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An Odelia Grey Mystery #7
Hide and Snoop: An Odelia Grey Mystery
Beloved, plus-sized sleuth Odelia Grey fights for her job--and her life A merger at Odelia Grey's law firm has put her job in jeopardy. Her new, icy-cold boss, Erica Mayfield, has it in for Odelia. The humiliation and stress triples when Erica dumps Lily, her three-year-old niece, with Odelia and disappears for the weekend. The nerve Pumped for a confrontation, Odelia impulsively goes to her boss's house in the middle of the night -- and finds Erica's sister murdered. Odelia's madcap attempt to prove her innocence and find Erica lead her to a black market baby ring run by an unlikely crop of criminals.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
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379 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
68 books546 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 3, 2020
It has been a while since I last read Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Odelia Grey series. After reading Hide & Snoop, the seventh installment, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. Hide & Snoop not only was a complex and suspenseful mystery, it was also heartwarming, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.
Things are changing for Odelia Grey. The law firm where she works as a paralegal has recently merged with another firm, and rumors of upcoming terminations echo throughout the halls. To make matters worse, her former boss has been replaced with Erica Mayfield, a stern taskmaster who has brought along her own paralegal, rendering Odelia’s job redundant. Things only get more complicated when Erica leaves Lily, her three-year old niece, in Odelia’s charge and promptly disappears. When Lily’s parents prove likewise unreachable, Odelia sets out to find them and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
What I like most about this book are the characters. You’ve got to love Odelia, who is smart, sassy and appropriately sarcastic. And she is eminently relatable. The law firm scenes are realistic and interesting. Mark Baker, the rival paralegal, is duly complex, brusque one moment and (almost) helpful the next. And Lily is adorable. The scenes with her are alternately funny and heartwarming. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the mystery, which is fantastic in its own right. It has enough twists and turns (and evildoers) to keep up the suspense, while providing sufficient foreshadowing to make the resolution satisfying.
Hide & Snoop is a must-read in the Odelia Grey series. And it has convinced me to not wait so long to read the next book. This is a series I really enjoy!
Things are changing for Odelia Grey. The law firm where she works as a paralegal has recently merged with another firm, and rumors of upcoming terminations echo throughout the halls. To make matters worse, her former boss has been replaced with Erica Mayfield, a stern taskmaster who has brought along her own paralegal, rendering Odelia’s job redundant. Things only get more complicated when Erica leaves Lily, her three-year old niece, in Odelia’s charge and promptly disappears. When Lily’s parents prove likewise unreachable, Odelia sets out to find them and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
What I like most about this book are the characters. You’ve got to love Odelia, who is smart, sassy and appropriately sarcastic. And she is eminently relatable. The law firm scenes are realistic and interesting. Mark Baker, the rival paralegal, is duly complex, brusque one moment and (almost) helpful the next. And Lily is adorable. The scenes with her are alternately funny and heartwarming. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the mystery, which is fantastic in its own right. It has enough twists and turns (and evildoers) to keep up the suspense, while providing sufficient foreshadowing to make the resolution satisfying.
Hide & Snoop is a must-read in the Odelia Grey series. And it has convinced me to not wait so long to read the next book. This is a series I really enjoy!
January 17, 2018
This might actually be my favorite in the series yet! It could be because a character is named for a friend, and its the complete opposite of what he's like. It really made me laugh out loud everytime he entered a scene. Admittedly, that may have created some bias, but at the same time ... it was a great read and mystery. I enjoyed the introduction of the job woes and concerns right along with a glimpse of seeing Odelia's maternal side and the consideration of kids. Well done, Ms. J! Keep 'em coming!
