There’s big trouble in the park system. Someone is making life difficult for Jamie Quinn’s boyfriend, Kip Simons, the new director of Broward County parks. Was it the angry supervisor passed over for promotion? The disgruntled employee Kip recently fired? Or someone with a bigger ax to grind? If Jamie can’t figure it out soon, she may be looking for a new boyfriend because there’s a dead guy in … in the park and Kip has gone missing! With the help of her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie must race the clock to find Kip before it’s too late.
A preview of the next Jamie Quinn Mystery, “Engaged in Danger,” can be found at the end of the book.
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I am officially a huge Jamie Quinn fan. I’ve read the first three books in the series and have already purchased the next two books.
Once again you will find yourself sucked into a mystery with Jamie and her new (former) boyfriend, Kip. I love the characters in this series. They are fun, don’t take themselves too seriously, are caring individuals, and have you wishing they were your friend! I could imagine how much I would enjoy socializing with them.
And, of course, Duke is back and his bigger-than-life personality. It just keeps getting better! I seriously wanted to jump right into the next book because I wasn’t ready to end my time with the gang.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Jamie. I can just imagine this series becoming a TV series. I would love to see who would play the various parts … especially Duke!
This is a very good read. Jamie and her boyfriend are embroiled in a big mess in this one. Duke (I’m going to stop calling him sleazy cause I like him) the PI is back, as is Grace the bff, Ana the stepmother, her father with the visa problems, corrupt politicians and contractors and murder and mayhem.
Another cute, cozy mystery read that I’m glad I got to enjoy. The main characters seem so real and and human. I like how quirky Jamie is and how she tells the story. I like the development of the story.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries then you will enjoy this story.
I did get a copy of this from the author for an honest review
4 stars to Barbara Venkataraman’s Peril in the Park, her third book in the “Jamie Quinn Mystery” series. I chose to read the electronic version to see if I could switch mediums, but it is also offered as an audio book and in paperback. I imagine the audio book with Duke’s personality would be a really fun way to spend a few hours before bed or on your lunch break!
Story
Jamie takes on her third mystery alongside friends Grace and Duke where she helps her boyfriend Kip determine who is the “Park Vandal” and who is stalking both of them over Kip’s decisions at his new job as the Director of Parks & Recreation in Broward County, Florida. In his new job, Kip’s made some quick decisions to change up the structure of the department and hired/fired several employees. When the commissioner, his boss and some wealthy entrepreneurs apply pressure for Kip to be the deciding vote in favor of building a new tower on wetlands, Kip’s caught between doing the right thing and keeping his job. After Jamie receives threatening emails about Kip, she enlists her friends help to track down who is behind all the mayhem. Is it the commissioner who wants the money the business man is willing to spend? Is the business man crooked? Is it one of the fired employees? Is it the employee who was passed over for the director position? Many good suspects in this one… plus the Renaissance Fair is just a fun treat to watch unfold. And as a good side-story, Jamie finally meets her father through Skype and attempts to find a way to get him citizenship in the US so he can come back from Nicaragua.
Strengths
This book increases the page count and ties the stories more tightly together. Jamie is quickly becoming a fun heroine you want to root for, and her friends and colleagues make you laugh. The series is developing quite well and brings levity and humor in all the right places. There’s a good balance in showing “a day in the life of Jamie Quinn” without overdoing all the mundane items people deal with besides the fun drama we all want to read about. Before you know it, the story has blossomed and you are invested in the characters. Duke’s antics are always a treat, but he takes it to a new level when he revisits the past in this one.
Suggestions
I would love to see the book extend about 25% longer, but each book has added about 20 pages so it’s definitely progressing in the right direction. The stories have a good plot, but could use a little more mystery, red herrings and suspense to fully complete the hook to drag in a new reader base. If the intended audience is for people who only want a short 1 to 2 hour read, then it’s exactly on target, but with some additional story and plot, advancing to the 3 to 4 hour read, I think it would pick up a much larger fan base.
Final Thoughts
I’m very supportive of this series because you see the growth over the first three books. I will definitely purchase the fourth one (under $4 bargain!) as it’s a great read.
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*
Jamie Quinn is at it again. Her boyfriend Kip is having trouble with a vandal in the park system where he is director. Jamie and Kip have been visiting all the parks for the Saturday dates. When Jamie gets an email with pictures of her and Kip at the parks with a threat that he needs to back off or else. Kip is being very distant and Jamie enlists Duke to help solve the mystery. The story takes us through the adventures Jamie encounters to help Kip and Duke find the park vandal.
The author has further developed the characters so that we get to know and understand them better. Fun, easy to read cozy mystery. I enjoyed this book and will be looking at finishing the series. If you love a good cozy mystery I recommend this book.
Out of the 4 books that I’ve read in this series I think this one has the most going on in it. It’s fascinating that most of the events aren’t surrounding Jamie at all but her boyfriend. I felt her frustration throughout the events as she was in the dark for most of the tension. This book also grows all of her personal relationships with everyone in her life. I liked getting more information on her family and friends and their backgrounds. The dialog in all of these books is great, you get a great feel for their personalities.
I’ve already enjoyed the first two books in this series. I love the cast of characters and the writing style of the author so I was looking forward to this book. It does not disappoint. Jaime’s still busy working as a family attorney but something is going on with Kip, her boyfriend. When a murder gets wrapped into the intrigue, Jaime must involve her friends, including my favorite character, Duke, the shady PI.
I recommend this book for all readers looking for a lighthearted murder mystery and story of intrigue.
