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Kate Matthews Mystery #1
Going Coastal
A client dying on her massage table is traumatic enough for Kate Matthews, but when the police declare that death a murder, life becomes more painful for her as she is cast as the major suspect.
None of this is what Kate expected from her move from Los Angeles to the peaceful town of Santa Barbara. After a near-fatal heart attack, an early retirement from her law firm, and a change in careers, Kate envisioned a quiet life as a masseuse with her wife, Alicia, and their grown children.
Since the murdered client, Celia Tucker, held a position on the California Coastal Commission, her death becomes a media event. Kate finds herself and her family sucked into the maelstrom.
The former lawyer has all she can do to find the truth behind Celia's death without adding her own name to the body count
None of this is what Kate expected from her move from Los Angeles to the peaceful town of Santa Barbara. After a near-fatal heart attack, an early retirement from her law firm, and a change in careers, Kate envisioned a quiet life as a masseuse with her wife, Alicia, and their grown children.
Since the murdered client, Celia Tucker, held a position on the California Coastal Commission, her death becomes a media event. Kate finds herself and her family sucked into the maelstrom.
The former lawyer has all she can do to find the truth behind Celia's death without adding her own name to the body count
216 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2016
About the author
Jane DiLucchio
8 books55 followersJane DiLucchio is the author of the Diega DelValle Mystery and Kate Matthews Mystery series. She spent many years as a teacher, at both the elementary school and community college levels, a massage therapist, and an amateur farmer before giving in to the little voices that kept sounding off in her head. Since there’s a thin line between a psychotic and a writer (psychotics try to convince everyone that the voices they hear are real; writers write it down and tell everyone its fiction), Jane finally decided to give in to the voices rather than undergo intensive psychotherapy.
Jane and her partner, Sue, are raising their two cats (Murphy and Shania) in a loving home in Southern California.
www.facebook.com/jane.dilucchio.myste...
Jane and her partner, Sue, are raising their two cats (Murphy and Shania) in a loving home in Southern California.
www.facebook.com/jane.dilucchio.myste...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 28, 2022
Not bad, a book that could capture my attention.
January 16, 2022
4⭐️
Going Coastal (Book 1 in the Kate Matthews Mystery series) is the reissue of Jane DiLucchio’s 2016 published book, now with the author’s new publisher Flashpoint Publications. It’s my first book by Jane DiLucchio. If you want a cozy and enjoyable mystery, then you will like this book.
Kate Matthews was an attorney until a near-fatal heart attack left her with health complications. After this life-threatening experience, her family, wife Alicia, and children Ben and Sarah convinced her to cut back, so now she works as a licensed massage therapist in the Santa Barbara area on the California coast. She is happy with her new life until Celia Tucker, a member of the California Coastal Commission, is virtually poisoned on her massage table and dies. Kate is the prime suspect, but it’s not so easy to pin the murder on her. As a former lawyer, she can’t just leave it up to the police, so she undertakes her own investigation which stirs up more dust than she’d like. As she uncovers various dubious business deals and wheeling and dealing with her curiosity and persistence, she annoys more than one person and she puts herself in danger of ending up as a victim. As if being suspected of being a murderer wasn’t enough…
I love mystery novels, even more so when they don’t follow the usual concept of police officers or private detectives solving the mysteries. Kate has a razor-sharp mind and would give many PI’s a run for their money. The author managed to spin an exciting tale that kept me guessing all the time as to who the murderer or murderess was. The political and business entanglements are complex, Kate manages to shed light on them with her tenacity. Environmental activism, money laundering, bribery, gangs, corruption, and last but not least murder make the story very interesting and it takes a mind like Kate’s to uncover all the intricacies. However, all these entanglements were sometimes a bit confusing.
Besides all this detective work, there’s also the wedding of her daughter to organize, which is going anything but smoothly and doesn’t help to calm things down either. The women deal with the problems to the best of their ability and try to solve them. In doing so, they show that they are not perfect but that makes them all the more likable and sympathetic. This also applies to Sarah and Ben, who both play an important role, especially Ben. Kate and Alicia, who works as a real estate agent, are both very strong and protective independent women, whom I liked from the beginning. They have a loving and caring long-term relationship, one that everyone desires. I am fortunate to say that I have had a similar relationship with my wife for twenty years.
Some stories are best told from a single perspective and this is one of them. Told from Kate’s point of view, we experience her thought processes directly as if we were one with her. I’m looking forward to a second installment with Kate and her family.