March 1, 2014
After a merger at her law firm, Odelia finds herself with a new boss who seems to have it in for her. While trying to get her job from rival paralegal Mark Baker, Odelia gets saddled with her new boss' niece. But searching for the little girl's parents start turning up dead bodies, and Odelia suddenly finds herself in way over her head. I love this series (hence the reason I got my name in this book), and this was another great mix of humor, strong characters, and fast moving plot. If you don't read this series, fix that today.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 25, 2020
Birthday Book #75 from my friend Mark, who has another cameo thanks to being friends with several mystery novel writers. I'll admit I picked this one up and put it down before the end of the first chapter earlier this summer. But I stuck with it this time and I'm glad I did. It was very enjoyable (after I got past the overabundance of metaphors in the first few pages). I liked Odelia and the rest of the supporting cast. I worried that Mark wasn't really that good of friends with the author considering what the Mark Baker in the book was like, so that resolution was rather satisfying. I did find the idea of a contract killing and a parking garage shoot-out a little over the top for the crime at hand (fleeing the country seems like a smarter plan, but I guess criminals just aren't smart). Still, I almost liked it enough to read the rest of the series. Not now, but maybe someday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2012
When Hide and Snoop was offered for review I couldn't resist even though it's the 7th in the series and I am yet to read any (though I own the first 3 books). Despite being unfamiliar with the previous installments, Hide and Snoop worked well as a stand alone and I enjoyed my introduction to Odelia Grey.
In Hide and Snoop, Odelia is unhappy at the legal firm she works for after a recent merger. Her new boss, Erica, funnels the best assignments to the paralegal she bought with her and now, in a final insult, has stuck Odelia with babysitting her sick niece, Lily. When Erica goes missing, Odelia, with the tacit support of one of the firms partners, investigates and stumbles upon the murdered body of Lily's mother.
It seems Odelia has an uncanny knack for finding dead bodies and winding up in the midst of dangerous criminal activity. With deft plotting, Jaffarian carefully draws several threads and characters together into a cohesive story that reveals adultery, a child abduction ring and murder for hire. Well structured, with crisp dialogue and nicely paced, Hide and Snoop is a smooth and quick read.
Odelia is a very likeable character, of the type that says 'feel the fear but do it anyway'. Sure her decisions are sometimes a little questionable but she approaches them in the spirit of doing the right thing, in this case it is Lily's happiness and well being that motivates her. I was a little worried Odelia's size would be used as a comedic prompt or overwhelm her personality, and was relieved to find that wasn't so. Odelia demonstrates loyalty and affection in her relationships with her husband and friends and a healthy sense of respect for herself, though she is not without flaws.
Hide and Snoop is an entertaining and satisfying cosy mystery with a cast of characters I will be happy to get to know better. Hopefully I can get started with Too Big to Miss sooner, rather than later.
In Hide and Snoop, Odelia is unhappy at the legal firm she works for after a recent merger. Her new boss, Erica, funnels the best assignments to the paralegal she bought with her and now, in a final insult, has stuck Odelia with babysitting her sick niece, Lily. When Erica goes missing, Odelia, with the tacit support of one of the firms partners, investigates and stumbles upon the murdered body of Lily's mother.
It seems Odelia has an uncanny knack for finding dead bodies and winding up in the midst of dangerous criminal activity. With deft plotting, Jaffarian carefully draws several threads and characters together into a cohesive story that reveals adultery, a child abduction ring and murder for hire. Well structured, with crisp dialogue and nicely paced, Hide and Snoop is a smooth and quick read.
Odelia is a very likeable character, of the type that says 'feel the fear but do it anyway'. Sure her decisions are sometimes a little questionable but she approaches them in the spirit of doing the right thing, in this case it is Lily's happiness and well being that motivates her. I was a little worried Odelia's size would be used as a comedic prompt or overwhelm her personality, and was relieved to find that wasn't so. Odelia demonstrates loyalty and affection in her relationships with her husband and friends and a healthy sense of respect for herself, though she is not without flaws.
Hide and Snoop is an entertaining and satisfying cosy mystery with a cast of characters I will be happy to get to know better. Hopefully I can get started with Too Big to Miss sooner, rather than later.
March 13, 2020
LOVE this books series!!!
Every book in the series is page turner!!! I have all 14 books in the series that I can say is I hope the author comes out with 14 more!
Every book in the series is page turner!!! I have all 14 books in the series that I can say is I hope the author comes out with 14 more!
March 19, 2026
Read and reviewed in Dec 2019, but for some reason, the review wasn't here, so I reposted it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A good mystery and an appealing protagonist. Odelia Grey is a middle-aged paralegal, an amateur sleuth, and a really great woman from any angle. Her being fat (which the author emphasizes numerous times in the story) doesn’t add or detract from Odelia’s winning personality. She is smart, compassionate, snaky, and dedicated to helping others. Her only problems are a penchant for stumbling over corpses and an irresistible urge to investigate to uncover the murderer. Both are actually perks for the readers.
