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Dolled Up To Die (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #2): A Novel (2013)

by Lorena McCourtney(Favorite Author)

3.77 of 5 Votes: 1

languge

English

genre

Mystery & Thriller

publisher

Revell

series

Cate Kinkaid Files

review 1: Meet Cate Kinkaid, Private Eye. Or, more officially, Assistant Private Detective of Belmont Investigations. Having found her love and calling, Cate is officially working toward getting her private detective license as her uncle phases out into retirement. Aside from getting herself involved accidentally in a murder investigation on her first case, Belmont Investigations doesn't do violent crime; however, when a woman calls frantically that Lucinda, Marianne, and Toby have all been shot and the police aren't responding immediately, what is Cate to do? Granted, it turns out that those three poor souls weren't alive to begin with, being extremely life-like dolls, but the body in the workroom, on the other hand . . . Once again, between delivering subpoenas and trailing s... moreecretive husbands, Cate gets thoroughly embroiled in a murder investigation in Lorena McCourtney's second Cate Kinkaid novel, "Dolled Up to Die." I don't think I'm really throwing out spoilers to say this, but I really liked the ending - it is much more believable and realistic than so many mysteries where the villain Confesses All. Rather, evidence and actions point to the killer, and the murderer does not explain away every last detail of the crime. Even after putting the villain behind bars, Cate has to use "informed deductions" in addition to the facts while filling out the case file, since some of the reasoning and methods of the crimes are not explained by the alleged murderer. Huzzah for the sensible villain who doesn't waste precious minutes gloating over every evil deed when that time could be used to finish off the main character! (Not that they ever succeed anyway, but at least they use their brains.)Cate is a great, realistic character. She is not perfectly coiffed, super highly accomplished, or out-of-this-world brainy, but she has sense, maintains meaningful relationships, and trusts God - an ordinary woman who could live next door or be one's best friend. Just as she is easy to relate with, so is her relationship with Mitch - both a good friend and an attentive boyfriend, she can call on him to rescue her from any trouble, and he can depend on her to be up for everything, even helping old men from church clean out their closets. He is a good guy who loves her and wants to protect her but knows when to let her go her own way and not stifle her. Another great comedic mystery by McCourtney, I laughed out loud while reading the novel. The situations she sticks them in, Cate's quirky thoughts - it is a wonderful piece of literature. There isn't a big Christian message or lesson, but we can see progression in Kate and especially Mitch from the first novel, "Dying to Read," as he is growing stronger in his beliefs. It is a fun book. 4 out of 5 stars
review 2: I was first introduced to Cate Kinkaid in Dying to Read , where young Cate had come to stay with her Uncle and learn the trade of Private Investigator. You do not have to read the first to enjoy the 2nd book. I will try to not give anything away in this book that you could find out in the 1st so you can read that one too!Cate gets a frantic call about a triple homicide, and hearing that the police were reluctant to show up, sends Cate out on her own to help Jo-Jo. Hilariously, the murders were of life like size dolls that Jo-Jo makes! Unfortunately, Jo-Jo's ex husband Eddie is found murdered as well, making Jo-Jo look like a definite suspect. Cate searches for answers in how Eddie died by contacting his current wife, blond, not so brilliant Kim and her super eccentric Mother Celeste. The characters in this book are certainly 'out there' but Cate does such a great job of working with them, and being a godly example and confidante.The book moves very quickly and has quite a few characters. I didn't get confused with anyone so that clearly meant Lorena did a great job of describing everyone so I could keep them all straight. Another thing I love about this series is Cate and her beau Mitch have been dating for awhile now, and they are taking it slow and just working as friends. I love how they don't rush into a relationship, but we can slowly see it growing. That is something we don't always get to see in novels, slow progression of relationships! less

Download links for: Dolled Up to Die (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #2): A Novel

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