Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist.
When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, … There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder.
But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father?
With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes.
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This is a book about second chances and murder. Secrets kept and revealed.
Told as only Lauren Carr can, with humor and an eye for detail. Sprinkled throughout with clues.
Elmo is a natural charmer and a delight to spend time with.
As he tries to make sense of life with Lucy and Ethyl, he also has to help Nikki’s “one who got away” keep her safe.
Nikki takes on the challenge of keeping the family business afloat amidst extreme personnel challenges whle trying to find closure in the truth surrounding her father’s murder. She also deals with a huge change in her relationship with that same one-who-got-away.
Such a great escape from our own troubles during trying times.
I am a huge fan of author Lauren Carr’s books, but have often wondered why she has never had a female lead character. That’s all behind me now as Carr just launched a brand new series whose main character is none other than Nikki Bryant, a smart, intelligent world class investigative journalist. YES!
When her mother decides to retire, Nikki returns home to take over running the family TV station. Soon after she arrives, Ashleigh, her childhood nemesis who is an on air personality at the station, announces she’ll be breaking a major new story. Could it be the answer to who killed Nikki’s father many years ago? Unfortunately, before Nikki can find out, Ashleigh is murdered. Here we go!
Carr is a master storyteller who always offers a plot full of twists and turns, a bit of humor to offset the dark, and a unique cast of characters. In Killer Deadline that cast includes – handsome Ryan, her first love (who is now her step-brother); a mysterious social media friend called Nerdy Guy; Elmo, a super smart dog, a boxer, she rescued who has become a social media star and has a penchant for cleaning; a TV station full of suspicious employees; and more.
This book is a wonderful read to pick up at the end of a long day. It truly is a “cozy murder mystery.” I promise, it’ll draw you in right from page one and keep you turning the pages until you reach the very last page. I can’t wait for the second book in this series.
Enjoyable cosy mystery
Nikki’s story starts as she was returning home to take over the TV station after her mother decides to retire. There, Ashleigh Addison who is a cool on air personality and Nikki’s childhood nemesis, ends up dead. Just before her death, Ashleigh was to report a secret incident.
The mystery gets better because Ashleigh’s murder is connected to Nikki’s father’s death, which had occurred many years back.
The cutest character in the story is Elmo, the dog who is an internet phenomenon.
The mystery had interesting twists and turns and was enjoyable. Liked it.
I rarely read cozy mysteries. My usual genres are historical, time-slip, Christian, and women’s fiction, but every now and then I stretch into something different. In this case I’m glad I did, and I hope to delve into more fun-to-read cozy mysteries in the near future.
Nikki is an interesting personality and is easy to connect with. But I must admit, Elmo (the dog) and Ryan stole the show for me. 🙂 Pine Grove is a wonderful setting and I feel like I’ve now been there.
Audio Narration: Anita Alger, the narrator, has a pleasant voice and inflection fluctuates nicely with the various characters. Her voice is feminine, soft and lilting, so initially it was a tiny bit off-putting when she spoke her male voice interpretations, but soon the story flowed seamlessly, and I didn’t pay any more attention to it. She did a wonderful job of making Nikki come to life.
Audio Production Quality: The production quality of this audio book is clear with no distracting noises or music.
Overall Opinion: Overall, this story is pure clean fun! I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the adventure, the mystery, and certainly the humor. I’m so happy this is the first book in the series, and plan to visit Pine Grove again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via iRead Book Tours.
Nikki Bryant has returned home to Pine Grove to take over the reigns of the families TV station, but before she can even settle in she stumbles upon the body of Ashleigh Addison – who is not only the local newscaster but her childhood rivial! It appears that Ashleigh had gotten a hold of a great story that she was going to tell but her untimely death put that story to rest along with her, or did it? Nikki thinks that the story was a possible cold case lead into the death of her father all those years ago and she begins to suspect that Ashleigh’s death now may also be connected. It all seemed so coincidental that Nikki should return home just as Ashleigh was getting intel on a big story that may have to do with Nikki’s father, but she puts her investigative journalist skill to use that takes her on a journey of lies and betrayal.
I loved this book, and it is the first I have read from Lauren Carr – she has done a great job with the start of this series, and Elmo that dog was just a great addition to this novel. the characters were well written and likeable though I was little surprised at how naive Nikki was towards the identity of her online friend NerdyGuy, but then again sometimes you cant see what is right in front of you. Teh mystery keep my engrossed and I loved the light hearted comedic humour Elmo brought to the story. I cant wait to see what is on store for Nikki and Elmo next!
4 stars
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I love a good cozy mystery so I was excited to read this one. This is the first book I have read from Lauren Carr, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly delighted to read and review Killer Deadline. Ms. Carr has written and exceptionally great cozy mystery read.
