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Bad Day #2
A Bad Day for Pretty
A New York Times Notable Book!
Stella Hardesty, avenger of wronged women, is getting cozy with Sheriff "Goat" Jones when a tornado blows none other than Goat’s scheming ex-wife, Brandy, through the front door. Adding to the chaos, the tornado destroys the snack shack at the demolition derby track, pulling up the concrete foundation and unearthing a woman's body. The main suspect in the woman’s murder is Neb Donovan---he laid the foundation, and there's some pretty hard evidence pointing to his guilt. Years ago, Neb's wife asked Stella for help getting him sober. Stella doesn't believe the gentle man could kill anyone, and she promises his frantic wife she'll look into it.
Former client Chrissy Shaw is now employed at Stella's sewing shop and she helps with the snooping as Stella negotiates the unpredictable Brandy and the dangerously magnetic sheriff.
This is the thrilling sequel to Sophie Littlefield’s critically-acclaimed debut, A Bad Day for Sorry, which won an Anthony Award and an RT Book Award, was an Edgar Award Finalist, and was shortlisted for Barry, Crimespree, and Macavity Awards. Stella Hardesty is a heroine to watch---join her on this next adventure for as fiercely funny and riveting a story as there is to be found in crime fiction.
Stella Hardesty, avenger of wronged women, is getting cozy with Sheriff "Goat" Jones when a tornado blows none other than Goat’s scheming ex-wife, Brandy, through the front door. Adding to the chaos, the tornado destroys the snack shack at the demolition derby track, pulling up the concrete foundation and unearthing a woman's body. The main suspect in the woman’s murder is Neb Donovan---he laid the foundation, and there's some pretty hard evidence pointing to his guilt. Years ago, Neb's wife asked Stella for help getting him sober. Stella doesn't believe the gentle man could kill anyone, and she promises his frantic wife she'll look into it.
Former client Chrissy Shaw is now employed at Stella's sewing shop and she helps with the snooping as Stella negotiates the unpredictable Brandy and the dangerously magnetic sheriff.
This is the thrilling sequel to Sophie Littlefield’s critically-acclaimed debut, A Bad Day for Sorry, which won an Anthony Award and an RT Book Award, was an Edgar Award Finalist, and was shortlisted for Barry, Crimespree, and Macavity Awards. Stella Hardesty is a heroine to watch---join her on this next adventure for as fiercely funny and riveting a story as there is to be found in crime fiction.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2010
20 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Littlefield
37 books803 followersCalled a “writing machine” by the New York Times and a “master storyteller” by the Midwest Book Review, Sophie Littlefield has written dozens of novels for adults and teens. She has won Anthony and RT Book Awards and been shortlisted for Edgar, Barry, Crimespree, Macavity, and Goodreads Choice Awards.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 1, 2014
I must say Stella got her groove back in a resounding way with a slip of the tongue here, or a quick play on words there, or a face-to-face when the situation warranted itself. She doesn’t back down from anyone, including sheriffs or ne’er do wells, and she sometimes finds herself in precarious situations, but that’s all part of her endearing charm. She’s full of life, spunk, and possibly salt and pepper with a side of cinnamon. And she has the scars to prove her torrid marks on society, and a slew of bad men standing ready to watch her fall.
Stella Hardesty may not look like much upon first glance, but she has a revenge streak something fierce, and she sees her cases all the way to the end, with a mean side of revenge, even if it means she might dangle from the occasional precipice. I’d say that’s more than part of her appeal, and she has an additional side of charm.
With a cast of characters ready to excel on the big stage, including the blonde miscreant with possibly an extra hint of cellulite, the sidekick that doesn’t mind dipping her nipple in the nerd gene pool, and the sheriff who has acquired a few skeletons in his own closet, most of which may have been put there of his own volition, there’s a bit of fun for everyone.
The mystery, though, managed to leave me in dire financial straits, as I wanted a little more bang for my hard-earned buck. This was all about the characters instead of a hard-boiled plot for the ages and times. Not that I minded all that much, but the ending felt a bit forced upon me like a leering side of smashed peas shoved down my gullet, when I would have much preferred a side of sweet candied yams staring up at me with pleading eyes. And not that I mind guessing the ending before it has arrived, but it appeared ready for center stage rather than just a sidelong glance in my side mirror. In that regard, it reminded me of a Lamborghini tooling around in the middle of Arkansas or Mississippi.
This was a solid effort by a solid voice in the hard-boiled mystery genre, but I’d set my expectations a bit higher.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
Stella Hardesty may not look like much upon first glance, but she has a revenge streak something fierce, and she sees her cases all the way to the end, with a mean side of revenge, even if it means she might dangle from the occasional precipice. I’d say that’s more than part of her appeal, and she has an additional side of charm.
With a cast of characters ready to excel on the big stage, including the blonde miscreant with possibly an extra hint of cellulite, the sidekick that doesn’t mind dipping her nipple in the nerd gene pool, and the sheriff who has acquired a few skeletons in his own closet, most of which may have been put there of his own volition, there’s a bit of fun for everyone.
The mystery, though, managed to leave me in dire financial straits, as I wanted a little more bang for my hard-earned buck. This was all about the characters instead of a hard-boiled plot for the ages and times. Not that I minded all that much, but the ending felt a bit forced upon me like a leering side of smashed peas shoved down my gullet, when I would have much preferred a side of sweet candied yams staring up at me with pleading eyes. And not that I mind guessing the ending before it has arrived, but it appeared ready for center stage rather than just a sidelong glance in my side mirror. In that regard, it reminded me of a Lamborghini tooling around in the middle of Arkansas or Mississippi.
