Tai Randolph thinks inheriting a Confederate-themed gun shop is her biggest headache—until she finds a murdered corpse in her brother’s driveway. Even worse, her supposedly respectable brother begins behaving in decidedly non-innocent ways, like fleeing to the Bahamas and leaving her with both a homicide in her lap and the pointed suspicions of the Atlanta Police Department directed her way. Suddenly, she has to worry about clearing her own name, not just that of her wayward sibling.
Complicating her search for answers is Trey Seaver, field agent for Phoenix, an exclusive corporate security firm hired to investigate the crime. Seaver is fearless, focused, and utterly impervious to bribes, threats, and clever deceptions. Still in recovery from the car accident that left him cognitively and emotionally damaged, Seaver has constructed a world of certainty and routine. He has powerful people to answer to, and the last thing he wants is an unpredictable stranger “detecting” on Phoenix turf.
Tai’s inquiry leads her from the cold-eyed glamour of Atlanta’s adult-entertainment scene to the gilded treachery of Tuxedo Road. Potential suspects abound, including violent stalkers, vengeful sisters, and a paparazzo with a taste for meth. But it takes another murder—and threats to her own life—to make Tai realize that to solve this crime she has to trust the most dangerous man she’s ever met.
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"Great mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. A hint of a burgeoning love story was nice too. I found a few typos but that could be due to reading in an ePUB format rather than traditional book form. I might go back and read this one again!"
— Tracy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Set in Atlanta, Whittle’s tight, suspenseful debut introduces…wisecracking characters that aren’t trite and a twisting plot that isn’t tired.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“In this exciting series debut, Whittle provides not only an original, well-constructed plot but also a cast of unforgettable characters all somewhat flawed by life. With comparisons to Meg Gardiner and Karin Slaughter, this will appeal to readers who enjoy unusual approaches to crime fiction. Can’t wait for the next one.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“Whittle’s debut novel, clearly intended to be the first in a series, boasts a feisty if somewhat foolhardy protagonist whose relationship with the intriguing Trey bodes well for further installments…This has all the makings of a promising series.”
— Booklist“Tai’s next adventure can’t come soon enough. She’s adorable, Trey is worthy of her, and Whittle’s first foray into crime fiction is noteworthy.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" A very quirky thriller with a love interest sideline. Definitely worth a read. "
— Ellen, 2/20/2014" I wanted to like this mystery/thriller more than I did. I get the heroine falling for the hunky but brain damaged man....the brain damage is the modern thing that makes him a "bad boy." But the attraction didn't seem quite clear to me. I liked the setup....a young punkish female inheriting a Confederate gun shop near Atlanta, but not much was done with that part of the book. For me, there was something missing. "
— April, 2/10/2014" Best Book I have ever read. "
— Fran, 2/9/2014" This novel is being promoted as a readalike to Janet Evanovich. I didn't find it as funny as Evanovich, but there are the requisite quirky and interesting characters. The action is set in Atlanta and revolves around Tai Randolph who has inherited a gun shop and finds a dead body in front of her brother's house. "
— Allison, 1/23/2014" I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I liked the ending. "
— Michele, 1/14/2014" Likable characters. Convoluted and muddled mystery. "
— Marvelle, 1/9/2014" I think it was more of a 3.5. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one! "
— Nancie, 1/9/2014" A nice surprise - a fun mystery and likeable characters! Will be heading to the library to pick up the 2nd book before the weekend! "
— Lori, 12/30/2013" This is a page turner- I never saw that ending coming! "
— Gretchen, 11/3/2013" This was good for a first try. I look forward to the next one with high expectations. Whittle has a knack for writing a good story. "
— Carolenoble, 11/1/2013" Interesting mystery with intriguing characters. "
— Britt,, 2/8/2013" Girl inherits guns shop in Atlanta. Helps to solve murder of another girl in driveway of her brother. Falls for guys with no emotions. Typical. "
— Janet, 4/14/2012" Great debut mystery. Although whodunit was telegraphed somewhat, this team of partners is unique and interesting. I look forward to the next one in the series. "
— Genie, 1/5/2012" Very Stephanie Plum. Not bad but mostly for a summer read by the lake...no brain required. "
— SueDella, 12/26/2011" What a surprise book. I thought this book turned out to be surprisingly good. I thought that it was slow at time but the author was very funny and kept me laughing even though it's not a comedy but a murder mystery. I will definitely recommend this book to others who like mysteries! "
— Sharon, 9/5/2011" This was a very good book. I will definitely read more books by this author. "
— Janet, 4/23/2011" A tightly written debut mystery novel. Good blend of humor, plot and pluck. Perfect for Stephanie Plum fans. Releases February 1st. "
— Scott, 4/16/2011" Girl inherits guns shop in Atlanta. Helps to solve murder of another girl in driveway of her brother. Falls for guys with no emotions. Typical. "
— Janet, 4/11/2011" Great debut mystery. Although whodunit was telegraphed somewhat, this team of partners is unique and interesting. I look forward to the next one in the series. "
— Genie, 4/10/2011" I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I liked the ending. "
— Michele, 3/4/2011" A tightly written debut mystery novel. Good blend of humor, plot and pluck. Perfect for Stephanie Plum fans. Releases February 1st. "
— Scott, 1/15/2011" What a surprise book. I thought this book turned out to be surprisingly good. I thought that it was slow at time but the author was very funny and kept me laughing even though it's not a comedy but a murder mystery. I will definitely recommend this book to others who like mysteries! "
— Sharon, 1/6/2011Tina Whittle is a mystery writer living and working in southeastern Georgia. Her short fiction has appeared in the Savannah Literary Journal, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, and Gulf Stream Magazine, which selected her story “Lost Causes and Other Reasons to Live” as the 2004 winner of their mystery fiction contest. She is also a columnist and feature writer for a local alternative newspaper and is a professional tarot reader.
Renée Raudman is an actor and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. She has performed on film, television, radio, and on stage and can also be heard in several video games and hundreds of television and radio voice-overs.