The Case of the Killer Divorce

Jamie Quinn, Book 2

By: Barbara Venkataraman

Narrated by: Carrie Lee Martz

Reluctant lawyer, Jamie Quinn, has returned to her family law practice after a hiatus due to the death of her mother. It's business as usual until a bitter divorce case turns into a murder investigation, and Jamie's client becomes the prime suspect. When she can't untangle truth from lies, Jamie enlists the help of Duke Broussard, her favorite private investigator, to try to clear her client's name. And she's hoping that, in his spare time, he can help her find her long-lost father.

©2014 Barbara Venkataraman (P)2014 Barbara Venkataraman

Just a little flat than the first

In the second book, Jamie finds herself in the middle of yet another murder investigation after her client in a divorce case becomes the prime suspect in her was-soon-to-be-ex husband's death. Jamie's good heart and great connections lead her to help with her client's defense, and soon she's a sleuth putting together the pieces again.

We also get to see a deeper side of Jamie as the search for who her father is and where he might be after all these years is intertwined throughout the book.

This book just fell a bit flat compared to the first one in the series. It was nice to see most of the same characters were back - the awesome one-liners from Duke, the challenge with Mr. DA, the friendship Jamie has with Grace - and even a new love interest for Jamie, but something was lacking overall. Was it just a little less humorous? Or maybe there weren't as many twists in the mystery? I can't exactly put my finger on what was missing. It's still as much of a quick and easy read as the first, and overall, I enjoyed reading the continuation of Jamie's story.

Note: I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Carrie Lee Martz did another great job with the narration.

More adventures with Jamie Quinn

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would. The story, tho only 3 hours long, is a good solid mystery. I think that the characters are well developed and that it builds on what we know of them from book 1.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

As this book is only 3 hours long, it would be very easy to listen to in one sitting. It would make a great book to listen to when on a trip.

Any additional comments?

The Case of the Killer Divorce is book 2 in the Jamie Quinn series. Jamie, a family law attorney, is drawn into another mystery. This time it involves a client and the death of her soon to be ex husband. Jamie, trying to help her client, is on the hunt to see if her client could have done it and if not, then who did. Jamie is joined by her best friend Grace and Duke, a local PI.

I would recommend this book to my friends who like a good solid cozy mystery. This is a book for ages 15+.

A Great Fun Entertaining Series!

What made the experience of listening to The Case of the Killer Divorce the most enjoyable?

A great cast of characters, a fast moving plot with no filler text and the amazing vocal talents of Carrie Lee Martz.

What other book might you compare The Case of the Killer Divorce to and why?

It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum books but doesn't have the never ending pursuit of weird boyfriends, which gets tiresome.

Have you listened to any of Carrie Lee Martz’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, the first book in the series, 'Death by Didgeridoo' .. she continues the wry funny and very natural performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I needed to get some sleep, lol.

Any additional comments?

The Case of the Killer Divorce (Jamie Quinn Mystery Book 2) - Barbara Venkataramann has written another winner. I listened to the audio book narrated by the wonderful, almost addicting vocal talents of Carrie Lee Martz.

Carrie Lee, as the first person narrator's voice of Jamie Quinn, is perfect - touching, wry, tough, and vulnerable in turns. As the voice of the other memorable characters she is outstanding. It made this mystery very very entertaining. The author has the ability to write a naturally flowing story, nothing seemed forced or contrived. I was happy to read the first book in the series, 'Death by Didgeridoo' but I was delighted to read this one because it showed me that this was truly a great series I could stay with.

Written with humor and insight, the plots develop the characters more in this book. Jamie enlists PI Duke Broussard to help her track down her biological father. Jamie is also the lawyer representing the wife in a bitter divorce that ends in the husband's death. Jamie needs Duke Broussard to help clear her client.

It kept my interest and was highly entertaining throughout. This series stands out as exceptional among fun cozy mysteries. I'm glad I got the next book in the series because the plot between Jamie and her search for her father develops further.

Jaime Quinn

What made the experience of listening to The Case of the Killer Divorce the most enjoyable?

This book had family drama, a mysterious death, love found and lost, and good characters .It has enough suspenseful scenes that made me keep listening to the end of the audiobook.

Great job overall ladies!

What made the experience of listening to The Case of the Killer Divorce the most enjoyable?

I commute over 2 1/2 hours every Friday and Sunday with my son. Listening to a book is a lot more enjoyable than the radio.

What did you like best about this story?

Jamie Quinn is at it again! This family court lawyer just keeps getting pulled into murder investigations. With the disgusting, yet lovable, private investigator, Duke; and her best friend, Grace, Jamie is off on another adventure...this time to help a client. In a simultaneous storyline, and again with the help of her friends, Jamie discovers some new information about the father she thought abandoned her! Total tease, I know, but NO spoilers! This is an incredibly enjoyable series, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

What about Carrie Lee Martz’s performance did you like?