This was a solid effort by a solid voice in the hard-boiled mystery genre, but I’d set my expectations a bit higher.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
February 22, 2016
Stella has finally got her Goat right where she wants him, him cooking her dinner and looking fine with his tall, bald self. Just as she thinks that getting waxed, plucked, shaved and all dolled up, plus stuffing her woman's body into a Spanx thong is going to finally pay off. Until a knock at the door reveals a bedraggled beauty and she seems to be Goat's wife...well ex-wife...well at least she would be if she would sign the divorce papers. Stella reals from the fact that she almost got down with a married man...well not divorced anyway. She drives away determined to get him out of her heart.
Stella needs a distraction...fast. Her "parolees" have been pretty quite with the rumor going around that Stella is quite the "man" killer and will kick your ass six ways to Sunday if she has to hunt you down. Stella herself perpertrates that rumor all in the name of good business. :-) When she gets a call from one of destraught ladies in peril about one of former parolees who has been picked up by Goat. Come to find out he may be involved in a dead body that has been found on the fairgrounds that he maintains.
Stella goes to work at what she does best, solving crimes Stella's way. That way doesn't always involve the right side of the law, so she and Goat play a dance of sorts where she does her best to get all the information out of him without given up any of her own. But Goat, as stupid as he his about women sometimes, he is never stupid when it comes to upholding the law. He has Stella's number, but how much rope is he going to give her before he pulls her up. That is one of the fun aspects of the series, we don't know how much Goat knows about what Stella does and neither does she. One frustrating fun thing about the series is Stella and Goat's almost romance, but when you think something is going to happen, they always get interrupted and that is a huge frustration for a hard core romance reader. But I love the series so much I will deal. But the big kiss better come soon. Or I am going to go find my own Goat and kiss him my dang self. ;-)
Chrissy, Stella's side kick has a lot of presence in this book and at times she almost tries to take over the book. She was funny and full of common sense smarts. The book has s chiclit feel to it, but the mystery is fun and the woman on woman snarkiness is even funnier. I can't wait to get the next one in the series.
Stella needs a distraction...fast. Her "parolees" have been pretty quite with the rumor going around that Stella is quite the "man" killer and will kick your ass six ways to Sunday if she has to hunt you down. Stella herself perpertrates that rumor all in the name of good business. :-) When she gets a call from one of destraught ladies in peril about one of former parolees who has been picked up by Goat. Come to find out he may be involved in a dead body that has been found on the fairgrounds that he maintains.
Stella goes to work at what she does best, solving crimes Stella's way. That way doesn't always involve the right side of the law, so she and Goat play a dance of sorts where she does her best to get all the information out of him without given up any of her own. But Goat, as stupid as he his about women sometimes, he is never stupid when it comes to upholding the law. He has Stella's number, but how much rope is he going to give her before he pulls her up. That is one of the fun aspects of the series, we don't know how much Goat knows about what Stella does and neither does she. One frustrating fun thing about the series is Stella and Goat's almost romance, but when you think something is going to happen, they always get interrupted and that is a huge frustration for a hard core romance reader. But I love the series so much I will deal. But the big kiss better come soon. Or I am going to go find my own Goat and kiss him my dang self. ;-)
Chrissy, Stella's side kick has a lot of presence in this book and at times she almost tries to take over the book. She was funny and full of common sense smarts. The book has s chiclit feel to it, but the mystery is fun and the woman on woman snarkiness is even funnier. I can't wait to get the next one in the series.
April 6, 2012
I love these books! When I read this author’s, Sophie Littlefield, Aftertime series I was blown away and thought this author gets people and their motivations and writes about them so well. I could not imagine she would top the Aftertime series, but …. I think the Sorry/Stella series is my favorite of Sophie Littlefield’s.
Stella, the main character in this series, is a 50 year old widow who likes drinking Jack Daniels before she goes to bed and owns a sewing notions shop in a small rural Missouri town. Stella also runs a side business that scares off abusive men and protects their victims. In Stella’s earlier life she was an abused wife, overweight and insecure. She has redefined her body and her life. She still sees herself as overweight and questions her appeal – but the local Sheriff certainly does not. Have you ever seen someone else you think is more attractive than yourself and it makes you feel less than deserving of affection or attention? What about when you are in a down point in your life (maybe like Stella you have scars on your face from various knife cuts ……no?) and you come across people you think top you in certain aspects of your life? Well Stella has these encounters in Bad Day for Pretty. These interactions are beautifully written and the manner in which Stella changes her actions based on her insecurities and then her later revelations into her own personal value are so well done I think Ms. Littlefield must have studied psychology.
So the Sorry/Stella series has interesting side characters that are interesting, quirky and real. I feel awkward saying this but I have to, this series reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich if Ms. Evanovich had written three dimensional characters living in a richly defined world and a storyline that has progression and character development. I had fun with the Stephanie Plum series, it is fun and sexy fluff but quickly (okay, not so quickly, I read over 15 books in that series if I include the in between books) got frustrated with the lack of character development and the fact that if I blew on the characters they would fall over due to their lack of dimensionality. Ms. Littlefield does not make that mistake. Her characters are rich in personality and background and not predictable but they are consistent with who they are. They have real life consequences. For example, if someone is shot or cut up in a fight there is a recovery period that last months. And the same thing does not keep happening to the characters over and over again. This is an action series but with emotional depth.
In case I am portraying this book as all raw and rough, it isn’t. This book is fun to experience and just laugh out loud funny. In book #1, Bad Day for Sorry, Stella is helping out a sort of hapless and helpless victim of an abusive relationship. Now in book #2, Bad Day for Pretty, that former victim - -Chrissy – has become Stella’s partner in crime. She has evolved, Chrissy is more confident and clearly smart. Together they solve crime, help local residents who do not have access to help otherwise, and take care of Chrissy’s young toddler – oh and get involved in sexual and romantic dalliances. There is no explicit sex in this book, but the characters do become involved in sexual and romantic relationships.
