A First Date with Death

A Love Or Money Mystery #1

by Diana Orgain

Reality TV meets murder in the first in a new mystery series from the author of the Maternal Instincts Mysteries and co-author the New York Times bestselling Scrapbooking Mysteries.

When brokenhearted Georgia Thornton goes looking for romance on reality TV, she has nothing to lose—apart from a good man, a cash prize, and maybe her life…

What was Georgia thinking? Sure, some cad ditched her at the altar, but can she really find love on TV? Her best friend—and producer of the reality show Love or Money —thinks so. Ten men. Ten adventure-filled dates. What can go wrong? For starters, a faulty bungee cord that hurls Georgia’s first date into a tragic spiral off the Golden Gate Bridge.

He’s replaced by Paul Sanders, Georgia’s former fiancé. But the cop isn’t looking for a TV gig. Suspecting that the lover’s leap was no accident, Paul’s going undercover. When another bachelor gets a fatal kiss-off, the reality is that someone has killer new plans for the show—and for Georgia herself. Now, under the threat of permanent cancellation, Georgia fears that the only man on the set she can trust is the one man she just can’t count on…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 13, 2019

About the author

Diana Orgain is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Maternal Instincts Mystery Series. She is also the Author of the Love or Money Mystery series and The Roundup Crew Mysteries (Yappy Hour and Trigger Yappy).
Diana is the New York Times Bestselling co-author of the Scrapbooking Mystery Series with Laura Childs.
Diana's latest release is 4 Sleuths and a Bachelorette, a fun collaboration with USA Today Bestselling Authors, Leslie Langtry, Traci Andrighetti, and Arlene Mcfarlane. Right now she's working on the next release in the Maternal Instincts Mystery, Murder Comes Crawling.
To keep up to date with the latest releases visit Diana at www.dianaorgain.com

Series:
* Maternal Instincts Mystery

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unusual setting for a murder mystery but it really worked.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really 4.5 stars, but I rounded up.

Wow. I opened this book because I thought it was an interesting premise for a cozy series. To be honest, I set my standards low; I’ve never read anything by this author and the book’s theme seemed slightly superficial. Wow, again. This book was anything but superficial. I absolutely loved it!

Georgia was an absolute gem. She basically played a bachelorette, but she was anything but ditzy. She was smart, strong , and a former police detective, all of which blended together to create a fantastic MC. Scott was also a great character, he had tons of layers and was definitely a well-rounded character.

The mystery was excellent. I absolutely had no clue who the killer was until the reveal, and the entire plot was wonderfully plotted. I wasn’t sure about the premise; a Bachelor-type reality TV show? I didn’t know what to think, but it was amazing! I loved it, and I especially loved the way the author incorporated it into the entire plot. I was genuinely interested to see who would win the show!

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how this book would be, but I am extremely glad I picked it up. I highly recommend it, and can’t wait until the next one! A perfect summer beach read!

[Mystery, She Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 🌟

Mood/Seasonal Reading: I would say spring or summer but anytime as the weather changes as they travel in the book

This was a rough one. The writing was… bad at best to be honest. I usually try my best to be kind in these reviews so I will say that the concept of this cozy was so much fun! It really drew me in. In fact, I had this on my to read this for over a year. Even hunted for it at my local bookstores. When I finally got my hands on it I quickly pried it open.

Sadly, right from the start I knew this wouldn’t be up to snuff. The set up and the writing was just very over the top and immature. While reality TV is often unrealistic this took it to another level. There is no way a show would go on after a major accident and other massive events (no spoilers here but trust me on this one). The main character was bad. The love interests were bad. Her support systems were worse.

The only reason I finished this was because I do think the concept of the tv show was fascinating and I wanted to see how it ended. If I pay for a book I will usually push through. Had I gotten it from the library I likely would’ve given up on it.

While it had an exciting concept the execution was extremely lacking. I would be interested to check out some of the author’s newer works to see if she’s improved as I think she has an excellent imagination. I may even give the next in the series a go on audiobook just for fun. While I often wouldn’t pick up a sequel when I’ve given 2 stars the concepts of these are just very intriguing.

