The Race is on to find a Killer in the heart of Kentucky horse countryDetective Augustus Grant is faced with his most baffling case to date. Well-respected race horse breeder John Jorgenson is murdered in his den days before the Kentucky Derby and the list of suspects is growing.Complicating matters, Gus’ ex-girlfriend is the last person to have seen the victim alive. Rebecca Hayes owes the … Hayes owes the Jorgenson family her loyalty. They gave her a new life after a disastrous affair leaves her alone and pregnant.
With all the evidence pointing in Becky’s direction, will Gus do his duty?
Or follow his heart?
Readers who enjoy Cozy Mysteries, Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance, or Romantic Suspense, will love this second chance romance story.
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Engrossing story
The Lady Said No captivated me, making me feel as if I was transported back to 1953. There were times, and descriptions, I felt I was right in the story itself, from the Jorgenson’s estate to the carnival, to the pinstripe suit wearing journalist.
I loved that Gus Grant reminded me of a detective that made you think he couldn’t do his job, yet he was on the ball the whole time. His wrinkled suit, appreciation for food, and stumbling, made him endearing.
I thought I knew who the killer was, and was really only partially right, shocking me until the end when it was revealed.
Gus and Becky’s love story mixed in well, blending the murder with a happy ever after.
If you are looking for a fast romantic suspense to read, this book should be at the top of your list!
I stumbled across author Jacquie Biggar via her WordPress blog and/or Twitter account and learned she had published a lot of books. I perused the list and chose this one based on my normal reading preferences leaning toward mystery and historical fiction. In this novel, part of a series or collection of books, we focus on foul play leading up to a 1950s Kentucky Derby event. I get to combine two of my favorite genres — how fun!
August Grant (Gus) is the detective who’s called to a plantation home when the owner is found dead. It appears as if the man shot himself, and his wife is beside herself. She’s also in the arms of the local sheriff. The two policemen face off over whether it was murder or suicide. Gus soon meets a staff member at the plantation and has an intimate connection to her in the past. He also learns a secret about the end of their relationship that could change the future. As he pokes around, something’s also amiss with the upcoming horse race and everyone is more jumpy or angry than ever. Gus keeps pushing until he learns all the information he needs to find the killer and fix a wrong in his own past.
The story is on the shorter side but makes for a great introduction to the author’s writing style and perhaps the series if you enjoy the characters. Biggar is descriptive but also very focused on the plot, which is always important to me. I enjoyed the layers of this one as it kept growing more and more complex as the pages flipped by. It’s an easy read, less than 2 hours if you’re focused, given how she draws you into the plight of a few characters and the actual mystery. Although it takes place in the 1950s, there isn’t a lot of detail about the time frame which can be both helpful and not helpful. If you’re looking for a deep southern connection from the past, it’s on the lighter side, but it also makes for a good foray into the exploration of life at that time. The details that tell you the time frame are hidden in the decor, word choice, and character actions. No computers, no cell phones, no automated way to track a killer. Just good old fashioned common sense and questioning. I like it!
I look forward to reading more from the author’s vast publications… perhaps pushing my boundaries on some genres and reading in a new one. Kudos to the author for creating a wonderful book with lots of potential to tempt and tease readers on all she’s capable of.
Can murder be wonderful? LOL Yes, if the author writes an entertaining story and creates an interesting cast of characters. Detective Augustus “Gus” Grant seems like an uncomplicated man with clumsy ways, but in reality he’s… well, I’ll let you discover just how perfect he is. I love the equestrian aspect of the book and felt as though I was in the heart of Kentucky horse country. And Gus and Becky’s romance was woven through seamlessly. The Lady Said No is a delightful book that I highly recommend.
“The Lady Said No” is a murder mystery, with some romance, set in Kentucky in the 1950s. Detective Augustus Grant, Gus, is sent to investigate what appeared to be a suicide of a prominent horse breeder. Rebecca, the woman Gus had left behind to become a detective, works for this family. When Gus realizes the death wasn’t self-inflicted, Rebecca is on the list of suspects. This sets up a nice inner battle between his heart and head. I loved the setting, horses, and era, although the time frame made the role of a single mother more of a struggle. I admired Rebecca’s independence and her ability to support her child alone. Then there was something charming about the Detective, and it was beneficial that most underestimated him. This is a quick read that kept me guessing until the exciting end. I really enjoyed this and hope there will be more Detective Grant books coming. I can easily recommend this book, especially if you like a cozy mystery.