An enjoyable read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A good mystery and an appealing protagonist. Odelia Grey is a middle-aged paralegal, an amateur sleuth, and a really great woman from any angle. Her being fat (which the author emphasizes numerous times in the story) doesn’t add or detract from Odelia’s winning personality. She is smart, compassionate, snaky, and dedicated to helping others. Her only problems are a penchant for stumbling over corpses and an irresistible urge to investigate to uncover the murderer. Both are actually perks for the readers.
An enjoyable read.
September 4, 2012
Odelia's law firm has merged with another, her old boss has left and been replaced with a mean one, and there's another paralegal gunning for Odelia's job and her office in a time of layoffs. To top if off, her new boss Erica has dumped her three-year-old niece Lily on Odelia before disappearing - just as Lily's parents have disappeared. Although I was able to figure out who the "bad guy" was early on, I certainly enjoyed the ride! I really liked getting to see the maternal side of Odelia and wouldn’t mind seeing more. It was strange to see that the character named after a friend of mine (who is quite nice) seemed not so nice in the book. Oh, and - for the most part - I can't stand Dev's new partner, but I think that's what the author intended. This is one of those times when I wish GoodReads had a half-star system, because this book would definitely get 4.5 stars from me. The only thing that kept it from a five star rating for me was that I wanted the ending to be just a wee bit different. The story kept me on my toes; I had a hard time putting it down. I thought the acknowledgment regarding (in part) her Facebook fan club was super sweet as was the dedication to her late friend! So, how long before the next installment in the series comes out? I can't wait!
July 13, 2022
Book number seven in this 12 book series certainly did not disappoint! As always, Sue Ann Jaffarian delivers mystery, twists, turns, surprises, love, friendship, wit, humor, and plenty of action.
This time around, Odelia is finding that since a merger at her law office, her job, along with those of others, is in jeopardy. She does not like this one bit! And to make matters worse, her new boss doesn't care for Odelia and the feeling is mutual. To pour salt into the wounds, her new boss seems to think Odelia is a baby sitter too....her boss brings her three year old niece into the office and leaves her in Odelia's care. Of course, Odelia falls for the young and irresistible little Lily.
The ball starts to roll when people come up missing, murdered, the job situation gets worse, hit men show up; the world is spinning out of control. And at the center, as usual, is our friend Odelia.
Another hit in the parade of this wonderful series. Characters from past books make their appearances and the action is non-stop. Every book is fresh and entertaining. Sad that I only have five more left to read.
Odelia is like visiting with an old and cherished friend.
This time around, Odelia is finding that since a merger at her law office, her job, along with those of others, is in jeopardy. She does not like this one bit! And to make matters worse, her new boss doesn't care for Odelia and the feeling is mutual. To pour salt into the wounds, her new boss seems to think Odelia is a baby sitter too....her boss brings her three year old niece into the office and leaves her in Odelia's care. Of course, Odelia falls for the young and irresistible little Lily.
The ball starts to roll when people come up missing, murdered, the job situation gets worse, hit men show up; the world is spinning out of control. And at the center, as usual, is our friend Odelia.
Another hit in the parade of this wonderful series. Characters from past books make their appearances and the action is non-stop. Every book is fresh and entertaining. Sad that I only have five more left to read.
Odelia is like visiting with an old and cherished friend.
March 26, 2018
Odelia Grey goes wild again.
The Odelia Grey series is one of the best that I have read in a long time. Once again Sue Ann Jaffarain takes the reader through many twists and turns as Odelia solves several mysteries with the help of her many contacts—both legal eagles and those who are not. The story revolves around a three year old child who Odelia must watch for her boss while at work. Then she is suddenly left with the child for the weekend while her boss goes missing. And, her favorite detective—DevFrye gains a new female partner who does not have much patience for Odelia and her penchant for finding dead bodies and trying to solve crimes. This book is another real page turner.
