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Tahoe Tessie #1
Luck Be a Lady
From New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Kindle Bestselling author, Gemma Halliday...
Tessie King has just inherited the biggest casino in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada: the Royal Lakeside. What she didn't bargain for are the problems she'd inherit with it.
Having left Tahoe years ago, the underbelly of the casino trade is a far cry from the art world Tessie is used to. High-stakes cons, inside jobs, wise guys... Tessie quickly realizes she's in way over her head. And things go from bad to worse when questions start to arise about the nature of her father's death. Enter FBI agent Devin Ryder, member of the Nevada Organized Crime Task Force. He's had his eye on the Royal Palace for months, and with the suspicious death of its leader, Ryder now has Tessie squarely in his sights. If Tessie doesn't want to be running her casino from behind bars, she needs to find out how her father really died, who's behind it, why, and how to get them into Agent Ryder's hot little hands before he gets his hands on her. All the while catching a con-man, beating the competition, and running a multi-million dollar business.
Tough job? Fo'get about it. All in a day's work for this lady luck.
Tessie King has just inherited the biggest casino in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada: the Royal Lakeside. What she didn't bargain for are the problems she'd inherit with it.
Having left Tahoe years ago, the underbelly of the casino trade is a far cry from the art world Tessie is used to. High-stakes cons, inside jobs, wise guys... Tessie quickly realizes she's in way over her head. And things go from bad to worse when questions start to arise about the nature of her father's death. Enter FBI agent Devin Ryder, member of the Nevada Organized Crime Task Force. He's had his eye on the Royal Palace for months, and with the suspicious death of its leader, Ryder now has Tessie squarely in his sights. If Tessie doesn't want to be running her casino from behind bars, she needs to find out how her father really died, who's behind it, why, and how to get them into Agent Ryder's hot little hands before he gets his hands on her. All the while catching a con-man, beating the competition, and running a multi-million dollar business.
Tough job? Fo'get about it. All in a day's work for this lady luck.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2013
About the author
Gemma Halliday
80 books1,876 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 8, 2014
My reaction to this story is tinted by the facts that I have no interest in gambling and I am not surprised if casinos turn out to be linked to organised crime. Someone else might well give this book more stars.
The mystery itself is pleasant enough with fortunately little indulgence in the detail of gambling. A young woman named Tessie who runs an art gallery is surprised to inherit a controlling share in a Nevada casino from her father - she didn't know he had such a big stake. He's died in middle age of a heart attack, sad but normal enough, and then a suspicion arises that he may have been poisoned. A friend blames it on his protein health drink.
Meanwhile a disquieting series of thefts from rooms and even the main hotel safe occurs. This is now Tessie's responsibility but luckily she's not a complete novice. While she's dealing with all that and trying to get the employees on her side the police develop a suspicion that Tessie herself did away with her father, to inherit.
There's a nicely placed snowboarding scene to get us out of doors for once and plenty of hotel detail. Overall it was a good enough read but I just couldn't love the casino setting.
The mystery itself is pleasant enough with fortunately little indulgence in the detail of gambling. A young woman named Tessie who runs an art gallery is surprised to inherit a controlling share in a Nevada casino from her father - she didn't know he had such a big stake. He's died in middle age of a heart attack, sad but normal enough, and then a suspicion arises that he may have been poisoned. A friend blames it on his protein health drink.
Meanwhile a disquieting series of thefts from rooms and even the main hotel safe occurs. This is now Tessie's responsibility but luckily she's not a complete novice. While she's dealing with all that and trying to get the employees on her side the police develop a suspicion that Tessie herself did away with her father, to inherit.
There's a nicely placed snowboarding scene to get us out of doors for once and plenty of hotel detail. Overall it was a good enough read but I just couldn't love the casino setting.
July 15, 2020
Enjoyable mystery.
Tessie is an art curator. The sudden death of her father throws her entire life in chaos as she finds herself in charge of her father’s casino. She has to quickly learn new skills as she faces new and unique problems which include theft from the casino, getting to meet her step mother who is just a few years older than her and even meeting an FBI agent who may be involved in the death of her father.
Enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the way that Tessie handled it all.
