Finally, life is good for reluctant family law attorney, Jamie Quinn–her father may get his visa soon, her boyfriend is the bomb, and her law practice is growing like crazy–but when she agrees to take on a high-profile divorce case, everything falls apart. What looked like an opportunity to work with her friend Grace and make some serious bucks has turned into a deadly game, one that could … destroy their friendship and tear their town apart. Why couldn’t Jamie just leave well enough alone?
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4 stars to Barbara Venkataraman’s novel Engaged in Danger: A Jamie Quinn Mystery, her fourth in the “Jamie Quinn Mysteries” series. Each successive book in this series grows stronger and builds a fun and intimate group of friends and colleagues who help Jamie tackle complex cases. It’s light-hearted, amusing and dare I say… engaging! (seriously wasn’t intending a pun there)
Story
Jamie, a family law attorney, receives a visit from Nan Glasser, long-suffering wife of an adulterer, shady business man and potential murderer. Nan wants a divorce but over 30 attorneys have already declined taking her case because of her husband’s interference. Jamie searches for someone to help her but ultimately finds herself taking on the case with best friend Grace who has the resources to help out Nan. Along the way, Jamie receives threats, deals with legal drama and almost finds herself a murder victim trying to help save Nan. In the end, she of course comes out alive but each new case is definitely changing the structure of her once quiet law practice.
As a few fun side-stories which collide with the main one: Jamie’s boyfriend is called to Australia for a 3-month work assignment. She and Grace fight over Grace’s choice in a new boyfriend. Duke has troubles with his on-again / off-again girlfriend who once took out a highway billboard to tell the world he was a cheater. And Jamie helps her neighbors search for a mysterious holding company who owned the plane that went down killing their sister and brother-in-law. It may seem like everything’s disconnected, but when it all finds a common link, Jamie’s world is turned upside down!
Strengths
Some authors have an amazing way of incorporating detail, background and descriptions without interfering with the story, and Barbara Venkataraman is one of them. You learn so much about Jamie, family law, history and the setting without even realizing it. Rather than several paragraphs of backstory dropped throughout (which also works well in some styles), the Jamie Quinn series drops tons of details in small blips so it feels like an actual conversation, a normal evolution of a relationship between two people. I love this style especially when complemented with a very relaxed, humorous, casual and collaborative approach to telling the story. Jamie’s voice is loud and clear, and when I read the words on the page, I actually find myself pausing when I think Jamie would pause, being snarky when she’d be snarky and being forward/direct when I think she would be. That doesn’t always happen for other authors or series… sometimes I love the characters and the books, but I don’t develop my own voice for the character when reading the lines. I absolutely do here and it helps make the read even more amusing and enjoyable.
Suggestions
While the story was full of surprises and had multiple arcs to keep readers curious about how it would all blend together, the ending came a little too fast for me. About 3/4 of the way through, you are just about to put all the connections together and suddenly a chapter ends with Jamie falling into a trap and boom… it’s solved in the beginning of the next chapter. I would have loved just one or two extra chapters of drama with Jamie trapped trying to workout in her head who had caught her before quickly knowing what happened. This could just be a matter of taste (I like the extra drama aspects) as it was still executed well and had suspense in the way the resolve was written. It’s one of the only times I found myself thinking in this novel… “hmm…” because other than that, it was a fantastic read.
Final Thoughts
I’m a little sad that I’m caught up in this series and may have to wait a bit before the next one is released. But when it is, you can be sure I’ll purchase this one the week it comes out.
As with all of the Jamie Quinn Mystery’s this one kept you entertained from the very beginning. Jamie is enjoying her single practitioner family law firm. She has had a variety of crazy cases over the last few years. Her boyfriend Kip has to go to Australia for 3 months for work and Jamie is feeling sorry for herself that she will alone. Her adventures while he is gone are by far the biggest and most dangerous. While she and Grace are representing the wife of another lawyer during her divorce they are also having friendship issues.
I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series. The author does a great job of building on the characters so I feel like I know them. She makes me laugh with Jamie. This is a fun, easy to read series with just the right amount of danger. I highly recommend you grab this fun series to read.
