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Jessica Huntington #1
A Dead Husband
Jessica Huntington, rich, beautiful, and smart, seeks refuge from betrayal in a desert paradise near Palm Springs only to discover life is full of surprises...like a dead husband. Jessica Huntington is hiding out from her own well-planned life, now in shambles. Her law career tanked by the Great Recession, she failed miserably as a desperate housewife in the Silicon Valley playing beat-the-clock with her 30-something hormones. In the end she put on a little baby fat, but no baby. The final blow: walking in on her husband in bed with a well-known Hollywood blond. The Rancho Mirage home where she grew up, surrounded by the beauty of the desert resort town near Palm Springs, seems the perfect place to take refuge. That is until her best friend's husband is murdered. Jessica and her friends are soon thrust into the fray stalked by scoundrels in pantyhose, stilettos, Bruno Magli shoes, and Armani suits. Roger Stone had something that got him killed. What was it and to what lengths will they go to get it back?
This is the first in the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series
This is the first in the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2013
1033 people are currently reading
1800 people want to read
About the author
Anna Celeste Burke
52 books1,171 followersAnna Celeste Burke is an awarding-winning, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author!
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!
Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.
On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.
A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.
Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.
So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!
Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.
The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!
Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.
On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.
A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.
Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.
So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!
Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.
The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 17, 2014
A Dead Husband by Anna Celeste Burke is a flawless diamond of perfection, oozing class, wealth and the underbelly of crime sizzling below the surface. The opening chapter is amazing and the author wastes no time in setting the mood with two rich wives, Jessica and Laura, living their routine existence of expensive designer clothes, gorgeous homes in Palm Springs, luxury cars. The descriptions draw the reader into this elite world only to have them smacked across the head as this world is violently torn apart.
And once Jessica's rich world has been trodden on she must put on her detective shoes as a lawyer and discover why her best friend's husband has been brutally murdered in their home. Here the author excels at wringing every emotion to fully explain just how terrible a violent loss can be to family and friends. But the violence doesn't stop there as Jessica delves deeper into the seedy underworld of organized crime and those who flit around its fringes. Not your usual hard-nosed, hard-boiled detective thriller, more your Gucci loafer, Cristal kind of work.
This reader had a hard time putting down this superior detective thriller seen from the POV of a woman in no way trained to handle the toughness needed. Every chapter brought fresh information like a detective's report piecing together a maelstrom of unfathomable clues. A masterpiece of detective writing made all he more brilliant by this great author's talent.
FIVE STAR detective thriller and very highly recommended.
And once Jessica's rich world has been trodden on she must put on her detective shoes as a lawyer and discover why her best friend's husband has been brutally murdered in their home. Here the author excels at wringing every emotion to fully explain just how terrible a violent loss can be to family and friends. But the violence doesn't stop there as Jessica delves deeper into the seedy underworld of organized crime and those who flit around its fringes. Not your usual hard-nosed, hard-boiled detective thriller, more your Gucci loafer, Cristal kind of work.
This reader had a hard time putting down this superior detective thriller seen from the POV of a woman in no way trained to handle the toughness needed. Every chapter brought fresh information like a detective's report piecing together a maelstrom of unfathomable clues. A masterpiece of detective writing made all he more brilliant by this great author's talent.
FIVE STAR detective thriller and very highly recommended.
January 22, 2019
I might have found myself a new favorite cozy mystery author! A Dead Husband is the first book in the Desert City Mystery series and I loved it!
Jessica Huntington has her own life’s issues after walking in on her husband and another woman having sex. So she goes to the Palm Springs area which is a very ritzy area and she herself happens to be very wealthy but her escape ends up not being what she expected.
She gets a frantic phone call from her best friend Laura stone who says that she needs her lawyer expertise; however, Jessica doesn’t really feel qualified and she elicits the help of a detective. The reason she feels unqualified is because Lora’s husband has been murdered and Lora is a suspect but Jessica is not a criminal attorney. She gets a frantic phone call from her best friend Laura Stone who says that she needs her lawyer expertise; however, Jessica doesn’t really feel qualified so she elicits the help of a detective. The reason she feels unqualified is because Laura’s husband has been murdered and Laura is a suspect but Jessica is not a criminal attorney.
Without giving much away I will just say that we often think we know people when we really don’t.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book and I think that you might find a new author as well if you have never read this book before.
Jessica Huntington has her own life’s issues after walking in on her husband and another woman having sex. So she goes to the Palm Springs area which is a very ritzy area and she herself happens to be very wealthy but her escape ends up not being what she expected.
She gets a frantic phone call from her best friend Laura stone who says that she needs her lawyer expertise; however, Jessica doesn’t really feel qualified and she elicits the help of a detective. The reason she feels unqualified is because Lora’s husband has been murdered and Lora is a suspect but Jessica is not a criminal attorney. She gets a frantic phone call from her best friend Laura Stone who says that she needs her lawyer expertise; however, Jessica doesn’t really feel qualified so she elicits the help of a detective. The reason she feels unqualified is because Laura’s husband has been murdered and Laura is a suspect but Jessica is not a criminal attorney.
