My first ARC. I'm giddy and a little nervous. But I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, so here it goes!

Heartache Motel is a collection of three short stories from 3 Henery Press mystery writers, all written to be set in the same place, at the same time: the Heartache Motel in Memphis right before Christmas. I can't say it hasn't been done before, but it's new to me and I thought it was a kick! (Henery Press also published Other People's Baggage - where the heroine of each story flew threw the Dallas airport during bad storms on the same day, resulting in each one getting the other's luggage and having to make do with what they find within. Highly recommended!)

The Heartache Motel is in itself a heartache. Tacky, rundown and available to rent by the hour. It's the kind of hotel that, upon checking in, one immediately gloves up and removes the outermost layers of bedding to then start inspecting for bedbugs.

Depressing, no? But wait! The hotel is run by a staff of drag queens! Each portraying a supporting cast member from an Elvis movie, they are fabulous! The bar, Suspicious Minds, runs a full schedule of fascinating, colourful entertainment: singing, look-a-like contests and who has the best pelvic thrust! A full cast of shady characters hang out at Suspicious Minds too. There's something for everyone at the Heartache, just watch where you sit and wash your hands. A lot.

I'm not actually an Elvis fan, but it's hard not to love this setting. I can just see it all in my head; a carnival riot of neon, rhinestones, and beehives.

Diners Keepers, Losers Weepers by Terri L. Austin
The first story, this one takes place a few months after the series book Diner Impossible. I haven't yet read anything in this series, but I didn't find that an issue at all. The story stands alone quite well.

The MC (Rose) and friends all head off for four days in Memphis to visit Graceland. Once there, they find themselves at the Heartache and enmeshed in a murder. With drag queens and Elvis impersonators everywhere, figuring out who's who is, well, more complicated.

While I found the main characters each to be a bit too out there, with each the poster child of their own individual eccentricity, I liked them all a lot anyway. Stoner Joe was just hysterical and I hope I'm having as much fun as Ma when I turn 80!

The plot is a well-fleshed-out murder mystery and if the characters took a few liberties while investigating, they at least did it overtly without feeling the need to justify themselves. There wasn't any coyness about these amateur sleuths and I appreciated it. They didn't pretend to be angles either - they aren't villains, but more 'means-justifies-the-ends".

A fun caper-style story that has me intrigued about the series this story is based on.


Quick Sketch by Larissa Reinhart
This one was probably my least favourite of the three stories but not because it wasn't well-written. This is a fast paced, almost mad-capped story that isn't so much mystery as sting operation.

The characters are vividly written and feel well-fleshed out, even in this short novella. I had no problem getting a sense of who these people were when they lived at home. I loved reading about the moments where the MC's practicing her art; sketching or drawing a portrait. I actually felt her pain in the Green Room. Priscilla, one of the drag queens, plays a big part in this story and her character is fabulous. Funny too, with some great one liners.

As I mentioned above, the plot isn't so much a mystery as a sting operation. This is probably why I didn't love the story more; I'm just not a fan of stings, or confidence games.


Dateline Memphis by LynDee Walker
A closed-room mystery! Nichelle checks into the Heartache for one night, so she can stop off at Graceland on her way home for Christmas and is trapped there when Elvis' home goes into lockdown. A theft. A possible story for her Richmond newspaper. Nichelle is paying attention, asking questions, and writing her story - with just a little bit of sleuthing.

I've read the first book, Front Page Fatality (loved it!), so I immediately connected to this story in a way I didn't with the first two. But all other things being equal, I still think this would be my favourite of three very strong stories. Locked room mysteries are fun - even when the suspect pool numbers in the thousands!

Nichelle is on her own in this story, although phone calls and text messages introduce the other series' main characters, each with their own small role to play. The author does a good job, I think, of giving a quick thumbnail sketch of those characters: her editor, her ex, and the mysterious mobster who is hotter than sin. I like Nichelle. She feels like a real person, wry and witty and nursing a serious shoe collection, she also has some depth to her as well. I don't pretend to understand the shoe thing, but otherwise I can imagine her as one of my circle of friends.

The thing about novellas is you don't want to talk too much about the plot - it's too easy to go spoiler-ish, but I think this one was really well done. One early interaction Nichelle had stuck out and raised a flag for me, but the author very craftily had me second guessing and switching my suspicion to someone else. I ended up being correct the first time, but I didn't know that until the end. The whole thing was fast paced and entertaining.


I'd recommend Heartache Motel for any one who is currently a fan of any of these authors, as a way to bridge the gap between full books with fun in-between adventures with your favourite characters. I'd also recommend this to anyone looking for new mystery authors to add to their shelves - these novellas are an excellent way to "taste-test" new-to-you series. I first became acquainted with Henery Press by picking up Other People's Baggage, the other anthology I mentioned at the beginning of this review. I've since become hooked on 4 of their mystery series - each well crafted and entertaining. Each just that step above your average cozy mystery. ( )

Heartache Motel is a really good, really fun read. I love to read cozy mystery books that are part of a series (and I have this thing about reading them in order). Heartache Motel contains novellas from not one, not two, but three cozy series, and very enjoyable, well-written ones at that.