Tessie is an art curator. The sudden death of her father throws her entire life in chaos as she finds herself in charge of her father’s casino. She has to quickly learn new skills as she faces new and unique problems which include theft from the casino, getting to meet her step mother who is just a few years older than her and even meeting an FBI agent who may be involved in the death of her father.
Enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the way that Tessie handled it all.
September 13, 2013
"Tahoe Tessie Is A Great Crime Solver"
This is the first novel I've read by Gemma Halliday; but, it won't be the last! I love her writing style and twists and turns presented to the main character, Tessie King. Tessie is an art curator in San Francisco. Her father, Richard King, is owner of The Royal Palace Casino and Resort in South Lake Tahoe. His sudden death leaves her feeling guilty because she had not visited him in two years. While attending her father's funeral, Tess runs into the heartthrob of her teenage years, Rafe, who now works at the casino. He convinces her to come to the casino, rather than driving home to San Francisco. She soon learns she'll have to stay another ten days at the casino because via her father's will, she is now the owner of the casino. She wants no part of it, but the board will meet in ten days where she can resign ... should she wish. Faced with handling complaints of privileged customers, she has to hone her skills quickly. She is confronted with many such challenges: theft of $5,000 from a locked room safe; Devon Ryder, FBI Agent; being a suspect in the killing of her father; and becoming acquainted with his widow, Britton. The crimes multiply, and there are many twists and turns moving as fast as a roulette wheel. I loved the lighthearted style of writing, it swept me in quickly, the characters are captivating and varied. It's a fast read and I highly recommend this crime solving novel.
This is the first novel I've read by Gemma Halliday; but, it won't be the last! I love her writing style and twists and turns presented to the main character, Tessie King. Tessie is an art curator in San Francisco. Her father, Richard King, is owner of The Royal Palace Casino and Resort in South Lake Tahoe. His sudden death leaves her feeling guilty because she had not visited him in two years. While attending her father's funeral, Tess runs into the heartthrob of her teenage years, Rafe, who now works at the casino. He convinces her to come to the casino, rather than driving home to San Francisco. She soon learns she'll have to stay another ten days at the casino because via her father's will, she is now the owner of the casino. She wants no part of it, but the board will meet in ten days where she can resign ... should she wish. Faced with handling complaints of privileged customers, she has to hone her skills quickly. She is confronted with many such challenges: theft of $5,000 from a locked room safe; Devon Ryder, FBI Agent; being a suspect in the killing of her father; and becoming acquainted with his widow, Britton. The crimes multiply, and there are many twists and turns moving as fast as a roulette wheel. I loved the lighthearted style of writing, it swept me in quickly, the characters are captivating and varied. It's a fast read and I highly recommend this crime solving novel.
August 15, 2013
Tessie King has returned to South Lake Tahoe after a long absence. Her father, who owns the Royal Palace Casino, died unexpectedly. Tessie learns that she inherits his business. She is stunned, but there is more to come. The Nevada Organized Crime Task Force is investigating. The final blow. Her father was murdered. Can an art gallery curator navigate this dangerous world and find who killed her father? She can with the help of her step-mother, Britton King. They make a great team. The first book in the Tahoe Tessie Mysteries is filled with many plot twists. The dialogue is humorous and the characters are over the top. I loved each and every one. One of my favorites was Alfie Malone, head of security. He is definitely old school. Is he with her or against her? The romance department is well covered with two handsome men: Rafe, her former crush, and Devin, the agent in charge. If you want a light hearted mystery with a unexpected ending, this is the book for you.
September 14, 2022
I got this book predominantly because it's set in Tahoe and I have a giant amount of sentiment for that amazing place. The book itself was actually quite entertaining, not necessarily my usual thing but a reasonably good read. I think I'll be reading next one in the series!
September 12, 2013
Tessie is an art curator, owned by a cat, who was estranged from her father for a couple of years. When he suddenly dies, Tessie is forced to go to the funeral, and learns along the way that the man she thought of her father was so much more than a casino mogul in Tahoe. As this new vision of her father emerges, she is confronted by an FBI special agent and told her father's death might not be of natural causes. Toss in a lovable childhood friend, a snowboarding heartthrob, and an FBI man hot enough to make you swoon, and you have one of the most original and fun cozy mysteries I've ever read.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries who appreciate something new and fun.
Disclaimer: I do know these authors personally, but that has little bearing on my opinion. Awesome is still awesome. I can't wait until the next book!
I highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries who appreciate something new and fun.
Disclaimer: I do know these authors personally, but that has little bearing on my opinion. Awesome is still awesome. I can't wait until the next book!
August 30, 2013
I'm a big fan of Gemma Halliday and was very excited to see that she had a new book out so I pre-ordered it and got it the day it came out. I then realized it was a collaboration and I was very hesitant to start reading it so I put it off till this afternoon when I had some time. This book was so hard to put down that I devoured it in only a few hours. Great hilarious story with lots of red herrings, some romance and a seamless collaboration. If you haven't done so pick it up now. It's worth your money and time. Can't wait for the next adventure!
August 26, 2013
I love Gemma Halliday's books, so of course I had to read this one & it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this new book & can't wait for more in this series! It's filled with great characters & a mystery that kept me guessing & changing my mind on the "villain". A great read that will be hard to put down!
August 16, 2014
When Tessie inherits a casino from her dead father, she's suddenly smack bang in the middle of a bunch of thefts, intrigue, and danger. Who stands to gain if the casino goes under? Is the old school friend of Tessie's involved? And why is FBI agent Ryder getting Tessie all hot under the collar?
A fun mystery that will keep you turning the pages!
A fun mystery that will keep you turning the pages!
August 14, 2013
Its another Gemma Charmer! A fast moving mystery with a host of delightful and funny characters. A real page turner with wit and charm. Put your feet up and get ready to enjoy.
August 16, 2013
great book, it was awesome! loved Tessie. FBI Agent Hottie Ryder, Rafe, Alfie, Britton and naturally Tate were awesome. Very big twist at the end. Can't wait for the next one.
August 17, 2013
Love love love it!!
August 28, 2013
I loved Tate! He is a hilarious character which was great to break of the serious moments of this well written mystery. Gemma Halliday has another fun series. Love it!
November 3, 2013
"Luck be a Lady" is a great, face-paced read with believable characters and plenty of action. Bravo ladies! Good job. And Toni Sue, I'm thrilled for you. All the best.
July 26, 2020
How can one not like Tahoe Tessie??
The main character, Tessie, has been fun to get to know. Her entanglements are entertaining and keeps one wanting to keep turning pages!
The main character, Tessie, has been fun to get to know. Her entanglements are entertaining and keeps one wanting to keep turning pages!
April 17, 2023
Like one of the other reviewers, I was not crazy about the casino setting, but that was not my reason for giving it only 4 stars. First the compliments. I found the characters interesting and the dialogs and descriptions amusing. Where I felt that it fell short <<>> was the length of time that it took Tessie to connect a suspicious encounter that she witnessed to the other things going on.
Tessie has a bit of a romantic triangle emerging that will continue on in the next book. An FBI agent investigating the possibility of mob connections becomes involved in the murder mystery and shows a definite interest in Tessie that comes to a head when she encounters personal danger. At the same time, a snowboarder that has publicity ties to the casino and was her teenage crush when she made summer visits (her parents divorced) to her father's casino may or may not be demonstrating an interest in her as an adult.
Tessie has a bit of a romantic triangle emerging that will continue on in the next book. An FBI agent investigating the possibility of mob connections becomes involved in the murder mystery and shows a definite interest in Tessie that comes to a head when she encounters personal danger. At the same time, a snowboarder that has publicity ties to the casino and was her teenage crush when she made summer visits (her parents divorced) to her father's casino may or may not be demonstrating an interest in her as an adult.
July 10, 2017
In Luck Be a Lady by Gemma Halliday and T. Sue Versteeg, Tessie King is attending the funeral of her father, the chairman of a major Lake Tahoe casino, when she finds out that he has left everything to her, and she now actually owns a very large majority share of the casino, which she doesn't want. She must remain in Tahoe at least until they can call a new board meeting in ten days and elect a new chair to replace her. She gets involved in the case of some thefts that can only have been committed by staff. Then, she learns that he has been under investigation by the FBI for mob ties and that they suspect his death was not natural.
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July 15, 2020Really loved this book and sad to say suspected everyone but the real killer. Tessie went to her father's funeral but was going to skip the reception after when she was told she needed to be there. Planning to only stay 2 days imagine her shock when told she is now CEO of the Royal Palace and has to stay until the board can meet and select a new CEO.
