If Looks Could Kill Andi MarquetteIf Looks Could Kill by Andi Marquette is part of The Law Game series from Ylva Publishing. It’s heavy on action and mystery with a nice bit of romance included, and it’s so much fun that I had a hard time putting it down.

Ellie O’Donnell is an NYPD officer whose special investigations work frequently means going undercover. Her long hours and need for secrecy make relationships difficult, which is why her last girlfriend left almost a year ago.

Her latest assignment requires Ellie to trace the ties between famous fashion mogul Marya Hampstead and a Russian crime family who may or may not be running guns internationally. A crash course in fashion, including a total makeover, gets Ellie ready to intern at Fashion Forward magazine, reporting directly to the dragon lady herself. When Hampstead’s father, himself a famous international businessman, comes to town and demonstrates some unusual skills, it’s clear that there’s more going on than Ellie and the NYPD realize.

Is Marya simply the fashion tycoon she presents to the world or is she actually tied to organized crime? Ellie’s determined to find out, even as she fights her growing attraction to the potentially dangerous woman.

The Characters

If Looks Could Kill is told entirely from Ellie’s perspective, and I loved following her through the story. She’s sharp and very good at her job, skilled at knowing who to talk to and how to ask the right questions to get the information she needs. She’s a quick-witted smartass, so I frequently found myself laughing, but she also cares deeply for the people she’s close to like her colleague Rick.

We don’t have the chance to get to know Marya nearly as well, but I loved what I saw. There’s more to her than the ice queen image she projects to the world, and to say more than that would spoil the book. That said, I’d love to read a book or three told from her perspective.

I’m also a big fan of Rick. He might be Ellie’s boss, but he’s a great support to her, almost like a brother. His reaction to her saying they should get married is priceless.

The Writing Style

The writing in If Looks Could Kill is tight, the pacing is perfect, the plotting is excellent (and even left me surprised at one point), and it’s so much fun I immediately wanted more. This is only the second book I’ve read by Andi Marquette, but you can officially call me a fan.

It’s worth noting that while this isn’t a romance novel, there is a romantic thread that works very well and is left at an appropriate place that is true to the rest of the book.

The Pros

Everything? I loved the characters, the story, the way it was written. This book was a home run for me.

The Cons

I want more books with these characters and there aren’t any!

The Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun mystery with a lot of action, look no further. If Looks Could Kill will keep you interested from the first page to the last.

Excerpt from If Looks Could Kill by Andi Marquette

“And how are you finding Fashion Forward, Ms. Daniels?” Marya asked as she stirred her drink.

“Fast-paced, informative, busy, sometimes intense . And I’ve decided I kind of like the coffee.”

Liz stared at her. Ellie caught her gaze and gave her a tiny shrug. She hid her smile behind the rim of her glass.

Tyler laughed, and Marya smiled as she sipped her drink. Oh, how Ellie wanted to be the glass— whoa, hold up. Get a grip. You may have to arrest this woman.

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Bits and Bobs

  • ISBN number: 9783955337216
  • Publisher: Ylva Publishing

The Law Game Series

Note these are all stand alone. They are a series because they have a theme of crime.

  1. Requiem For Immortals by Lee Winter
  2. Archer Securities by Jove Belle
  3. Daughter of Baal by Gill McKnight
  4. Evolution of an Art Thief by Jessie Chandler
  5. If Looks Could Kill by Andi Marquette

Andi Marquette Online 

Note: I received a free review copy If Looks Could Kill by Andi Marquette. No money was exchanged for this review. I will always review books as honestly as possible and on occasion I refuse to review books.