“Simply put, this book was one of the best reads I’ve had in a while. The phrase, ‘I couldn’t put it down’ has lost its significance due to over use, but I’ll say that I couldn’t wait to get into bed at night and get my Baeli fix before falling asleep.”
“This book was a blessing and a curse. -A blessing because it was so satisfying, but a curse because I was sad for it to end. So…I read it once, went back and read “Armchair Detective” again and then read it again. It is a sequel to “Armchair Detective, but it could be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend reading “Armchair Detective” because the character development in that first book really helps cement the reader’s understanding of Jobeth and Phoebe’s remarkable relationship.
The book is written in both the first person and the objective third person. Baeli moves deftly between the two conventions. Jobeth’s (and everyone for that matter) sense of humor is both smart and funny and she is a charming lead character. The author writes wonderful dialog that is keen, witty and original.” ~Vix Reader
Jobeth O’Brien awakens on the floor of her kitchen, her battered face and the memory of an angry visitor tells her that she is close to something important in her investigation.
In between this surveillance and delivering newspapers, her beloved ‘62 Falcon is the scene of middle-of-the-night romps with a lonely socialite, who gives her more than she bargained for. Her quest for the truth pits her against errant husbands, a modern-day madam with a taste for blood, a horny landlady, a vicious attack dog, and the lies she tells herself.
Amid these challenges, Jobeth stakes out her prey and runs for her life, continuing the investigation that pulls her into close calls, unexpected allies, and more secrets. But Jobeth has secrets of her own, and only love can excavate them.
“…you are in for a fantastic journey with colorful characters. Worth every dime spent and so very enjoyable. Kelli Jae Baeli is a brilliant author. “
“This is a fast-paced very enjoyable mystery/thriller … The story and the two main characters are well done, fleshed out and credible.”
Wayne Spiceland rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I read the first of Baeli’s AKA Investigations series almost two years ago, which was before I did much at all in the way of reviewing. I’m currently a bit over halfway through Book 3, which naturally brought to mind Book 1, and I realized I needed to correct that omission. Why? Cos of my memories of how much I enjoyed it, and how impressed I was with Kelli’s(?), Jae’s(?), Ms. Baeli’s(?) writing style. I remember at the time thinking it was sort of Plum meets Chandler; it’s funnier than Plum, though, and if not quite asnoir as Chandler, it’s getting there. Which is not to say it’s derivative in any way, just to give you an idea what it’s like. And, it’s a combination that works really, really well.
As for the details, well, some are kinda hazy — remember that “almost two years ago” part — but a few stand out: The Ford Falcon is the perfect car for Jobeth. I absolutely love what she does for a living before becoming a PI. Can’t think of another character that comes close to its totally uncool coolness. Also, I seem to remember a scene where she’s chased by a dog, which was absurdly well-written — one of those “don’t change a damn word” things. And the sex scenes are, well, ah, just, ya know, “Wow!”
So, while I don’t remember a lot about Armchair Detective, hence the brevity of this compared to most of my reviews — Hey, I heard those sighs of relief out there. Knock it off! — I do recall with certainty that it was extremely well-written and nicely paced, with a plot was that was interesting, and with engaging characters, especially Jobeth. (Sometimes I hate “Engaging.” I mean, you hear it allthedamntime, right, but, sometimes, nothing else will do.
Hell, just read it, folks. I bet you’ll like it just as much as I did.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced Mystery-Thriller, February 12, 2013
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Armchair Detective (AKA Investigations Series, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
A wonderful beginning to what appears to be a 4 part series. Loved the characters, flaws and all. Anyone who likes suspense, mystery and romance all rolled up in a neat package will enjoy this series. I’m reading them out of order, started with #3 (interesting title-“Syzygy”), #4, #1 and am now on #2. Each has kept me glued and let me tell you, you are in for a fantastic journey with colorful characters. Worth every dime spent and so very enjoyable. Kelli Jae Baeli is a brilliant author.
4.0 out of 5 stars fast-paced enjoyable mystery/thriller, January 28, 2013
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Philologus – See all my reviews
This review is from: Armchair Detective (AKA Investigations Series, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This is a fast-paced very enjoyable mystery/thriller which sometimes scratches at the edge of being a bit unrealistic but life can be stranger than fiction. The story and the two main characters are well done, fleshed out and credible. At the end the sex scenes took up a bit too much space IMO. Loved the setting in Oklahoma. A good story.
And the editing and proofreading is well done!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Pleasure, July 30, 2012
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Vix Reader “Vix Reader” (Cali) – See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Armchair Detective (Paperback)
What fun!
I love a book written in the first person. This technique allows me to easily identify with the main character, because I am “in her skin” and I only get information as she gets it. Also, this structure colors how I see the other characters in the book because I am seeing them through a subjective point of view. This technique is even more gratifying because Jobeth is so, so likeable.