Without giving much away I will just say that we often think we know people when we really don’t.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book and I think that you might find a new author as well if you have never read this book before.
August 14, 2019
I actually listened to the audio book narrated by Rebecca Mitchell and found it to be an entertaining and riveting story. Ms. Mitchell did an excellent job of making each character in the story unique so that I had no problems in knowing who was speaking at any time. The plot was quickly paced and I have to say that it was interesting to see how "the other half lives" by visiting with Jessica in her Palm Springs world of the rich. I can always count on Ms. Burke to deliver a compelling and unique cozy mystery.
May 4, 2014
A Dead Husband is the first of a series of cozy mysteries, and it gets the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series off to a solid start. Our heroine is resourceful, clever, determined, loyal to her friends, and oh, yeah...wealthy. Very wealthy. This alone makes her stand out in a genre filled with heroines who are so often struggling to make ends meet. But as Jessica slowly learns, money doesn't buy the really important things in life, like a happy marriage to a faithful husband.
After catching said husband in bed with a famous Hollywood blonde, Jessica retreats to her childhood home in Rancho Mirage, where she grew up surrounded by the beauty of desert sunsets and wealthy neighbors. She's just trying to regroup, consider the direction her life is taking, and work up the nerve to sign those divorce papers. But before she can muddle through her grief and anger over the break-up of her marriage, her best friend's husband is murdered. In trying to offer support and consolation, Jessica finds herself pulled into a mystery that grows more puzzling, and dangerous, every day.
I have read very few cozy mysteries, but this one seemed to me to have a bit more meat on the bones than many, and Burke demonstrates the excellent skills she honed during her career in academia. No sloppy writing, poor grammar, or misspelled words to pull you out of the story, and that's a big plus, in my book. Or hers, as the case may be. :) The plot unfolds at a measured pace, with a cast of interesting characters that grows with every chapter. (We should all have a St. Bernadette in our lives, I know that much!)
If you like mysteries with a plenty of bad guys, a touch of humor, and a whole lot of retail therapy, A Dead Husband should be just your cup of tea. And as an aside, I just started the second book of the series, A Dead Sister, and it's off to an even better start. I think cozy mystery lovers everywhere will get a kick out of the Jessica Huntington--yes, of the Huntington Beach Huntingtons--Desert City Mysteries. Check out A Dead Husband today!
After catching said husband in bed with a famous Hollywood blonde, Jessica retreats to her childhood home in Rancho Mirage, where she grew up surrounded by the beauty of desert sunsets and wealthy neighbors. She's just trying to regroup, consider the direction her life is taking, and work up the nerve to sign those divorce papers. But before she can muddle through her grief and anger over the break-up of her marriage, her best friend's husband is murdered. In trying to offer support and consolation, Jessica finds herself pulled into a mystery that grows more puzzling, and dangerous, every day.
I have read very few cozy mysteries, but this one seemed to me to have a bit more meat on the bones than many, and Burke demonstrates the excellent skills she honed during her career in academia. No sloppy writing, poor grammar, or misspelled words to pull you out of the story, and that's a big plus, in my book. Or hers, as the case may be. :) The plot unfolds at a measured pace, with a cast of interesting characters that grows with every chapter. (We should all have a St. Bernadette in our lives, I know that much!)
If you like mysteries with a plenty of bad guys, a touch of humor, and a whole lot of retail therapy, A Dead Husband should be just your cup of tea. And as an aside, I just started the second book of the series, A Dead Sister, and it's off to an even better start. I think cozy mystery lovers everywhere will get a kick out of the Jessica Huntington--yes, of the Huntington Beach Huntingtons--Desert City Mysteries. Check out A Dead Husband today!
June 11, 2014
Jessica Huntington -Harpers life is a mess and is about to get a whole lot worse when the husband of her friend Laura is murdered. Jessica is not a criminal lawyer but she does her best to help Laura solve the crime. With the help of other friends, her housekeeper and a hunky PI Jessica delves into the crime but runs afoul of some very bad men.
This story has action humor and a damn good mystery. It's one of those stories that will keep you up at night but not for fear but the inability to put the book down. I give it a definite 5 star rating for fun and good suspense.
February 24, 2014
Fun and entertaining mystery set in the desert southwest. Looking forward to #2 in the series!
July 20, 2018
Jessica finds her husband in bed with another woman and heads home to her mother to lick her wounds. A party to celebrate the divorce ends with a grisly murder. Jessica can’t turn her back on her best friend’s dilemma and soon finds herself trying to solve a mystery while danger lurks around every corner!
A complex plot and lots of humorous situations make this an enjoyable read.
I give A Dead Husband 4 lovely kisses- Entertaining Read!
A complex plot and lots of humorous situations make this an enjoyable read.