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgia Thornton has hit a new low – contestant on a reality dating show. Her job is to figure out which of her bachelors are in it for love and which just want the prize money. However, the show’s first group date ends in a tragic accident. When another contestant dies, Georgia begins to question what she has signed up for. Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee has appeared on the show. Is he investigating? What is really happening on the show? Will Georgia figure it out and pick the right bachelor?

This book definitely plays up the reality show aspect of things, with that part of the plot often overriding the mystery. Only a few of the characters get much development as well. And yet, I really did enjoy the book. I always had a hard time putting it down, and the pages flew by all too quickly. I’ll definitely be back for the sequel.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Sue Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for writing an honest review. This was the first book in the series and the first book I've read by this author. It probably won't be the last book I read by her. The setting was very different from the usual cozy. The lead character was at times determined and at times ditzy, just like most women. In the end she was smart. The author kept us guessing about whether there were murders and if there were, who the killer was. If I have one small criticism, it's I felt the end was too hurried. The author writes with humor and she has good character development.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette this is the cozy for you. It has an added twist, not all the contestants are searching for love, half of them are trying to win money. Things start to go wrong on the very first date and one of the suitors is killed. Not everyone believes it was an accident and that brings Georgia’s former love to the show, he is a cop and he is going undercover. Then another bachelor dies and and reality television gets even more real as the show must go on. Georgia doesn’t know who to trust but she knows she must find the killer before the final glass of champagne is poured.

I loved this story and I am really interested in seeing how the author continues this series. Georgia was the bachelorette and her turn on Love or Money is complete. I really liked her spunk. She is smart and courageous enough to put herself on national television to find love and track down a killer too.

This story flows really well. The characters are fleshed out and easy to picture and get to know. I found myself rooting for more than one of the bachelors and not only following the clues to find out the killer but who was in it for love and who was in it just for the money.

I really enjoy where Diana Orgain takes us in this story. Not your typical theme for a cozy mystery, it is new and fresh and a lot of fun to read. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment to see where she takes us next.

[Dallass · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, geez. This was a car crash of a book. I really thought this would be interesting, but the characters, and the backdrop of a dating reality show ala The Bachelorette was ridiculous. The way the ex-fiancé, Paul, finagled his way onto the lineup of bachelors under the guise of investigating the attempted murder of one of the contestants had potential, but Paul (who left our protagonist actually standing at the altar!) was a piece of fly crud. Georgia was too busy wavering between ex-cop independence and a Bachelorette’s dating jitters to be doing any good.

The investigation of the attack was okay, and the addition of Georgia’s father to the mix (special guest star) just added more to the chaos that was already going on behind the scenes of the production. My favourite part in the whole book was the final scenes where she calls Paul out for getting his partner to help rig the investigation so he could use it as an excuse to try and get Georgia back. So glad she gave him the flick, and took a chance on the other guy (whose name I’ve forgotten).

Definitely not going any further with this series.

1 star

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read and a creative setting for a cozy.. I usually don't care for cozies set in/around major cities but the plot idea of a "Bachelorette" type show was enticing. I've never watched one of those shows but, if its anything like the book scheduling for shooting scenes, I am not sure even I could hold out for the $$..

I have already ordered the next book in the series and I can't wait for it to arrive..

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her fiance left her standing at the altar, former police department public information office Georgia Thornton is being wooed by ten men at the same time. She's the star of a new reality TV show - Love or Money - and has to now figure out which five bachelors are looking for love and which five are in it only for the prize money. Like The Bachelor, Georgia and her beaus go on group dates, one of which being the chance to bungee jump off of the Golden Gate Bridge. It isn't exactly Georgia's idea of fun (can't say I blame her!), especially since, of the two people who jump off the bridge, only one comes back up.

Looks like Georgia has another type of mystery to figure out during the filming of Love or Money.

