Jeopardy in July - Barbara Venkataraman

Jeopardy in July by Barbara Venkataraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is, sadly, the last book (so far) in the Jamie Quinn series. I hope that it is only so far and that another is to follow soon as I've become quite a fan after reading the previous books. I think that I mentioned in previous reviews that each one just seems to get better and better and that was still the case with this one.
I am probably repeating myself here, but much of the joy of this series is the characters who appear in every book, rather than the mystery so much. Jamie herself is fantastic and I love reading about what she gets up to. Then there is the ever-growing cast of supporting characters, from the wonderful Duke, her tame private detective, to Jamie's best frenemy Nick. Each of them adds too much to the books and I'm as keen to find out what is going to happen with Jamie and her boyfriend/fiance-to-be Kip and with Jamie's father.
The mystery this time has to do with the residents of an old people's home (an assisted living facility I think is the current term) a number of whom seem to have got themselves mixed up in art fraud. Jamie, of course, is in the thick of it, even though she doesn't intend to get involved in these things, she seems to have a knack for it.
This was another great instalment in this series and I can't wait to read more if and when they come out.

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Engaged in Danger - Barbara Venkataraman

Engaged in Danger by Barbara Venkataraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series just gets better and better. I'm not sure if it's because I've got to know the characters more, or that the storylines are improving, I suspect that it's a combination of both. Either way, what was a very good series has developed into a very very good series.
This time, like in previous books, there's as much going on in the back story, in terms of Jamie's life and loves as there is in the main story of the book itself. This time there's even more of a mystery, with two elements for Jamie to look into.
There is a murder to solve, but that doesn't seem to happen until at least halfway through the book. It doesn't really matter though, as there's plenty to keep you guessing before that. I was so involved in all that was happening that I couldn't put it down.
I'm loving this series, that is on the cosy side of mysteries, but still with plenty of intregue and interesting storylines. Just what I was in the mood for. I can't wait to read the next Jamie Quinn mystery.


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Peril in the Park by Barbara Venkataraman

Peril in the Park by Barbara Venkataraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series. Each one so far has been better than the last and I really enjoyed this instalment. These stories are cosy mysteries and they are really on the cosy side. There is a murder in this one, but it's almost a minor part of the rest of the story.
In previous books, there hasn't been really much investigating or many suspects. This time around there were a few more potential suspects and it was more like a traditional mystery book. What I really love about these books is the characters and the background story. All of the recurring characters, from private detective Duke to Jamie's best friend Grace and boyfriend Kip are lovely and really add to the whole read.
There are some more books in this series and I'd be definitely keen to check them out.


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The case of the Killer Divorce - Barbara Venkataraman

The Case of the Killer Divorce by Barbara Venkataraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second in the Jamie Quinn mystery series. I think I said when I reviewed the first a day or so ago that this was a classic cosy mystery. In many ways it is, it's an easy read with fun and quirky characters and although there is a murder, it's of a very 'gentle' variety (I do realise how odd that sounds when talking about a murder). In other ways though, it's not really a cosy mystery at all. While the cosy part holds true, there isn't really a puzzle type mystery to try and solve. There are only really two people who could be the 'murderer' and it's fairly clear who the guilty party might be. To be honest though, for me at least, that didn't really matter.
In many ways, the murder plays a secondary role to that of Jamie's life. In the course of this story, she gains not only a boyfriend, but we find out a lot about her long-lost father. In many ways, what would probably be the sub-plot in other books, becomes the main storyline in this and the mystery is secondary.
I actually really enjoyed this quick read. I like the main recurring characters. Jamie is great, as is her friend Grace and there seems to be potential for love interest Kip. By far and away the most entertaining member of the cast is private detective Marmaduke, who, for probably quite obvious reasons usually goes by the shorter version of his name; Duke.
I'm enjoying this quick little series. The plots aren't taxing on the little grey cells, but they are certainly entertaining. I'll no doubt be dipping into the next one soon.

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Death by Didgeridoo - Barbara Venkataraman

Death by Didgeridoo by Barbara Venkataraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read a proper 'cosy mystery' for quite a long time. This is quite a short book and a quick read, but if I'm looking for an easy mystery read then that's what I prefer. Death by Didgeridoo is the start of a series and I think that there is potential here for the series to develop well.
Jamie Quinn is a lawyer who works in family law but finds that her family calls on her whenever they have a legal problem. When her cousin gets accused of murder, of course, she gets called on to help him out.
There isn't a complex puzzle to solve here, the mystery more or less is spelt out for you as you read, but for a bit of light escapism where you don't want to spend too much brain power, then it' perfect. As well as Jamie herself, there's a cat that she hates and an alcoholic private detective who looks as though he could become a fun character. In many ways this is a good start and I'll be interested to see how this series develops in future books.

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