitely check into this author and possibly buy more from her. Kept my interest and was a quick read.
December 13, 2018
Setting: Black Pine, Georgia
Characters:
Maizie Albright - Grown up child star; Black Pine native returning home after years of Hollywood living
Wyatt Nash - Private investigator; reluctant and unwilling employer to Maizie
Jolene Sweeney - Nash's ex-wife and co-owner of the business
Vicki - Maizie's manager . . . and mother
Plot: After burning her very last bridge in Hollywood, Maizie returns home as a woman on a mission - to get work with a private investigator and start on a new career path. (And appease the judge who ordered her to find a paid position in 10 days, of course.) But the investigator in question - Wyatt Nash - is less than willing to take on a green employee, especially one whose past doesn't seem ready to let her go. As Maizie tries to jump start her new career, her manager mother sets up a reality television show crew in Black Pine, all in a full court press attempt to strong arm Maizie back into the business. Determined to leave her show business past in the past, Maizie forces her way into one of Nash's cases - a simple surveillance of a woman whose husband suspects her of having an affair - and ends up tumbling head over heels into a huge hornet's nest of trouble.
Pacing: Steady, if slightly meandering
Predictability: Low. I was super surprised by the twists and turns that led to the unveiling of the killer! Didn't see it coming at all.
Wild Card: 15 Minutes is a raucous and addicting read. Maizie is delightfully quirky and flighty - but also witty and sharp; I couldn't help but love her and root for her. There is a wonderful, crackling chemistry between her and Nash, who is every opposite to Maizie in all the best ways. Where Maizie is sweet and sincere, Nash is cranky and cantankerous; they make an outstanding pair! I truly enjoyed this debut mystery and I'm eager for Maizie's next adventures!
Hit, Miss, or Draw? A grand slam hit!
Characters:
Maizie Albright - Grown up child star; Black Pine native returning home after years of Hollywood living
Wyatt Nash - Private investigator; reluctant and unwilling employer to Maizie
Jolene Sweeney - Nash's ex-wife and co-owner of the business
Vicki - Maizie's manager . . . and mother
Plot: After burning her very last bridge in Hollywood, Maizie returns home as a woman on a mission - to get work with a private investigator and start on a new career path. (And appease the judge who ordered her to find a paid position in 10 days, of course.) But the investigator in question - Wyatt Nash - is less than willing to take on a green employee, especially one whose past doesn't seem ready to let her go. As Maizie tries to jump start her new career, her manager mother sets up a reality television show crew in Black Pine, all in a full court press attempt to strong arm Maizie back into the business. Determined to leave her show business past in the past, Maizie forces her way into one of Nash's cases - a simple surveillance of a woman whose husband suspects her of having an affair - and ends up tumbling head over heels into a huge hornet's nest of trouble.
Pacing: Steady, if slightly meandering
Predictability: Low. I was super surprised by the twists and turns that led to the unveiling of the killer! Didn't see it coming at all.
Wild Card: 15 Minutes is a raucous and addicting read. Maizie is delightfully quirky and flighty - but also witty and sharp; I couldn't help but love her and root for her. There is a wonderful, crackling chemistry between her and Nash, who is every opposite to Maizie in all the best ways. Where Maizie is sweet and sincere, Nash is cranky and cantankerous; they make an outstanding pair! I truly enjoyed this debut mystery and I'm eager for Maizie's next adventures!
Hit, Miss, or Draw? A grand slam hit!
February 4, 2017
Maizie Albright a former teen TV detective and reality star has been ordered by the judge to move back to Black Pine Georgia with her Dad and find a job that is in no way TV or movie related. She's had some trouble in her past and if she can't find a job, it's off to jail for her. Maizie has decided that she wants to be a real life detective. Nash Security Solutions seems to be the answer to all her troubles, there's only one small problem...Wyatt Nash...he doesn't want to teach anyone the ropes. When Maizie throws herself into to the middle of a case that Nash doesn't believe really exists. When the client's wife disappears, Nash decides to help her find out what happened. Unfortunately her Mother/Agent, refuses to let her leave the glamour of Hollywood and she and a film crew have followed Maizie to Black Pine to film her every move and try to convince her to come back to the reality show, All is Albright. As the bodies start to pile up, including the missing wife's husband, Maizie and Nash rush to try to find out what happened to her fearing that her body may be the next one they find.
Larissa Reinhart has done it again. I already adored her Cherry Tucker series and was so excited she was starting a brand new series also set in Georgia. Maizie did not disappoint!! She is charming, quirky and a little bit bumbling but there is never a dull moment when she's around! From getting her clothes torn by a dog to getting flashed by a reality star wannabe witness, you never know what is going to happen next! This was an excellent mystery that left me dying to read the next one. The characters were fun, well developed and most of them were likable with the exception of her mother. I can't wait to see what Maizie has in store for us in the future!