In some cozies, the sleuths give rather implausible reasons for why they sleuth (and I tend not to stick with those series for very long). Rose, Cherry and Nichelle have legitimate reasons for their investigations, in each of their books and stories, which adds to my enjoyment of their adventures.

The Heartache Motel is in Memphis, Tennessee. Rose, Cherry, and Nichelle are staying there because they've gone to Memphis to tour Graceland, Elvis Presley's home.

The authors collaborated very well as they were writing their own portion of the book. The details of the motel are the same in each novella, so much so that a reader, unfamiliar with the characters, could believe that one author wrote the entire book.

I think it's time for "a little less conversation" and a little more rating of Heartache Motel. "It's now or never" for me to give Heartache Motel Five Kitties, my highest rating. I highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who are also Elvis fans and those who have already read any of the books about Rose Strickland, Cherry Tucker, and Nichelle Clarke of Headlines in High Heels. ( )

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Three interconnected cozy mysteries written by different authors take center stage in the Henery Press anthology Heartache Motel. Taking place in Memphis over the Christmas Holidays, and set at the Heartache Motel, a kitschy and tawdry Elvis themed motel filled with drag queens, Elvis impersonators and too many tourists, these stories kept me turning the pages to discover what could possibly happen next. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, this is a book you’ll want to check out. I’ll be doing mini reviews for each story below.

DINERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS by Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery Novella (follows DINER IMPOSSIBLE)

A fan of the Rose Strickland series, I couldn’t wait to read what new adventure Rose and her group of friends would get into next. Approaching her eightieth birthday, Ma decides to close the diner for a few days and asks Rose, Roxy and Ax to accompany her on a road trip to Graceland. Their adventures begin when they are forced to take “Stoner Joe”, Ax’s roommate along, and what should have been an eight hour road trip turns into 15 hours, missed hotel reservations and a stay at the “Heartache Motel”. A place about which Rose colorfully says - “Calling the Heartache Motel a dump would be an upgrade.” When one of the Elvis impersonators ends up dead, Rose and her group of friends end up investigating the case, even when the local police tell them not to. Filled with plenty of humorous situations, zippy one liners and a clever mystery, this addition to Ms. Austin’s series is simply a hoot and a pleasure to read.

QUICK SKETCH by Larissa Reinhart
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Novella (prequel to PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY)

Since I’ve never read anything by Larissa Reinhart, this was the perfect way for me to get an introduction to her series, as the events in this book take place before any of the events in the already published books. I enjoyed meeting Cherry and Todd and finding out what happens to them as they stop in Memphis and try to help Todd’s cousin recover his life savings. It was interesting to see the romance between Cherry and Todd in its early stages and to watch Cherry solve the mystery. I also enjoyed meeting the secondary characters, mostly Todd’s family and the people staying at the Heartache Motel, who contributed color and quite a few laughs to the story. I look forward to checking out more of Ms. Reinhart’s series in the future.

DATELINE MEMPHIS by LynDee Walker
A Headlines in High Heels Mystery Novella (follows BURIED LEADS)

While this is another series I haven’t had a chance to read, I was able to read and enjoy this story on its own. Ms. Walker does a good job introducing the characters and I enjoyed watching the mystery getting resolved. I especially enjoyed getting to know Nichelle and getting to watch her conduct an investigation all on her own. Ms. Walker does a good job with the mystery; there are plenty of twists and turns, and I found myself changing my mind several times about who the villain really was. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Walker’s books and look forward to getting to know the rest of the Nichelle’s “crew”.

Overall Heartache Motel is a well written and very enjoyable anthology. I’m thankful I got the chance to read it and look forward to reading more of these three author’s work. I’m also looking forward to checking out more of the cozy mystery books published by Henery Press. ( )

My Review: Heartache Motel
4 stars

DINERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS by Terri L. Austin 4 stars

This was a much lighter murder mystery than Diner Impossible was. The gang decide to go to Graceland for a fast vacation. Ma closes the diner. I liked it. Rose, Roxy, Ma, Axton and Joe all drive down in same car. Things don't go as planned right away. They end up at Heartache Motel full of Elvis impersonators and drag queens. They find a body and have to solve the case before they go home.

QUICK SKETCH by Larissa Reinhart 3 STARS

I liked the longer novels better. This is a prequel with Cherry and Todd on their way to Las Vegas stop over to visit Todd's cousin who lost job, money in a scam and they want to help him. I had to run errands in middle so I might have been confused because of that. I was not sure who the good and bad guys were till the end. Because I know what happens in the next two books it is hard to take Todd and Cherry as a couple serious.

