Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “Amanda Bell Brown, the spunky Girl Columbo, is back, and this story about Bell and her man Jazz , faith, and love is even better than the first book in the series. Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is the funniest crime novel I've read, and I laughed even in situations that were deadly serious...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“This is the second of the Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries. This story is better than the first. The rhythm is better and the story's thread is stronger. Still clunky in some places but not as often as in Murder, Mayhem & A Fine Man. I think I'm looking forward to book three. ”
Brenda Davis-Case wrote this review Monday, October 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I'm an influencer for Claudia Mair Burney and I can honestly say I haven't read a book of hers I didn't like. Especially the Amanda Bell series. Hilarious!”
chickey wrote this review Thursday, June 5 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Amanda Bell Brown, the spunky Girl Columbo, is back, and this story about Bell and her man Jazz , faith, and love is even better than the first book in the series. Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is the funniest crime novel I've read, and I laughed even in situations that were deadly serious because of Bell's quirky personality and her outlook on her circumstances. Burney's honest, raw depiction of maintaining faith in the midst of great personal struggles is encouraging.”
shaunarum wrote this review Thursday, May 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I thought there was no way the ragamuffin diva, Claudia Mair Burney, could top her first story, Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man. But she did it with Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz. Totally amazing. The storyline was complex and well-thought-out. She had me really going there. The sugar glider just took the cake. I loved every scene and chapter. The usual tension between hero and heroine was present, but this time it culminated.
MichelleSutton wrote this review Sunday, May 11 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The author is a master at the "think of the worst thing that could happen, and make it happen" concept. Man, she had my head turning so often I got whiplash! I have to say, though, that more than once I wanted to slap Bell for messing with Jazz's head. Then again, I totally understood her "issues" that prevented her from accepting love from anyone, and her doubting something that seemed too good to be true. I was with Bell all the way and felt her confusion as well.
Being a social worker and having done counseling with many hurting people for years, I have to say that the author had the criminal psychology portion of the story perfected. The insight into Kate's messed-up past was flawless. Either the author did a lot of research, or she is really gifted with wisdom and insight into human character and dysfunction. Every scene was highly believable and amazing. Tension building all the way, but with interjected humor so hilarious that I laughed out loud more than once! Great way to keep the story moving along. Also, the sensual humor totally captivated me. Not to overuse the term, but that was also hilarious, and very honest, IMHO.
The biggest thrill in this story came when I figured out who killed Kate, and I WAS SO RIGHT! The author left just enough clues to point in the direction of the killer, but did so very slowly, and with absolute perfection. Also, the niggling perception that Jazz might have done it was tremendously applied. Wowsa! So does that make me smart, or the author a genuis at making me feel smart. :) You figure that one out.
Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz is masterful writing and highly entertaining. This probably ranks as my favorite sistah lit title thusfar. If you read it, I'm sure you'll agree that this is some serious entertainment with a powerful message. The takeaway value of this story is what made me love it so much. Plus, the mystery was compelling and complex. Man, the details involved in the plot were plentiful and so well-done it had me reeling. But I loved every minute of it. Oh, and the forensics were perfect. Excellent crime writing. Bravo! Get this one.”
“While Bell may be fully recovered from her bout with `Murder, Mayhem & A Fine Man,' she finds that she's at the scene of another murder. Only this time, the circumstances are more personal, sort of speak. Katie, Jazz's beautiful ex wife, is the unfortunate victim. To make matters worse, Jazz is the police's prime suspect, and Bell , finds that she just may be the star witness. While Bell battles her own insecurities, she knows in her heart that Jazz is innocent, isn't he?
OOSA Online Book Club wrote this review Saturday, April 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Known for her flair of style, witticism and amateur sleuthing skills, Bell is unwavering when it comes to clearing Jazz's name, even if that means going against the people who love her. While she may not have the assistance of Lt. Jazz this go `round, she's unofficially inducted the assistance of the Detroit Police Department, and a former friend turned reporter, Kalaya, who God sent to her to feed. Can Bell learn to leave well enough alone, or will her incessant fears and need for the truth cost her her life and love?
I could barely contain myself, as I laughed aloud, loved, and felt the sincerity for each and every character in `Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz.' Looking for a good read, filled with love, fear, murder, suspects, sassiness, truth and pain, then an Amanda Brown Mystery is totally for you!
The heart is deceitful above all things...”
Displaying 1-5 of 5