I give A Dead Husband 4 lovely kisses- Entertaining Read!
February 1, 2015
I really don't understand how this book is getting such great ratings. First- there are so many mistakes it bothered me. Second- I skimmed through so much. I don't know why the author would spend so much time on certain things like explaining how Jessica made a cup of tea, or the character would spend a page telling other characters about her day. Which was just repeating everything you just read.
The thing that bothered me the most is that this book was just a Stephanie Plum wannabe book. Everything about it. It was a little weird. If the plot would have been good then I wouldn't have cared, but since the book was so bad I just look at it like a Stephanie Plum failure....
One more thing, you find out who the murderer is too early and uneventful. I wanted some kind of twist. Something...
The thing that bothered me the most is that this book was just a Stephanie Plum wannabe book. Everything about it. It was a little weird. If the plot would have been good then I wouldn't have cared, but since the book was so bad I just look at it like a Stephanie Plum failure....
One more thing, you find out who the murderer is too early and uneventful. I wanted some kind of twist. Something...
June 9, 2014
I finished reading "A Dead Husband" by Anna Burke last night, the first in Ms. Burke's Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which takes place in a desert community near Palm Springs, where well-to-do Jessica Huntington has returned to a self-indulgent lifestyle after separating from her cheating husband. But, when Jessica's best friend's husband is murdered, she puts aside her own problems and places her life in serious jeopardy in her quest to clear her friend's name and to find the real killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which takes place in a desert community near Palm Springs, where well-to-do Jessica Huntington has returned to a self-indulgent lifestyle after separating from her cheating husband. But, when Jessica's best friend's husband is murdered, she puts aside her own problems and places her life in serious jeopardy in her quest to clear her friend's name and to find the real killer.
November 12, 2015
This book has everything! Suspense, colorful characters, romance, and a beautiful and interesting setting, all woven together with intelligence and wit.
Suspense: As Jessica investigates the mysterious death of her friend's husband, she finds her own life in danger. As that danger spills over to her friends and family, she races to solve several mysteries: Who killed Roger Stone? Why are they threatening Jessica? What are they looking for when ransacking places? Who is tipping off the bad guys about Jessica's whereabouts? At one point, the tension was so great that I suspected everyone!
Wonderful heroine: Jessica is smart, witty, affectionate with her friends, and feisty with her enemies. Though raised a "good Catholic girl," she's not so goody-goody now. There's plenty of room for this wonderful heroine to grow over time. In addition to the murder mystery, there's one concerning Jessica's romantic future: Will she take her philandering husband back, or "trade" him for one of the handsome men around her? We can only wait and see.
Other colorful characters: Jessica is plagued by a growing number of villains. Some are so stupid as to be entertainingly laughable--if it weren't for the fact that stupid people can kill, too! Others are not funny at all, as they play a sadistic cat-and-mouse game with Jessica.
Jessica's friends and associates are colorful, too. Bernadette is saintly, funny, and lively. As a "second mom," she adores Jessica but also holds her accountable for being a better person. Close friend Tommy is like a little brother; Jessica has been sympathetic and supportive over the years, as he "came out" as a gay man and struggled to find "Mr. Right." Brien, the surfer dude, is hilarious. And there are more.
Vicarious enjoyment of travel and fine living: The Palm Springs area, itself, is a wonderful, vivid character. The book paints an affectionate and wry portrait of glittering playgrounds for the rich, gorgeous natural surroundings, and a seamy underbelly. It also provides a fascinating window into all the sensual pleasures that wealth can buy. Well-researched, the book is as informative as it is entertaining.
I was also delighted to discover the author's terrific blog by simply searching for "desert cities mysteries."
Suspense: As Jessica investigates the mysterious death of her friend's husband, she finds her own life in danger. As that danger spills over to her friends and family, she races to solve several mysteries: Who killed Roger Stone? Why are they threatening Jessica? What are they looking for when ransacking places? Who is tipping off the bad guys about Jessica's whereabouts? At one point, the tension was so great that I suspected everyone!
Wonderful heroine: Jessica is smart, witty, affectionate with her friends, and feisty with her enemies. Though raised a "good Catholic girl," she's not so goody-goody now. There's plenty of room for this wonderful heroine to grow over time. In addition to the murder mystery, there's one concerning Jessica's romantic future: Will she take her philandering husband back, or "trade" him for one of the handsome men around her? We can only wait and see.
Other colorful characters: Jessica is plagued by a growing number of villains. Some are so stupid as to be entertainingly laughable--if it weren't for the fact that stupid people can kill, too! Others are not funny at all, as they play a sadistic cat-and-mouse game with Jessica.
Jessica's friends and associates are colorful, too. Bernadette is saintly, funny, and lively. As a "second mom," she adores Jessica but also holds her accountable for being a better person. Close friend Tommy is like a little brother; Jessica has been sympathetic and supportive over the years, as he "came out" as a gay man and struggled to find "Mr. Right." Brien, the surfer dude, is hilarious. And there are more.