The Odelia Grey series is one of the best that I have read in a long time. Once again Sue Ann Jaffarain takes the reader through many twists and turns as Odelia solves several mysteries with the help of her many contacts—both legal eagles and those who are not. The story revolves around a three year old child who Odelia must watch for her boss while at work. Then she is suddenly left with the child for the weekend while her boss goes missing. And, her favorite detective—DevFrye gains a new female partner who does not have much patience for Odelia and her penchant for finding dead bodies and trying to solve crimes. This book is another real page turner.
April 24, 2020
"Hide and "Snoop" is not as good as some of the other books in the series. I picked out the bad guys almost immediately. And Odelia seemed a little dense. Why was she so slow in picking up the unusual interest so many people had in Lily, included people who did not seem to like the child? It was obvious the crime was connected to Lily in some way. The ending, for Odelia and Greg anyway, was sad, too. My favorite part was the nickname Lily hung on Odelia, "Cheesehead Squirrel". Funny and sweet. Also sad to see Woobie go out on such a depressing note. There will be some interesting changes coming Odelia's way in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
This installment of the series finds Odelia Grey keeping company with a 3-year-old girl, the niece of her new boss. Will this experience have a significant impact on her personal life?
Odelia’s work life is very uncertain following a corporate merger of her long-term employer and another law firm. This book focused a great deal on her workplace and I enjoyed that aspect.
As the story ends, Odelia has to make an important decision about her career - will she take her husband’s advice? Hopefully this question will be answered in the next novel in the series.
Odelia’s work life is very uncertain following a corporate merger of her long-term employer and another law firm. This book focused a great deal on her workplace and I enjoyed that aspect.
As the story ends, Odelia has to make an important decision about her career - will she take her husband’s advice? Hopefully this question will be answered in the next novel in the series.
January 21, 2020
This time things hit close to home and Odelia is not going to stand aside and let others call the shots. She might not make the best choices but hers come straight from the heart and this time is no different when there's a small child involved. I figured out the who early on but not the why and it was quite an eyeful. Odelia is something else ... large and loud, snoopy and proud & I wouldn't have her any other way!
February 3, 2020
A bit too cutsy in places, somewhat improbable in others...while the heroine is a "Corpse Magnet" (such an ugly term), she still throws up at murder sites, acts like she can't bear to look at a corpse, and then sticks her nose in all aspects of an investigation.
February 26, 2020
Enjoyable mystery and characters I liked. I am home sick with a bad cold and this was the perfect entertainment.
February 28, 2020
Fun read but a bit too convoluted.
July 2, 2021
A fun cozy murder mystery, just what I needed! I wasn't familiar with this author/series, but I really liked it.
July 7, 2025
Couldnt put it down!
July 17, 2014
"Never Underestimate a Middle Aged Woman"
And that, my fellow cozy lovers, sums up Odelia Grey in a nutshell.
We find Odelia at a police station being questioned. In short order(but not short enough for Odelia) Seth (acting as her attorney) and Greg (Odie's hubs) enter. What is Odelia doing in a police station being interrogated? That's what everyone wants to know so...Odelia backs up and starts from the beginning.
The beginning being her life now that Woobie has come to an end. Woobie was the place where Odelia worked for the past 20 years as a para legal. According to her former boss, Michael Steele, she was a paralegal diva. But how is Odie doing now that another corporation, Hamlin-Hawke, has taken over? Not well, not well at all. In fact it appears that Odelia is being set up for a fall aka office politics. All the billable hours is being given to Mark Baker, Erica's paralegal, and almost nothing is going to Odelia. Her job is on the line and without Steele there she's helpless. But then there's still Carl Yates. Carl Yates has been with Woobie and now with H&H. Odelia decides to go to Carl for support.
Erica is now the boss with the attitude from He_ _ . So far she's done her best to make Odelia's life miserable. Both Greg and Steele want Odelia to leave. Steele had held the door open for Odelia to come work with him for as long as he could. Has Odelia blown her chance to make her move?
Erica comes to work one day and dump her niece on Odelia. Odelia's alternative is to be fired for insubordination if she refuses to take over the responsibility of caring for Lily. Lily is barely older than a toddler and has constant needs. Odelia has no experience with children...yet. But she is quickly learning. Enter Zee (Seth's wife and Odelia's bff) who is currently an empty nester. Zee opens her heart and home to Lily so Odelia can continue to work at H&H and know that Lily is being well taken care of.