Then she learns her father was being investigated for dealings with the mafia by the FBI, and his death was not because of a heart attack he was poisoned, she suspects someone was in her room but has no proof, learns high rollers are being robbed so abandoning her casino. What next? There is more so be sure to get a copy for yourself.
Tessie has dealings with not only her teenage dream Rafe but also a FBI agent who makes her weak in the knees.
Then she learns her father was being investigated for dealings with the mafia by the FBI, and his death was not because of a heart attack he was poisoned, she suspects someone was in her room but has no proof, learns high rollers are being robbed so abandoning her casino. What next? There is more so be sure to get a copy for yourself.
Tessie has dealings with not only her teenage dream Rafe but also a FBI agent who makes her weak in the knees.
October 27, 2020
Luck Be a Lady (Tahoe Tessie, #1) by Gemma Halliday
Tessie's Father died and left her his casino. But his death is questionable and the FBI is looking at a murder. She is shocked to hear about her Father's death (but) will try to run his Casino. Tessie is on the list of suspects, she tries to clear her name and find out exactly how he died. If he was murdered who did it and why?
A fast paced fun murder/mystery with a (classic) who-done-it plot. There are many suspects, with some twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more. Overall I found Luck Be a Lady very enjoyable and feel those who love a (cozy) murder mystery will enjoy it as well.
Tessie's Father died and left her his casino. But his death is questionable and the FBI is looking at a murder. She is shocked to hear about her Father's death (but) will try to run his Casino. Tessie is on the list of suspects, she tries to clear her name and find out exactly how he died. If he was murdered who did it and why?
A fast paced fun murder/mystery with a (classic) who-done-it plot. There are many suspects, with some twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more. Overall I found Luck Be a Lady very enjoyable and feel those who love a (cozy) murder mystery will enjoy it as well.
June 15, 2020
Fun and entertaining mystery in a contemporary romance kind of way
This has been a fun and entertaining read with part mystery, part contemporary romance; it’s not like other stories I’ve read. It’s refreshing to read good writing without the profanities.
Read from Tessie King's point of view, she suddenly becomes managing director when her father dies. Navigating through the day to day running of a casino, it's never a dull moment when something happens, including theft so naturally she plays detective whilst getting deliciously distracted by both childhood crush Rafe and FBI agent Ryder who is looking into her father's "murder".
The ebook cover could be much better though.
This has been a fun and entertaining read with part mystery, part contemporary romance; it’s not like other stories I’ve read. It’s refreshing to read good writing without the profanities.
Read from Tessie King's point of view, she suddenly becomes managing director when her father dies. Navigating through the day to day running of a casino, it's never a dull moment when something happens, including theft so naturally she plays detective whilst getting deliciously distracted by both childhood crush Rafe and FBI agent Ryder who is looking into her father's "murder".
The ebook cover could be much better though.
February 28, 2020
Even better than anticipated!
I know Gemma Halliday is a sensational author, having enjoyed her Jamie Bonds books. This was my introduction to Tahoe Tessie, and I enjoyed every minute of her casino adventure/mystery. Tessie is amazing, so real, and I know this is the start of a long beautiful relation. Reminds me of another sharp literary lady who runs a Las Vegas casino (or two). Perhaps Halliday's Tessie and Coontz's Lucky can be brought together sometime! Meanwhile, I'm boarding right in to Tessie's next Tahoe adventure. Well done, Halliday and co-author VerSteeg!
I know Gemma Halliday is a sensational author, having enjoyed her Jamie Bonds books. This was my introduction to Tahoe Tessie, and I enjoyed every minute of her casino adventure/mystery. Tessie is amazing, so real, and I know this is the start of a long beautiful relation. Reminds me of another sharp literary lady who runs a Las Vegas casino (or two). Perhaps Halliday's Tessie and Coontz's Lucky can be brought together sometime! Meanwhile, I'm boarding right in to Tessie's next Tahoe adventure. Well done, Halliday and co-author VerSteeg!
August 27, 2021
Entertaining
A fun cozy mystery based in a casino in Lake Tahoe shortly after the death of the casino's owner. I enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot. It was slightly different than the usual ones I read that are based in cafes, diners, and bakeries! It was a nice change full of shady suspects, a daughter who is trying to gain information about her father's death while trying to run his casino for a brief time until more permanent arrangements could be made. Personal growth, light romance, and suspense make this a great choice for any cozy mystery fan!
