Dolled Up To Die by Lorena McCourtney

It’s fun to be a part of a virtual book tour for author Lorena McCourtney as the second installment in her Cate Kinkaid Files, DOLLED UP TO DIE, is released.

I’ll share my thoughts on the book and a bit about the author.

DOLLED UP TO DIE by Lorena McCourtney

When a book begins with three gunshot victims, you know it’s going to be intriguing. When those victims turn out to be life-size dolls, you know you’re in for a zany cozy mystery.

That’s the case in DOLLED UP TO DIE when Cate Kinkaid, an assistance private investigator, gets a frantic call from a woman about a triple homicide. Knowing her uncle, owner of the P.I. business, doesn’t want the agency involved in a murder investigation, Cate can’t help herself and goes to see if she can assist the woman in some way.

But when she arrives, she discovers there’s no flashing lights from cop cars and no officers canvassing the scene. Why, because the victims aren’t human but handmade realistic-looking dolls. Someone did, however, shot them and the owner wants Cate to find out who. Within minutes of taking the case, Cate does find a real dead body. It’s in the homeowner’s work room and it’s her ex-husband.

Tension and suspense mount as Cate tracks down the killer of the doll killer.

Author Lorena McCourtney once again mixes humor and suspense for a delightful murder mystery. The story moves at a steady pace pulling the reader in and holding them spellbound until the killer is revealed. With a few twists and turns along the way, readers will be hard-pressed to put the book down.

McCourtney has created likable characters that are well-developed and realistic. The zany secondary characters add flavor to the story. The setting has the feel of a small-town atmosphere with detail descriptions that places the reader among the characters.

DOLLED UP TO DIE is the second installment in the Cate Kinkaid Files, but can be read on its own. Returning fans will enjoy following the continuing story, while new fans won’t be left in the dark by events from the previous story.

This is an intriguing tale that will have you laughing and shaking your head as you follow amateur sleuth Cate Kinkaid on her latest adventure.

Dolled Up To Die by Lorena McCourtney, Cate Kinkaid Files Book 2, Revell, @2013, ISBN: 978-0800721596, Paperback, 320 Pages 

Available July 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a virtual book tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including DYING TO READ (Cate Kinkaid Files Book 1), INVISIBLE (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), IN PLAIN SIGHT, ON THE RUN, and STRANDED. 

McCourtney resides in Grants Pass, Oregon. For more on McCourtney and her writing, find her online at www.lorenamccourtney.com and on Facebook. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you seen life-size dolls that look like children? They are adorable.

Dying To Read by Lorena McCourtney

Down on her luck and unemployed, Cate Kinkaid agrees to help her uncle out doing some minor P.I. work. Little does she know what major changes a little leg work can cause in her life.

Attempting to locate Willow Bishop’s current address for an out-of-state relative seems simply enough. But what Cate finds instead is an upset group of gray-haired mystery readers, a missing Willow, and Willow’s employer, Amelia Robinson, dead at the bottom of her back stairs.

The death appears to be an accident and Cate continues her search for Willow, but can’t let go of the feeling something is wrong. Returning to the scene of the accident later, Cate discovers Amelia’s niece who is threatening to send Amelia’s beloved cat, Octavia, to the animal shelter. Unable to help herself, Cate takes the cat home with her hoping to find her a good home later.

As her search for Willow continues, Cate encounters Mitch Berenski who isn’t all he seems to be. Finally finding Willow, Cate quickly discovers she’s gotten herself into a much deeper problem that could be fatal for her as well.

Author Lorena McCourtney weaves a fun tale of mystery, murder and mayhem. She has created a perky protagonist in Cate with flaws and doubts readers can relate to. The supporting characters are zany and unique in their own ways adds to this delightful story.

While the story deals with murder and mystery, McCourtney adds generous sprinkles of humor throughout especially when Octavia is involved. In addition, the author adds moments of inspiration.

DYING TO READ is a witty and fun Christian, cozy mystery with twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. The story flows at a good pace and will hold your attention from the first paragraph until the last sentence. Cate is an intriguing new protagonist that will soon be a favorite with readers.

Author Lorena McCourtney’s website is www.lorenamccourtney.com

Dying To Read by Lorena McCourtney, The Cate Kinkaid Files, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800721589, Paperback, 320 Pages 

*Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher as part of a book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a fun and safe Saturday.