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. Any opinions are my own and were no way influenced by this.**
Larissa Reinhart has done it again. I already adored her Cherry Tucker series and was so excited she was starting a brand new series also set in Georgia. Maizie did not disappoint!! She is charming, quirky and a little bit bumbling but there is never a dull moment when she's around! From getting her clothes torn by a dog to getting flashed by a reality star wannabe witness, you never know what is going to happen next! This was an excellent mystery that left me dying to read the next one. The characters were fun, well developed and most of them were likable with the exception of her mother. I can't wait to see what Maizie has in store for us in the future!
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. Any opinions are my own and were no way influenced by this.**
January 29, 2017
15 minutes; A Maizie Albright Star Detective Mystery by Larissa Reinhart is the first book in this exciting new series. Maizie is a former child tv star who played a teen detective. As a result, she took criminal justice classes and has decided she wants to train to be a private investigator and has chosen Nash Security Solutions as her mentor. Maizie has been ordered by a judge to stay out of Hollywood and out of show business because she got tangled up in a mess with her ex-boyfriend. She has moved back to her southern hometown and in with her dad and his new family.
Nash is not thrilled to mentor Maizie. The scenes between them are hilarious. Maizie tries to impress Nash so that he will hire her. She seems to have a knack for walking in when he is changing clothes.
There is a crazy cast of secondary characters that complement the story.
There is a good mystery mixed in with all the craziness surrounding Maizie.
I would recommend this book if you're a fan of the chic lit genre. I think you'll really like the authors writing style and Maizie. There is a mystery and plenty of suspects/characters to keep you guessing and entertained.
Sexual content: no physical scenes, but some teasers
Violence: there is a death or two, but not described in great detail. not disturbing at all
Drug/Alcohol: a few scenes are at the local bar; the girls have drinks, maybe one scene where someone has too much to drink
Language; some suggestive language, a few uses of profanity, PG13
I received this book from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Nash is not thrilled to mentor Maizie. The scenes between them are hilarious. Maizie tries to impress Nash so that he will hire her. She seems to have a knack for walking in when he is changing clothes.
There is a crazy cast of secondary characters that complement the story.
There is a good mystery mixed in with all the craziness surrounding Maizie.
I would recommend this book if you're a fan of the chic lit genre. I think you'll really like the authors writing style and Maizie. There is a mystery and plenty of suspects/characters to keep you guessing and entertained.
Sexual content: no physical scenes, but some teasers
Violence: there is a death or two, but not described in great detail. not disturbing at all
Drug/Alcohol: a few scenes are at the local bar; the girls have drinks, maybe one scene where someone has too much to drink
Language; some suggestive language, a few uses of profanity, PG13
I received this book from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 7, 2017
Ex-reality television star, Maizie Albright has returned to her father's home, in Black Pine, Georgia. The conditions upon her return are steady employment, no social media, and banishment from Hollywood, California until she finished her probation per a Judge order. The Judge gives her only ten days to achieve the employment
Maizie had studied and received her Criminal Law B.S. degree at University of CA- Long Beach (funny I went there also,) and her dream job is apprenticing two years under a licensed Private Investigator and then opening her own firm. Black Pine is a small community though and only one Private Investigator is in town...Nash Security Solutions.
Wyatt Nash has his own headaches though. His partner (silent) wants to sell the business. Meanwhile, he is working on a spousal complaint case.
Enter, Maizie Spayberry (her real name,) who speaks ten miles a minute and keeps trying to remember what her TV personality would do (she was a teenaged investigator.) When the client comes to find out what Wyatt has learned on his case, Maizie jumps in offering her talents to the case.
This is a humorous, fast-paced, snappy dialog, and action packed novel. Maizie is impulsive, kept under her Mother's finger, eager to win her Father's approval, and truly wants to prove herself to Wyatt and the world. Maizie and Wyatt are likable characters...her Mother, Vicki? I couldn't stand her. I mean I really disliked her.
This was a great debut novel and speaks well for volumes to come.
Maizie had studied and received her Criminal Law B.S. degree at University of CA- Long Beach (funny I went there also,) and her dream job is apprenticing two years under a licensed Private Investigator and then opening her own firm. Black Pine is a small community though and only one Private Investigator is in town...Nash Security Solutions.
Wyatt Nash has his own headaches though. His partner (silent) wants to sell the business. Meanwhile, he is working on a spousal complaint case.
Enter, Maizie Spayberry (her real name,) who speaks ten miles a minute and keeps trying to remember what her TV personality would do (she was a teenaged investigator.) When the client comes to find out what Wyatt has learned on his case, Maizie jumps in offering her talents to the case.
This is a humorous, fast-paced, snappy dialog, and action packed novel. Maizie is impulsive, kept under her Mother's finger, eager to win her Father's approval, and truly wants to prove herself to Wyatt and the world. Maizie and Wyatt are likable characters...her Mother, Vicki? I couldn't stand her. I mean I really disliked her.
This was a great debut novel and speaks well for volumes to come.