A fun cozy mystery based in a casino in Lake Tahoe shortly after the death of the casino's owner. I enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot. It was slightly different than the usual ones I read that are based in cafes, diners, and bakeries! It was a nice change full of shady suspects, a daughter who is trying to gain information about her father's death while trying to run his casino for a brief time until more permanent arrangements could be made. Personal growth, light romance, and suspense make this a great choice for any cozy mystery fan!
August 11, 2022
Silly but decent mysteries
A fun take on a Mob-like atmosphere. Tessie was both tough but sweet. Loved Tate and Britton. Not a fan of love triangles but the story was focused more on her than them and her need to make sure her dad's legacy doesn't go down in flames. Thefts, murders, including her father's, need to be dealt with before she heads back home. It is convoluted, but as the new owner, she's emotionally invested and nearly getting killed is a small price to pay to find her dad's killer.
A fun take on a Mob-like atmosphere. Tessie was both tough but sweet. Loved Tate and Britton. Not a fan of love triangles but the story was focused more on her than them and her need to make sure her dad's legacy doesn't go down in flames. Thefts, murders, including her father's, need to be dealt with before she heads back home. It is convoluted, but as the new owner, she's emotionally invested and nearly getting killed is a small price to pay to find her dad's killer.
May 13, 2020
Very interesting to read
This is interesting because the reader is provided a brief glimpse of life in a casino. Tessy leaves LA to attend her father's funeral. Quickly, she learns he was murdered and most of his estate, including his beloved casino and penthouse, goes to her. She tries to find the murderer when she gets knocked out and a valuable painting gets stolen from the penthouse. Someone has just upped the ante on a game Tessy doesn't want to play.
This is interesting because the reader is provided a brief glimpse of life in a casino. Tessy leaves LA to attend her father's funeral. Quickly, she learns he was murdered and most of his estate, including his beloved casino and penthouse, goes to her. She tries to find the murderer when she gets knocked out and a valuable painting gets stolen from the penthouse. Someone has just upped the ante on a game Tessy doesn't want to play.
September 8, 2020
3.5 stars. Fun cosy crime where I suspected everyone and no-one and thus did not guess the killer. Tess is likeable- neither Mary Sue nor TSTL, and the secondary characters are cool too. I particularly enjoyed Britton & Tate and I like both potential love interests but am leaning towards Ryder for now.
November 8, 2021
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her dad died. she had not seen him in a few years. he ran a casino in tahoe and left it to her. she didnt really want it. the fbi is asking her questions about his 'heart attack'. turned out his drink was poisoned by the lawyer, he was scamming the hotel . setting up thefts and then increasing the insurance payoff to keep for himself. she decided to stay there and let her step mom move in with her
her dad died. she had not seen him in a few years. he ran a casino in tahoe and left it to her. she didnt really want it. the fbi is asking her questions about his 'heart attack'. turned out his drink was poisoned by the lawyer, he was scamming the hotel . setting up thefts and then increasing the insurance payoff to keep for himself. she decided to stay there and let her step mom move in with her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2017
This was fun. I enjoyed the setting & characters. I'm hoping that our heroine gets her hormones in check just a bit. Not a fan of bright women becoming hopeless in the presence of some green eyes.
The mystery was good - nice mix of information & misinformation.
Starting on book two.
The mystery was good - nice mix of information & misinformation.
Starting on book two.
August 21, 2019
Luck Be a Lady by Gemma Halliday
Well I really love these cozy mysteries. With just a touch of romantic background, it is so wonderful to get completely involved in the mystery itself. And this was such a good one. I am sure the series is going to be great.
Well I really love these cozy mysteries. With just a touch of romantic background, it is so wonderful to get completely involved in the mystery itself. And this was such a good one. I am sure the series is going to be great.
May 11, 2021
An Intriguing story
An interesting story about a young lady daughter to the owner of a casino who just found out that her father had died. I will be buying the next book in this series.
An interesting story about a young lady daughter to the owner of a casino who just found out that her father had died. I will be buying the next book in this series.
June 29, 2017
Book was good enough that I want to read more by this author. downloaded the 2nd in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews