Rating: 
Summary: Laugh Out Loud Funny!
Review: Dem Bones' Revenge is the second mystery in the Tracy Eaton Mystery Series. If you haven't read her first mystery Revenge of the Gypsy Queen, I highly recommend it. Both books are memorable reads.In starting Dem Bones' I found Ms. Neri gets to the mystery pretty quick, and what I have come to love about her mysteries is how she does it. The interaction and dialog of her characters are so entertaining that the story just flows by. Some of the characters are more likeable than others, but they are all too funny to be aggravating. At the beginning of some of the chapters are movie scenes from Martha Collins movies. They poetically fit each chapter and Ms. Neri shows her funny side here as well. Tracy Eaton is a mystery writer. She writes the Tessa Graham Mystery series. The Senior Editor of Perkins & Pimm Publishers wants Tracy to make some fast changes in her latest manuscript or the series will be cancelled. Rewrites aren't the problem, what is, is fitting it into the chaos that is taking place her life. Back with Tracy is her husband Drew, who this time helps her to solve the mystery -- of course he doesn't really have a choice since Tracy's mother, Hollywood celebrity Martha Collins, was found with the body of Vince Sperry, who is...was attached to Drew's trial case, and there's the family member that followed them from New York and now needs more closet space, which is why the carpenter is knocking holes in Tracy's closets and making a mess of her home. Let's not forget Tracy's father, legendary Alec Grainger, who can only be found when he wants to. If that isn't enough for Tracy to deal with her mother-in-law keeps calling...and calling ...and calling. An added character that works the murder is Detective Schuller, a Miami Vice wannabe. He is a great addition to this already delightfully clever ensemble. Kris Neri entertains her new fans with another outstanding, well-plotted mystery! The storyline led me to and fro. I felt as busy as Tracy, and I was sitting down! Her humor is wonderful; I found myself laughing out loud a lot! The storyline is always moving, never a dull moment, and it's over before you know it. I came away a satisfied reader; no disappointments, wishing, or wondering...well except when the next Tracy Eaton mystery would be out. Kris Neri's wit is never ending, nor is her talent for good mysteries.
Rating: 
Summary: Not My Style
Review: I found the book a little hard to follow. When the murderer was revealed, I didn't really even remember who he/she was and didn't much care. I guess maybe the setting wasn't something I could relate to. The "smart aleck" tone turns me off too.
Rating:
Summary: Unique, fresh, highly entertaining.
Review: Kris Neri garnered spectacular success with her first Tracy Eaton mystery, Revenge Of The Gypsy Queen. Nominated for Anthony, Macavity and Agatha awards for Best First Novel, it was apparent that Kris Neri was an up and comer. Kris had published numerous short stories of the mystery genre in magazines and is currently at work on Tracy's next adventure: Revenge For Old Times Sake. Picture a "Postcards from the Edge" type of relationship between mother and daughter. Mother is a combination of Elizabeth Taylor and Debbie Reynolds. Tracy is more of a combination of Calamity Jane and Princess Leia. Throw in Tracy's husband, who could be a mix of Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis in a suit. But Tracy is a struggling writer about to be cut off by her publisher. She has two days to "fix" her latest novel, and suddenly Mother is the prime suspect in the murder of Vince Sperry. Did Martha Collins commit murder, or did she just stumble into the thick of things? Did she want to save her mother? From the start, Neri sets up a hilarious dialogue between Tracy and Martha: "Mother sidled close to my ear. `There's a telephone number everyone in Beverly Hills is talking about. You order a servant you can keep forever for little more than a few years' salary. I heard about it from Rico, my hairdresser. As I reeled away from her into a pile of skiwear, I shook my head. `Please tell me I'm adopted.'" Needless to say, Dem Bones Revenge is a hilarious mystery because it so closely resembles the real deal between mothers and daughters. Tracy's character struggles with her desire to euphemistically murder her mother while trying to save her. Martha Collins is the stereotypical aging actress who can't quite get over her case of the pampered movie star blues. The plot pulls the reader from one near-miss to another as Tracy stubbornly peels away the layers of facade, pulls her husband Drew into the act, and saves Martha from herself. Neri's characters are unique, fresh, and yet somehow are people we all know and love. She knows her territory, being a Southern Californian, which gives the plot a unique perspective. Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer
Rating:
Summary: A really well written and exciting mystery
Review: Perkins and Pimm editor Carolyn simply informs writer Tracy Eaton that she has three days to fix her latest Tessa Graham mystery, "Deadly Shadows" or kill the series. Tracy is stunned because she felt the novel was great. She expects no sympathy from her spouse Drew the lawyer who has a case that will end his chances of obtaining a partnership. Although Tracy is tight for time, she finds her clock squeezed even tighter. The police believe her mother, legendary actress Martha Collins, killed screenwriter Vince Sperry, who coincidentally was the plaintiff being sued by Drew's client for plagiarism. As Tracy makes inquiries, no one including her mother seems willing to cooperate. Martha strongly feels that Drew killed Vince. Other evidence points towards Tracy's dad, Hollywood legend Alec Grainger. Tracy realizes that her mother could spend her life in prison while the truth lies in a past scandal. The first Eaton novel (see THE REVENGE OF THE GYPSY QUEEN) received numerous nominations for its wit and intelligent story line. The second tale, DEM BONES' REVENGE is as good if not better mystery. The plot is entertaining with its tour of the fantasy side of LA as seen through the humorous antics of the "natives". The characters are fully drawn so that the audience understands motives including that of Tracy's parents need to keep the scandal quiet more than keeping her mother out of jail. Kris Neri provides a wacky look at a Hollywood who-done-it that will send readers seeking the previous book and desiring the next installment in the life and times of Tracy Eaton, daughter to the stars. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful, Hilarious Mystery
Review: This book is so much fun. Previous reviews have discussed the plot pretty well, so I'll focus on why I liked this mystery so much. First, it is extremely witty. Our sleuth, mystery writer Tracy Eaton has a wickedly wonderful worldview and way with words (a lot of w's, I know, but every one is well-deserved <g>). Tracy's self-absorbed movie star mother is not a morning person; here's how Tracy tells us this: "I remembered how well she handled toddling out the door before the sun came up; that's how I learned so many swear words." This bit of clever eloquence is not out of place in DEM BONES' REVENGE; the book is filled with writing that uses wit to shed light on the characters and their predicaments. And what characters they are! As much as I like Tracy, I also really enjoyed reading about her eccentric mother tormenting her. Martha Collins, who never forgets she's a Star, entertained me as much as she infuriated Tracy. Uncle Philly is another favorite character and his relationship with Tracy is charming. I even liked Tracy's husband Drew. I loved REVENGE OF THE GYPSY QUEEN, the first Tracy Eaton mystery, but found Drew too much of a stick in the mud. Living with free spirit Tracy has finally loosened him up. The story is lively, made all the more unputdownable by the fun chapter openings. I couldn't stop reading at the end of a chapter, because I had to see how the next one started. And then, I had to see what happened next. DEM BONES' REVENGE is a fun, entertaining, adventurous, and very funny mystery. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Murder + Mayhem = ANOTHER WINNER!
Review: Tracy Eaton is at it again! This time we get to enjoy more of her once thought-to-be "stuffy" husband Drew. Tracy must clear her "Diva" movie-star mother of murder. While trying to solve the murder, her mother plants many clues of her own. Tracy and her husband Drew must put their heads together to find out who-did-it! The dialogue is hilarious and fast-paced. It is also laugh-out-loud funny! What makes it better is that the mystery is really good too! Add kidnapping, buried secrets, old screen plays, eccentric parents, and loveable characters, and you have a wonderful read!
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended!
Review: Tracy Eaton was the author of the "Tessa Graham Mystery Series". At that point in time her house was like a pig sty (due to a small redecoration project), her publisher had a lot of changes to be made to the latest book (to be completed within three days), and her husband was stressed out from trying to make partner in the law firm. When Tracy believed it could get NO worse, her mother called! Martha Collins had been a Hollywood goddess for what seemed like forever. Yet she still looked wonderful and made people notice her. She found Vince Sperry's body, called the police, and became the number one suspect! No matter how hard Tracy tried to clear her mother of the charges, her mother kept blocking her from doing so. Tracy kept wondering just WHAT was a daughter to do in a time like that and just WHY had she not been an orphan? ***** An excellent "who-dunnit" mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end! Tossed with bits of humor that I could not help but enjoy. This is one I definitely did not want to end! Luckily for me, this is a series of mysteries that began with "Revenge Of The Gypsy Queen" and will continue. I find myself eagerly looking forward to the next mystery in Tracy Eaton's bizarre world! Highly recommended for all mystery fans! *****
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended!
Review: Tracy Eaton was the author of the "Tessa Graham Mystery Series". At that point in time her house was like a pig sty (due to a small redecoration project), her publisher had a lot of changes to be made to the latest book (to be completed within three days), and her husband was stressed out from trying to make partner in the law firm. When Tracy believed it could get NO worse, her mother called! Martha Collins had been a Hollywood goddess for what seemed like forever. Yet she still looked wonderful and made people notice her. She found Vince Sperry's body, called the police, and became the number one suspect! No matter how hard Tracy tried to clear her mother of the charges, her mother kept blocking her from doing so. Tracy kept wondering just WHAT was a daughter to do in a time like that and just WHY had she not been an orphan? ***** An excellent "who-dunnit" mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end! Tossed with bits of humor that I could not help but enjoy. This is one I definitely did not want to end! Luckily for me, this is a series of mysteries that began with "Revenge Of The Gypsy Queen" and will continue. I find myself eagerly looking forward to the next mystery in Tracy Eaton's bizarre world! Highly recommended for all mystery fans! *****
Rating:
Summary: Another Fun Romp With Tracy
Review: Tracy's life is in an uproar. Her publisher has just called to say that they are dropping her mystery series unless she drastically changes her latest book, the advance for which has already been spent. The contractor shows up two days early to enlarge her closets. Her husband is panicked because he's starting the biggest case in his legal career that morning. And that's all before her mother, movie star Martha Collins, calls to say she's been arrested for murder. What a way to start a Monday. To Tracy's frustration, Martha doesn't seem interested in proving her innocence, so, despite promises to the contrary, Tracy begins to investigate. With Uncle Philly along to help, she starts finding connections and clues that lead back 30 years. But what do they all mean? And is Martha really innocent? As you can probably guess, this book is loads of fun with hilarious goings on all over the place. Tracy's sarcastic narration also adds to the humor level. The plot itself twists every which way. I hadn't read it for a couple years and was just as confused as the first time, even if I did remember the ultimate ending. And the characters are well developed and pull you further into the story. Anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted mystery need look no further then this series. Buy it today for a romp on the wild and fun side of murder.
Rating:
Summary: Another Fun Romp With Tracy
Review: Tracy's life is in an uproar. Her publisher has just called to say that they are dropping her mystery series unless she drastically changes her latest book, the advance for which has already been spent. The contractor shows up two days early to enlarge her closets. Her husband is panicked because he's starting the biggest case in his legal career that morning. And that's all before her mother, movie star Martha Collins, calls to say she's been arrested for murder. What a way to start a Monday. To Tracy's frustration, Martha doesn't seem interested in proving her innocence, so, despite promises to the contrary, Tracy begins to investigate. With Uncle Philly along to help, she starts finding connections and clues that lead back 30 years. But what do they all mean? And is Martha really innocent? As you can probably guess, this book is loads of fun with hilarious goings on all over the place. Tracy's sarcastic narration also adds to the humor level. The plot itself twists every which way. I hadn't read it for a couple years and was just as confused as the first time, even if I did remember the ultimate ending. And the characters are well developed and pull you further into the story. Anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted mystery need look no further then this series. Buy it today for a romp on the wild and fun side of murder.
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