When Nikki and her Boxer friend Elmo move back to her small hometown of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, she had her work cut out for her. Her fathers murder is her priority, even though she has to take over her moms job at their TV station. But when her co-worker ends up murdered as well, this is just too suspicious. Who will be next? Nikki? Her mom? And does this have anything to do with he dad’s death, even though his murder was years before?
I love this cozy mystery! It is full of suspense, action packed, fast pace with that small town feeling. I love the characters, I have to admit, I fell in love with Elmo on the spot! I loved Nikki’s spunk and determination. She keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire book! And I usually try to pick up all if the clues and figure out whodunnit but this story kept taking twist and turns that I was surprised. This is just the cozy mysteries I love to read. And I see this is the first book in Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery Series and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I know Nikki Bryant will have more investigations up her sleeve that will keep us guessing! I highly recommend this book to those who loves a good cozy mystery!! Oh and I forgot to mention how much I love the book cover. It has that mysterious look to it, it is pink, and is very inviting to readers. This will be the first cozy mystery that is snatched off the shelf!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Thank you Iread Book Tours for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Killer Deadline
A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery
By: Lauren Carr
REVIEW
Lauren Carr is an author I serendipitously found one day. Since then, I have had the good fortune to read a numerous number of her works. Each one has its own merits to recommend it as a favorite, and Killer Deadline is a wonderful new addition to this ever growing list. Killer Deadline differs in that it is a cozy mystery, and the lead investigator is female. Meet Nikki Bryant-a sassy, tough, smart investigative journalist with a trouble magnet attached at all times. She and her dog, Elmo, the internet darling with an insane number of followers, return to Pine Grove, PA with the intention of rekindling an old flame. The more important aspect, however, is Nikki’s running of the family business, a television station, once her mother retires. Nikki’s father was murdered here long ago and is now a cold case. She has been gone from this town for nigh on twenty or so years. No sooner has Nikki rolled into town than trouble comes calling. Nikki happens to discover the body of Ashleigh Addison, her former high school rival and news anchor with her family’s station, who had a potentially significant story about to break. Now, the questions rain down about what Ashleigh was investigating and if it’s somehow tied to the murder of Nikki’s father. While the old flame flickers in the background, Nikki uses her investigative skills and attempts to follow the trail of clues to Addison’s killer and possibly gain insight into her father’s death. Will Nikki solve either murder, or both, or none? This story is a wonderful reading experience. Cozy mysteries are often on the cheesy side, but Killer Deadline has the ideal balance of serious and light hearted. The story moves at a quick but steady pace that engages the reader continuously without overwhelming with too much information. Dialogue is witty and concise, and the narrative is succinctly focused on the story at hand without fluff and filler. Nikki is the perfect female lead because she’s not perfect. Her characterization is warm, genuine and relatable with a hard working take no prisoners attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nikki’s story, and I encourage you to read this book as well. I’m looking forward to whatever is next for Nikki and Elmo!
Killer Deadline
By Lauren Carr
Nicki Bryant blew it years ago with her first love – the one she always thought was THE ONE. But she left home following her career dreams and to not see The One fall for someone else. But now she’s heading home and who knows what the future holds for reconnecting with Ryan.
But before she can figure out just where she and Ryan stand a murder rocks her world and Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. Nicki finds the body of her childhood rival and naturally, that looks just a tad suspicious. But why would anyone kill Ashley Addison? Could she truly have discovered who was responsible for Nicki’s father’s murder? Or was Ashley’s big scoop something else? Nicki is determined to find out before someone else at the station ends up dead.
This was a fun read and I really loved Elmo – who couldn’t love a rescued boxer with a social media following most influencers would die for? Let’s just say Elmo totally rivals Lauren Carr’s other canine creations (if you’ve read her other books) but Elmo is the perfect housekeeper!
Nicki’s an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she’ll get the answers she wants and needs. And all this while trying to figure out how to let The One know that he is the one for her, with somewhat humorous results, I might add.
Hoping that this is the start of a new series starring Nicki, Elmo, Ryan, and the rest of Pine Grove, PA! If you love cozy mysteries this one is for you.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
A new cozy mystery series by author Carr? Yep, I am going to definitely read that. And so I did and what a fun read it was. If you like mysteries you will like this one. A murder has happened and it may or may not be linked to other crimes. But like with other author Carr books, the answers are not so easily seen or gotten. Twists and turns and more abound in this little mystery of a woman who is coming back to her hometown for a second chance at love and business.
Nikki Bryant and her family have seen loss up close and personal, and unfortunately that loss has had no closure. Neither has she ever found anyone who might sweep her off her feet like her first love, Ryan did. Now through marriage- her mom’s and his dad’s- their second chance seems forbidden. But this story is not all about romance, no there is a murder mystery that needs to be solved before anyone can put the past behind them.