Vicarious enjoyment of travel and fine living: The Palm Springs area, itself, is a wonderful, vivid character. The book paints an affectionate and wry portrait of glittering playgrounds for the rich, gorgeous natural surroundings, and a seamy underbelly. It also provides a fascinating window into all the sensual pleasures that wealth can buy. Well-researched, the book is as informative as it is entertaining.
I was also delighted to discover the author's terrific blog by simply searching for "desert cities mysteries."
August 1, 2014
Jessica Huntington’ s divorce party near Palm Springs definitely turns into one of the worst hangovers when her friend Laura’s husband Roger is found dead. Jessica is a self-confessed ‘luxury slut, drama queen and coffee snob’ and at a critical moment in her life. She is a great lead character to spice up the detective story that follows to find out who killed Roger Stone.
Jessica begins her own investigations and contacts a college acquaintance to help her with the defence of her friend. But soon she finds herself a target and in danger. Enjoying a life full of luxury and privileges Jessica remains a wonderful woman throughout the story with a big heart who is always there for her friends.
Full of colourful supporting characters that often threaten to steal the show the story contains romance prospects on the way and some great humour. It is easy to read, very enjoyable and more intelligent than the cosy mystery label might suggest. The legal aspects of the drama have been well researched and the plot is complex and evolved.
Very recommendable.
Jessica begins her own investigations and contacts a college acquaintance to help her with the defence of her friend. But soon she finds herself a target and in danger. Enjoying a life full of luxury and privileges Jessica remains a wonderful woman throughout the story with a big heart who is always there for her friends.
Full of colourful supporting characters that often threaten to steal the show the story contains romance prospects on the way and some great humour. It is easy to read, very enjoyable and more intelligent than the cosy mystery label might suggest. The legal aspects of the drama have been well researched and the plot is complex and evolved.
Very recommendable.
May 23, 2014
I loved this book! Many twists and excitement - and I just bought the next one in the series!
August 10, 2017
An Enjoyable Read
The characters in this mystery were unique and likable. I will read more of the series. Jessica is appealing, and the supporting characters are fun. Bernadette is my favorite.
The characters in this mystery were unique and likable. I will read more of the series. Jessica is appealing, and the supporting characters are fun. Bernadette is my favorite.
December 13, 2014
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
A thoroughly engaging, vividly told mystery with a cast of very likeable yet quirky characters. I must say, a fine way to start a new series of cozy mysteries. And a series which I fully intend to read to its conclusion, however many books are written in this series. My dilemma is in writing a review while keeping the “juicy” bits secret…for you to discover yourself.
What sets this story apart from other mysteries that I have read is the down-to-earth storytelling. Generally I did not feel that events could be anything but a real life story. Okay….Typically, I do not hang out with “rich” folks, but they had trials and tribulations (apart from the murder) that are just real life, like us not “rich” folks”. The way Jessica goes about trying to solve the mystery and help Laura is so believable and exactly what a caring friend would do!
The story starts off at Jessica Huntington-Harper’s divorce party. But the next morning…..everything goes haywire. We are introduced to Jessica as she awakes with not one, but two men in her room after a night of drunken debauchery. And to further complicate the events of the prior evening…her best friend, Laura, leaves the party with Eric (for as we find out…a one night liaison of the adult kind with the hunk). Enter…the murder. When Laura returns home, she discovers her husband has been murdered. Who does she call….Jessica (a lawyer) of course.
I loved the way the story unfolded in incremental steps which were easy to follow and not too far-fetched. Let us not forget the humor as well. For example – after being told about the murder by Laura, Jessica hops in the shower before running to Laura’s aid:
“Shades of V.I. Warshawski, she muttered, stepping from the shower. She tried out a steel-eyed gaze. More like Scooby-Doo, she said aloud to the woman in the mirror.”
I loved the reference; it certainly brought a chuckle out of this reader :) .
Frequently Jessica is put in peril or in odd situations…..of course…one might have wondered…why Jessica at every turn? Seemed when it rained, it poured, as far as Jessica getting physically beat up….poor girl. Loved that she was able to put those Jimmy Choo, open-toed, pumps to good use! Another smile moment.
Bernadette/St. Bernadette….a truly refreshing character. Described so well by the author:
“Officially hired on as the family’s housekeeper before Jessica was born. But she had become much more than that over the years. A confidant when Jessica was at odds with her parents and her most formidable opponent in her teen years. Bernadette possessed an eerie sixth sense for when Jessica was up to no good and had caught her many times doing something she shouldn’t have been doing.”
Bernadette is the quintessential housekeeper (and SO MUCH MORE)…keeping the household running but not catering to every whim of Jessica. Bernadette is the “shoulders” of the household, when Jessica needs grounding and put in her place (in a good way) or needs her back covered….Bernadette is there!