I cannot say enough about this book. I waited too long to start this series. A book about a 50 year old widow living in rural Missouri just did not appeal to me but I misread what this series was about. I waited too long. If you enjoy stories about real people, who have real life entanglements and responsibilities and you enjoy reading books about people’s lives outsides of the upper crust and urban areas then you will like this book. Ms. Littlefield gets what people are like when you take the pretty stuff away. She writes about insecurities, dependencies and responsibilities that are just so real but she still does it in an entertaining way. Small town rural life is captured so perfectly in this book, having grown up in a small rural Midwest town similar to the one Stella lives in I could relate to the fear of tornadoes and the power they have over the spring and summer. I could relate to the less shiny side of life that seems to exist outside of suburbia. And I gotta say this, Ms. Littlefield captures the love a mother has for her children so well. She did this so on target in the Aftertime series and she does it again in the Sorry series. Kids are not just a throw in this book (or in Aftertime) they actually shape the characters and the storyline.
I listened to the narration of this book. The narrator does a decent job. My only complaint is that she is a very slow reader. I listened to the audio on 1.5X speed and it was perfect at that speed.
Stella, the main character in this series, is a 50 year old widow who likes drinking Jack Daniels before she goes to bed and owns a sewing notions shop in a small rural Missouri town. Stella also runs a side business that scares off abusive men and protects their victims. In Stella’s earlier life she was an abused wife, overweight and insecure. She has redefined her body and her life. She still sees herself as overweight and questions her appeal – but the local Sheriff certainly does not. Have you ever seen someone else you think is more attractive than yourself and it makes you feel less than deserving of affection or attention? What about when you are in a down point in your life (maybe like Stella you have scars on your face from various knife cuts ……no?) and you come across people you think top you in certain aspects of your life? Well Stella has these encounters in Bad Day for Pretty. These interactions are beautifully written and the manner in which Stella changes her actions based on her insecurities and then her later revelations into her own personal value are so well done I think Ms. Littlefield must have studied psychology.
So the Sorry/Stella series has interesting side characters that are interesting, quirky and real. I feel awkward saying this but I have to, this series reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich if Ms. Evanovich had written three dimensional characters living in a richly defined world and a storyline that has progression and character development. I had fun with the Stephanie Plum series, it is fun and sexy fluff but quickly (okay, not so quickly, I read over 15 books in that series if I include the in between books) got frustrated with the lack of character development and the fact that if I blew on the characters they would fall over due to their lack of dimensionality. Ms. Littlefield does not make that mistake. Her characters are rich in personality and background and not predictable but they are consistent with who they are. They have real life consequences. For example, if someone is shot or cut up in a fight there is a recovery period that last months. And the same thing does not keep happening to the characters over and over again. This is an action series but with emotional depth.
In case I am portraying this book as all raw and rough, it isn’t. This book is fun to experience and just laugh out loud funny. In book #1, Bad Day for Sorry, Stella is helping out a sort of hapless and helpless victim of an abusive relationship. Now in book #2, Bad Day for Pretty, that former victim - -Chrissy – has become Stella’s partner in crime. She has evolved, Chrissy is more confident and clearly smart. Together they solve crime, help local residents who do not have access to help otherwise, and take care of Chrissy’s young toddler – oh and get involved in sexual and romantic dalliances. There is no explicit sex in this book, but the characters do become involved in sexual and romantic relationships.
I cannot say enough about this book. I waited too long to start this series. A book about a 50 year old widow living in rural Missouri just did not appeal to me but I misread what this series was about. I waited too long. If you enjoy stories about real people, who have real life entanglements and responsibilities and you enjoy reading books about people’s lives outsides of the upper crust and urban areas then you will like this book. Ms. Littlefield gets what people are like when you take the pretty stuff away. She writes about insecurities, dependencies and responsibilities that are just so real but she still does it in an entertaining way. Small town rural life is captured so perfectly in this book, having grown up in a small rural Midwest town similar to the one Stella lives in I could relate to the fear of tornadoes and the power they have over the spring and summer. I could relate to the less shiny side of life that seems to exist outside of suburbia. And I gotta say this, Ms. Littlefield captures the love a mother has for her children so well. She did this so on target in the Aftertime series and she does it again in the Sorry series. Kids are not just a throw in this book (or in Aftertime) they actually shape the characters and the storyline.
I listened to the narration of this book. The narrator does a decent job. My only complaint is that she is a very slow reader. I listened to the audio on 1.5X speed and it was perfect at that speed.
dnf
September 25, 2022I just couldn’t get myself to pick it up and keep reading it.
September 9, 2013
4+ stars
The 2nd book in the Stella Hardesty series has two intersecting plots: a love triangle between Stella, Sheriff "Goat" Jones, and his almost ex-wife Brandy and a plea from a friend, Donna, to help her husband Neb Donovan beat a murder rap. The "pretty" in the title is Stella's nickname for Brandy. Seems Brandy never got around to finalizing the divorce paperwork, and after being separated from Goat and living with another man for several years, Brandy suddenly shows up and thinks she's going to patch up her marriage. Goat's not interested in Brandy; he's much more interested in Stella - that is, if she'll stop sticking her nose into police business.
The book starts with a page from Stella's past - a tornado that ripped through town when she was a little girl and killed her uncle. Stella's not exactly afraid of tornadoes, but they always dredge up bad memories for her. And the tornado that rips through town the same night that Goat's ex Brandy shows up also digs up bad things -- the body of a woman under the Snack Shack. Neb was the one who laid that foundation, and at that time, Neb was addicted to pain killers, getting Oxy on the side. Could this woman, who turns out to have connections with a pharmaceutical company have been Neb's supplier? Was it a deal gone wrong? Neb's memories of those days is hazy, and his doctor seems to think that Neb could easily have done it. Except that Stella doesn't buy it, and she's out to prove who did.
Goat wants to get closer, but can Stella let him in?
======================
We delve much deeper into Stella's mind and life in this book. I enjoyed getting to know more of the townsfolk. I especially enjoyed seeing Chrissy and Tucker again, and laughed at Tucker's obsession with Stella's (Sow's) shoes.
