Malice in Miami

A Jamie Quinn Mystery

De: Barbara Venkataraman

Narrado por: Fay Annette

Reluctant family law attorney Jamie Quinn is loving life - and why wouldn't she? Her boyfriend Kip is back from Australia, her long-lost dad finally has his visa, and she's about to start her dream job at an art foundation.

But it all falls apart when Jamie is accused of stealing priceless art from a rare book collection. If she can't find out who framed her, she can kiss her dream job goodbye - and her law license, too.

Meanwhile, Kip has problems of his own. Now an environmental activist, he uncovers a deadly secret - one that just might get him killed. Jamie's in trouble, Kip's in danger, and Duke Broussard has gone AWOL. How could Jamie's favorite PI abandon her at a time like this?

©2020 Barbara Venkataraman (P)2021 Barbara Venkataraman

Really enjoyable book

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 6 in the series. I’ve really enjoyed all of them. This was the first one I listened to rather than read. The reader was good and the audio production was good also.

This series is in essence a cozy mystery/reluctant detective story with a couple of twists. The first twist is location related. Cozy mysteries often take place in cold snowy often rural locations. This takes place in a suburb of Miami. The other twist is that the main character (or reluctant detective) is usually someone who is under employed or who works in some kind of service related industry (runs a bakery, librarian, homemaker . . . things like that). The main character in these is a lawyer.

These two twists are a lot of what I love about the series. They are just different than the typical cozy mystery. I like Florida books (Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey for example) . . . I love the crazy Florida characters that appear in the “typical”
Florida book. While those characters are not the focal point of these novels . . . they do appear.

These are typical cozy mysteries in most other ways. If you like cozy mysteries but you want something a little different than the scores of others this series is just wonderful.

This book is pretty typical of the series. It didn’t really stick out in any way (I think that is a good thing). Of course the plot is different and there are new characters but it’s just a typical book in a series that I really enjoy.

I love books that are a little different but are good stories well told. These books tend to be on the shorter side but unlike other series that I have read they still feel complete even though they are short. I have a relatively new found respect for authors who can write shorter books that feel complete. I think it is far more difficult than it seems. The nice thing about shorter books is that the pacing feels really fast which I love . . . I really dislike most slow paced books. These feel really quick.

In short I really like this series in general and this book in particular. If you like a good cozy mystery give these a go they are really good reading!

Hilarious Mystery

Jamie Quinn is a Florida lawyer who is finally closing her law practice for a job in the art field. First she needs to learn about art.

Before she gives up her legal career, she does one last favor, get child support for a 17 year old with twins. The hang up is the supposed father is a rich (older) sugar farmer and the teen refuses to name him.

Jamie is like so many of us. Funny, clumsy, a bit sarcastic, loyal, and she never gives up. Each day she gets sucked into even more mysteries and trouble. As one problem is solved, another pops up that is bigger and more dangerous.

This series has many twists and turns. Each book is enjoyable and laugh out loud funny in places. The characters, both new and returning, are fun to read.

Fun mystery with great characters

Jamie has decided to close up her practice to work at an art foundation. She needs training for the new job and she needs to attend fund raising galas. It turns out, both of these things can get her into trouble with the wrong people. In fact a number of things can get both Jamie and her boyfriend in trouble. And of course, they find trouble. As she is framed for a crime she didn't commit, Jamie is recruited to try to bring in some bad guys.

This is a well written, interesting read. I actually listed to the audio version, which was very well done. The author has a natural mid-western accent, but she does convincing character accents. This is another fun book in the series. I think all readers could read and enjoy it. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series.

Vexing Career Change

Jamie Quinn has made a career choice – she is going to work with a foundation with obtaining priceless art however, there is a glitch or two in her career choice.  Someone is framing her for stealing, she can’t shake off all her family law cases – one in particular and finally, there is the pesky Python population that must be controlled … yes, she goes out to hunt Pythons that are loose in the Everglades in her spare time!  Kip, her boyfriend is back and is on the hunt for his dream job too.  Toss in her father’s VISA issues and poor health – well, Jamie has her hands full!

The author, Barbara Venkataraman once again provides her listeners with an action-packed, fun cozy type mystery.  With each new mystery, Venkataraman throws in a few twists and new characters.  This story, like all the others, has a solidly built plot with strong character development and a plot twist or two.  This is an easy listen with authentic dialog and character interactions.

The narrator, Fay Annette, once again delivers a wonderful performance.  She dons the Jamie persona and gives each character a unique voice.  Her tones accurately reflect the mood of the character and story well.  Her voice is soothing and pleasant to hear.

I have had the pleasure of reading most of this series and I love them!  The plots are solid but not complicated. 

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

great story

i enjoyed listening to this book while driving . I love reading about Jamie's adventures.