Barbara Venkataraman created a good series when she started writing the Jamie Quinn Mystery series. Engaged in Danger does not disappoint. Hollywood, Florida is the backdrop for this series and all of the main characters return and in addition some unethical characters. The storyline was mysterious and suspenseful. I would definitely recommend and can not wait to read the next Jamie Quinn Mystery.
Another great cozy mystery. I love how the characters seem so real. Maybe they are. The every day crazy. The how did that happen day-to-day of everything. I enjoy Jamie Quinn and her host of other friends/characters. They make the book more real. And I love how clean and fun this particular series is.
Engaged in Danger #4 – Another good addition to the Jamie Quinn series. Well written, funny and intriguing, this suspense filled book with its well thought out, multiple and continuous story lines keeps the reader glued to the pages. There’s a few kinks that the well developed, realistic characters handle, while their dialog is believable. The writing style is casual but entertaining. If you like Evanovich or Elmore, you’ll enjoy Ms. Venkataraman. 4*
Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1 – 3: I enjoyed these books by an author new to me. I had been collecting her books over the years and finally decided to read them. Entertaining and funny and good suspense are a few descriptors to pop into my head. The main characters are a perfect fit: two female lawyers (they’re likable); one Cajun PI; and a couple of love interests. With each story, most of these characters grew more likable and complex. The other main characters are added as the stories go along. Grace and Duke are the perfect characters to make this series full of interest and humor.
There are many stories being followed along with the main plot. A continuous series that doesn’t have any cliffhangers; just moves along a time line. The story lines hold the reader’s interest and there’s humor throughout the books. There’s no crazy situations, like that lovable Plum character, but realistic happenings. There’s no silly/stupid dialog or formulas, just plain entertainment. The writer’s style is laid back, almost as if you’re on the porch gossipin while sippin yur iced tea. Well written and quickly read, but still substantial enough to make reading these books worthwhile. Needs a little editing, but nothing that distracts from reading. 4*
Death by Didgeridoo #1 – This is my first read by this author and I like it. A good introduction to a few main characters of the series. Well written and easily read, fast paced and interesting; it was easy to sit down and finish quickly. All of the characters are likable, realistic and entertaining; think of Moonlighting for the humor and a male character. 4*
The Case of the Killer Divorce #2 – This story picks up about six months after where Didgeridoo finished. Well written with plenty of suspense, the reader can’t help but enjoy the story. The humor is good and the characters keep developing. 4*
Peril in the Park #3 – This story picks up about six months later from the ending of Killer Divorce. Boy, there’s a neat twist to one of on going the background stories! There’s also a fun surprise involving someone’s dad that makes the future books a must read; we know the ending to that story, but it’s the path taken that interesting. Plenty of humor and everyone has more added to their characters/stories. 4*
Jeopardy in July #5 – The Jamie Quinn series is addicting. Sadly, I’ve reached the last book available at present, but I thoroughly enjoyed all five books. Again, this is a well written and intriguing story, with humor and multiple on going story lines. The main characters remain interesting with realistic dialog and behavior. You don’t realize it by the relaxed writing style, but Jeopardy is fast paced and intriguing with good suspense.
Reading these books in order keeps the fabric of the stories intact and understandable. The author does a good job in highlighting past events without doing a Gabaldon-style rewrite, so you can still understand what’s going on without having read the previous stories, but you miss so much. 4*
I think I read this book right after it was published, but when I won a copy of the audiobook I decided to go ahead a listen. I was so impressed with the way the narrator speaks for Jamie that it was like a whole different book. The narrator reads Jamie as I’m sure the author intends her to sound. she’s kind of a smart aleck, kind of unsure of herself, wants to help others but usually trips on her own good deeds. Funny as all get out, loving, caring, loyal, etc. I like her.
With her boyfriend saving the wombats in Australia, Jamie signs on to help a woman get divorced from a tough, nasty, possibly mobbed up lawyer. While Jamie gets involved in the divorce case she is also trying to help her neighbors figure out why the wife’s twin sister died.
