Customer Reviews

Dial Emmy For Murder: A Soap Opera Mystery

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was looking for a light, quick read to take with me to the pool the other day, and I thought DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER by Eileen Davidson and co-authored by Robert Randisi sounded like it might hit the spot. I wanted an entertaining book that would hold my interest, but I didn't want to have to concentrate too much because I still needed to be able to watch my kiddos. DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER was ideal, and I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.

When I was growing up, I was a huge fan of The Young and The Restless as well as Eileen Davidson -- I always loved Ashley Abbott. When I found out that Ms. Davidson was writing a mystery series and that it was getting some positive reviews, I knew I had to give it a try. It's a little embarrassing to admit this, but one of my main reasons for reading this book is that I wanted to learn a little bit about the world of daytime drama. DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER gave me that scoop, and it's apparent that Ms. Davidson's 25 plus years in daytime drama have made her an expert on this topic.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER. I used to read ton of mysteries and then I became more interested in other genres. While I don't pick up mysteries very often anymore, I still find that I like them when I do. DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER had all of the elements that make for an entertaining mystery. The story kept me guessing and was suspenseful, but it also had some likable characters. It didn't hurt that I found myself laughing a few times too.

While I enjoyed the story with its fair share of twists and turns, I think my favorite part of this book were the characters. Of course, that's probably the intention when an author sets out to write a series -- create likable characters so readers gets caught up in their story. I really liked Alex, a single mom and soap star, who also happened to be an amateur sleuth; and I found myself quite interested in her love life. I thought Ms. Davidson did a good job of keeping the book pretty clean (although there was some bad language) while also creating tension between Alex and Jakes, the investigating police officer (whom I really liked by the way.) I also thought Alex's best friend George was a hoot and added some humor to the story; and I'd actually like to see more of him in future books.

I also enjoyed the secondary storyline of Alex's ex-husband Randy. He decides to return to Southern California after years being MIA and suddenly wants a relationship with his daughter. Randy was actually kind of a mystery to Alex since he disappeared a few years ago, and she wasn't sure what his intentions were or what he was capable of. The book definitely leaves this storyline open-ended and I have a feeling that we'll be seeing more of Randy in the future --- kind of like a cliffhanger on a soap!

DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER is actually Ms. Davidson's second mystery book with these characters. The first book is called DEATH IN THE DAYTIME; and if it's anything like DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER, then I definitely want to read it too. The second book did give hints and references to the murder that occurred in the first novel; however, I definitely think it stands alone. Ms. Davidson has a third book in the series coming out DIVA, LAS VEGAS!; and there is a brief excerpt of the book in the back of DIAL EMMY FOR MURDER. I have a feeling that I'll need to get my hands on this one too based on the teaser.

Although I did not really know what to expect when I picked up Eileen Davidson's Dial Emmy for Murder, my expectations were not very high. After reading several disappointing light mysteries in a row, I thought I might be in for another disappointment. I love watching Eileen on The Young and the Restless, so I thought I would give her story a try.

I am so glad I did. Dial Emmy for Murder is a much deeper and more compelling mystery than I thought it would be. The main character, Alexis Peterson, arrives at the daytime Emmys as a presenter and soon finds out why her co-presenter didn't show up. Now she has another murder mystery on her hands. Not having read her first book, Death in Daytime, I had a little catching up to do as far as her changing shows and who a few of the characters were, but that wasn't difficult at all.

This book has several threads going at once, which keeps things interesting. Also of interest is the relationship between Alexis and detective Frank Jakes. There is a playfulness to the relationship that is fun to watch as the two draw closer together. As I was reading the book, I could hear Eileen's character Ashley's voice in Alexis. She spoke much as Ashley does on Y&R. It was not distracting at all, but made the charcter of Alexis feel all the more familiar and real.

The plot heats up quickly as more murders occur and Alexis finds her own life in danger. How she and her favorite detective are able to stop the killings before it is too late for Alexis is, of course, what we enjoy most.

With her third book, Diva, Las Vegas, on the way, we are more than ready to check in with Alexis and Jakes to see what they get into next.

Dial Emmy For Murder: A Soap Opera Mystery

She is a very entertaining writer and a very good actress. Started watching her many years ago when she was on Days of Out Lives...mean, mean, mean. She is just as entertaining in her books as she is now in her role as Ashley on The Young and the Restless. Can't wait for her newest book because I have read both of her books.