DATELINE MEMPHIS by LynDee Walker 4 stars

In Dateline Memphis Nichelie is on her way home for Christmas and she stops into Graceland and she gets locked in because something was taken. So she texts her boss about it and it goes out on the web. She investigates and keeps updating her story.
I like Nichelie. She is smart and hardworking. This is the third book in the series. She really is the only character from the other books in this story. I would read more from LynDee Walker in the future.

I have enjoyed reading all three stories and look forward to reading more from the authors in the future. In each story I never knew were the story was going or who the guilty party was. So the suspense was good all the way through. I have read from these authors books in the past and hope to read more from them in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of the book by NetGalley and Henery Press.

publication: December 10th 2013 by Henery Press 225 pages ( )

What do Elvis and drag queens have in common? Memphis! Welcome to the Heartache Motel where Elvis is immortalized and three amateur sleuths find themselves staying in a seedy motel and planning a visit to Graceland.

Anthologies are often difficult to review because you’re reading more than one novella and there’s always one or two that you enjoy the most. I’m going to review Heartache Motel a little differently from my usual style and give you my overall impression because I don’t want to give spoilers.

"Diners Keepers, Losers Weepers" by Terri L. Austin
This is the first time I read something written by Terri Austin even though I have a copy of Diner, Dives, & Dead Ends (I just haven’t had a chance to read it). I really liked “Diners Keepers” and Austin did a good job setting up the Heartache Motel and giving us our first glimpse of it. It was a pretty quick read and Austin doesn’t give any spoilers regarding the books in the series so if you haven’t read any in the series, you’ll be fine.

Overall impression: I liked Rose and Ma is such a hoot! I can only hope when I’m her age I’m half as fun as she is. Although, I should point out Stoner Joe stole the show! As for the mystery, I had my suspicions, but wasn’t sure how Austin would tie up loose ends and in the end, she surprised me with how it all comes together. I do feel sorry for Rose because she’s around all the action and even when she mentions what just happened to her, everyone around her asks not how she’s doing, but rather more about the incident she wants to forget.

Favorite scene: Rose bemoaning the lack of imitators imitating young Elvis.

Suggested playlist: It’s Now or Never, Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock

"Quick Sketch" by Larissa Reinhart
If you haven’t read Larissa Reinhart’s Cherry Tucker series don’t fret since this is the prequel to Reinhart’s Portrait of a Dead Guy and basically the start to the series. You can delve right in and get to know Cherry and company. If you’ve read the books then you’ll appreciate getting to know more about Cherry and what her relationship with Todd was like.

Overall impression: I enjoyed meeting more of Todd’s family and proving they aren’t the brightest crayons in the box. I’m still scratching my head at Todd being invited to play poker in Vegas because let's face it, in their relationship Cherry's got the brains (though those on Team Todd: I can see the appeal). In any event, this is my second time meeting Cherry and I adore her! I love that she went head to head with a thug regarding her sketch book and that she toyed with the idea of keeping tabs with her uncle the Sheriff in case they needed help (well more like if she got into trouble). As for the mystery, it’s not really one, but more of a sting operation to help Todd’s cousin, Bryon. I’m happy to report that all ends well for everyone involved and Cherry might or might not vandalize Graceland.

Favorite scene: Sneaking into Graceland after hours.

Suggested playlist: Viva Las Vegas, There Goes My Everything, and Just Pretend

"Dateline Memphis" by LynDee Walker
Everyone knows how much I enjoy Walker’s Headlines in Heels series and Walker doesn’t disappoint. Though this primarily focuses on Nichelle, beloved characters do make an appearance including Kyle, Bob, and Joey. If you’ve never read the series, it’s easy to understand the roles each secondary character plays plus Walker doesn’t give any spoilers regarding past books.

Overall impression: I loved that Nichelle was flying pretty much solo on this though admit to missing Grant. I really enjoyed seeing Nichelle in action and showing us how capable she is on her own. In terms of the overall mystery, I thought my suspect would be the it person, but alas Walker proved me wrong. In hindsight, had it been who I thought it was, it would have been a little too easy. I admit to a bit of fangirl giggling regarding Joey and what he does for Nichelle. Can I take a moment to talk about Kyle? I really liked how he was happy to help Nichelle and didn't even blink an eye when she asked.

Favorite scene: Darcy solving her own mystery!

Suggested playlist: Return to Sender, Devil in Disguise, and Blue Suede Shoes

What I really enjoyed about all three novellas is that they are easy to read and quite enjoyable. I’ve read anthologies with a common theme or place and there’s always something missing from the narrative. Not here. You can tell each author took great care in making the Heartache Motel and its quirky employees come to life.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, you’ll want to read Heartache Motel. Fans of Austin, Reinhart, and Walker won't be disappointed and this is a great way to dip your toes if you’re interested in reading a new author or genre. Just keep in mind, I'm not responsible if you find yourself swiveling your hips and attempting to impersonate Elvis afterwards. ( )