Carrie Lee Martz is exceptionally talented. She has a very large range of voices, which translates into a much better listening experience. Her voice is very clear and well-enunciated. When she assumed a character , you knew immediately who was speaking without her having to say 'he said...she said'. Our favorite voice was Duke. My son and I heard that smarmy voice and immediately cracked up!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, in fact this book was slightly longer than the first book in the series, so we finished it as soon as we got home.

Cute Cozy Novella

The Case of the Killer Divorce was a cute novella based on Jamie Quinn, a divorce lawyer in Hollywood, Florida. She has some interesting clients including Becca who wants a divorce while having a boyfriend. he also wants custody, child support, alimony, and the house. When her husband Bill turns up dead from an overdose of sleeping pills, things get a little scary.

This story has several quirky twists and a hilarious private investigator named Duke Broussard who has a terrific southern, slow motion drawl and completely fits the profile.
I thought this audiobook was pretty cute and my only wish is that it had been longer. I liked the characters and the plot. Overall, I would recommend for a short, light, and fun listen.

About the narrator: Carrie Lee Martz did a great job with this story. Her voice characterizations were original and funny. She showed great control and range which made for a good listen.

Audiobook gifted in exchange for review.

Short COZY Mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed this story ~ listened in one sitting. Loved the characters, especially Jamie. Looking forward to listening to more Jamie Quinn, Grace, and Kip. Nice ending but I wanted it to continue. Narration also very good. If you are looking for a light and easy listen ~ highly recommend....

Audiobook provided for an honest review....

Good Mystery Series

I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.

I have listened to several of Barbara Venkataraman’s books including the first and third Jamie Quinn mysteries, Death by Didgeridoo and Peril in the Park. This is the second book in the series so I kind of knew what was going to happen in Jamie’s personal life but I still liked finding out how it happened and, of course, there was a mystery to solve.

I like Barbara Venkataraman’s style of writing and her sense of humor. I also think the narrator of the Jamie Quinn series is perfect for these stories.

Even though there’s a murder to solve, it is still a fun and quick read (or listen). I definitely recommend The Case of the Killer Divorce. It is part of a series but does stand on its own.

Short but good

This is another quick read in the series. Jamie is back to practicing law and getting over her melancholy from her mother's passing. The time line was a little jumpy at times.

In addition to trying to help her divorce client who is accused of her husband's murder, Jamie is also looking for her father. Oh yeah, throw in a little dating. For such a short read there really is a lot going on.

I generally like these books but find them too short, wish there were more show and less tell. They are all from Jamie's POV, which limits the scope of the narrative.

Not huge mysteries, but fun to read. Fabulous supporting cast in her friends Grace and Duke. I also love smarmy lawyer Nick!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Carrie Lee Martz, who is great. I really enjoy the texture of her voice and the pace of the read. I like the way she plays with Duke's voice, he is quite the character. The only thing I really didn't like are the sound moments, ie a sigh when somebody sighs. They just take me out of the read.

Overall, another entertaining book in the series. I really hope the third is coming out in audio soon!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Tis fun to be in Jamie's head.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Case of the Killer Divorce to be better than the print version?

Yes, because I like the narration. Also, I can listen as I work, so that gives me the time to enjoy books like this.

What did you like best about this story?

Jamie is so easy to relate to. And I loved the multiple plot lines - the murder mystery, the mystery of Jamie's father, and the minor romance plotline.

Which character – as performed by Carrie Lee Martz – was your favorite?

Duke and his sarcastic friendship, his accent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It was quite fun.

Any additional comments?

Note: Although this is Book 2 in the series, it works fine as a stand alone.

Jamie Quinn, family practice lawyer, returns in this sequel to Death by Didgeridoo. She’s handling cases that she’s trained for (mostly divorces) until someone ends up dead and her divorce client is a suspect. Once again, folks turn to Jamie to untangle a murder mystery. She calls in her associate, an annoying man who just happens to be good at his job as a private eye, Duke Broussard. To add to the mess, Jamie wishes to find her long lost father, or at least, learn a bit more about him. As with Book 1 in the series, this mystery is set in modern day Hollywood, Florida.

I think I enjoyed this book even more than Book 1 because there were two plot lines; the main plot followed the murder investigation and the minor plot was the search for info on Jamie’s father. Plus there was a little side romance that added to the story and was not distracting from the main plot. The story starts with a judge dismissing Jamie’s motion in a divorce case. Becca and Joe have 2 kids and now Becca has to allow Joe to see them on Friday. She has a bit of a melt down when Joe, once again, threatens to sue for sole custody of the kids. Plenty of nasty things are said back and forth and one of these lovely people ends up dead.

The story was easy to get into and it was quite fun riding around in Jamie’s head as she tried to solve the murder mystery, while at the same time untangling the mystery of her long lost father. Duke Broussard alternately irritates Jamie and perks her up. He’s a good friend, even if he can be a bit annoying at times. I really enjoyed the back and forth between these two. While the ending was a little predictable, this is a great read for day off in a porch swing, or curled up by a fire.

The Narration: Martz once again was a good voice for Jamie. She imbued the role with emotion as needed. I loved her accent for Duke.