The juxtaposition of the seemingly unrelated events was genius. While I had some suspicions of who was behind it all, I couldn't nail it down. And that's a rare plot and rare author who can keep me guessing until nearly the end.
Still very much loving this series!
The 2nd book in the Stella Hardesty series has two intersecting plots: a love triangle between Stella, Sheriff "Goat" Jones, and his almost ex-wife Brandy and a plea from a friend, Donna, to help her husband Neb Donovan beat a murder rap. The "pretty" in the title is Stella's nickname for Brandy. Seems Brandy never got around to finalizing the divorce paperwork, and after being separated from Goat and living with another man for several years, Brandy suddenly shows up and thinks she's going to patch up her marriage. Goat's not interested in Brandy; he's much more interested in Stella - that is, if she'll stop sticking her nose into police business.
The book starts with a page from Stella's past - a tornado that ripped through town when she was a little girl and killed her uncle. Stella's not exactly afraid of tornadoes, but they always dredge up bad memories for her. And the tornado that rips through town the same night that Goat's ex Brandy shows up also digs up bad things -- the body of a woman under the Snack Shack. Neb was the one who laid that foundation, and at that time, Neb was addicted to pain killers, getting Oxy on the side. Could this woman, who turns out to have connections with a pharmaceutical company have been Neb's supplier? Was it a deal gone wrong? Neb's memories of those days is hazy, and his doctor seems to think that Neb could easily have done it. Except that Stella doesn't buy it, and she's out to prove who did.
Goat wants to get closer, but can Stella let him in?
It was almost like ... like he was offering her safety. And safe was something she'd vowed never to take for granted again, something she had decided she'd rather live without than ever be lulled into a false sense of security. Trust was a door Stella had shut forever.And when Pretty's (Brandy's) true motives come to light, you almost feel sorry for her.
Usually, when a woman resorted to that line, it was code for "this man of mine is so bad and such a disappointment and so far from what I dreamed of when I was a little girl that I've created an alternate reality in which my mind can relax and hallucinate while the rest of my self is being beat to hell.
======================
We delve much deeper into Stella's mind and life in this book. I enjoyed getting to know more of the townsfolk. I especially enjoyed seeing Chrissy and Tucker again, and laughed at Tucker's obsession with Stella's (Sow's) shoes.
The juxtaposition of the seemingly unrelated events was genius. While I had some suspicions of who was behind it all, I couldn't nail it down. And that's a rare plot and rare author who can keep me guessing until nearly the end.
Still very much loving this series!
June 16, 2010
Everyone’s favorite vigilante…Stella is back!
There is never a dull moment when Stella is involved. She and Sheriff Goat Jones are finally getting to spend some quality time together. Unfortunately, this was wishful thinking on Stella and Goat’s part. Goat receives a visitor in the form of his ex-wife, Brandy.
As if things couldn’t get any crazier, Donna Donovan calls Stella. She needs her help. Donna’s husband, Ned has just been named the number one suspect in a murder case. Neb works at a construction site. Someone found a woman’s body at the site.
Can Stella clear Neb’s name and keep Brandy from her man?
A Bad Day for Pretty is the second Stella Hardesty. I just absolutely fell for Stella and author, Sophie Littlefield when I read Mrs. Littlefield’s debut novel, A Bad Day for Sorry. I didn’t think it was possible to like Stella anymore then I already did but I was wrong. Stella is way better then Dog the Bounty Hunter and she looks better doing it too. Stella helps fight justice for all abused women every where. This is a one seat read. A Bad Day for Pretty is a good day for readers! You won’t be sorry, unless you don’t pick up a copy of this book today.
There is never a dull moment when Stella is involved. She and Sheriff Goat Jones are finally getting to spend some quality time together. Unfortunately, this was wishful thinking on Stella and Goat’s part. Goat receives a visitor in the form of his ex-wife, Brandy.
As if things couldn’t get any crazier, Donna Donovan calls Stella. She needs her help. Donna’s husband, Ned has just been named the number one suspect in a murder case. Neb works at a construction site. Someone found a woman’s body at the site.
Can Stella clear Neb’s name and keep Brandy from her man?
A Bad Day for Pretty is the second Stella Hardesty. I just absolutely fell for Stella and author, Sophie Littlefield when I read Mrs. Littlefield’s debut novel, A Bad Day for Sorry. I didn’t think it was possible to like Stella anymore then I already did but I was wrong. Stella is way better then Dog the Bounty Hunter and she looks better doing it too. Stella helps fight justice for all abused women every where. This is a one seat read. A Bad Day for Pretty is a good day for readers! You won’t be sorry, unless you don’t pick up a copy of this book today.
February 10, 2017
Book #63 for 2016
PopSugar Challenge Task: A book set in your home state
Personal Challenge Task: A book set in a place I know well
C'mon, Sophie, do a fellow Missouri girl a solid and explain to me why you took roughly 1/3 of the State of Missouri and smooshed it down into one fictional county that is apparently tiny enough to require a mere 25 or so (and that's a generous estimate) sworn deputies? Because it's driving me absolutely bonkers! Seriously, I don't know if I can read any more in this series, which is a damn shame, because I really like Stella and her people. I know these folks. They're very real to me, and I like visiting them in this fashion. (The alternative is to attend my 30-year high school reunion this year, and that's a little too real for me right now.)
I'm not sure how much of my 3-star rating is due to my continued geographical frustrations and how much is due to a feeling that this follow-up to A Bad Day for Sorry just wasn't as good. There seemed to be a lot of little things that added up to a sense of disappointment. Like a lifelong Missouri resident with twister-based PTSD not knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. How is that even possible? Goat should have known better, too.
But the mystery itself and its investigation felt weak, and Brandy's character was almost as inconsistent as NewQuarter01 in Alif the Unseen. She also did not seem at all like any kind of love interest ever for Goat, not even a young and stupid Goat. But he supposedly fell for her as a mature adult? Not buying it.
