To Die For

Confession time - this is actually the first novel I have read by Lisa Gray. I have her other books but they have been languishing in my tbr pile along with many others. If To Die For is a sign of what I can expect from the author's writing though, I really need to move them you the list pretty quickly. This may be a standalone novel, but it had me hooked from the off and with fast pacing, a real mystery at the heart, and characters who were as untrustworthy and cutthroat as their profession may suggest, I devoured this book in just one afternoon and evening.The premise is pretty simple - what would you be willing to do for one million dollars. Or, more precisely, to secure a commission worth one million dollars, provided that you can secure a sale on a fifty-million dollar, exclusive Malibu beachfront property. That is the proposal set before five money hungry realtors when their agency secures the opportunity of a lifetime to sell a brand new property. Each of them has their own reason for wanting that money. Each of them wold seemingly go to any lengths to get it. Well ... nearly any of them.Lisa Gray has created a wonderfully diverse, and divisive, cast of characters for this book. Andi, Hunter, Myles, Verona, and Krystal - each driven by their own ambitions and each nursing secrets of varying levels of scandal or emotional toil. Half of the story, the period before a very memorable Realtor and buyer party, is told from their varying perspectives, with a good proportion of the attention focused on Andi who, it soon becomes clear, has a pivotal part to play in everything that unfolds. They are a hard bunch to like, even Andi. although I felt more sympathy towards her and Verona than I did the others, especially as I learned more about their back stories. But still - Estate Agents do get a really bad reputation. People like Hunter, Krystal and Myles really won't do much to dispel that myth ....The other of the story, the after, follows the investigating Detectives, Detective Jimmy Aribo and his partner, Tim Lombardi, as they try to get to the bottom of the very dark deed that casts shadows over the sun-bright Malibu party. The what of the story is all laid bare in the prologue so you don't have to wait long for that particular reveal, but the merry dance between the run up to the fateful day and what happens after, the discovery of the truth, is a delight to behold. Well plotted and extremely well executed, the transitions were seamless and I was totally and utterly immersed.I liked the pacing of this book. Liked the way in which it held more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive. The characters grated and yet were completely compelling. I wanted to read on, if only to see some of their downfalls. I liked the tension that the author manages to infuse in the story, the conflict which is always bubbling under the surface. There is so much secrecy throughout, every characters holding their cards close to their chest, and that really makes it an addictive read. Was every reveal a big surprise? Not especially. Did it matter? Not a jot. The ending did manage to both surprise and satisfy, and even when we think we have seen it all, Lisa Gray still pulls out that sharp little twist leaving me with a wry smile on my face. As for the final chapter - a pretty perfect and chucklesome way to end. Bringing the story full circle as it were.If you like fast paced, character led mysteries, where you will love to hate practically everyone you meet, then this may well be the book for you. I ate it up. Definitely recommended.

3.5 rounded upA glorious beach front brand spanking new house is up for sale in Malibu - yours for $50 million. The competition is hot between the five real estate agents with the potential of a $1 million bonus. Andi Hart, Hunter Brooks, Krystal Taylor, Verona King and Myles Goodman roll up their sleeves and prepare to fend each other off. Let’s hope no one gets hurt in the process. Whoops, spoke too soon, there’s a dead body floating in the luxury property pool on the day of the open house. Too much Dom Perignon quaffed maybe? Who is it and why? Let the games begin. The story is told Before and After and from six points of view which is a lot!This is an entertaining read from start to finish and I like the authors engaging style. The competition between the five agents is something else, each revealing their very sharp teeth of ambition a few other issues besides. Dirty Tricks R Us should be the name of the company rather than it’s rather sedate title!The setting is atmospheric, you certainly get a good guided tour of La-La Land which saves me the bother of jetting over! The plot has multiple twists and the final one is especially good, lifting the star rating that’s for sure. The pace is pretty quick making it an easy zip through read, just how I like them! I enjoy how we don’t know the identity of the floater until nearly the end which keeps you guessing. Considering the multiple points of view the author does a decent job of defining the characters in some way.Overall, this is a page turner and a perfect relaxing by the pool read, without the dead body!

This was a pick from the Amazon First Reads July selection and I am so glad I chose this as it was a great read.This book was like an episode of Selling Sunset with murder! Andi works for Saint Realty in Santa Monica who have just been given a $50million house on Malibu Beach to sell meaning whoever finds a seller will warm $1million in commission. Andi desperately wants to earn this commission but so do her 4 colleagues, Verona, Krystal, Hunter & Miles. The 5 realtors will do anything to earn that commission including sabotaging each other until a dead body is found in the swimming pool on the day of the open!This book was full of suspense, who is Andi hiding from and why?!It was a very easy and entertaining read showing just how cutthroat the luxury housing market is in the USA! I will definitely be looking out for any other books from this author!

I’ve only read one book by this author before, but it was excellent. I was hoping for as good a read this time and I wasn’t disappointed. Andi is a realtor, but she is hiding something, something from her past. When her firm lands a big opportunity for commission on a $50 million house, it looks like a fantastic chance to get ahead. But it’s not all it’s made out to be.It’s nicely twisted, with a good array of suspects, all neatly ruled out, one by one. I liked Andis character, damaged, but determined to get on, and not let her background define her. Enjoyable read.