Happy Never After (Callahan Garrity Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Kathy Hogan Trocheck (Author), Kathy Hogan Trochek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995 | Series: Callahan Garrity Mysteries

Atlanta's most inquisitive cleaning lady is called upon to defend her favorite childhood rock group when one of its surviving members publicly threatens a former producer just before the latter is shot to death. 17,500 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Callahan Garrity, who runs a cleaning service in Atlanta and performs an occasional investigation, gets an intriguing glimpse of music-industry exploitation and corruption when she's hired to find a member of her favorite singing group of the '60s, the VelvetTeens. Hoping to make a comeback, Vonette Hunsecker and her cousin Rita Fontaine want Callahan to find Rita's sister, Delores, who left the group in 1967. The case gets more complicated when Rita, who has scrapped in public with Stuart Hightower, the still-flourishing manager and producer who used up the VelvetTeens and tossed them aside, is found snoozing by his pool, reeking of scotch and holding the gun that has killed him. Callahan's investigations reveal a host of folks nursing grudges against Hightower, among them his ex-wife, who once tried to burn down his house. Callahan is good company, even when her ongoing relationship with Mac McAuliffe hits the skids and takes her self-esteem with it. But the real lure, compensating for the too many moments of strained humor, is the look at the people who are the cannon fodder for the hit parade. Earlier titles include Every Crooked Nanny and Homemade Sin.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA?This fourth book about this young woman will appeal to Grafton and Paretsky fans. A hit group from the '60s, the "VelveTeens," have a chance at a comeback, but need to find a member, Delores, who was last heard from 20 years ago. Callahan Garrity, sometimes detective, agrees to look for the missing singer, not realizing she'll soon be looking for evidence to clear another VelveTeen from murder charges. Still running her House Mouse Cleaning Service with her mother, Callahan hasn't lost any of her brashness, impetuousness, or sense of humor. Though most of this mystery focuses on '90s music, the payola for record-play time on radio stations hasn't changed from the '60s and leads Callahan into some dangerous situations.?Pam Spencer, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060176377
• ISBN-13: 978-0060176372
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,696,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, fun, fun, June 27, 2005

By 

Patricia Tryon (Longmont, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Happy Never After : A Callahan Garrity Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)

Snappy dialog, whiz-bang action sequences, and a lovably flawed heroine: a perfect recipe for a fizzy, frothy concoction of mystery and pop music business primer.

The "first tier" characters have plenty of sizzle amongst themselves, but things really shine when the supporting cast shows up for a birthday party or a housecleaning expedition. (You don't want me to say more than that, truly.) Dialog sings, not only as entertainment but also in actually advancing the plot. I learned to pay attention through my giggles and sighs; the plot was moving on.

This author writes hilarious vignettes that evoke everything from the slightly soused country club golfers to the fear and loathing of staking out a boyfriend who might be sleeping with his ex-wife. The most far-fetched circumstances are related with such a light touch that it is easy to suspend disbelief. Put differently, you won't believe what you'll believe in this story.

For the most part, the various threads are tidied up by the end of the book. I admire and appreciate the fact that the author did not force a happy ending for everything. Altogether this was a satisfying and delightful read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophisticated Cozy, June 17, 2001

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Born to Read (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Happy Never After : A Callahan Garrity Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)

I love this series and it simply gets better and better. If you're new to this series, take advantage and begin at the beginning.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!, April 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Happy Never After : A Callahan Garrity Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)

Calahan Garrity is a delightful detective. It is a pleasure to follow her through the mysteries she solves. The author paints a wonderful picture of the heroine's interactions with the characters in this story. I loved the references to the music and musical groups of the 60's.