We get glimpses of the deeper person of Jessica. Amongst all of this murder and mayhem, she is still reeling and processing her impending divorce…if only she would just sign those darn papers. That in and of itself showed greater depth that usually afforded a cozy mystery. A real life situation which definitely requires thought before action.
I quite enjoyed Margarit and her role in this sorted tale. Now if she would only make calls when she was sober! Her storyline has more depth that one would believe in the beginning….enjoy the journey :) . Through the story, trying to figure out why Roger was killed…we come to many conclusions about Roger….is he a good guy or a bad guy? Many bumps in that road.
I enjoyed the introduction of Jessica and her “cat pack” in this new series and wait with baited breath until I am able to read the next installment of this series. :)
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
A thoroughly engaging, vividly told mystery with a cast of very likeable yet quirky characters. I must say, a fine way to start a new series of cozy mysteries. And a series which I fully intend to read to its conclusion, however many books are written in this series. My dilemma is in writing a review while keeping the “juicy” bits secret…for you to discover yourself.
What sets this story apart from other mysteries that I have read is the down-to-earth storytelling. Generally I did not feel that events could be anything but a real life story. Okay….Typically, I do not hang out with “rich” folks, but they had trials and tribulations (apart from the murder) that are just real life, like us not “rich” folks”. The way Jessica goes about trying to solve the mystery and help Laura is so believable and exactly what a caring friend would do!
The story starts off at Jessica Huntington-Harper’s divorce party. But the next morning…..everything goes haywire. We are introduced to Jessica as she awakes with not one, but two men in her room after a night of drunken debauchery. And to further complicate the events of the prior evening…her best friend, Laura, leaves the party with Eric (for as we find out…a one night liaison of the adult kind with the hunk). Enter…the murder. When Laura returns home, she discovers her husband has been murdered. Who does she call….Jessica (a lawyer) of course.
I loved the way the story unfolded in incremental steps which were easy to follow and not too far-fetched. Let us not forget the humor as well. For example – after being told about the murder by Laura, Jessica hops in the shower before running to Laura’s aid:
“Shades of V.I. Warshawski, she muttered, stepping from the shower. She tried out a steel-eyed gaze. More like Scooby-Doo, she said aloud to the woman in the mirror.”
I loved the reference; it certainly brought a chuckle out of this reader :) .
Frequently Jessica is put in peril or in odd situations…..of course…one might have wondered…why Jessica at every turn? Seemed when it rained, it poured, as far as Jessica getting physically beat up….poor girl. Loved that she was able to put those Jimmy Choo, open-toed, pumps to good use! Another smile moment.
Bernadette/St. Bernadette….a truly refreshing character. Described so well by the author:
“Officially hired on as the family’s housekeeper before Jessica was born. But she had become much more than that over the years. A confidant when Jessica was at odds with her parents and her most formidable opponent in her teen years. Bernadette possessed an eerie sixth sense for when Jessica was up to no good and had caught her many times doing something she shouldn’t have been doing.”
Bernadette is the quintessential housekeeper (and SO MUCH MORE)…keeping the household running but not catering to every whim of Jessica. Bernadette is the “shoulders” of the household, when Jessica needs grounding and put in her place (in a good way) or needs her back covered….Bernadette is there!
We get glimpses of the deeper person of Jessica. Amongst all of this murder and mayhem, she is still reeling and processing her impending divorce…if only she would just sign those darn papers. That in and of itself showed greater depth that usually afforded a cozy mystery. A real life situation which definitely requires thought before action.
I quite enjoyed Margarit and her role in this sorted tale. Now if she would only make calls when she was sober! Her storyline has more depth that one would believe in the beginning….enjoy the journey :) . Through the story, trying to figure out why Roger was killed…we come to many conclusions about Roger….is he a good guy or a bad guy? Many bumps in that road.
I enjoyed the introduction of Jessica and her “cat pack” in this new series and wait with baited breath until I am able to read the next installment of this series. :)
July 9, 2014
For lovers of the cozy mystery genre, you have found a new star with Anna Celeste Burke and her latest “Dead ”series starring rich girl turned over-achiever lawyer turned sudden divorcee turned amateur and still bumbling sleuth Jessica (emphasis on the ca—don’t call her Jess!) Huntington-Harper. Friendly and endearing—even while waxing poetic about shopping designer that can go on for pages, or California cuisine—Jessica will eventual wend her way into your heart because this is no ordinary spoiled 1per center. While married to Jim Harper, Jessica’s practice centered on housing issues, and while investigating the murder of Roger, best friend Laura’s husband, when she ends up in the thick of it—as she often does—Jessica can give as good as she gets—whether with a well-aimed Jimmy Choo shoe or her fist.
Burke’s Palm Spring and environs setting is exquisite matched only by the lushness of her descriptions of this stunning desert area, the sunsets and golden afternoons and the magnificent Mission Hills House from which Jessica operates.