This book is witty. The characters are quirky and funny or upstanding and serious. The mysteries are not run of the mill and there are no dead bodies to trip over which is always a welcome break. Whether you decide to read or listen to this book, I think you will enjoy it.
This book was hilarious, the dialog was spot on, and I loved the characters. This is a Book 4, and I didn’t read Book 1 – 3 yet, but I had no problem jumping into the story. The previous books aren’t needed to enjoy this one. It was a well paced story, there were a few points in Jamies daily work load that I felt like why is this needed but in the end I think it really adds to letting you know that her life is usually really dull and uneventful. Definitely going to continue the series ( from the beginning 😛 )
This is the fourth book in the Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Series. This is another great addition to the series. I love this series! You have to listen to this series in order for a better enjoyment. The characters are great. Jamie is smart and determined. I like Kip, Duke, and Grace. The storyline is funny, intriguing and captivating, filled with twists and turns. The mystery unfolds at a great pace. Fay Annette did a fantastic job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Jeopardy in July.
The description of the Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat looking like a cross of a pig, koala and cat, had me Googling. I bet everyone does. Very apt description and a cute little thing! This series keeps getting better with extra intrigue. The term, “out of the mouthes of babes” really suits this story. Read it and you’ll know why.
Jamie’s back in Engaged in Danger, the fourth entry in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series, and boy am I glad! At one point in the book, Jamie says, “I make a list of things to worry about when the things I’m already worrying about get resolved.” This is just one of the things that makes her such an appealing character. Even though she’s talented and clever and resourceful and strong, she frets about anything and everything almost non-stop. It could be annoying, but expertly written by author Barbara Venkataraman it’s just another of Jamie’s endearing personality traits.
As Engaged in Danger begins, life is moving along smoothly and uneventfully for Jamie and her gang. Life with boyfriend Kip couldn’t be better, her law practice is booming, and her father finally, finally, finally may get his visa. What could possibly go wrong? Well, this is Jamie’s life, so a lot. First, Kip gets a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity to go to Australia. Jamie can’t go with him because of her father’s impending visa. She’s certain of Kip’s love, she is, but her eyes do get a little green when she learns about his new assistant.
On the home front, Jamie decides to take on a high-profile divorce case and partner with her best friend Grace. Sure, it’s high-profile, but it looks like it will be pretty easy and pretty promising for her career and financial security. But as always, things get deadly and dangerous. Jamie is up against some hard-hitters who will stop at nothing, Grace is seriously upset with her, and she misses Kip so much she’s almost convinced herself he doesn’t love her anymore.
Engaged in Danger is a brilliant addition to the Jamie Quinn series. The plot is solid and fast-paced, the supporting cast friends you can’t wait to see again, and the suspense keeps you turning pages. As always, Jamie is bright, sparkling, and funny, one of those characters you fall in love with right away. Some series grab you after just a couple of chapters. They are your auto-buys and this is one of those series. It will be a different case or mystery or murder but your favorite characters will all be there in your favorite setting doing your favorite things. I have loved that girl from the beginning and her story can go on and on and on and I will eagerly await and devour each installment. Read Engaged in Danger and the rest of Jamie’s stories – you’ll be glad you did.
Wow this is a great book! I was entranced from the first word to the end. This book can be read as a standalone but you would be missing out on some great reads. The characters are well written and likable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an objective review.
Jessie is drawn into a nasty divorce involving an local lawyer with high political connections. His wife has been kept in the dark as to what their financial holdings are. He has had numerous affairs and does not treat her well at all. Jessie is the last hope of this poor woman as her husband has tainted all other lawyers in the area. She enlists her best friend Grace to help with he financial side of the divorce. Her friend Duke a flamboyant PI will do the fact finding.
When She becomes involved in her neighbors wrongful death law suite she wonders if she has strung herself too thin. Duke offers to help the family out and does the leg work on tracking down all the information that is needed to file the paperwork to proceed. To further complicate matters Kip, her boyfriend, is away for three months doing environmental work in Australia, with a beautiful redhead in a jungle with no wifi connection. She has also upset her best friend Grace by interfering in her love life. Will she be able to make up with her best friend, keep her relationship afloat and solve all the mysteries in her life.