Still, it was a fun ride as long as I turned off my internal cartographer, and Littlefield touched on some interesting issues, like the trend of elderly oxy addicts that has kind of blindsided the substance abuse treatment community. I'd like to read more in the series, but for my sanity's sake, I just can't make it a priority.
PopSugar Challenge Task: A book set in your home state
Personal Challenge Task: A book set in a place I know well
C'mon, Sophie, do a fellow Missouri girl a solid and explain to me why you took roughly 1/3 of the State of Missouri and smooshed it down into one fictional county that is apparently tiny enough to require a mere 25 or so (and that's a generous estimate) sworn deputies? Because it's driving me absolutely bonkers! Seriously, I don't know if I can read any more in this series, which is a damn shame, because I really like Stella and her people. I know these folks. They're very real to me, and I like visiting them in this fashion. (The alternative is to attend my 30-year high school reunion this year, and that's a little too real for me right now.)
I'm not sure how much of my 3-star rating is due to my continued geographical frustrations and how much is due to a feeling that this follow-up to A Bad Day for Sorry just wasn't as good. There seemed to be a lot of little things that added up to a sense of disappointment. Like a lifelong Missouri resident with twister-based PTSD not knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. How is that even possible? Goat should have known better, too.
But the mystery itself and its investigation felt weak, and Brandy's character was almost as inconsistent as NewQuarter01 in Alif the Unseen. She also did not seem at all like any kind of love interest ever for Goat, not even a young and stupid Goat. But he supposedly fell for her as a mature adult? Not buying it.
Still, it was a fun ride as long as I turned off my internal cartographer, and Littlefield touched on some interesting issues, like the trend of elderly oxy addicts that has kind of blindsided the substance abuse treatment community. I'd like to read more in the series, but for my sanity's sake, I just can't make it a priority.
March 12, 2024
These are fun! Unfortunately, I can’t find book 3 on any of the library apps and book 4 is ebook only. I was enjoying the audio version but will read book 4 once I’m done with my current book.
December 1, 2019
Fun story. I'm enjoying this series. Nothing spectacular, but good. I'm super stingy about that 4th & 5th star. I like it!
June 29, 2010
A Good Day For Reading
Stella Hardesty knows a thing or two about bad relationships. Her marriage ended when she'd been knocked down one too many times by her husband. Now she gets paid to remind abusive men of their manners. It ain't legal and it certainly could get her into trouble with the new man in her life, Sheriff "Goat" Jones. Just when the two are finally taking a stab at a date his ex-wife, Brandy, drops in like a tornado. Of course, a real tornado tears through town right about then too, tearing up town and dredging up the remains of a lady from the foundation of a local snack shack.
All of the evidence points at Neb Donovan but his wife is willing to pay Stella to prove he wasn't involved. Now Stella has to find the real killer while avoiding getting tangled up in Goat's investigation, all the while trying to keep her wits dealing with his crazy ex. But Stella's no push-over and it'll take a lot more than scheming Brandy and mysterious prowlers to keep her from getting her man.
I'm not much for crime novels but hear me out... I L-O-V-E a tough woman who takes charge. I wasn't too sure I would like this story, the plot itself was a little uninteresting to me but I was sold on Stella. Sure enough she met all my expectations and more. I especially loved that she wasn't the young, leather-clad bombshell type I find in my usual reading. I like that type just fine but it was refreshing to see an older woman with some life experience under her belt. I also loved her sidekick Chrissy who reminded me a bit of myself. Littlefield knows how to write women with a realism (even if a little exagerated) that makes them likable and relatable.
The story's plot was a little less than exciting but executed in a way that kept it from being boring. Good dialog helped some scenes that would have been limp noodles. If you're looking for a dark read this is definitely not it. While the crime itself is a violent one the unraveling is fairly light, with only sprinkle of fighting.
On the whole I enjoyed A Bad Day For Pretty though I wish I'd read the previous book first so I wouldn't have been a little lost at times. I don't know that I'd read another Stella Hardesty book but Littlefield will be releasing a young adult novel in my preferred genre soon. She is definitely an author to watch if you like strong Southern women and great humorous dialog.
Stella Hardesty knows a thing or two about bad relationships. Her marriage ended when she'd been knocked down one too many times by her husband. Now she gets paid to remind abusive men of their manners. It ain't legal and it certainly could get her into trouble with the new man in her life, Sheriff "Goat" Jones. Just when the two are finally taking a stab at a date his ex-wife, Brandy, drops in like a tornado. Of course, a real tornado tears through town right about then too, tearing up town and dredging up the remains of a lady from the foundation of a local snack shack.
All of the evidence points at Neb Donovan but his wife is willing to pay Stella to prove he wasn't involved. Now Stella has to find the real killer while avoiding getting tangled up in Goat's investigation, all the while trying to keep her wits dealing with his crazy ex. But Stella's no push-over and it'll take a lot more than scheming Brandy and mysterious prowlers to keep her from getting her man.
I'm not much for crime novels but hear me out... I L-O-V-E a tough woman who takes charge. I wasn't too sure I would like this story, the plot itself was a little uninteresting to me but I was sold on Stella. Sure enough she met all my expectations and more. I especially loved that she wasn't the young, leather-clad bombshell type I find in my usual reading. I like that type just fine but it was refreshing to see an older woman with some life experience under her belt. I also loved her sidekick Chrissy who reminded me a bit of myself. Littlefield knows how to write women with a realism (even if a little exagerated) that makes them likable and relatable.
The story's plot was a little less than exciting but executed in a way that kept it from being boring. Good dialog helped some scenes that would have been limp noodles. If you're looking for a dark read this is definitely not it. While the crime itself is a violent one the unraveling is fairly light, with only sprinkle of fighting.
On the whole I enjoyed A Bad Day For Pretty though I wish I'd read the previous book first so I wouldn't have been a little lost at times. I don't know that I'd read another Stella Hardesty book but Littlefield will be releasing a young adult novel in my preferred genre soon. She is definitely an author to watch if you like strong Southern women and great humorous dialog.