I am excited for this new series. I am looking forward to seeing Nikki and her work as an investigative journalist following the clues and solving the crimes. And with a trace of humor and romance, I also am looking forward to the rekindling of hers and Ryan’s. And the cover is super cute too, and as always the critters get a prominant secondary role.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positvie review and all views and opinions are my own.
With the fun cover for Killer Deadline by Lauren Carr, I was pretty sure I would have some laughs with my mystery, and she did not fail to deliver.
Nikki had left home to go to college and study journalism and never came back. It has been twenty years, and she has come back to run the TV station her family owns…and see if HE is still available.
Also, Her father’s murder has never been solved and she is on the case.
It wouldn’t be a Lauren Carr novel without a dog, and Elmo is a perfect fit. He is a social icon,a party animal, a ham. He loves to have his photo taken and has a huge following through his social media. I love this touch. So real.
Nikki is an investigative journalist. She doesn’t waste time with make up and dressing up, doesn’t care about shopping, and loves to sit down and read a good mystery. I can relate to her easily and that makes for better reading.
Trudy, the cook at the family B&B, is a real hoot and plans on fattening her up.
Ashleigh Addison was a high school rival and nothing seems to have changed about that.
AND, now we come to Ryan, who has definitely changed from the skinny, glass wearing high school nerd she had always had a crush on. He’s filled out from the military and Elmo immediately fell in love with him. It’s always been a bit creepy…considering he is her step brother. BUT, WAIT, they are not related other than through marriage, so not so creepy…right?
And, who is NerdyGuy that she has been ‘talking’ to over the internet. Even though it was easy to figure out, I loved it.
Do you need some household chores done? Elmo’s your guy. I thought his antics were hilarious and different from the normal critter antics I’ve read in novels. So much fun.
AND what are those hairless things? Will Elmo ever win them over and become friends?
Lunch at the gazebo…it’s these kind of moments that add those laughs I look for, especially in a cozy mystery.
I have read many of Lauren Carr’s novels and always prefer walking on the dark side, but I couldn’t resist that cover and laughing at the critter’s antics while walking down one misleading path after another searching for the answer.
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of Killer Deadline by Lauren Carr.
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I’ve read and loved a bunch of Lauren’s books and was excited to get my hands on this cozy mystery. I know she can bring her characters to life. I know she can sprinkle some fun romance along with those characters. I know she can give the critters in her stories as much of a role as her human ones. And I know she can give me a cast of characters to keep me on my toes and a mystery that keeps me clueless. And now she’s going to do all that with a cozy mystery series!
Nikki returns to her small home town in Pennsylvania to take over the family news station now that her mother is retiring. Her skills as an investigative reporter will come in handy as she steps into her new role. What won’t be so easy is facing the one she let get away, a nemesis with a grudge and the cold case murder of her father many years ago.
Like with most of her books, Lauren doesn’t give you just one mystery to solve, she gives you several. I had an idea who did the first murder but was caught completely by surprise when her father’s killer was revealed. Then there’s nerdyguy, someone Nikki befriended on the internet. I figured out who he was and what he was up to fairly early on and couldn’t wait to see Nikki’s reaction when she finally figured it out too.
And as with her other books, Lauren brings in a nonhuman character that easily challenges the human characters for the spotlight. Elmo, Nikki’s boxer, is famous. Everyone wants their picture taken with him. He does these incredible things. And you don’t even have to ask him. I easily pictured Elmo making the bed and loading the dishwasher. Gotta love a dog that enjoys doing housework.
From first sentence to last, I had a blast with Killer Deadline and I am excited for more in this series.
Lauren Carr has once again written a fun mystery in her new release, Killer Deadline. It is, also, begins her new series, A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery Book. I thought this book was entertaining from start to finish. Readers will be taken to the small town of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. Nikki Bryant comes back to town with her Boxer, Elmo. As soon as she arrives in to town there, she finds the body of her childhood rival and the local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison. As an investigative journalist and the daughter of a murder victim herself, Nikki uses her skills to work to find out what happened to Ashleigh and try to solve this murder mystery. Does the woman’s murder have anything to do with her own father’s unsolved murder?
I thought Killer Deadline was another great read by this author. It was full of adventure, mystery, suspense, romance with a good mix of humor throughout. I did not find it to be predictable. I was left guessing until the end to find out “who done it”. Elmo is the real star of the book, in my opinion. He kept cracking me up. The whole story was entertaining and a pure delight to read.
I am giving Killer Deadline a very well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to get my hands on the next installment from A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery series. I recommend this one for readers who love to read an action packed and fun filled cozy mystery.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.