The characters are many and varied and fun from Saint Bernadette, Jessica’s petite housekeeper and surrogate parent, to her “cat pack” of loyal friends, the hapless Laura included whose husband was unfortunately murdered the one night she forsook her wedding vows, to the stand-in faithful lil bro Tommy, and pool-boy wannabe body guard Brien, and the impossibly handsome PI who assists Jessica, but fails to alert her gaydar.
This is breezy, swift, good fun with plenty of actions and twists that will keep you guessing—and reading.
If this genre is your cup of reading pleasure, you cannot go wrong here.
Burke’s Palm Spring and environs setting is exquisite matched only by the lushness of her descriptions of this stunning desert area, the sunsets and golden afternoons and the magnificent Mission Hills House from which Jessica operates.
The characters are many and varied and fun from Saint Bernadette, Jessica’s petite housekeeper and surrogate parent, to her “cat pack” of loyal friends, the hapless Laura included whose husband was unfortunately murdered the one night she forsook her wedding vows, to the stand-in faithful lil bro Tommy, and pool-boy wannabe body guard Brien, and the impossibly handsome PI who assists Jessica, but fails to alert her gaydar.
This is breezy, swift, good fun with plenty of actions and twists that will keep you guessing—and reading.
If this genre is your cup of reading pleasure, you cannot go wrong here.
June 20, 2016
I found A Dead Husband by Anna Celeste Burke to be a very entertaining read. I sat down to read for an hour or so and didn’t look at the clock until several hours later. The characters were unique and extremely engaging and the dialogue was realistic and fun. The settings in the California desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, were beautifully described. I could feel the oppressive heat, see the picturesque purple mountains, smell the desert flowers, and taste the local delicacies.
Most of us don’t get to live the privileged life of the main character, the wealthy Jessica Huntington, a recently separated lawyer, but I enjoyed having glimpses into her luxurious and quirky lifestyle. Although she was certainly spoiled with the finer things in life and frivolous with money to a fault, she maintained an accepting, giving, and warm heart that kept her character real and likeable. At times I felt the pity-party was a little too overdone and the constant reference to her wealth and spending was a bit much. The first chapter certainly captured my attention as a reader, but as the story began to unfold, the passed-out party girl didn’t seem to fit the woman I began to admire…an intelligent, resourceful women that would do almost anything for her friends.
Jessica’s best friend engages her to find out who murdered her husband. Despite Jessica’s lack of experience as a criminal lawyer, she uses all of her resources to get to the truth. The plot is well-crafted with plenty of twist and turns, suspense, and danger. I was totally surprised by the ending. I loved this mystery and recommend you will enjoy the characters and the adventure.
Most of us don’t get to live the privileged life of the main character, the wealthy Jessica Huntington, a recently separated lawyer, but I enjoyed having glimpses into her luxurious and quirky lifestyle. Although she was certainly spoiled with the finer things in life and frivolous with money to a fault, she maintained an accepting, giving, and warm heart that kept her character real and likeable. At times I felt the pity-party was a little too overdone and the constant reference to her wealth and spending was a bit much. The first chapter certainly captured my attention as a reader, but as the story began to unfold, the passed-out party girl didn’t seem to fit the woman I began to admire…an intelligent, resourceful women that would do almost anything for her friends.
Jessica’s best friend engages her to find out who murdered her husband. Despite Jessica’s lack of experience as a criminal lawyer, she uses all of her resources to get to the truth. The plot is well-crafted with plenty of twist and turns, suspense, and danger. I was totally surprised by the ending. I loved this mystery and recommend you will enjoy the characters and the adventure.
September 23, 2014
I love Jessica! What is there not to love? She's intelligent, cherishes the finer things in life, celebrates her divorce with a party and suffers periodic panic attacks that force her to re-examine reality every now and then--a state she attempts to avoid by indulging in high end binge shopping trips.
Acknowledging she was letting her divorce 'send her over the edge', she tells 'St. Bernadette', her childhood family housekeeper turned confident , "I know I'm behaving badly right now...it's like I'm starting over again, but I'm 33 not 23 or 13 and I'm less clear than ever about what I want to be when I grow up." This isn't news to Bernadette who has spent more time with Jessica than Jessica's own parents.
Author Anna Celeste Burke invites readers into the upscale cosmos of newly divorced Stanford Law School graduate, Jessica Huntington, whose world plummets with the turn of the economy, a childless marriage and her cheating husband. Though angered by life's circumstances, she refuses to fall victim.
Life takes another unexpected turn when her best friend's husband is murdered. Jessica's fighter instinct kicks in when her friend pleads for her help. Jessica, with her 'cat pack's support, sets out to solve a murder!
Great dialogue and descriptive settings are so vivid that as reader, you become part of Jessica's cat pack equally as motivated to solve this murder mystery.
This is a fun read and I can't wait to read 'A Dead Sister' Ms.Burke's sequel to this novel.