January 30, 2015
This is a difficult book for me to review! A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield is full of humor many times I laughed out loud while reading it. But the use of foul language makes me shy away from reading anymore of the author’s books. I am not used to it. I admit that I grew up in a rather sheltered childhood but my objection to this language is that the book would have not suffered without the language. I am trying to decide whether it is just in character for Stella Hardesty and most of the characters to speak that way. She is after all a woman who takes the law in her own hands. That surprised me too. She draws a line at killing someone unless it is in self-defense but she is open to breaking and entering and pretending to be what she is not. She has ideals and sweet to children and dogs and does says some endearing things something.
There is a mystery and I did not guess the murderer until the answer came out in the book so that is good. I really did appreciate the references to how terrible tornadoes can be because I grew up in a state where spring was always tornado season. I think I preferred Sheriff Goat to Stella! The part that I enjoyed most in this book was a demonstration of how “cute” can be overdone.
“As Stella sat herself down, setting her notebook and pen on the table, she noted that little had changed in the kitchen since her last visit: a wallpaper border of teapots and strawberry runners still graced the top of the red painted cabinets. A row of porcelain canisters shaped like berry baskets lined the countertops. The theme played out on the red teapot on the stove, the tea towels hung on hooks, the tiles on the backsplash, and the ruffly curtains in the window. Even the magnets on the fridge were shaped like pump little berried.”
I wish that the author had played down the foul language some so that I could relax and enjoy this book some more.
There is a mystery and I did not guess the murderer until the answer came out in the book so that is good. I really did appreciate the references to how terrible tornadoes can be because I grew up in a state where spring was always tornado season. I think I preferred Sheriff Goat to Stella! The part that I enjoyed most in this book was a demonstration of how “cute” can be overdone.
“As Stella sat herself down, setting her notebook and pen on the table, she noted that little had changed in the kitchen since her last visit: a wallpaper border of teapots and strawberry runners still graced the top of the red painted cabinets. A row of porcelain canisters shaped like berry baskets lined the countertops. The theme played out on the red teapot on the stove, the tea towels hung on hooks, the tiles on the backsplash, and the ruffly curtains in the window. Even the magnets on the fridge were shaped like pump little berried.”
I wish that the author had played down the foul language some so that I could relax and enjoy this book some more.
April 1, 2011
#2 Stella Hardesty mystery set in rural Missouri. Stella is still recovering from the events at the end of book one, so her 'activities' (persuading the county's abusive men to be a little friendlier to their wives) have been curtailed. Until a tornado plows through Prosper, bringing back a lot of bad memories for Stella--her uncle was killed in a tornado when she was a little girl and she's always gotten a little panicky in bad weather since then.
This one rips the snack shack at the local fairgrounds out of the ground, exposing the mummified body of a woman, and a friend of Stella's who was working on the shack when it was built three years previously is arrested for the murder. Stella tries to get Sheriff Goat Jones to reveal what they have against Neb Donovan, but he's being closemouthed--especially since the night of the tornado when he was in the midst of serving Stella dinner when his ex-wife Brandy showed up on his doorstep. Stella's trying to figure out if he still has the hots for the ex or if she should keep trying to snag him for herself.
Strangely, Brandy's appearance ends up tying into Stella's case (she's being paid by Neb's wife to clear his name--mostly nosing around, no real physical action just yet) as the clues lead back to some mighty strange goings-on, even resulting in Stella and Brandy having some quality girl-time.
Another wild and wacky romp across rural Missouri with a whole parcel of eccentric characters and a strange and twisty plot that tugs equally at your heartstrings and your funny bone. Very enjoyable, and I'm very much looking forward to the next in series.
This one rips the snack shack at the local fairgrounds out of the ground, exposing the mummified body of a woman, and a friend of Stella's who was working on the shack when it was built three years previously is arrested for the murder. Stella tries to get Sheriff Goat Jones to reveal what they have against Neb Donovan, but he's being closemouthed--especially since the night of the tornado when he was in the midst of serving Stella dinner when his ex-wife Brandy showed up on his doorstep. Stella's trying to figure out if he still has the hots for the ex or if she should keep trying to snag him for herself.
Strangely, Brandy's appearance ends up tying into Stella's case (she's being paid by Neb's wife to clear his name--mostly nosing around, no real physical action just yet) as the clues lead back to some mighty strange goings-on, even resulting in Stella and Brandy having some quality girl-time.
Another wild and wacky romp across rural Missouri with a whole parcel of eccentric characters and a strange and twisty plot that tugs equally at your heartstrings and your funny bone. Very enjoyable, and I'm very much looking forward to the next in series.
July 4, 2010
Stella Hardesty was formerly abused by her husband. After years of abuse, she killed her husband, Ollie, with a wrench, then decided to help other women get out of abusive situations.
As the story opens, she's having dinner with Sheriff "Goat" Jones. The two of them have been building up to a more fulfilling romance and the Sheriff has Stella at his home where he's cooked a special mean. As things are promising to develop, the Sheriff's scheming ex-wife, Brandy, arrives.
Brandy hasn't seen Goat for three years and they each claim that the other failed to sign the divorce papers, so they're still legally married.
As this is going on, a tornado rips the town and blows over the snack bar at the demolition derby in the fairgrounds. Under the rubble, a mumified body of a woman is found.
Neb Donovan had been in charge of the snack bar construction and becomes the leading suspect. His wife, Donna, hires Stella to look into the matter and clear Neb's name. Donna had asked Stella to intervene in the past when Neb had been addicted to Oxycontin. It appeared that his recovery had gone well, unitl now.
This is an entertaining novel. There are some laugh out loud moments and the author keeps the reader's attention as layers of the puzzle are peeled away and a possible solution is arrived at.