ARC provided by the author and lezreviewbooks.com in exchange for an honest review
Going Coastal (Book 1 in the Kate Matthews Mystery series) is the reissue of Jane DiLucchio’s 2016 published book, now with the author’s new publisher Flashpoint Publications. It’s my first book by Jane DiLucchio. If you want a cozy and enjoyable mystery, then you will like this book.
Kate Matthews was an attorney until a near-fatal heart attack left her with health complications. After this life-threatening experience, her family, wife Alicia, and children Ben and Sarah convinced her to cut back, so now she works as a licensed massage therapist in the Santa Barbara area on the California coast. She is happy with her new life until Celia Tucker, a member of the California Coastal Commission, is virtually poisoned on her massage table and dies. Kate is the prime suspect, but it’s not so easy to pin the murder on her. As a former lawyer, she can’t just leave it up to the police, so she undertakes her own investigation which stirs up more dust than she’d like. As she uncovers various dubious business deals and wheeling and dealing with her curiosity and persistence, she annoys more than one person and she puts herself in danger of ending up as a victim. As if being suspected of being a murderer wasn’t enough…
I love mystery novels, even more so when they don’t follow the usual concept of police officers or private detectives solving the mysteries. Kate has a razor-sharp mind and would give many PI’s a run for their money. The author managed to spin an exciting tale that kept me guessing all the time as to who the murderer or murderess was. The political and business entanglements are complex, Kate manages to shed light on them with her tenacity. Environmental activism, money laundering, bribery, gangs, corruption, and last but not least murder make the story very interesting and it takes a mind like Kate’s to uncover all the intricacies. However, all these entanglements were sometimes a bit confusing.
Besides all this detective work, there’s also the wedding of her daughter to organize, which is going anything but smoothly and doesn’t help to calm things down either. The women deal with the problems to the best of their ability and try to solve them. In doing so, they show that they are not perfect but that makes them all the more likable and sympathetic. This also applies to Sarah and Ben, who both play an important role, especially Ben. Kate and Alicia, who works as a real estate agent, are both very strong and protective independent women, whom I liked from the beginning. They have a loving and caring long-term relationship, one that everyone desires. I am fortunate to say that I have had a similar relationship with my wife for twenty years.
Some stories are best told from a single perspective and this is one of them. Told from Kate’s point of view, we experience her thought processes directly as if we were one with her. I’m looking forward to a second installment with Kate and her family.
ARC provided by the author and lezreviewbooks.com in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. I had a hard time putting it down during the holiday. The plot and characters flowed so well you were on another chapter before you realized it. That's ok, sleeping is overrated. LOL I loved how the author showed the relationship between Kate and Alicia as a loving married couple. Also how their families integrated and how they were able to deal with difficult situations. You will fall in love with these characters. Kate is a strong independent woman who has had to retire early from her law firm due to a mild heart attack. Now she is working as a part time masseuse. Then you have Alicia, Kate's wife who is a very busy real estate agent who is also a very strong women. Both of these incredible women have raised two great kids, Ben and Sarah. Ben actually helps his mom by making oils for each of her clients. Sarah is in law school planning to take her boards next year and is planning her wedding to David Silver who is also going to be a lawyer.
Since Kate had her heart attack Alicia has been trying to keep Kate's stress level low. You would think that being a masseuse would help but when Kate shows up to her Sunday clients house all hell breaks loose. Celia Tucker is on the Coastal Committee and described as a pain in the butt. When Kate goes to give her the massage Celia breaks out into hives and her airway closes. Kate immediately gives Celia her Epi shot but it doesn't help. Why didn't it work? The police detectives show up asking the same question and Kate ends up being the prime suspect. This also leads others members of the family down the rabbit hole putting even more stress on everyone. Kate begins pulling a few strings and with the help of her family and friends starts to investigate. She not only wants to clear her name, get her business, and find the real killer but she wants to be there for her wife and kids. She and Alicia have a wedding to help get under way while all of this is going on around them. Will they be able to pull all of this off before someone else gets hurt???
You will enjoy this mystery adventure, who done it. Not everyone is who they appear to be and money doesn't always keep secrets at bay!
Since Kate had her heart attack Alicia has been trying to keep Kate's stress level low. You would think that being a masseuse would help but when Kate shows up to her Sunday clients house all hell breaks loose. Celia Tucker is on the Coastal Committee and described as a pain in the butt. When Kate goes to give her the massage Celia breaks out into hives and her airway closes. Kate immediately gives Celia her Epi shot but it doesn't help. Why didn't it work? The police detectives show up asking the same question and Kate ends up being the prime suspect. This also leads others members of the family down the rabbit hole putting even more stress on everyone. Kate begins pulling a few strings and with the help of her family and friends starts to investigate. She not only wants to clear her name, get her business, and find the real killer but she wants to be there for her wife and kids. She and Alicia have a wedding to help get under way while all of this is going on around them. Will they be able to pull all of this off before someone else gets hurt???
