Madeline’s dual professions as event coordinator and private investigator cross paths during the most lavish affair of her career–a weekend-long fortieth birthday extravaganza for the wife of a famous film director. A simple background check after the disappearance of precious family jewels quickly turns into a murder investigation, and before Madeline and Mike can put the pieces together, … another body turns up. As the Santa Barbara police and sheriff’s departments search for clues, the Mad Dog P.I.’s use their own methods to untangle the crimes, discovering some unsavory truths behind the glittering façade of their clients.
Adding to Madeline’s already overflowing plate, the D.A. informs her that Rick Yeoman, one of the men who had abducted her three years earlier, has been prematurely released from prison after cutting a deal with the Feds. Besides fearing reprisals from the man she helped to convict, his parole also triggers the reappearance of soulless Lionel Usherwood, lured out of his hideaway by the call of revenge. When Yeoman’s body surfaces in Lake Cachuma, Usherwood moves on to the next target: Madeline.
A High Price to Pay is the second novel in the Madeline Dawkins series.
more
This is series that has threads and characters that run through each story. While not imperative, I think it would be helpful to read in order.
The author writes a very detailed book. At times, I found myself skimming more than I thought I would. However, even though I skimmed I was able to grasp the storyline and the intricacies of the mystery/suspense.
Four stars ****
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. I highly suggest that you read book 1, Spouse Trap. There are some sequences in A High Price to Pay makes more sense and gives it a deeper meaning and understanding in the book. I really love Madeline in this book. It is like Ms. Hamilton took time to give the details of Madeline that were not shared in the first book. Madeline and Mike are back to investigate missing property which turns into a murder investigation. I went on the adventure with Madeline and Mike. The characters are so real that I could see myself being their friend. With this story there were moments that there was an abundance of detail. It makes reading at parts a bit too much. Do not let that stop you from reading this exciting book.
A High Price to Pay is the second book in Cynthia Hamilton’s Madeline Dawkins series that provides us with suspense and excitement that leaves us at the edge of our seat until we get to the end! You can read it as a standalone but I would recommend to start with the first book as you will want to know how it all started and how Madeline becomes the woman (and the PI) she is today!
Madeline and Mike have ‘graduated’ from their PI internship and they start their own firm. Maddie is combining her two careers – event coordinator and PI. In the midst of Maddie organizing the most lavish weekend long birthday bash for Hollywood set she needs to solve two murders and also deal with her past when the madman she testified against and helped to put behind the bars gets out on parole …
It is a great story with characters that leave an impression and you will keep looking for the next story!
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is a four star novel. Madeline is an event planner and also now a private investigator. Even though this is the second book of the series, I didn’t think it was necessary to have to read the first one first. The first one would give you extra insight into the characters of the novel, but isn’t necessary to understand what is going on. I loved how the author is able to give you just enough information that the characters are being developed and it isn’t redundant from the first novel. First jewels are stolen while a big wedding is being prepared, then a character is being released from prison early, then things progress from there. I loved how it just progresses from one thing onto the next to the next. There is never a dull moment in this novel.
A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins #2) by Cynthia Hamilton was a thrilling, fast pace, exciting read, that had me hooked from start to finish.
The second book in this top shelf series, we are in the hot seat with Madeline as she’s told that the man, that hunts her dreams has been cut a deal and is out on the streets again. In saying this, this series follows a continuous timeline and plot, so I highly suggest reading the first book, as you won’t get get full effect of Madeline fear, and turmoil without it.
Like the first book the tones are heavy from the start, telling you this isn’t going to be a light and fluffy read. As things get heated up, and bodies start rolling in, Madeline once again, has to use her wit, smarts and steel resolve to make it out alive. The book really highlighted her growth as a character, and seeing the progress she has made from that first book was excellent.
I will say that there were some, situations, that pulled me out of this story. There was some over-explaining in parts, and, what got me the most was the, going into too much detail about the murders. That made for weird lulls, and broken continuity. But other than that, this was a pretty solid read. The mystery was compelling, the emotions high, and the plot line itself was smooth.