Jacquie Biggar primarily writes romance novels, so The Lady Said No, is a bit of a departure for her. It’s a mystery, supposedly the first in the Augustus Grant series, but this book came out in April, 2017 and so far, the series has not been continued.
Despite being a mystery, there is a heavy dose of romance. Augustus is a highly regarded police detective, with a complicated back story that is only alluded to. It seems that sometime in the past, he saved the life of the President’s daughter and was offered a job in the White House. He’s thinking about it, but meanwhile, is working back in his hometown in Kentucky horse country. Augustus has an obnoxious ex-wife and after his divorce, was involved with a woman named Rebecca, who is now working as a domestic in the Jorgenson household, the owner of which has just died from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the objections of the local sheriff, Augustus is assigned by the Chief of Police to look into the case, and is more than startled to encounter Rebecca, who now has a small daughter, working at the mansion.
Initially thought to be suicide, the death is quickly determined by Augustus to be murder.
The characterizations are well-done and the plot makes sense. It’s a short book and despite a few red herrings, the plot isn’t complicated. There is more romance in this book than in most mysteries, and more mystery than in most romances, but this does not detract from an entertaining read. I enjoyed this book and hope that the author continues the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Looking forward to more from this author.
Meet Augustus (Gus) Grant, a detective working in the heart of Kentucky. It’s just weeks away from the Kentucky Derby and emotions are riding high … especially for those who have horses entered into this prestigious event.
A well-respected horse breeder is found murdered in his home. At first, it is hinted that he may have taken his own life. But would this man choose this time … when his horse is expected to win?
Detective Grant is investigating the death and finding plenty of suspects who may have had the motive and / or the opportunity. What he didn’t count on was the fact that Rebecca Hayes was the last person to see the victim alive. This makes her the prime suspect … but what would her motive be?
He and Rebecca have a history … and a daughter he never knew about. He finds it hard to think about … Rebecca killing someone? He can’t wrap his mind … or his heart … around that idea at all. He’s going to have to dig deep to solve this case.
Gus reminds me a bit of Columbo, the seemingly not-so-smart detective who uses deception as an art form to catch the bad guys and The Pink Panther, an inept French police detective. Gus is a bit on the clumsy side, a stumbler, a bumbler, but in a most amusing way. He is smart and being a detective is the only thing he ever wanted to be. Rebecca is a sweet woman, a terrific mother, who works hard to be able to take of her daughter. Gus’s ex-wife is a termagant who is not to be trusted at all.
The suspects vary and some of them aren’t who they say they are. Some of them have motives that they want to keep buried.
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, inspirational romance, or romantic suspense, will like this second chance romance story.
Many thanks to the author / Author Collective 20 / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Augustus Grant is a wonderful change from the rough and tough detective. He is still handsome and smart, but has a few endearing characters as well that make him even more irresistible. Although the killer tried to make it look like a suicide, a famous horse breeder has been murdered. Gus is on the case and notices subtle nuances that others might miss. He is surprised to find that his former lover, Rebecca Hayes, is employed in the home of the victim. Then he is shocked to learn that Rebecca has a young daughter…could she be his? Working the case and trying to make things right with Rebecca will take all of Gus’s mental and emotional ability. There are many twists and turns in this mystery that will keep you guessing. A delightful mystery from one of my favorite authors, Jacquie Biggar! I had purchased this book and also received a free copy and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Love Detective Augustus Grant! Augustus Grant is a savvy, hard-working police detective with a complicated past and clumsy feet. Called back to Chandler County to solve a murder, he discovers a secret that will change everything. The only thing I loved more than Augustus was the vividly described setting. A super-rich Kentucky Derby caliber horse farm and the charming but also challenging community of Bourbonville provided the perfect backdrop for this intriguing mystery brimming with romance and suspense.