You will enjoy this mystery adventure, who done it. Not everyone is who they appear to be and money doesn't always keep secrets at bay!
February 7, 2016
After all those serial killer reads (which I absolutely love to read), reading a cozy mystery was like going on a real vacation. Nice, warm, cozy mystery, perfect for chilling on a February rainy day.
When your famous client dies on your massage table, you are in trouble! Celia Tucker, California Coastal Commissioner, is rich and famous and very picky as a client. But Katherine Matthews has nothing against her, she is just a client. When Celia dies during the massage, Katherine is the one who is suspect for a murder. It seems that Celia dies of anaphylactic shock caused by the oil rubbed during the massage. But Katherine knows that it is not possible. She has a specific bottle of oil for each client made by her son, Ben. She cares for her client's needs and possible allergies. So, she starts her own investigation, to clean her own name and save her son.
In the meantime, her daughter's wedding is going on and off all the time. Small disagreements rise and fall, and details change from one minute to another. Sarah is a real bridezilla that seems to care only for herself, but aren't all brides-to-be like that?
With a wedding to attend and murder above the head, Katherine doesn't lose her strength. With a little help from her wife and her son, she goes further into the game of playing detective. Her discoveries might change not just her life, but many others. Is she ready for the big change?
This is my first book from Ms. DiLucchio and I must say I quite enjoyed the story. Katherine is a charming character and easy to follow into her adventures. With a light dose of humor, the author sets a plot where a murder has to be solved and other mysteries to be uncovered. I enjoyed this light read and will be in search of other cozy mysteries from this author.
When your famous client dies on your massage table, you are in trouble! Celia Tucker, California Coastal Commissioner, is rich and famous and very picky as a client. But Katherine Matthews has nothing against her, she is just a client. When Celia dies during the massage, Katherine is the one who is suspect for a murder. It seems that Celia dies of anaphylactic shock caused by the oil rubbed during the massage. But Katherine knows that it is not possible. She has a specific bottle of oil for each client made by her son, Ben. She cares for her client's needs and possible allergies. So, she starts her own investigation, to clean her own name and save her son.
In the meantime, her daughter's wedding is going on and off all the time. Small disagreements rise and fall, and details change from one minute to another. Sarah is a real bridezilla that seems to care only for herself, but aren't all brides-to-be like that?
With a wedding to attend and murder above the head, Katherine doesn't lose her strength. With a little help from her wife and her son, she goes further into the game of playing detective. Her discoveries might change not just her life, but many others. Is she ready for the big change?
This is my first book from Ms. DiLucchio and I must say I quite enjoyed the story. Katherine is a charming character and easy to follow into her adventures. With a light dose of humor, the author sets a plot where a murder has to be solved and other mysteries to be uncovered. I enjoyed this light read and will be in search of other cozy mysteries from this author.
January 31, 2016
4-1/2 stars!
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
Wow. This book certainly took me on a roller coaster ride. It was fast-paced and tightly plotted, and definitely kept me guessing until the final reveal. I'm really not a mystery fan, mostly because they end up making me feel kind of stupid because I usually don't have a clue whodunnit. This book didn't make me feel nearly as bad, even though I still had no clue. And truthfully, there were quite a few things going on in the book which made it kind of busy and packed, and a little messy in the end. But sometimes things just can't be wrapped up in a neat little bow, and the writing here reflected that. At the same time, there weren't many things that couldn't be explained in the end, when the tangle of secrets and motivations was finally picked apart. I found the book an easy read, that was engaging and kept my interest. Every time I put the book down, I found myself inventing reasons why I should pick it back up. And it totally made me take a look at DiLucchio's other works. More for my to-be-read list.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
Wow. This book certainly took me on a roller coaster ride. It was fast-paced and tightly plotted, and definitely kept me guessing until the final reveal. I'm really not a mystery fan, mostly because they end up making me feel kind of stupid because I usually don't have a clue whodunnit. This book didn't make me feel nearly as bad, even though I still had no clue. And truthfully, there were quite a few things going on in the book which made it kind of busy and packed, and a little messy in the end. But sometimes things just can't be wrapped up in a neat little bow, and the writing here reflected that. At the same time, there weren't many things that couldn't be explained in the end, when the tangle of secrets and motivations was finally picked apart. I found the book an easy read, that was engaging and kept my interest. Every time I put the book down, I found myself inventing reasons why I should pick it back up. And it totally made me take a look at DiLucchio's other works. More for my to-be-read list.