The second in the mystery series featuring a TV soap opera star (a third is due in 2010). The author, an actress, also being a soap opera star, presumably knows the business well, but, aside from using the studio as a setting for some of the action, there is little inside know-how reflected in the books. Nonetheless this one is just the thing to pick up when one wants none of the real troubles of the world and, yet wants to keep the mind mildly diverted. The author has no intention of challenging Martha Grimes. P. D. James or other of the Queens of "serious" mystery writing (save in sales) but rather is rather more in the style of Evanovitch. There is a bit, not too much, of romance, a bit of family (her mother and child), a bit of danger, and a bit of problem solving. Just enough of each to humanize the action and provide continuity among the books in the series. A decent few hours diversion.

There is only so much gossip and finger pointing an actor like Alexis Peterson can take from her own cast mates. She leaves The Yearning Tide to join the cast of The Bare and the Brazen. This sets the media a buzz with frenzy. Following a murder case that Alexis helped solved previously, she is ready for a break. Unfortunately she is busy preparing to co-present Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series with her new leading man...the hunky Jackson Masters.

It comes time for Alexis and Jackson to present and Jackson is no where to be found. The show must go on. Alexis presents by herself, when suddenly Jackson's body drops from the ceiling, landing right next to her. Detective Frank Jakes, Alexis's on again and off again love interest is on the case. He asks Alexis to assist him. As whom better to help find a killer in a world where back stabbing is the name of the game...than a soap star.

What a fun, quick read. Alexis is like a modern day Nancy Drew. She is so loveable. Author, Eileen Davidson infuses her work as a reigning queen of soap operas and combines it with the world of mystery. Any fan of soaps will love this book and Alexis. The cast of characters are all relatable to the characters from both The Young and The Restless and Days of Our Lives. Hey, even the names of the shows Alexis used to star in...The Yearning Tide and The Bare and the Brazen are both plays on the other shows. I didn't read the prior novel, Death in Daytime that also featured Alexis but Dial Emmy for Murder can be read as a stand alone novel. This book is just plain old fashion fun and quirky. I plan to check out Death in Daytime.

Eileen continues the daytime saga with this page turner. The book is clever, witty, and the series keeps me coming back for more! I can't wait to get book #3 and see whats in store for my favorite characters in these sudsy novels.

Ms. Davidson's soap opera mysteries are highly enjoyable even if you aren't a soap opera fan. I like her writing style and the characters she writes about. The main character has a strong friend and family base that she can count on without fail which makes them a great part of each mystery. I wish you continued success and look forward to the next story which sounds fun just from reading the few page preview at the end of this story.

This book is an entertaining story with mystery and romance thrown in. Murder seems to follow Alexis and she has decided to help Detective Frank Jakes find the killer. A great cozy mystery.

This review was written for Connie's Book Reviews and More on Facebook.

Readers were first introduced to Alexis Peterson in Daytime in Death, book one of A Soap Opera Mystery series. Alex is the number one suspect in the murder investigation of a head writer on The Yearning Tide. Determined to clear her name, she begins her own investigation and finds she's quite good at being an amateur sleuth.

In Dial Emmy for Murder, Alex has left her former soap, The Yearning Tide, and is now a cast member of The Bare and the Brazen. It's the night of the Daytime Emmy Awards and Alex is one of the presenters. When her co-star and fellow presenter, Jackson Masters, doesn't show, Alex is forced to present the award herself. Little does she know, she's about to walk into another murder investigation.

Dial Emmy for Murder is a light, cozy mystery. The killer is evident as soon as he/she is introduced in the storyline, however this book is an enjoyable read. I have to admit, I was more interested in the blooming relationship between Alex and Detective Jakes than the murder investigation. There's also a sub-plot regarding Alex and her estranged husband. He embezzled money from his clients and stole Alex's retirement fund. Now he's back and is demanding to see their daughter.

If you're looking for a entertaining story, with a light mystery thrown in, then Dial Emmy for Murder is the answer. Book three of the series is in the works. Can't wait? There's a sneak peek included in Dial Emmy for Murder.

3.5 Stars

I love the book! Im a huge fan of Eileen Davidson and The Young and the Restless!