And then the murders begin...
I so enjoyed my comfort food aka and Odelia Grey mystery. "Hide and Snoop" allowed me, the reader, to know Odelia on a new level. I found her to be more independent in this story although her team supported her they were in the background.
Loved it and highly recommend it.
And that, my fellow cozy lovers, sums up Odelia Grey in a nutshell.
We find Odelia at a police station being questioned. In short order(but not short enough for Odelia) Seth (acting as her attorney) and Greg (Odie's hubs) enter. What is Odelia doing in a police station being interrogated? That's what everyone wants to know so...Odelia backs up and starts from the beginning.
The beginning being her life now that Woobie has come to an end. Woobie was the place where Odelia worked for the past 20 years as a para legal. According to her former boss, Michael Steele, she was a paralegal diva. But how is Odie doing now that another corporation, Hamlin-Hawke, has taken over? Not well, not well at all. In fact it appears that Odelia is being set up for a fall aka office politics. All the billable hours is being given to Mark Baker, Erica's paralegal, and almost nothing is going to Odelia. Her job is on the line and without Steele there she's helpless. But then there's still Carl Yates. Carl Yates has been with Woobie and now with H&H. Odelia decides to go to Carl for support.
Erica is now the boss with the attitude from He_ _ . So far she's done her best to make Odelia's life miserable. Both Greg and Steele want Odelia to leave. Steele had held the door open for Odelia to come work with him for as long as he could. Has Odelia blown her chance to make her move?
Erica comes to work one day and dump her niece on Odelia. Odelia's alternative is to be fired for insubordination if she refuses to take over the responsibility of caring for Lily. Lily is barely older than a toddler and has constant needs. Odelia has no experience with children...yet. But she is quickly learning. Enter Zee (Seth's wife and Odelia's bff) who is currently an empty nester. Zee opens her heart and home to Lily so Odelia can continue to work at H&H and know that Lily is being well taken care of.
And then the murders begin...
I so enjoyed my comfort food aka and Odelia Grey mystery. "Hide and Snoop" allowed me, the reader, to know Odelia on a new level. I found her to be more independent in this story although her team supported her they were in the background.
Loved it and highly recommend it.
September 10, 2012
I had been awaiting this novel since I finished number six. It was certainly worth the wait. First off I noticed that I remembered the characters and their relationship without any effort. This latest book moves forward in time and still easily kept me connected to events in the past.
Sleuth, Odelia Grey is trying to cope with the changes and competition that occur when two corporations merge. Although promises were made to the employees of the older firm, fondly known as 'Woobie.' Odelia quickly learns that her job is in jeopardy. Also, her direct boss, Erica is not a nice person and is trying to swing the law partners into laying off Odelia.
So, it is with some shock, yet not total shock, that Odelia learns Boss Erica has saddled her with Erica's sister's daughter, three-year old, Lily. I must admit this stretched my imagination a bit. However, Erica had papers authorizing Odelia guardianship and if Odelia accepted the charge, then?
Erica leaves the office without any word or message so Odelia has to take the little girl home for the weekend. Nosy Odelia smells that something is up. So, being impetuous, she goes to Erica's home to see if she is hiding there for some odd reason...instead Odelia finds Lily's mother's body.
The police are not happy nor is Odelia's husband, Greg, nor is anyone else. Odelia finds herself in something that is very nasty and is leading to her own demise.
Ms. Jaffarian has not lost her touch of drama and solid relationships. I finished the book with a strong hope to see novel number eight in this series.
Sleuth, Odelia Grey is trying to cope with the changes and competition that occur when two corporations merge. Although promises were made to the employees of the older firm, fondly known as 'Woobie.' Odelia quickly learns that her job is in jeopardy. Also, her direct boss, Erica is not a nice person and is trying to swing the law partners into laying off Odelia.
So, it is with some shock, yet not total shock, that Odelia learns Boss Erica has saddled her with Erica's sister's daughter, three-year old, Lily. I must admit this stretched my imagination a bit. However, Erica had papers authorizing Odelia guardianship and if Odelia accepted the charge, then?
Erica leaves the office without any word or message so Odelia has to take the little girl home for the weekend. Nosy Odelia smells that something is up. So, being impetuous, she goes to Erica's home to see if she is hiding there for some odd reason...instead Odelia finds Lily's mother's body.