February 11, 2016
*This Book Was Given To Me In Exchange For An Honest Review*
This is the first book I have read by new to me author Jane DiLucchio and I have to say she wrote a mystery that I couldn't work out the ending to - so first off kudos on that!
I love mysteries. Books, TV shows, Movies - BUT a lot of the time I can figure out where the plot is going so the "WhoDunnnit" becomes more of a why or how did they do it. This was not the case here with numerous red herrings along the way to keep me nicely off balance.
That being said, I personally found that at times there was too much to try and keep track of. Whilst I appreciated that this story certainly avoided the common pitfalls that cozy mysteries have where things are too laid out - I almost felt that I needed to have my own murder board to fully track the details properly ... hey maybe if i HAD done that I would have solved it!
Overall this was a good introduction to this author's writing for me and I award her 3 1/2 stars (Rounded up to 4 as per my policy)
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This is the first book I have read by new to me author Jane DiLucchio and I have to say she wrote a mystery that I couldn't work out the ending to - so first off kudos on that!
I love mysteries. Books, TV shows, Movies - BUT a lot of the time I can figure out where the plot is going so the "WhoDunnnit" becomes more of a why or how did they do it. This was not the case here with numerous red herrings along the way to keep me nicely off balance.
That being said, I personally found that at times there was too much to try and keep track of. Whilst I appreciated that this story certainly avoided the common pitfalls that cozy mysteries have where things are too laid out - I almost felt that I needed to have my own murder board to fully track the details properly ... hey maybe if i HAD done that I would have solved it!
Overall this was a good introduction to this author's writing for me and I award her 3 1/2 stars (Rounded up to 4 as per my policy)
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
March 12, 2016
An engrossing tale of greed, blackmail, bribery, deception, money laundering, gangs, political corruption and murder! This is a tightly written plot with engaging, well developed characters and a twisted murder plot with an unusual murder weapon! After a heart attack, Kate Matthews took early retirement from her law firm and moved her family to Santa Barbara. Now she works from home doing massage therapy. When a client dies on her massage table, leaving her as the number one suspect, Kate is forced to figure out who did the deed. The client was on the California Coastal Commission which votes on building requests on and off the coast. Oil companies, investors, family members and developers are all suspects while Kate works to clear herself and her son, while planning their daughters wedding with her wife, Alicia. I really enjoyed this tautly woven mystery with its varied and many suspects. Did I mention the unusual murder method and weapon?
I won this book in a contest from the author. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
I won this book in a contest from the author. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
February 13, 2016
All Kate Matthews wanted after suffering a heart attack was a peaceful life as a masseuse with her family up in the beautiful Santa Barbara area of California. She got a dead body on her massage table, another one on the beach below her house, and several attempts on her own life. Retirement wasn’t going to be easy for this former lawyer. But her legal training and logical mind help her to eliminate suspects even while more are being added to her list and some of these are a little too close to home.
While Kate and her wife Alicia are adjusting to their new life in the coastal city, their two grown children are entering new phases of their own lives and the revelations are going to be life-altering.
This period of adjustment is packed with twists and turns and threats from many sides. Kate and family rub elbows with lots of people, and a few could be killers.
A very interesting and exciting read. Politics and family life make for a very tasty stew.
While Kate and her wife Alicia are adjusting to their new life in the coastal city, their two grown children are entering new phases of their own lives and the revelations are going to be life-altering.
This period of adjustment is packed with twists and turns and threats from many sides. Kate and family rub elbows with lots of people, and a few could be killers.
A very interesting and exciting read. Politics and family life make for a very tasty stew.
November 3, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Going Coastal by Jane DiLucchio
1) An exciting, well-structured mystery with a lively cast of characters.
2) This handled well the blend of mystery and characterisation. The setting was well described and vivid. Kate was a strong lead and stood out from the other characters, most of whom seemed very similar. The plot was complex and occasionally confusing, especially with the number of characters brought into the mystery. But the pacing was good, and the denouement was very satisfying. I liked the way it didn’t shy away from the difficulties they had as a lesbian couple i.e. the issues they had with their daughter and her biological father. Otherwise it was refreshing to have lesbian characters within a community and taking leading, sympathetic roles. It fits the category very well.
1) An exciting, well-structured mystery with a lively cast of characters.
