The much awaited, hilarious new installment in the USA Today Bestselling Maternal Instincts Mystery Series Girl time is hard to come by for new moms. So, when Kate’s best friend, Paula, invites her to Spa Day, Kate jumps at the chance for break from diaper duty. But when a body is recovered from one of the saunas, it may prove that the guest was Pampered to Death! The killer has an agenda and it … Death! The killer has an agenda and it may include deadly face masks! Suddenly everyone has a motive and Kate must solve the mystery before the next victim falls prey to a ghastly seaweed wrap.
“If you were expecting warm and cute you’ll be mistaken. Fast paced and fun, this book gives a true feel of the modern mom,trying to juggle motherhood and career (when that career happens to be solving crimes).”
–Rhys Bowen, New York Times Bestselling Author
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Loved it
Love this entire series. Great read.
Pampered to Death is the name of the spa featured in this mystery; it might be time for a name change! The delightful 5th in the Maternal Instincts Mystery series can be read as a standalone or with the series. Kate, who is a new mom of the adorable 5-month-old Laurie, is a PI in training. She and her best friend Paula went to the spa for some adult time. Paula is an interior designer, just getting back into the swing of working after having her second child, Chloe, and surviving her son, Danny, going through the terrible twos.
Kate hit the hot tub and met Jane North, owner of the spa as well as Julie, future mother-in-law of Kelly, a young woman having a spa day with her maid of honor, Brittany, and her bridesmaids. They were at the next hot tub and having a loud, fueled-by-booze great time. Kelly and Brittany were called for their facials and massages. It seemed like only a moment later that they heard screams – Kelly had stopped breathing, and died on the massage table. Before the morning is over, Kate has a new client as well as new friend, Jane North, who is in the midst of expanding the spa. Jane is the ex-wife of embittered police inspector Patrick McNearny, who is also the former partner of Kate’s mentor and man she is interning for, Albert Galigani. A few days later, Kate’s mother – and girlfriend of Galigani – almost died in the sauna. The stakes are becoming way too personal. And that was before her baby girl was threatened!
I enjoyed this visit with Kate, Paula and their respective families. Kate and Paula share funny and not-so-funny tales about being mommies and the days of needing an adult to talk with about something other than diapers and potty training. I very much like Kate and Paula, and even Kevin, the teen musical prodigy and their preferred babysitter. The characters are well-rounded people who I wouldn’t mind having as neighbors. I think my only question is how much is Kate to tell a potential suspect; I had the feeling that in the heat of the moment, a little too much spills out. Especially since for some reason, Kate is feeling too hormonal and despite her best efforts, it is coming out all over.
What a way to go – murdered days before the wedding while at the spa! Hannah, the aesthetician and massage therapist, was horrified, especially when being accused of murder. Kate tends to take the witnesses – all Kelly’s friends – at face value. I was drawn into this novel from the beginning and it held my attention throughout. I thought I knew who the bad guy(s) might be from the start, but changed my mind for a while…only to change it back quickly. What makes Kate a good sleuth is how she is willing to look at everyone involved. She is young, energetic, with a sharp mind (and wit!). I do hope we see more of Jane in the future. I highly recommend Pampered to Death; the author brings humor to first-time parenthood while juggling a new business as a PI. We are also treated to an exciting preview of A Witch Called Wanda, which sounds like another fun mystery from Diana Orgain.
From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the author, and this is my honest review.