The police are not happy nor is Odelia's husband, Greg, nor is anyone else. Odelia finds herself in something that is very nasty and is leading to her own demise.
Ms. Jaffarian has not lost her touch of drama and solid relationships. I finished the book with a strong hope to see novel number eight in this series.
August 30, 2012
I've been a dedicated reader of the Odelia Grey series for a few years, so much so that picking up the latest mystery feels like revisiting old friends I haven't seen in a while. This book is my favorite so far, because it shows a lot of character and relationship development for Odelia and Greg when a young child enters their life. The office politics are ratcheted way up, as "corpse magnet" Odelia copes with not having her old boss Steele to, well, boss her around. Instead, she has the ultimate mean girl, who dumps her young niece with a horrified Odelia, but her heart is melted as fast as you can say "Cheesehead Squirrel" (the girl's nickname for Odelia). This is a fast-paced, exciting mystery that kept me guessing, as always, and tugged at my own heartstrings. Odelia is as gutsy, stubborn and outspoken as ever, but she also shows a new side of herself that reminds me why I am a fan of this series in the first place, because it's not just about murders, but about love and family and how far people will go in the name of them (and yes, sometimes that includes murder). An excellent read, and if you're new to the series, you can start with this one, though I'd recommend reading my way through the Odelia Grey series from the beginning.
September 2, 2012
I have been a huge Jaffarian/Odelia Grey fan for years! It's a must buy for me, even now being unemployed I had this on pre-order.
This entry in the series is quite possibly my favorite. It kind of went in a different direction and we saw a side of Odelia we haven't seen before and I loved it! There was the requisite mystery yes but a lot of the story centered on Odelia and her relationships with her coworkers and family/friends. While our favorite heroine was in danger the real threat didn't show itself until close to the end so we got to enjoy her sleuthing without feeling like she was risking her life constantly. Very engaging because this book I didn't spend time wondering why the heck she continues to investigate when she's obviously in peril. Some books I'm with Dev/Greg/Seth/Zee in screaming "just stop and leave it to the cops!" This time around because it wasn't a direct threat to her life (just her livelihood) I was 100% in the investigation with her. Although I was pretty devastated that Lily/Aurora wasn't going to be around I probably feel like Odelia herself about the situation. Sad, but they're good just as they are.
Now my only problem is waiting for the next book in the series. Not a bad problem to have.
This entry in the series is quite possibly my favorite. It kind of went in a different direction and we saw a side of Odelia we haven't seen before and I loved it! There was the requisite mystery yes but a lot of the story centered on Odelia and her relationships with her coworkers and family/friends. While our favorite heroine was in danger the real threat didn't show itself until close to the end so we got to enjoy her sleuthing without feeling like she was risking her life constantly. Very engaging because this book I didn't spend time wondering why the heck she continues to investigate when she's obviously in peril. Some books I'm with Dev/Greg/Seth/Zee in screaming "just stop and leave it to the cops!" This time around because it wasn't a direct threat to her life (just her livelihood) I was 100% in the investigation with her. Although I was pretty devastated that Lily/Aurora wasn't going to be around I probably feel like Odelia herself about the situation. Sad, but they're good just as they are.
Now my only problem is waiting for the next book in the series. Not a bad problem to have.
May 2, 2013
This is fast becoming a favorite adult mystery series and I discovered that I can borrow the earlier titles through inter-library loan. In short, I love this series! Odelia Grey is a middle-aged very plump amateur sleuth. What I like best, although I haven't read any of the first 5 books, is that the people in earlier books, both good and nefarious, surface again in later books and gives her a wide base of resources and assistance.
In this story, Odelia is worried about her paralegal job since her firm has been taken over by another and her previous boss had left to start his own firm. Her new boss, Erica, a cold-hearted woman, is gunning to get her fired. Erica dumps her 3 year-old niece on Odelia and disappears. The impulsive Odelia goes to Erica's house in the middle of the night to confront her and discovers a recently murdered body. Whether she wants to be or not, Odelia is involved up to her neck in a mystery for high stakes as she tries to protect herself and little Lily.