It is refreshing to see a female protagonist who won't accept abuse and Sara, along with her young associate, Chrissy, show they have the strength to take matters into their own hands.
Great fun.
As the story opens, she's having dinner with Sheriff "Goat" Jones. The two of them have been building up to a more fulfilling romance and the Sheriff has Stella at his home where he's cooked a special mean. As things are promising to develop, the Sheriff's scheming ex-wife, Brandy, arrives.
Brandy hasn't seen Goat for three years and they each claim that the other failed to sign the divorce papers, so they're still legally married.
As this is going on, a tornado rips the town and blows over the snack bar at the demolition derby in the fairgrounds. Under the rubble, a mumified body of a woman is found.
Neb Donovan had been in charge of the snack bar construction and becomes the leading suspect. His wife, Donna, hires Stella to look into the matter and clear Neb's name. Donna had asked Stella to intervene in the past when Neb had been addicted to Oxycontin. It appeared that his recovery had gone well, unitl now.
This is an entertaining novel. There are some laugh out loud moments and the author keeps the reader's attention as layers of the puzzle are peeled away and a possible solution is arrived at.
It is refreshing to see a female protagonist who won't accept abuse and Sara, along with her young associate, Chrissy, show they have the strength to take matters into their own hands.
Great fun.
November 28, 2010
Stella is up and out of the hospital. She is recovering from her adventures in A Bad Day for Sorry: A Crime Novel. Full steam ahead, is her motto, and nothing will keep her from her side business of teaching manners, to abusive husbands and boyfriends... not her attraction to the local sheriff, her injuries, a tornado, or even his ex-wife. The tornado's destruction revealed a dead body... one that had been buried in concrete. Stella has been asked to look into it, to find the real killer before the fall guy gets sent to prison. This is a new twist, defending a male and solving crime, but Stella is more than up for the challenge.
Why I picked this up: The first book in this series was unusual in its setting and circumstances, that's what initially struck my interest. The fact that it was a quick read and fun to boot ensure that I would pick up the next one in the series.
Why I finished it: Fascinating characters and rapid pace make this book a breeze to read. This is easily a one sitting read.
Why I picked this up: The first book in this series was unusual in its setting and circumstances, that's what initially struck my interest. The fact that it was a quick read and fun to boot ensure that I would pick up the next one in the series.
Why I finished it: Fascinating characters and rapid pace make this book a breeze to read. This is easily a one sitting read.
April 18, 2011
Stella Hardesty is back. She is still running her sewing machine shop. She is still engaged in a mating dance with handsome Sheriff "Goat" Jones. And she is still hunting down abusive husbands and making them see the error of their ways.
So when Stella gets a call from an old client because her husband is now the number one subject in a cold case murder investigation, she rides to the rescue, pledging to help out. This brings her in conflict with Goat who wants her to stay away from the investigation. Stella risks having her extra-curricular activities discovered and if that happens she will go to jail.
Add to this the return of Goat's ex-wife, who is being stalked by an ex-boyfriend. Stella is hesitant to help this woman, who she sees as a rival. But Brandy is exactly the kind of woman that Stella helps, so to turn her back on her would be turn her back on herself.
Good sophomore outing full of the action, humour and romantic tension of the first. There is also significant development of Chrissy as a character, which adds to the novel in a good way.
So when Stella gets a call from an old client because her husband is now the number one subject in a cold case murder investigation, she rides to the rescue, pledging to help out. This brings her in conflict with Goat who wants her to stay away from the investigation. Stella risks having her extra-curricular activities discovered and if that happens she will go to jail.
Add to this the return of Goat's ex-wife, who is being stalked by an ex-boyfriend. Stella is hesitant to help this woman, who she sees as a rival. But Brandy is exactly the kind of woman that Stella helps, so to turn her back on her would be turn her back on herself.
Good sophomore outing full of the action, humour and romantic tension of the first. There is also significant development of Chrissy as a character, which adds to the novel in a good way.
June 12, 2014
3.5 Stars This is one of those books that is like consuming a bag of M&Ms--a kick back, pleasurable, light humorous read. Stella Hardesty is a middle age woman with an adult daughter who put up with domestic violence from her useless husband for way too many years until one day she fought back and killed him. It was determined to be self-defense. Stella took over the husband's sewing machine business and started a confidential side business of her own rehabilitating men who abuse women. Stella has the hots for the sheriff and he for her, which of course causes a little trouble with Stella's side business in that what she does is anything but legal. This is a small town, character driven, primarily cozy series with interesting and fun characters and good humor. I love the concept behind Stella's side business! It is a very creative and a unique form of justice, albeit one that is a little far fetched. I am not sure how long Littlefield can keep this idea going. This is book two in the series. A fun escape from the real world.
June 11, 2010
Stella looks like and usually acts like your run of the mill grandma. But she has a secret that is protected not just by her, but also by the women she helps. Stella spent years in an abusive marriage and busted out of it in the most literal sense. Now she dedicates her life to busting other women out of abusive relationships.
A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield held my attention like no other mystery novel. Not only did I want to learn the conclusion of the murder mystery, but I also wanted to know more about Stella. I wish we all had a Stella in our lives and not just because she kicks ass. I want to share a beer with her.
I give this book a big thumbs up! It was fun, smart and a quick read.
Disclosure: I received this book though the publisher.
A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield held my attention like no other mystery novel. Not only did I want to learn the conclusion of the murder mystery, but I also wanted to know more about Stella. I wish we all had a Stella in our lives and not just because she kicks ass. I want to share a beer with her.
I give this book a big thumbs up! It was fun, smart and a quick read.
Disclosure: I received this book though the publisher.
June 28, 2012
I was so happy to see Stella getting a chance with Goat, too bad it crapped out. Had I been Stella I would have had the same reaction. I hated how she got pulled into the drama on a different front, but loved how she pulled her oddball group of friends close to her to deal. I really love how the relationship between Stella and Chrissy is evolving. Chrissy is stepping up and helping Stella with her second job and doing things Stella didn't think of. I thought the ending was great and hope that things stay in the same vein for Stella.