2) This handled well the blend of mystery and characterisation. The setting was well described and vivid. Kate was a strong lead and stood out from the other characters, most of whom seemed very similar. The plot was complex and occasionally confusing, especially with the number of characters brought into the mystery. But the pacing was good, and the denouement was very satisfying. I liked the way it didn’t shy away from the difficulties they had as a lesbian couple i.e. the issues they had with their daughter and her biological father. Otherwise it was refreshing to have lesbian characters within a community and taking leading, sympathetic roles. It fits the category very well.
December 9, 2015
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Full review is now posted at The Book Cafe
Quick thoughts:
- Better than expected
- Really enjoyed the main character, Kate
- Loved how people were not how they appeared
- Good mystery
- Too confusing with all of the firms (lawyers, consulting, construction...).
Full review is now posted at The Book Cafe
Quick thoughts:
- Better than expected
- Really enjoyed the main character, Kate
- Loved how people were not how they appeared
- Good mystery
- Too confusing with all of the firms (lawyers, consulting, construction...).
September 20, 2021
This audiobook came up in a Facebook group recommendation and I had to check it out. I’ve never read this author but I’m so glad I gave it a chance! I hope there’s more to come in the series. I loved the characters. Some of the resolution I had already figured out early in the book but I still enjoyed it. And the narrator was really good!
March 7, 2016
This was an unexpected gem of a cozy mystery which was more awesome than I expected.While I'm used to the main protagonist being 20-30 something years old, Kate is at a different stage in life. This didn't make it hard to relate to her. Her open minded views on life are fun to read, she has a great sense of humour and has a 'can do' attitude. She also has a 'let's run into danger because it vaguely will hurt my loved ones' attitude which is admirable, and the central focus of the novel.
I could scarcely imagine what it must be like to be thought of as a murder suspect. She does all the right things (almost all), thanks to her various life experiences she has contacts who can help her when she gets into tricky situations, of which there are many.
I loved how the layers of the plot were slowly revealed, especially connections her own lovable (bar her ex husband) family, be they blood related or not. I had no clue who the murderer was, and when the reveal came I was surprised but it all made sense, and I'm looking forward to rereading it with that knowledge in mind. I loved how Kate's pet plays a role in the story, and also her family life which is tied in heavily with the murder, but not in the way you'd expect. The relationship Kate has with her son and daughter made me smile and sigh. It will be fun seeing more of her and her close family in other stories.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
I could scarcely imagine what it must be like to be thought of as a murder suspect. She does all the right things (almost all), thanks to her various life experiences she has contacts who can help her when she gets into tricky situations, of which there are many.
I loved how the layers of the plot were slowly revealed, especially connections her own lovable (bar her ex husband) family, be they blood related or not. I had no clue who the murderer was, and when the reveal came I was surprised but it all made sense, and I'm looking forward to rereading it with that knowledge in mind. I loved how Kate's pet plays a role in the story, and also her family life which is tied in heavily with the murder, but not in the way you'd expect. The relationship Kate has with her son and daughter made me smile and sigh. It will be fun seeing more of her and her close family in other stories.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
May 8, 2016
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
A really passionate and at times emotive novel. One of the things I admired most about this book was the way it dealt with family life, it could have been about any family, this one just happened to be two women and their children. The author treated the ups, downs, conflicts, resolutions and everyday life no differently, made no exceptions, it was about a family, any family.
The characters had their good points and not so good points, totally human and believable. The heart warming, yet at times very poignant handling of the wedding was both touching and empathetic, ok it made me cry!!!
Along side this beautifully told tale of family life was the compelling interest in who committed the murder!
The only reason I did not award five stars was I would have liked the intrigue of the murder to have been a little more gripping.
A really well written novel which I would certainly recommend.
Read
November 27, 2015Kate Matthews was a full-time attorney when she had a heart attack. Based on the urging of her wife, Alicia, and their children Kate retires and becomes a licensed massage therapist. When one of her clients dies on the massage table, apparently poisoned, Kate is the prime suspect. As a member of the California Coastal Commission, Celia Tucker’s death becomes a media circus. Now it’s up to Kate to find out the real perpetrator before Kate and/or her family become the next victims. GOING COASTAL is a charming and well-written mystery. I loved Kate and her family, although their daughter Sarah was a bit of a handful regarding her upcoming nuptials. Since Kate cares both about her clients and about not being accused of murder, she goes digging for answers. GOING COASTAL has layers of interconnectivity between characters, both obvious and hidden. GOING COASTAL is an enjoyable and quick read!
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