Customer Reviews

Undercover Tales

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

 

 

The stories in this collection showcase the versatility of three outstanding authors. Short stories, because of the length restriction, often seem lacking in character development. That isn't the case here. Because of the title and the cover, I had the initial impression that this was an erotica anthology. I soon found out that "undercover" refers to covert law enforcement/P.I. work, the common thread of all the stories. The other reviewers have said enough about the imaginative plots, but I think each author deserves additional recognition for giving us a story that could be considered atypical for her style.

I liked Blayne Coopers "Quicksand" the best. I've read most of her other books ("Echoes from the Mist" and "Cobb Island" being my favorites), but this one shows a character's critical self-evaluation, as well as a wry sense of humor, that doesn't appear in her other work.

KG MacGregor's "Stolen Souls" tells a story of strange happenings on the fringes of society. (Rose Beecham's "Grave Silence" is a novel-length work that deals with a similar type of weirdness.) The double-whammy of a morbidly fascinating topic and a unique treatment of it adds up to a winner.

Susan Meagher's "Narc/Narc Redux" is the most unusual of all. What is certainly a complete story at the beginning of the book gains a new dimension at the end. It's an effective approach. Again, the style is very different from her "San Francisco" series, and I loved seeing this other side to her writing.

For those not familiar with the authors, this book provides a good introduction. While the stories are a variation from their usual type of work, the reader can gain an appreciation for their skill.

Well written, good stories, fast reads, everything for the busy woman. Blayne Cooper's short stories delight, surprise, and often twist your emotions. Her POV is exceptional and every story is actually plausible at some level.

Narc by SX Meagher

Sargeant Randolph is intelligent, beautiful and a woman on the Chicago police force. And she's just been handed the biggest case of her career. One that could bring her Lieutenant bars - if - and it's a big if -if she brings in one of the most notorious drug lords in the city. The big question is - will she do whatever it takes to get the job done? Unbenownst to her, the drug lord has devised a test - a test that if she passes, they make the deal for drugs; if not, she feeds the fishes.

Narc Redux by SX Meagher

Detective Grady, narcotics officer and married to a police lieutenant working in the Commissioner's office, is undercover and, unbenownst to Sgt. Randolph working on the same case. Unexpectedly she is asked to perform a duty she has never in her life thought she'd have to do. Anxious to prove she is willing to "go the extra mile" she performs the task and waits for the repercussions. Will there be any? Only time will tell.

Quicksand by Blayne Cooper

Private detective Belinda Blaisdell has a case referred to her by a friend. Another PI who figures Belinda is exactly what the client is looking for - someone who can pass for younger than they are and is female. The assignment seems simple enough. Befriend and report back on their daugher Keilana, who is currently attending college. Even as she accepts the assignment Belinda can't help but question what has happened with their daughter to raise the parent's concern? And why hire a private investigator instead of confronting their daughter? Belinda arrives at the college where she soon discovers all is not as it seems. The question is - what will she do with what she learns?

Stolen Souls by KG MacGregor

Vonne Maglio is off on what appears to be a trip to a working ranch in the Midwest. Only when she arrives, she finds that no such place existed. Seemingly rescued from her dilema by a representative from a rival ranch, Vonne is "allowed" to fill a spot not taken by another client. However, not long after Vonne arrives, questions begin to arise. Things seem to be going on that no one but a selected few are allowed to know about. Why all the secrecy? What or who are they hiding? Can Vonne gain answers to her questions without raising suspicions and placing herself in danger? More importantly, can she solve the mystery before others begin to question what Vonne really came for?

Undercover Tales is a dynamic book of four tales by three extremely talented writers. SX Meagher, Blayne Cooper and KG MacGregor are all well known for their dynamic books. Blayne Cooper's previous pennings include the intriguing and suspense-filled solo works of Unbreakable, Castaway, The Last Train Home, Cobb Island, The Road to Glory, and Echoes from the Mist as well as co-authorship of the dynamic books Madam President and First Lady. KG MacGregor's talents are displayed in fun-filled, romantic and oftentimes-dramatic books, which include Mulligan, Shaken, Malicious Pursuit, and The House on Sandstone. SX Meagher's authoring of the intriguing book, I Found My Heart in San Francisco makes it a book that simply MUST be read! All three authors have stories in the sizzling book, Telltale Kisses with SX Meagher also scripting stories in the terrific books Infinite Pleasures and The Milk of Human Kindness.

If the cover of "Undercover Tales" doesn't have you scurrying to your nearest bookstore or on-line distributor to purchase a copy then what's between the sheets surely will. Blayne Cooper, KG MacGregor, and SX Meagher have compiled four detective stories that compliment each other. The well-written anthology is the result of three talented authors melding minds without mingling words. The clever format makes "Undercover Tales" stand out among other books of this type. I found it an exciting and sexy adventure that held my interest every step of the way.

Three diverse novellas linked by one theme 'all is not as it appears'.

I enjoyed all three excellent tales.

'Narc' is edge of your seat suspenseful and tremendously erotic.

'Quicksand' while it's premise is based on deceit is also rather sweet, has a wonderful finish and contains tremendous depth for being 100 plus pages.

'Stolen Souls' had a eerie feeling from the start and I had an apprehensive feeling the entire time I was reading - it is suspenseful and creepy and not to be missed.

Excellent writing all around and I look forward to more books from these authors. The only remaining question - which of the authors was the model for the book cover?

This anthology has brought together many of my favorite authors under one roof, so to speak, to create and edit an anthology of original work devoted to the sexy, mysterious lady in the fedora.

This is an anthology of short stories written about detectives and private investigators undercover. The stories are sensual, sexy,and well written. Just long enough to offer a respite of interlude, but short enough to be read on your lunch break or between chores. Lose yourself undercover, and meet the sexy lady in the fedora.

Steamy & Romantic short stories.
The short story Quicksand was by far one of the best and included eight chapters.
Highly Recommended.