Naked Once More (Jacqueline Kirby Mysteries Book 4)

This review originally published in [...] Rated 2.5 of 5When I requested this book (two, almost three yeas ago!) I hadn't read many mysteries but this was among those that was going to start me down that path. I lost the book when the Kindle it was on gave up its digital ghost and only recently figured out how to find most (but not all) of my lost books. I've since read a number of mysteries and have gotten much more familiar with the genre, which I think is probably a good thing.This mystery follows Jacqueline Kirby, a best-selling romance author who is invited, along with a number of other romance authors to being considered to write the sequel to "Naked on the Ice" - a massive best-seller - when the author of this is declared legally dead (her body was never recovered after the discovery of an auto accident near a river). Jacqueline is selected for the opportunity to write the sequel and chooses to move to the original author's home town to better get in touch with the author's feelings and intentions, and to be able to review any possible notes the author may have left behind.But Jacqueline soon receives threatening letters and an attempt on her life. But when the local bookstore owner is found dead in a homicide made to look like an accident, Jacqueline knows that there is something deeper going on and spends more time researching the murders than she does on the book. Her discovery shocks everyone and Jacqueline makes the big reveal in a classic drawing-room scene.Since reading the book I discovered that this is the fourth in a Jacqueline Kirby series and it's really nice to note that not once, while reading this, did I feel that I was missing out or that I really should have read the first three books to really understand this. I've long felt that you shouldn't HAVE to read books 1-3 to enjoy book 4. And author Peters shows that this can be the case.I was captured by the story very early on with the introduction of the characters (living and dead) and the challenge of writing a sequel to a best-seller by a different author. And I was quite rooted in the story as we approached the climax and denouement, eager to see who was the culprit was.But I was bored and listless through the middle portion of the book. There was too much story that didn't move the action forward or reveal any great clues and it wasn't until the murder of the local book store owner that the story got interesting again.This was one of those "yeah...okay" books. Nothing horrible here, but nothing that makes me eager to read another Elizabeth Peters book. I'll also note that it really drives me crazy to read improper English usage in a published novel. This is a reprint so I must assume this improper language is a hold-over from the earliest publication. Peters writes: "He shouldn't of run off that way."Looking for a good book? If you like mysteries and you want to see a romance author in the middle of a mystery, <em>Naked Once More</em>, by Elizabeth Peters is a fine choice for a weekend read.I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

A few years ago I read an omnibus volume collecting the first three Jacqueline Kirby mysteries. I enjoyed that volume so much that I made a mental note to pick up the fourth (and, unfortunately, last) Kirby novel when my reading schedule permitted. That time finally came and I am happy to report that the book does not disappoint.Like many of Peters' books this one can be enjoyed on a number of levels. As a well plotted mystery it has enough plot twists and red herrings to satisfy most mystery lovers and only in a few instances is plausibility ever in question. It also works as humor; the author clearly was having a good time writing this. It's also an expose of sorts, exposing the unpleasant side of the publishing business. And given that it revolves around the sequel to a famous novel one wonders if there was a not a bit of autobiographical material mixed in. One also wonders how much the fuss surrounding the sequel to Gone with the Wind influenced the book? Was Peters ever in the running for that plum gig?In any event the book is highly recommended. One doesn't really need to read the previous Kirby books to enjoy this one. It is a sequel of sorts to the previous "Die for Love" but the connection is fairly tenuous.The Kindle edition is perfectly formatted. One annoyance that can't be blamed on Kindle formatting was the use, several times, of "shouldn't of". English teachers worldwide must have shaken their heads wearily.

I had read the first three Jacqueline Kirby adventures, but was unaware of the fourth until coming across this. Jake is always fun, I'll have to go back and reread the previous ones. I truly lament there will be no more.

Even though this is the fourth book in the Jacqueline Kirby mysteries you don't need to read the others to enjoy this one. Elizabeth Peters writes good mysteries with great characters and humor.

I liked the characters the plot and the story just in general. I have not read this series before, but have liked all her other series

Once again Jacqueline Kirby is her inimitable self as she solves multiple msteries, past and present. I did have part of it figured out, but not all. Brava!

This is the fourth and final book with Jacqueline Kirby as the reluctant, unusual detective. In this one, Jacqueline is chosen to write a sequel to one of her favorite books. During the process, she has to solve the mystery of what happened to the author of the book and other events. I enjoyed rereading the book as much as I did the first time I read it. I wish there had been more books written with this detective.

This was a page turner that made it worth while to read. Great characters and fascinating plot. Sorry that there are not more of the Kirby series to read. Highly recommend this entertaining group of books.

This is , as are most of Elizabeth Peters' books, an intriguing, well-written and most enjoyable read. Her weird but astute heroine Mrs Kirby, whom I thought I would not like, is instead well thought out and both interesting and amusing. I have to say that though I copped onto the cat "clues" quite soon, I was charmed by the story. As is usual with Elizabth Peters' novels, a decent educational background is necessary. It may be light reading, but unintelligent and vapid it certainly is NOT. Five stars, much recommended.

I always enjoy books written by this author and this bookis no exception. Once you have read one of her booksYou have to read them all.

great book

Did I read the same book? I honestly found this one of the most tedious and annoying books I've ever read.Too many characters, confusing plot, poor descriptions, an exasperating heroine, plus it's obvious half-way through exactly where the 'murdered author' is. I have enjoyed Elizabeth Peters' books before, but I found this one hard work, and as amusing as the Yellow Pages.