A good reading.

I enjoyed the book and was quick to fall for Jessica Huntington. Probably, the thing that most endears this book to me, aside from Jessica, were the descriptions of places and cuisine. But the plot is also great, and the storytelling, gripping.
The only thing that made me give this book four instead of five stars was a certain stiffness in the dialogues, provoked for an overuse of names.
But all in all, this was a wonderful read :D ( )

chick-lit, cozy-mystery, situational-humor, verbal-humor, California, friendship, the-mob
Having pots of money, designer clothes and shoes, a pricey residence, and rich friends doesn't mean that Jessica still had the marriage or really knew what to do with the law degree she got seven years ago. Nor does she know how to help her best friend stay safe after finding her husband murdered and learning that he was connected. Both of them learn a lot, and sometimes wish that they hadn't. A good mystery without a lot of gore, with terrific characters, and really high on the laugh-o-meter. A fun read!
The audio is performed slyly by Rebecca Mitchell. ( )

For lovers of the cozy mystery genre, you have found a new star with Anna Celeste Burke and her latest “Dead ”series starring rich girl turned over-achiever lawyer turned sudden divorcee turned amateur and still bumbling sleuth Jessica (emphasis on the ca—don’t call her Jess!) Huntington-Harper. Friendly and endearing—even while waxing poetic about shopping designer that can go on for pages, or California cuisine—Jessica will eventual wend her way into your heart because this is no ordinary spoiled 1per center. While married to Jim Harper, Jessica’s practice centered on housing issues, and while investigating the murder of Roger, best friend Laura’s husband, when she ends up in the thick of it—as she often does—Jessica can give as good as she gets—whether with a well-aimed Jimmy Choo shoe or her fist.
Burke’s Palm Spring and environs setting is exquisite matched only by the lushness of her descriptions of this stunning desert area, the sunsets and golden afternoons and the magnificent Mission Hills House from which Jessica operates.
The characters are many and varied and fun from Saint Bernadette, Jessica’s petite housekeeper and surrogate parent, to her “cat pack” of loyal friends, the hapless Laura included whose husband was unfortunately murdered the one night she forsook her wedding vows, to the stand-in faithful lil bro Tommy, and pool-boy wannabe body guard Brien, and the impossibly handsome PI who assists Jessica, but fails to alert her gaydar.
This is breezy, swift, good fun with plenty of actions and twists that will keep you guessing—and reading.
If this genre is your cup of reading pleasure, you cannot go wrong here.
( )

A Dead Husband is Anna Celeste Burke’s first novel in her Jessica Huntington mystery series and it certainly starts off on the right foot. The main character of this cozy detective story, Jessica, is a spunky shopaholic with lots of money to play with. She has just finished celebrating her divorce when a good friend, Laura, calls her for help. Laura discovered the body of her dead husband one morning when coming home from a one-night-stand, and now the police are treating her as a person of interest. Jessica is a lawyer and doesn’t hesitate to help her friend out, even when it involves wrestling with shady characters. This engaging read is a page-turner with lots of action and colourful, believable characters. The fun doesn’t on the last page – there are two other novels in the series, so get ready to party for a while. ( )

I loved it!! I received a copy of this book “THE DEAD HUSBAND” by Celeste Anna Burke in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself lost in the pages of such a wonderful plot. The book is a delightful read filled with a variety of fascinating characters and tons of mystery and suspense for your entertainment.
This is a story of a rich California girl Jessica Huntington, lost in the mist of shopping, socializing, and playing the wife of a cheating husband Jim Harper. On another level Jessica is a smart, witty woman full of energy that would do anything for her friends. She holds a law degree and she takes upon herself to investigate the murder of her best friend’s husband. It does not take long for her to get mixed up in the middle of the chaos and mystery that surrounds that murder.
This is a wonderful novel that will keep you engaged and eager to turn the pages. The author provides a plot full of action, suspense and mystery that will take you on a wild roller coaster, with many twists and turns. She also introduces a delightful assortment of emotions, such as romance, pain, dejection, anxiety, and laughter.
Celeste Anna Burke has a delightful way of writing a story. The storyline of various travels and especially Palm Springs gives the reader a clear picture of the locations and a wonderful sensation that you are actually there. She deliversa picture of the luxurious playgrounds for the rich, and the wonderful things money can afford you. I found myself quiet emerged into the fascinating and entertaining life that the affluent enjoy day in and day out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, murder, humor, and thrill. This is really and delightful story that makes a great read. ( )