February 9, 2017
Talk about sitting on the edge of your seat reading. This book kept me on my toes on what was going to happen to Maizie next. Maizie is a mess - she just wants to do something different with her life, outside of the controls of her momanger but it seems that every time she starts on her detective path, she makes a little mess that her new boss does not seem too thrilled about. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
March 6, 2019
15 Minutes is a fun read and augers well for an exciting future for this new Larissa Reinhart series. Maizie Albright returns home under a cloud of probation and an aura of stardom. The ex-teen idol is paying for her bad taste in men when a judge requires that she return to her somewhat rustic roots and stay away from the evils of Hollywood. More than ready to begin a new and independent stage of her life, Maizie wants to train under the only local detective in town to get her private investigator license. Prepared with a college degree in criminal investigation and years of acting as a teenage super detective, the young woman begs her way into a trial run. Her stardom, education, and intelligence don't prepare her for her first gig.
I really appreciate that amid the humor we see both heart and intelligence from the main character. I look forward to watching Maize Albright kick a@# and take names for years to come.
I requested and received and advanced readers copy of the book from the author. The review is voluntary. I review all books that I love!
I really appreciate that amid the humor we see both heart and intelligence from the main character. I look forward to watching Maize Albright kick a@# and take names for years to come.
I requested and received and advanced readers copy of the book from the author. The review is voluntary. I review all books that I love!
June 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Ms. Reinhart's writing, so I was excited to hear there was a new series coming out.
Maizie Albright, late of TV fame, has come back to Black Pine. Under judge's orders to get a job, quickly, and having decided to pursue private investigating, Maizie heads to the office of Nash Security Solutions, where the tantalizing aroma of the Dixie Kreme donut shop downstairs is matched by the view of a partially-dressed Nash.
However, Mr. Nash is not as impressed with Maizie's ambition as she would like.
She persuades him to let her take on a case he has dropped, and her first day ends with an encounter with a nail tech, resulting in black eyes for Maizie, and things get interesting from there.
I love the characters, who are well-developed and likable. I appreciate Ms. Reinhart's writing style, and look forward to the rest of this series.
I love Ms. Reinhart's writing, so I was excited to hear there was a new series coming out.
Maizie Albright, late of TV fame, has come back to Black Pine. Under judge's orders to get a job, quickly, and having decided to pursue private investigating, Maizie heads to the office of Nash Security Solutions, where the tantalizing aroma of the Dixie Kreme donut shop downstairs is matched by the view of a partially-dressed Nash.
However, Mr. Nash is not as impressed with Maizie's ambition as she would like.
She persuades him to let her take on a case he has dropped, and her first day ends with an encounter with a nail tech, resulting in black eyes for Maizie, and things get interesting from there.
I love the characters, who are well-developed and likable. I appreciate Ms. Reinhart's writing style, and look forward to the rest of this series.
February 7, 2017
[ I voluntarily chose to review this book]
"...Nash raised an eyebrow. "Miss Albright, I've been trying to get rid of you since I met you. Now I'm asking you to do something useful."
Mazie Albright, washed up,used up reality don't wannabe is trying to become something besides her mother/manager's minion. She has moved back home and living with her blended family is becoming a different kind of torture. She's actually got the education to be a real PI. Question is, how can she overcome the perception and really BE a PI.
Stumbling into Nash Securities, she connects in many ways with " mostly by the book owner" Wyatt Nash who just isn't sure about her motives.
In perfect slapstick, Larissa Rheinhart crafts a smart funny wise *asset* for Nash Securities. The mystery she crafts around Maxie and her cadre of supporters/gawkers and wannabes will keep you entertained as you figure out just what in the heck is going on! Highly recommended! More please!
"...Nash raised an eyebrow. "Miss Albright, I've been trying to get rid of you since I met you. Now I'm asking you to do something useful."
Mazie Albright, washed up,used up reality don't wannabe is trying to become something besides her mother/manager's minion. She has moved back home and living with her blended family is becoming a different kind of torture. She's actually got the education to be a real PI. Question is, how can she overcome the perception and really BE a PI.
Stumbling into Nash Securities, she connects in many ways with " mostly by the book owner" Wyatt Nash who just isn't sure about her motives.
In perfect slapstick, Larissa Rheinhart crafts a smart funny wise *asset* for Nash Securities. The mystery she crafts around Maxie and her cadre of supporters/gawkers and wannabes will keep you entertained as you figure out just what in the heck is going on! Highly recommended! More please!
February 7, 2017
Celebrity gossip fans, reality TV fans, and of course mystery fans are going to love Maizie Albright. She is determined, quirky, and lots of fun. A former child actor who played a detective on TV, Maisie returns home to Black Pine, Georgia seeking an apprenticeship with a real private investigator. Will Maisie be able to convince her unwilling mentor that she’s more than a hollywood has-been? Full of humor and romance, this is a great start to a new series.
Read more on The Book's the Thing
I was provided with a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Read more on The Book's the Thing
I was provided with a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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