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Flying Solo, Brandy Is Still Determined To Make The Best Of The Holidays

This will be Brandy’s first Christmas without Dante, but she is determined to enjoy the holiday going to parties and even a “Yappy Hour” with Jiff and both of their schnauzers. Brandy stops to deliver mistletoe for Julia’s party that night when Frank, Julia’s handyman, drags her into the mayhem surrounding the guest list. It seems everyone Julia invited has a grudge against her, and they all confirmed they are coming to her party.

˃˃˃ Why Is Everyone Suddenly Out To Get Julia?

It seems Julia’s neighbors, her cooking club, the business association, members of her Pilates class, her brother, even some of the ladies from her church group, all have a reason to dislike Julia, a lot! When gifts with strange contents start to show up the day of the party, Frank sees it as an omen of things to come. Is someone only trying to embarrass Julia or will that someone take it a step further to even a score?

˃˃˃ There’s no place like New Orleans to have a good crime, and the holidays are no exception! Scroll Up And Grab Your Copy Today!

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2019

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About the author

Colleen Mooney

18 books149 followers
I was born, raised, and still live in New Orleans. I started going to parades and watched them from sitting on my Dad's shoulders before I could walk. I've been in Girl Scout parades, high school parades, St. Patrick's parades, Mardi Gras parades, on dance teams in parades and just about any loosely organized group who deemed it necessary to parade. I just can't help myself. I love parades.
I attended Loyola of the South here in New Orleans so I wouldn't be far from a parade.

I spent 20+ years working for and retired from AT&T. I have worked and lived in New York City, Madison, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama returning home for the big parade every year--Mardi Gras. 


Before Katrina, I moved away and back three times, four if you count rebuilding the same house at the same address after Katrina flooded my home. I did miss a couple of parades that year.

I'm an avid sailor and Scuba diver for many years, and made lasting friendships from sailing and dive trips. I love travel and if the opportunity presents itself, I'm there. Except for a brief stint where I had to own and learn how to ride a motorcycle, I've been a water baby. When I am not enjoying fun with friends in all New Orleans has to offer- sailing and racing with friends on Lake Pontchartrain, Mardi Gras, parties and festivals- I head to Florida. 

I am an ardent animal lover and direct an all volunteer rescue group, Schnauzer Rescue of Louisiana. I love to write and I write about what I know and love! You can take the girl out of New Orleans, but it won’t be for long!

Dead & Breakfast, the second book in my series THE NEW ORLEANS GO CUP CHRONICLES placed in two categories in the 2014 SOLA Chapter of RWA's Dixie Kane contest for Short/Long Series for Contemporary fiction and for Single Title Contemporary fiction. My first book is RESCUED BY A KISS.

The third book in the series, Drive-Thru Murder is scheduled to be released in the fall 2016.

There's no place like New Orleans to have a good crime!

Feel free to email/contact me at colleen@colleenmooney.com, or my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheNewOrleansGoCupCh... my blog/website is http://www.colleenmooney.com

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5 stars
256 (50%)
4 stars
155 (30%)
3 stars
77 (15%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
12.1k reviews176 followers
May 30, 2020
Delightful as always. Just enough suspense to keep you intrigued. Love the characters and their interactions.
490 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2018
The book, while a good read, has me leery about reading the next book. Is the author going to do as so many other authors do and paint women as inherently stupid. It is my pet peeve when reading books where there is a heroine. Either they do things that nobody in their right mind would do or they fall for the least desirable of the men available. I am hesitant to read the next book and find that Brandy picks Dante, even though he is unromantic, ignores her and is less than attentive. If she thinks that this will improve after they are married, then she really is stupid, and I hate to see this happen to one my favorite heroines. So, I guess I will just have to give up on this series and force my mind to think that she did the right thing and picked Jiff.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books24 followers
May 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This is book four in the series and I have loved them all and can't wait for the next book to come out. There are all stand alone books but why would you want to miss out on a fun quirky series where anything can happen and usually does? The characters are fun especially Brandy and Frank, although I didn't remember Julia being so mean or rude in the previous books and was a little bit surprised she wasn't the murdered victim but was pleased she wasn't as she is one of Brandy's best friends and partner in crime. The mystery was interesting and broken up with some comical moments, such as releasing the dog on unsuspecting carolers ands with the added spice of a love triangle it Is entertaining and has you rooting for your favourite guy. This is just a fun light hearted cozy mystery that you can lose yourself in and visit the party capital of the world in New Orleans and all without leaving your own home.
Julia is hosting a Christmas party for all her friends and neighbours, in what appears to be a case of keeping your friends close but your enemies closer. Not everybody is happy with the changes Julia has made to the neighbourhood or her loud out spoken manner and have been letting her know with gifts on her doorstep. After opening a box of rats Frank her assistant is freaking out and wants Brandy her best friend to talk to her. Julia doesn't see anything wrong and goes ahead with the party. As part of the celebrations planned the cooking club all have to bring rum balls and place them in a numbered box to be judged on which is the best. When an extra box turns up, it is no wonder that one of the guests ends up dead. But were they trying to sabotage the party or kill someone? And if so was Julia's brother the intended victim? With Christmas fast approaching and present that still need to be brought Brandy will have to wrap this little mystery up quickly if she wants to spend Christmas eve with the live of her life. If only she knew who that was?
I really like the narrator and think she sound perfect for the characters and she does a great accent.
Profile Image for Shirley.
Author 2 books10 followers
January 2, 2018
Brandy was first to admit Julie had little to no tact or diplomacy, and was very demanding. So why were they friends, and why did Brandy agree to attend the party at Julie's bed and breakfast? Especially after Frank, Julie's seamstress and live-in unhandy handyman who wore kitten pumps with his bedazzled work jumpsuit, told her about the death threats Julie had been receiving. Having a knack for seeing what others miss, Brandy decides to keep her eyes open at the party for the sender of the threats. Julie has invited several interesting guests, including members of her Pilates class and cooking club (all of whom she has offended in one way or another), several neighbors she has call the cops on, an estranged brother and his new wife, and a married couple (the wife knows of her husbands recent affair with Julie). Things could get interesting, and they do. Julie's brother and his wife keel over after eating rum balls submitted anonymously to Julie to taste test for a contest. Besides keeping Julie and Frank out of jail, Brandy realizes her relationship with her childhood sweetheart is going nowhere. Jiff just might be the answer, or is he?

Book 4 in The New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles series, and one of the selections in the 12 Slays of Christmas boxed set. About 130 pages.
Profile Image for Casi McLean.
Author 41 books674 followers
September 14, 2022
What a great read.

I can always turn to Colleen Mooney for a fun and entertaining read, and Death By Rum Balls (The New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles Book 4) didn’t disappoint. I love the heroine in this series. Not only is Brandy Alexander the perfect name for the character, but this author excels in creating a multi-faceted heroine with endearing personality traits. In fact, all of her characters are steeped in wonderful description and intriguing qualities.

Death by Rum Balls takes place just before Christmas and centered around the sudden death of party guest who just happens to have gorged himself on rum balls. Did the rum balls kill him?

Mooney supplies us with plenty of suspects, motives, and possibilities to keep us guessing who-done-it as the mystery unravels and leads to a delightful and satisfying ending I didn’t see coming.

I highly recommend Death By Rum Balls to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. You can’t go wrong with any book written by Colleen Mooney. A wonderful afternoon getaway read to entertain me and sweep me away from the madding crowd.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews50 followers
May 14, 2018
A surprise at the party

A great light cozy that you will speed through. Stopping at her friend's Inn might have been a mistake as she soon discovers that a lot of guests invited for that night's party have an axe to grind with her friend. Add in an expensive bracelet, poisoning, a surprise bride and two beaus for a great read that is amusing, well thought out and entertaining. She is pragmatic, sees patterns and details others missed plus being completely fed up that her long term crush has no plans to take their relationship further. The main hero is devoted to his police work and consumed by getting justice for victims. The supporting characters are a mixed bag, from brash to the wonderfully extrovert. A great read
403 reviews
September 27, 2018
Yes!

I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Things are sparkly at Julia's house , from decorations that would rival any display across the country to diamond a bracelet from her new boyfriend. Some things aren't too shiny, like her brother dead with his head on the table. Brandy is busy trying to get her Christmas preparations finished on time, but is trying to help Julia out of another jam. Was someone trying to kill Julia with Rum Balls? Why did she invite all these people who didn't like her to her own party? What's up with her new man? And what is Christmas going to be like with Dante gone? Christmas Eve will never be the same again!
Recommended
Profile Image for Diane Burton.
Author 16 books251 followers
May 19, 2018
Who killed Julia's brother? Or was Julia the intended victim? Brandy needs to figure out who and why to protect her friend, Julia. The author drops plenty of hints and a few red herrings. Not too big a surprise at the end. What made this book so enjoyable were the characters, esp. Frank, Julia's handyman. He is a hoot. Julia is a real piece of work. Why Brandy keeps her friendship is a bit of a mystery. Brandy's heart throb, Dante, is MIA, while she's given up on him and is dating someone else. A nice guy, one who's there for her, whereas Dante isn't. Could this be the end of their romance? A fun read.
Profile Image for Regina De Los Reyes.
336 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2019
These reads are light and somewhat entertaining although I am truly annoyed by Brandy continually holding her breath for Dante. He continues to string her along because it is what they've been conditioned to do since they were born. She is 27 for goodness sake, why she continues to put up with the hope of him actually considering her for one moment irritates me. They don't talk for months, and she has a great guy who does care for her, and treats her amazing and yet she still pines for Dante. Despite my annoyance with her I continue to read to find out if she ever grows up and makes sound decisions about her relationships.
2,225 reviews12 followers
January 22, 2021
Plenty of plot twists!

A Christmas party turns deadly when one guest dies and another winds up in the emergency room. Brandy Alexander is a financial sleuth, not a boots-on-the-ground investigator, but her obnoxious friend Julia cannot seem to stay off the police radar. It is Julia’s party and there is enough evidence pointing to her as the killer to convince Brandy that she needs to solve the case.

There was plenty of suspense and plot twists which made for a fun read. I love Frank’s character and more than half the time wanted to strangle Julia. The story has a good solid mystery plot. I finished the book in one day and enjoyed it. I’m ready to read another book in the series.
117 reviews
August 12, 2018
Death by Rumballs

I have read all 4 of the Brandy Alexander series. I will say I have enjoyed each one! I really hope the 5th book in the series would be available when I finished DEATH BY RUMBALLS. I will wait patiently(NOT!) for book 5! By the way I also had 2 miniature Schnauzers named Coco and Scooter loved them loads. They are now in Doggie Heaven having a blast! I still miss and love them very much. Having a lead character a rescuer of Schnauzers just makes the series more enjoyable.
Profile Image for bex.
2,435 reviews23 followers
April 12, 2019
2.5 stars

I've not read others in the series and I suspect this book relied on previous characterization of the MC. To me she felt like cardboard. The opening was slow. Although it tried to put in alternate tension with the threats, it still felt draggy to me. Julia was not even vaguely likeable and with a cardboard MC that made everything blah. The core of the mystery was okay but then it felt rushed tying things up and the ending of the personal side threads left things hanging.
2,000 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2020
It's Christmas in New Orleans, and if Brandy Alexander is involved, there's sure to be a dead body around somewhere. That's why I love Colleen Mooney's New Orleans series, and this one might be the best one yet.
Brandy is at once the savviest and the most hapless sleuth alive. Fortunately, she's just an amateur and doesn't have to make a living finding killers, but it sometimes seems like the NOPD including her sometimes boyfriend couldn't solve a case without her.
Full of quirky characters, Death by Rum Balls is a wild ride and great entertainment.
Profile Image for Vicki.
184 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2018
I loved this book! It's the 4th book in the series, but the first one I've read. Now I need to go back and read 1-3. I went to Amazon to get book 5, but it doesn't exist yet. C'mon, Colleen, shake a leg! No fair leaving a girl hanging on the edge of her seat like that! I know what **I** want to have happen, but that's me. And, like I said, I have no history with these characters yet. Yet. =D
122 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2018
Christmas in the Big Easy

Another holiday season, and no Dante, as usual. Brandy is seeing someone new. When there is a murder at a holiday party at the bed and breakfast owned by her friend, Julia, Brandy takes on the task of solving the crime. You'll need to read the book yourself to get the details. There are surprises galore, and the ending is , shall we say, to die for.
414 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2018
Hustle or mediated murder...

Julia is in a middle of another murder - this time it is her little brother's. Murdered by rum balls or was it something else? Now Brandy is helping the NOPD find another killer or two, as well as coming to terms with her love life during the Christmas holiday. Who will she choose, her childhood sweetheart Dante or the lawyer Jiff?

Very interesting with murder, mystery, suspense, humor and romantic choices.

Jo-Ann Doyle
408 reviews7 followers
August 16, 2018
Short and sweet

Honestly this book is not one of my favorites, but the plot is somewhat interesting. It reminds me of a Hallmark movie. It’s funny, a little strange and weird but totally worth the read. The ending is awkward and rushed, but honestly it does fit the personalities of the characters very very well. I will be checking out more from the series it’s interesting and I am definitely curious about the lives of the characters.
Profile Image for Cheryl A..
304 reviews31 followers
August 17, 2021
Death and relationships

This story was just as fun to read as the ones prior. Brandy attempts enjoying the time with Jiff at Julia's ridiculously large party when death comes calling again. Great descriptions of new characters and the interactions with other characters where shock and laughter are intermixed throughout the pages. Some big surprises and a few red herrings add up to a truly intriguing story!
Profile Image for Jeannine.
778 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2021
Entertaining series set in New Orleans with great characters and some interesting romantic connections that do not take over the story but add humor. The main character, Brandy Alexander (perfect Nawlens name), is again helping her friend Judy with yet another murder at her B&B only this time it is Judy's brother and involves poisoned rum balls. And, of course, this takes place during the Christmas holidays. Festive fun.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
February 12, 2020
An interesting and crazy book

Things with Brandy are never easy or normal. Her family alone plus her friend Julia, testifies to that! Brandy is good at her day job and her side job of solving murders that she somehow always gets dragged into. That ending though, hilarious and definitely Brandy!
Profile Image for Lee.
1,195 reviews14 followers
June 30, 2020
This book was fun, lots of interesting little tidbits and a few twists and turns. I enjoy the character development and the interwoven stories. Ms Mooney has a great sense of humor as well as an ironic sense of humor. She also has a great imagination and great writing skills. I just love this series, I can’t wait to read the next book.
113 reviews
August 19, 2020
This was another fun installment in the New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles. The laughs continue...a Christmas Party in New Orleans, deadly rum balls, and an inheritance all wind Brandy Alexander up in another murder investigation. Narrator brings the different characters to life. I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author at my request and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
750 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2020
A nice Cajun mystery.
A great read from start to finish. The story moves along smoothly holding the readers' attention. The plot was well thought out and the suspect list was big enough to keep the reader guessing. I suppose, in the big scheme of things, if you gotta go, death by rum balls is a better option than most. :)
417 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
I have read the first 4 books in the series. The last two are my favorites. I especially liked Death by Rum Balls. Brandy shows the way Christmas can really be, lots of pressure and self doubt selecting gifts, and unrealistic expectations. The crime is unique and the solving of it ,a solid piece of deduction.
1,833 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2018
Nice Read

I really enjoyed this book.It's full of fun mixed with thrills,mystery and suspense.It will keep you guessing and laughing.I 'll be looking forward to reading another one of her books.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,897 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2018
death by rum balls not a bad way to go. a Christmas party goes horribly awry when one person dies and another is deathly ill. The story starts to unravel and you realize the con job is taking place. Interesting story I just wish it did not end on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Lyn Jenkins.
628 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2018
Xmax Stress

I read this a while ago but it's always fun to reread a good book. Julia is in it again and needs Brandy to figure her out of it. The family still isn't accepting of Brandy's boyfriend choice and again the steam rollers are out, Brandy and murder win out though saving her from an embarrassing situation.
Profile Image for Andrea.
42 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2018
Another Big Easy murder

I really enjoy these Go Cup stories, and the situations that our heroine gets involved in/navigates/works through. Brandy Alexander is a better friend than some of her friends deserve, and smart too.
I really recommend this series!
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,557 reviews39 followers
October 7, 2019
Deadly Dating

Who knew speed dating would lead to conspiracy to murder, bigamy, troubled siblings and a non marriage proposal? These whodunits are always enjoyable and make you try to figure things out before the author reveals the how and why the murder happened~
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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