June 28, 2015
This is the 2nd in series and I really like it. I'm so glad to see that a new one is coming around the corner. These books have just alittle bit of everything in them, I think I can relate to Stella maybe the the reason I find this series charming.
March 6, 2015
I love this series. It is silly, easy, and full of women taking the scumbags by the balls. Think beach read!
August 18, 2021
2 1/2 *
I'm somewhat torn, but I think this is the last of this series I'm reading.
Reasons to continue.... 1) I deplore abusers and appreciate the desire to help abused women, 2) I find the book covers and titles quite appealing, 3) the storylines are pretty good.
Reasons to quit... 1) I deplore abusers (yes, this is also above), but I can't really condone the violence inherent here, unless in fear of their lives. Help them leave, etc., instead, 2)I can't really LIKE many of the characters much, so I'm not invested.
It's not the small town Missouri atmosphere. I've lived small town Kansas most of my life, and I recognize many of the people here. But I've never seen a community that didn't have a wider scope of attitudes, education, etc. And that includes towns smaller than a couple hundred.
And to top it off... I listened to the audiobook and it suffered from a problem I've encountered before. The narration is actually pretty good, but one of my personal gripes is when place names are not pronounced correctly. This should be checked before an audiobook is read! In this case, the narrator continually pronounces the Missouri town named "Versailles" the same as the place in France. It's not. Folks "in the know" about this Missouri community pronounce it "Ver-sales". Right or wrong, it's the truth.
I'm somewhat torn, but I think this is the last of this series I'm reading.
Reasons to continue.... 1) I deplore abusers and appreciate the desire to help abused women, 2) I find the book covers and titles quite appealing, 3) the storylines are pretty good.
Reasons to quit... 1) I deplore abusers (yes, this is also above), but I can't really condone the violence inherent here, unless in fear of their lives. Help them leave, etc., instead, 2)I can't really LIKE many of the characters much, so I'm not invested.
It's not the small town Missouri atmosphere. I've lived small town Kansas most of my life, and I recognize many of the people here. But I've never seen a community that didn't have a wider scope of attitudes, education, etc. And that includes towns smaller than a couple hundred.
And to top it off... I listened to the audiobook and it suffered from a problem I've encountered before. The narration is actually pretty good, but one of my personal gripes is when place names are not pronounced correctly. This should be checked before an audiobook is read! In this case, the narrator continually pronounces the Missouri town named "Versailles" the same as the place in France. It's not. Folks "in the know" about this Missouri community pronounce it "Ver-sales". Right or wrong, it's the truth.
December 19, 2018
I gave up after 40% of this audiobook. The redneck stereotyping was just too much for me.
This is the sequel to "A Bad Day for Sorry". Generally it is about a woman who is an avenger for abused women. While that is an interesting idea, apparently the only abusers of women are living in the south. It is too cartoonish for my taste. I suspect the author is attempting to be humorous, but it is not working for me.
Any modesty issues? Yes. The F-word is used. Sex and adultery are discussed as if it is normal.
I may abandon this author. This is the second book of hers that I have read and didn't like.
This is the sequel to "A Bad Day for Sorry". Generally it is about a woman who is an avenger for abused women. While that is an interesting idea, apparently the only abusers of women are living in the south. It is too cartoonish for my taste. I suspect the author is attempting to be humorous, but it is not working for me.
Any modesty issues? Yes. The F-word is used. Sex and adultery are discussed as if it is normal.
I may abandon this author. This is the second book of hers that I have read and didn't like.
June 5, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. I really enjoyed the first of the series “A Bad Day for Sorry.” This one spent entirely too much time with Stella’s infatuation with Goat. It seemed several pages were wasted on the look of his butt etc, while the actual mystery was more of a side note. When you finally near the end, what you’ve been anxiously awaiting is wrapped up in a few rushed pages. I still look forward to eventually reading the next, I hope she goes back to the Magic of the first.
February 27, 2023
Sophie Littlefield did right by this book. Sophie is becoming more than an acquaintance to me; she’s becoming a real friend. Her feistiness and determination is to be admired.
I don’t know if I liked this story better than the first one in the series, but I think this one is my favorite when it comes to Stella’s emotional growth. She’s starting to see the humanity in even in the stupidest criminals, and Wil and Brandy pretty much to the prize for stupidity.
I don’t know if I liked this story better than the first one in the series, but I think this one is my favorite when it comes to Stella’s emotional growth. She’s starting to see the humanity in even in the stupidest criminals, and Wil and Brandy pretty much to the prize for stupidity.
July 27, 2017
It was another brain candy book. It continued perfectly from the first in the series but you do not need to read the first to know what's happening. This one has more language but is pretty much the same story line.
February 12, 2019
This is a decent read. I did get a little tired of the male-bashing woven throughout the story. But, aside from that there was some solid entertainment value in this not-quite-gritty, but probably-not-really-cozy-either mystery.
I will try the next of the series and see where it goes.
I will try the next of the series and see where it goes.
December 27, 2019
I liked Bad Day for Pretty, but I did think that Stella gets stuck in her head with repetitive thoughts. Maybe it’s her way of processing everything that has happened. I liked Stella, her friends, and her family.
October 6, 2021
I see that others have rated this 2nd in the series slightly higher than the first.
I did the opposite - may be just chalked up to my being more excited about the first, discovering a new series.
I'll definitely be reading #3 and #4, and subsequent additions as they get written.
I did the opposite - may be just chalked up to my being more excited about the first, discovering a new series.
I'll definitely be reading #3 and #4, and subsequent additions as they get written.
May 29, 2025
Multiple stories and mysteries going on at the same time. Not as action packed as the first one, more of figuring how these different stories connect. I did like getting more background on different characters
June 21, 2017
Awesome cast of female characters. A fun read!
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