Acknowledging she was letting her divorce 'send her over the edge', she tells 'St. Bernadette', her childhood family housekeeper turned confident , "I know I'm behaving badly right now...it's like I'm starting over again, but I'm 33 not 23 or 13 and I'm less clear than ever about what I want to be when I grow up." This isn't news to Bernadette who has spent more time with Jessica than Jessica's own parents.
Author Anna Celeste Burke invites readers into the upscale cosmos of newly divorced Stanford Law School graduate, Jessica Huntington, whose world plummets with the turn of the economy, a childless marriage and her cheating husband. Though angered by life's circumstances, she refuses to fall victim.
Life takes another unexpected turn when her best friend's husband is murdered. Jessica's fighter instinct kicks in when her friend pleads for her help. Jessica, with her 'cat pack's support, sets out to solve a murder!
Great dialogue and descriptive settings are so vivid that as reader, you become part of Jessica's cat pack equally as motivated to solve this murder mystery.
This is a fun read and I can't wait to read 'A Dead Sister' Ms.Burke's sequel to this novel.
December 24, 2014
If you're 18 - 80 years old, enjoy chick-lit, like a good mystery and appreciate a sprinkling of humour, this is the book for you.
In the first half the plot gently meanders, giving the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters, the neighbourhood and get the flavour of the Coachella Valley where the story is set. In the second half the pace picks up, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Jessica, the only child of wealthy parents, returns to her childhood home to celebrate her forthcoming divorce and seek the comfort of her old housekeeper, Bernadette. Waking with a hangover and a vague recollection of the previous evenings' events she learns her friend returned home to discover her husband murdered. Armed with little more than a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, a black Amex card and a good heart, Jessica sets off to support her friend and "get to the bottom of things." Unravelling the mystery leads her to discover marital infidelities, financial disasters and into the murky and dangerous world of Russian gangsters.
As a life-long tomboy with zero fashion sense, I generally prefer mysteries a little grittier but I found this book an entertaining and engaging read. Well-written and good fun.
In the first half the plot gently meanders, giving the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters, the neighbourhood and get the flavour of the Coachella Valley where the story is set. In the second half the pace picks up, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Jessica, the only child of wealthy parents, returns to her childhood home to celebrate her forthcoming divorce and seek the comfort of her old housekeeper, Bernadette. Waking with a hangover and a vague recollection of the previous evenings' events she learns her friend returned home to discover her husband murdered. Armed with little more than a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, a black Amex card and a good heart, Jessica sets off to support her friend and "get to the bottom of things." Unravelling the mystery leads her to discover marital infidelities, financial disasters and into the murky and dangerous world of Russian gangsters.
As a life-long tomboy with zero fashion sense, I generally prefer mysteries a little grittier but I found this book an entertaining and engaging read. Well-written and good fun.
June 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this amusing mystery, a story about Jessica Huntington, a lawyer whose own screwy life was superseded by that of a best friend, the lady who found her husband dead the morning after she’d spent the night with a twenty- year-old bartender. Closing in on finding answers, with periodic madcap shopping trips to keep her from sinking into a pit of despair, Jessica shows a surprising ability to get answers to each question that pops up and get into trouble while she’s at it. You’ll love the way the story unfolds. The mastery of the author leads you from page to page so you can’t put it down.
September 6, 2016
I was given this book as an arc to review. I didnt mind it tho it took me awhile to read it and its the first book I have read by the author. Its a murder mystery book, almost like a cozy mystery and the author's style of writing reminds me alot of Mary Higgins Clark.Not going to go into detail of what it is about and spoil it but if u like mysteries with alot of female characters, intrigue and a good who dun it book then you will enjoy this one. I liked it and would read more books by the author.
May 31, 2014
Jessica's life is in a tailspin, but her friend's situation is much worse --- she comes home from a night on the town to find her husband dead. Follow along as the lawyer-turned-sleuth ferrets out the details to figure out whodunit, and you'll definitely enjoy the clue-filled puzzle and interesting setting. Meanwhile, intriguing minor characters, like Bernadette (a nanny/housekeeper/mother-figure) will keep you hooked, even if mysteries aren't quite your thing.
January 12, 2019
Fashion, Murder and Mayhem
I received this as a freebie and am really glad that I read it. It has high fashion, gorgeous guys and lots of mayhem. There is some violence but it is not too graphic. There were several grammatical errors but it was still worth reading. The author just needs to get someone to proofread for her. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
I received this as a freebie and am really glad that I read it. It has high fashion, gorgeous guys and lots of mayhem. There is some violence but it is not too graphic. There were several grammatical errors but it was still worth reading. The author just needs to get someone to proofread for her. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
October 16, 2014
More of a chic lit mystery - but a good solid story, interesting characters and humor that I really enjoyed. I wouldn't call it a dark intense crime mystery, so if you're looking for that this isn't it, but definitely a well written entertaining book.