So overall this book gets my high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
A High Price To Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton
5-Stars
A High Price To Pay was a suspenseful and exciting novel. Madeline is given news that one of the men who left her for dead has been released. When he turns up dead a few days later things really begin to go crazy. It is enough that she is dealing with her two busy careers already.
This was such a fun and exciting read. It is the second book in this series and can be read as a standalone. It is actually the first book I have read by this author and I am definitely going to look into reading the other books in this series. I loved Madeline’s strong and self sufficient character. She was very driven despite her occasional flash backs from her traumatizing events. I also loved her partner Mike. He was funny and also protective. This was a magnificent read and I highly recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed Spouse Trap and was so looking forward to this book. Madeline is so much more sure of herself and I loved seeing how much she had matured as a character. She’s not throwing a minor pity party anymore because she knows she can take care of herself but also doesn’t have that superhero complex that drives me up the wall.
The story line did get a bit crowded at one point because so much was being thrown at Madeline and Mike, and even though they were repetitive in talking though details of the case, I didn’t mind that. It made me think of how I need to talk though things out loud (no matter who is around) to really get a handle on problems and such.
Overall, I loved the story and hope to see more in this series.
Okay this series just gets better and better with each novel! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Madeline Dawkins book, Girl Trap, but alas I will divulge some tidbits about this current installment, A High Price to Pay. In this novel we find Madeline finishing up the PI training and making the necessary steps to being a full-time detective. In order to do so she must first finish up and survive the last major event that she is responsible for. Things only take on more twists and turns when a crazed man that Madeline testified against is let out of prison on a plea deal. There is nothing boring about this novel, it just keeps on throwing punches right up until those last few chapters. I adored every moment of it and truly was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! I look forward to seeing what will come for Madeline in the next book, I am sure it will be fantastic and most likely will be even better than this one, a hard task considering I would give this 10 stars if I could. Thank you so much for the fabulous read Ms. Hamilton!
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is a mystery that will take you on an elaborate ride which will spin your imagination while shifting your belief in which direction this story will go. Madeline is a highly capable women in the most realistic of ways despite events that have unfolded within her life. Cynthia Hamilton is impressive with her detailed story line and character development. The sequence of events as that occur are fine tuned, multi-dimensional, and beautifully done. This story kept me engaged wondering which way the author was leading the character(s) next. Amazingly done.
Madeline Dawkins is back. She has escaped her ex-husband and his goons, in fact, they are in jail with hopefully no chance of ever getting out. Of course, that is not to be! Madeline has once again learned that she is tough and smart. With the help of Mike and some unlikely other characters, it’s time to show the bad guy just how tough she is.
I have once again enjoyed the adventure of Madeline Dawkins. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how everything would turn out. Cynthia Hamilton has an easy to read style which made it hard to put this book down. I love the way this story has a mystery inside of another mystery. Lots of action so there is never a boring moment.
Madeline’s character shows growth and potential in just these first two books. I can’t wait to see where Hamilton takes her. This book is part of a series so it is best to read them in order.
A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton is the second book in The Madeline Dawkins series. Madeline is back and she is thriving in her new professions as an event planner and private investigator. What starts as an event she is planning becomes something more complex. With the help of Mike, they are following the clues. Will they figure out the mystery?
I enjoyed this book and recommend reading them in order because of the character backstories and development from the first book. It is great to see how Madeline continues to change and grow in confidence and as a person. The story is well written and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Madeline is taken on her next mystery.
A High Price to Pay is Book 2 In the series and picks up 3 years after book 1. Madeline and Mike have successfully completed what was needed to become licensed PI’s. They are also running a party planning business. Madeline is planning the party of the year for a fortieth birthday to a high profile client. She is earning every dollar she makes on this case. Cherie Alexander has quite a few melt downs and now with the party here, they are more frequent. As the weekend approaches, Cherie’s mother In law ( Ms Story ) hired Madeline to locate some missing jewelry.
Everyone thought Teresa has stolen the pieces so a background check is run on her. Unfortunately, they do not have the correct info on Teresa.