Troubles in the Park system are making Kip’s job and Jamie’s romance a little uncomfortable, and then, with a threatening e-mail, a dead body at the Ren Fair and corruption in the parks management, things go from uncomfortable to down right deadly in this third story in the Jamie Quinn series.
The usual gang of characters are back and Jamie’s determined, if a little unorthodox method of solving mysteries kept me turning the pages and enjoying the ride.
I really like these stories, and this one certainly didn’t lack for action.
An entertaining read.
This is a fun cozy mystery series.
A little background on the cast of characters… Jamie Quinn is a family law attorney in a small (one person) practice. She attended law school with her BFF, Grace Anderson, who is a lawyer in a prestigious securities law firm and has awesome connections. Duke Broussard is a playboy and P.I. who, besides being a client and friend, Jamie keeps on retainer for his creative investigative skills. Nick Dimitropoulos, State Attorney, appears to always be at odds with Jamie. Kip Simons, Jamie’s first high school boyfriend, has returned to town after a 15-year absence and his new job could be a killer.
This series is best read in order so as not to reveal spoilers from earlier books. Jamie learns more about her lineage. This is a great continuing and intriguing story that runs between the books of the series. No spoilers here. This story alone is worth reading the series. There is more than one romance is in the air in this story. A wonderful addition to the series storyline.
Barbara Venkataraman is a gifted storyteller in my favorite genre of cozy mysteries. The cast of characters is amazing. I am looking forward to reading more of this series to see how they will handle the next case that comes their way. If you enjoy an entertaining, well-written, fun, and easy read centering around a couple of intriguing mysteries with a little added romance; this is a book tailored for you.
This was quite the mystery! There were several layers and mysteries all tied together. It was entertaining! I really had fun reading this! I am quite invested in finding out what happens with Jamie’s dad! I loved it!
This book is part of a 3-story mystery/suspense collection evolving around Jamie Quinn. Jamie is a ‘reluctant’ lawyer, specializing in family law. This is book 3 of the collection.
Again, the story is told completely from Jamie’s point of view and is well written/fast moving. This story involves Jamie’s new/old boyfriend (high school boyfriend returns 15 years later) and his work ‘problems.’
The story did get a little silly in places; but, certainly didn’t affect the flow. Jamie and her PI buddy Duke are definitely good for a few chuckles. (Duke reminds me of an old friend of mine.) There’s another murder and some other mayhem that Jamie and Duke magically solve. And, there’s a small side-story about Jamie’s long-lost dad that is sweet.
Like the previous two books, there’s zero graphic scenes; however, there’s very, very limited mild profanity (2 words exactly and no F bombs. Which is far less than is heard on prime-time TV..) Thus, I’d allow youngsters from 12+ to read this one. (Younger than 12 probably wouldn’t understand the nuances or have the intellectual maturity for some material.) I have to admit I figured out ‘who-dunnit’ — as the foreshadowing made it pretty clear. This is still a fast, easy, entertaining read. It’s on KU, so give it a try.
I found this book to be the best of the series…
More mystery surrounding Kip…someone out to get him?
I find the characters likable and extremely funny…
As I read I found out more about Jamie’s background and hopefully she will get her happy ending…
I found this story to be the best of the 3 so far…I really liked that there was more mystery to the story and I had a hard time trying to figure out who was behind the mayhem…
The authors writing is smooth and easy reading…a quick read which at times that is what I like..
Excellent cozy mystery…
Again on a side note, the covers need a make over…more appealing art…
Recommend
In Peril in the Park, some time has passed since the last book and Jamie and Kip have really become a couple. Life seems good for Jamie between her relationship with Kip and she finds out who her father is and that he is living in Nicaragua. Jamie’s father never knew about Jamie having been deported from America before Jamie was born. Jamie and her father meet via Skype, she also meets his current wife who is living in Florida not far from Jamie. Having her father and step-mother in her life helps her to fill the void left by her mother’s absence. Kip starts having trouble at work, someone who blames Kip for them losing their job is vandalizing different parks in the area. Kip starts keeping secrets and Jamie starts receiving threatening emails telling her to have Kip back off. What has Kip gotten himself into what is he really hiding from Jamie? Can Jamie find a way to get her dad back into the US?
I really loved the added storyline of Jamie’s father to the mystery. You really get to know Jamie as a person in the book not just her as a lawyer. The mystery element of Kip’s job was more suspenseful in this story as you didn’t know who was behind the threats, if the vandalism was tied to the treats, or if all of this was just covering up for Kip being involved with someone else. Duke was back to add a little bit of humor and we also get meet another one of Jamie’s friend and fellow lawyers that help her find her father. To me, this is the most realistic of all books I can’t wait to see how the next one goes.
I purchased the box set of books 1-3. This is my review of the individual book, the opinions are that of my own and in no way have been influenced.
Book 3 “Peril in the Park” earns 5/5 Jesters at the Renaissance Faire!
This is another delightful, entertaining book and possibly my favorite! Barbara continues to develop Jamie Quinn into a more confident woman personally and professionally. She has given hope that Jamie’s personal life is happier with the, albeit Skypish, relationship with her father and her boyfriend. The mystery and murder investigation was clever and contemporary fueling the debate between environmental concerns and economic boons through development. This book is a quick read, or listens in my case, but not short at all on enjoyment, and narrator Carrie Lee Martz lends her skill with her interpretation of Jamie Quinn and others. I was totally caught up in the listening experience which enriched my enjoyment.