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, how different they were but such good friends. Got pulled into the story, felt like I knew them. Lots of action, kept me guessing what would happen next. I think it was well written and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
April 3, 2018
Anna Celeste is an amazing author that can take a story line and get you hooked! This is #1 in a new series Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery and wow I can't wait till #2 in the series. Anna hit the ball out of the park with this book!
April 8, 2018
Another great story from this author.
I do enjoy this author's stories.She writes such good ones. And she has several series. Something for everyone. I enjoy them all. Always very well worth the read.
I do enjoy this author's stories.She writes such good ones. And she has several series. Something for everyone. I enjoy them all. Always very well worth the read.
June 8, 2015
Couldn't finish it.
Terrible writing. LOTS of descriptions about nothing, not enough action or plot moving things a lot. So annoyed with the writer's tedious writing style I gave up.
Terrible writing. LOTS of descriptions about nothing, not enough action or plot moving things a lot. So annoyed with the writer's tedious writing style I gave up.
April 1, 2017
This is a tough one to review. I had so many likes but just as many dislikes. Jessica is helping her friend who's husband has been found murdered. Laura asks for her help even though Jessica tells her that this isn't her specialty in law but she will do what she can.
My problems begin with I couldn't get invested in the characters, many were likable enough but other than Jessica loving to shop, Bernadette being a good person and Brien being a surfer dude, that was about the deepest it seemed to get. There were a couple too stupid to live moments and the repetition of names both a personal irritant to me. When I have conversations with people other than using their name to get their attention, I don't usually have to insert their name over and over again in a conversation. When someone wants to meet secretly with you and are tied to the case, you let someone know.
This being said, what I did like about it is the mystery was strong, and keeps you wondering how it all ties together. Jessica although shopping is mentioned frequently is a strong woman and puts up a fight. With the constant reminder that she is rich, she is also generous and caring to her friends. Bernadette, I loved, a good strong woman who actually seems to be the glue to hold them all together. She actually had me laughing in the end.
I think once the characters are developed a little more this has the bones for a strong series. This is just my opinion and what bothers me may not bother others. I probably would give it a little more than 3 stars.
My problems begin with I couldn't get invested in the characters, many were likable enough but other than Jessica loving to shop, Bernadette being a good person and Brien being a surfer dude, that was about the deepest it seemed to get. There were a couple too stupid to live moments and the repetition of names both a personal irritant to me. When I have conversations with people other than using their name to get their attention, I don't usually have to insert their name over and over again in a conversation. When someone wants to meet secretly with you and are tied to the case, you let someone know.
This being said, what I did like about it is the mystery was strong, and keeps you wondering how it all ties together. Jessica although shopping is mentioned frequently is a strong woman and puts up a fight. With the constant reminder that she is rich, she is also generous and caring to her friends. Bernadette, I loved, a good strong woman who actually seems to be the glue to hold them all together. She actually had me laughing in the end.
I think once the characters are developed a little more this has the bones for a strong series. This is just my opinion and what bothers me may not bother others. I probably would give it a little more than 3 stars.
July 1, 2017
All This And a Black AMEX Card Too
I loved this book. This was perhaps one of the funniest cozy mysteries I have read in awhile. The heroine is Jessica, she's into retail therapy, and is divorcing her husband after finding him in bed with someone else. She throws a divorce party, takes all her friends with her, and the next morning she gets a call from her best friend. Seems the friend didn't go straight home after the party, but went off for some nooky with a waiter. When the friend gets home in the morning, she finds the husband dead in a pool of blood. Jessica is a lawyer, just not in criminal law, but that doesn't stop her from trying to help solve her friend's husband's murder. The story just gets better & better from there. Highly recommend this book for cozy mystery aficionados. It's a doozy!
I loved this book. This was perhaps one of the funniest cozy mysteries I have read in awhile. The heroine is Jessica, she's into retail therapy, and is divorcing her husband after finding him in bed with someone else. She throws a divorce party, takes all her friends with her, and the next morning she gets a call from her best friend. Seems the friend didn't go straight home after the party, but went off for some nooky with a waiter. When the friend gets home in the morning, she finds the husband dead in a pool of blood. Jessica is a lawyer, just not in criminal law, but that doesn't stop her from trying to help solve her friend's husband's murder. The story just gets better & better from there. Highly recommend this book for cozy mystery aficionados. It's a doozy!
August 12, 2017
In A Dead Husband by Anna Celeste Burke we meet protagonist Jessica Huntington and a cast of somewhat quirky but believable characters. I liked this book because, although I cannot identify with Jessica and her lifestyle (unfortunately 😊) she is still easy to feel comfortable with and, more importantly, come to care about. Her desire to help her best friend is admirable and her willingness to put aside her own issues makes her a more sympathetic character. The mystery is a bit convoluted, but that makes it more fun. I love the team she assembles. They provide balance and a touch of reality to the story while also providing some fun. If you like cozy mysteries, I definitely think this book is worth a try. I am looking forward to returning to the desert to visit with Jessica and the gang soon.
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