All of this is happening while a madman is on the loose after Madeline. She tries to keep herself busy with Cherie’s party and Miss Story’s case but, no matter how busy she keeps herself, things are still happening to remind her that he is still tailing her.
The night of Cherie’s party someone is murdered at the mansion. Who could have pulled it off with so many people there and cameras in the house?
Madeline and Mike are hard at work to find the killer. So much suspense is in this book. It’s a great addition the to series. Madeline is one tough cookie.
A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order as it follows the same characters. This book is full of mystery and intrigued as well as a complex story line.
I felt like I connected more with Madeline in this story than I did the first. This book felt like were out of the “get to know you period” and we were seeing the person Madeline is. It is great character development and has left me interested to see what else is to come from her.
The story was great as well. Although there were times when I felt like a little bit of the detail could have been condensed it was a well thought out story. It was action packed and kept me on my toes. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.
5 Star
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton
A High Price to Pay is the second Book in The Madeline Dawkins Series and I will highly suggest reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already. I found myself again lost in the pages and at times I was on the edge of my seat trying to put the pieces together to figure out what happens next. Find out what happens when a background check turns into much more. Will they figure out who is behind it? I truly enjoyed this book as much as the first one. Madeline and Mike are amazing characters that at times I felt like I was right there with them. I highly recommend reading this book. You won’t be disappointed I know I wasn’t. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
A High Price to Pay
By Cynthia Hamilton
4 stars
Another great story by this author and a wonderful addition to a series that I am thoroughly enjoying so far! I really liked reading about Madeline, she seemed a little different in this story too which I liked. Again I felt like I was living the story with Madeline and guessing right along with her. There were a few twists and turns which kept me interested in the story all the way through. I did find the story a little repetitive at times however I still really enjoyed it. I do feel like there is so much more to Madeline as a character so I hope there is more to come from this series and the characters in it.
A High Price to Pay was an enjoyable read and one that I highly recommend!
This is absolutely a must read book and series. Intrigue, mystery, wonderful characters, rich detail. I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I was so immersed that I couldn’t tear myself away. Hamilton does a beautiful job weaving this story and building upon the first book. Absolutely loved it.
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton. This 2nd book in the Madeline Dawkins Series is the continuing story of Madeline Dawkins a Private Investigator in training and a Event Planner and her partner Mike. During this time she is trying to pull of one of her most extravagant affairs for a Celebrity Couple and a new client hires her to investigate after some family jewels come up missing. Also during this time Rick Yeoman who abducted her 3 years ago gets out of prison early and he’s made it clear he is on his way to finish what he started with Madeline. This book is full of celebrity’s, murder, crime and a little romance if Madeline would just notice it. Read A High Price to Pay, you’ll be so glad you did.
This is the second book in this series, my favorite yet. It is a mystery story that left me turning pages and sitting on the edge of my seat. Madeline was assaulted in the past but now it looks like they are after her again. In the meantime she and her partner, Mike are asked to look into a jewelry theft. She is a strong character that needs to learn to open up. The secondary characters are a great support to her and add to the story. I highly recommend reading this mystery.
I really enjoyed the second in the Madeline Dawkins series. Madeline is a little less whiny and spooked in this book; not done away with completely, but much less than in The Spouse Trap. I was pretty sure I had figured out who the killer was before the end, but it was interesting to see how Madeline figured it out. The one issue I had with this book is that I could have done with much less of Madeline and Mike rehashing all the details of the murder and who it could be and how they did it and on and on and on!!! If Ms Hamilton had cut a significant portion of that out, she might would have been able to follow through on the ending. This is one issue I have with her writing style. She gets to a certain point in the story and ends it and then (even though she doesn’t designate it as such) she does an epilogue. I want a complete resolution to the stories I read, especially if it’s a series. These are people I have invested time into and I want a full disclosure of how Mike reacted, how Cherie reacted (over the top as usual, I’m sure), etc. It could have been so much more satisfying for me. But since that’s really the only issue I have with Ms Hamilton, I will definitely be reading Girl Trap and hoping there will be more books in the series.
This book was excellent. It is long but well written. The story is a little far-fetched but still good. I hope to read more of these books.