This is the fourth novel in this series. I love Jessie Quinn and all the characters. I enjoy Duke. He is well written with tons of personality. I can not recommend this book and series enough.
I just loved reading this book! It has mystery filled with humour, some angst and sadness, and lots of happiness. The situations sometimes are incredibly funny and the way the whole book is written makes you want to read it in one go. The chapters keep on adding to the story with such fluidity making the reader almost feel like he/she is observing the scene as if it were part of movie. This book is a lot of fun and it was a great joy to meet the work of this writer.
I received a free copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! What a roller coaster! A high profile divorce case against Marvin Glasser and trying to find out about the accident which killed her next door neighbours send Jamie into a spin. Her boyfriend goes off to Australia for 3 months leaving her gutted and, to top it off, she falls out (and back in) with her best friend Grace. Even PI Duke has a bit of a melt down. I don’t know how many emotions I went through reading this book. Anger and frustration with the Marvin Glasser character; upset for Jamie in her situations; intrigued in what exactly was going on. I don’t think I have been so wrapped up in a story for a long time. I just wanted to know what exactly was going on and how it would all work out. This is a must read! These books just get better.
Whoooo boy! Jamie Quinn and her friend Grace find themselves embroiled in an interesting divorce case. Very interesting. I am enjoying these mysteries an awful lot!
If you read my review on Books 1 through 3 of this series titled “Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery” you’ll know I just love this lawyer, Jamie Quinn. She’s got such a sarcastic, smart mouth, attitude, but all in her mind. You know the kind who thinks of those funny things but rarely says them. That’s me to a T except I don’t have her lawyer talents nor her nose for trouble. Venkataraman has done it again and made Jamie’s cases as unusual and interesting and very satisfying. There’s just a little bit of every emotion in this book. Quiet, calm Jamie becomes a little fiery this time sort of our David to a Goliath. There are relationships broken, some shaken up, and some as funny as can be. I think I hit upon the word I was trying to find…funny. Can a mystery about dead bodies and cops and robbers be funny? Well, because of Venkataraman’s characters this one is. What a fun, quick and easy read.
I always feel good when I read these books and I always want more!
Another really enjoyable book in the series! Love the characters and the story! Looking forward to more in the series!
Jamie is in Danger!
Jamie Quinn has two really good friends with whom she works to solve various mysteries.
Her romance is on again though he is away working in Os for the duration of this story.
I really like and appreciate the writing style of this author. She makes you sit up and eagerly read and try to predict the outcome of all the twists and turns, she makes one laugh every so often and above all she keeps you reading.
This is an awesome Cozy mystery that should appeal to all Cozy readers and other too and so I happily recommend it for an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of the book from author and my review is given voluntarily and is unbiased.
A cozy mystery with and edge
Jamie Quinn is a family law attorney in private practice, but who somehow manages to become embroiled in criminal cases – murder, fraud, money laundering – when she’d rather be working on simple divorces, adoptions, mediations. A divorce case turns ugly and a potential wrongful death suit is far more complex than she expected. Her life becomes more complicated and she realizes she’s in serious danger with two thirds of her support team missing in action. Life is never dull around Jamie.
The author had asked me to review the first three books in the series that are available in a collection. She then sent me a free copy of this book, with no obligation to review it. I found this book even more appealing than the previous books. People aren’t who Jamie thinks and there are puzzling events to untangle. It’s a cozy mystery, but with an edge.
I’m on a roll. I read the first three books in this series and I enjoyed them so much. I was so happy to read this book, and I was not disappointed. Jaime gets a client and she’s not sure she wants to handle this divorce. She gets her best friend Grace, a highly talented attorney to help her.
She’s also helping her neighbors who are now raising the daughter of the sister of the neighbor because the sister and her husband died in a plane crash.
There is so much happening in this book. I enjoyed my favorite characters again and the story telling is so engaging. Jaime gets herself embedded in some situations, without even trying.
You can pick this book up and enjoy it without having read the previous books. I think this book will interest almost any reader. It’s a relatively quick read and I highly recommend it.