In this story, Odelia is worried about her paralegal job since her firm has been taken over by another and her previous boss had left to start his own firm. Her new boss, Erica, a cold-hearted woman, is gunning to get her fired. Erica dumps her 3 year-old niece on Odelia and disappears. The impulsive Odelia goes to Erica's house in the middle of the night to confront her and discovers a recently murdered body. Whether she wants to be or not, Odelia is involved up to her neck in a mystery for high stakes as she tries to protect herself and little Lily.
November 9, 2012
Decent chick-lit mystery series with smart, nosy, obese protagonist, who makes no apologies for her health choices. Her disabled husband is a chubby chaser (see first book in series). The books are light-weight fluff, AKA brain candy (which have no calories, in comparison with those Girl Scout cookies the heroine crams down her throat).
As a physician, I do hate to see poor health modeled as an acceptable alternative. I would really like to see Odelia acknowledge the health risks she embraces and model an attempt to give up her drug of choice (food). If Temperance Brennan ("Bones" series by Kathy Reichs) can give up her alcohol, surely Odelia Gray can let go of the bacon and sugar. Just saying.
As a physician, I do hate to see poor health modeled as an acceptable alternative. I would really like to see Odelia acknowledge the health risks she embraces and model an attempt to give up her drug of choice (food). If Temperance Brennan ("Bones" series by Kathy Reichs) can give up her alcohol, surely Odelia Gray can let go of the bacon and sugar. Just saying.
June 5, 2014
Odelia is a fun character and the book was an easy read. It might be better if I started this series at the beginning. The author had to weave the back story from earlier books into this novel to let the reader know how the characters connected. Sometimes the back story fit well and other times it was awkward.
There were times when I felt as if this book treated the "chick-lit" audience as if the readers weren't too bright. It's something that happens in YA literature too. Odelia is a smart woman. I'll bet her fans are too.
I liked Odelia enough to try another book in the series. I hope earlier titles have some snap to the writing.
There were times when I felt as if this book treated the "chick-lit" audience as if the readers weren't too bright. It's something that happens in YA literature too. Odelia is a smart woman. I'll bet her fans are too.
I liked Odelia enough to try another book in the series. I hope earlier titles have some snap to the writing.
August 26, 2012
I always enjoy this series and this one was no exception. The law firm Odelia works for has merged with another and the axe is falling on employees right and left. Mike Steele, her old boss, has left for another firm and Odelia finds herself working for the she-devil from hell who is definitely looking to get rid of her. When the boss' 3-year-old niece gets dumped on her for the weekend, that's pretty much the last straw. Until the boss goes missing and the little girl's mother turns up dead. RECOMMEND!
September 4, 2012
I do love Odelia but I am beginning to wonder how much longer the whole "corpse magnet" thing can go on here. It takes us to almost halfway through the book for the murder to occur and the ending is a little telegraphed (at least to me it was.) I don't know if the fact that the author is writing 3 different series that this causing her to be spread thin, or if she is losing here edge with this series. That would be a shame if either is the case.
September 16, 2012
Do not read this book......unless you have nothing else to do!!! Odelia gets herself in trouble yet again and this time it's life or death for her. Who's out to get her and why???? You'll have to read the book to find out. It's fast paced and very enjoyable with some heart wrenching tossed in for good measure. I couldn't put it down unless I absolutely had to. I think this is the best Odelia Grey book yet and the rest of them were great.
January 19, 2013
Love this series and anxiously awaited the publication of this book. Like the others, this book didn't disappont. This series isn't a complex mystery with so many twists and turns, but it's very entertaining. Odelia is once again caught up in a murder investigation in this installment of the series. Besides the murder/mystery aspect of this story, there's also the aspect of Odelia's love life and her professional life. It's a very well rounded series. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 28, 2017
Did anyone else feel that the killers were too similar to the ones in the first book? I said to myself, it couldn't be them, that would be just like the other couple! I love these books, but I have very strange images of who these people are. To me Steel is Craig Ferguson, but more like Mr. Wick era. And I saw Mark as Adam Scott in parks and rec.
One thing that annoys me about these is how everyone is " Hi, I'm first and last name." People just don't do that with strangers.
One thing that annoys me about these is how everyone is " Hi, I'm first and last name." People just don't do that with strangers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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