A First Date with Death is the first book in a new series by Diana Orgain. And if this first book is any indication, the Love or Money mysteries are going to be a best-selling hit. The story is great; funny and smart with a sassy sleuth in Georgia Thornton. The author puts together a complicated cast of bachelors and, like Georgia, readers have the chance to try and figure out which guy is in it for the right reasons. (And just what, exactly, motivated Georgia's former fiance to join the cast.) Thoroughly enjoyable and entirely readable - I hated having to put the book down with the real world (or the need for sleep) called to me.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

After discovering Ms. Orgain while organizing my A to Z Challenge this April, I was thrilled to be chosen to read and review this first book in her new series.

This book feels a little different than your usual cozy mystery. I can't really put it into words, but I think you'll see it for yourself when you read it. I can't wait to see what direction she is going to take with the series. Georgia was a fabulous heroine with lots of spunk, but her time on the reality show appears to have come to an end.

All of the characters are well-developed and fleshed out. I found myself rooting for more than one of the bachelors as a good match for Georgia. Along with trying to solve the murder mystery, it was fun to try to determine which of them was on the show looking for love and which were just there to try to win the money.

This was a quick easy read that I got through in one sitting. Would make a great beach read or sitting by the pool read this summer!

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality TV and murder, what a combination! This book blew me away! I loved the story line and the characters. There is laugh out loud humor, subtle humor and everything in between. Former cop, Georgia, is doing a dating show for the prize money, while looking for love after being left at the altar and murder just happens. Funny characters, awesome twisted murder plot and love! Stephanie Plum fans will like this. A MUST READ!

[A Holland Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun new cozy mystery series to start. I thought it was fun that a reality show was used as the backdrop for the story. The author did a good job of making this book flow. It is a book that you will not want to put down as you are not only wanting to figure out who is doing the murdering but who will Georgia pick for love. In this book we have mystery, romance and humor all things to make a cozy mystery a fun book. I will be reading the next one in this series when it comes out.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A First Date with Death
3 Stars

The basic premise of the story, a cozy mystery set against the backdrop of a reality television show akin to The Bachelor, has potential. Unfortunately, there is too much focus on the heroine's romantic entanglements and not enough emphasis on the actual mystery.

While the murder is intriguing and it is fun tracking the suspects and the clues, the heroine is not much of a detective, and there is even one scene in which she screams upon seeing a dead body. Really?

As said, most of the book revolves around the staging and filming of the reality show. This would actually be fine if this were a contemporary romance. But it isn't, and as such these sections are tedious and irritating. Moreover, there is no actual chemistry between Georgia and any of the bachelor's including the one she ends up choosing. So, the book falls short in that regard as well.

On a final note, reading this book has clearly demonstrated that I am not missing out on anything by not having seen a single episode of The Bachelor.

The setting for the next book is a survival type show and as this is actually one Reality TV show that I have watched and enjoyed, I might give it a whirl.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a quick, easy read and definitely kept me guessing. I really liked Georgia and the other supporting characters. The book took place on the set of a Bachelor type show so keeping the guys straight and why they were there was kind of challenging. Good ending and I’m intrigued to see how book 2 in the series is set up.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie

Shhh. Don’t tell anybody, but I am NOT a fan of reality TV. Would rather read – or watch – a good mystery than a reality show. The cover information for this book absolutely caught my attention, however; it was one of those books that I just couldn’t not read. And I’m glad I did!

Diana Orgain caught my attention on the first page, and the successive pages almost turned themselves. We open up to the first date Georgia has with ten eligible bachelors. Well, five actually. Five are on the show to find love, and five are there in hopes of pocketing $25,000.00. The first date is a “group” date where she gets to meet the bachelors and they begin to try to catch her heart. The first date, however, nearly had my heart in my throat, feeling Georgia’s panic as they prepared to … uh … bungee jump off of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Georgia was sure she felt a little push…and as she and Aaron, the first bachelor on the first date, swept closer to the water..then her bungee caught her to begin pulling her back up, up, up…as Aaron crashed into the ocean, unable to stop. The nearby “required” Coast Guard ship finally was able to pull Aaron out of the water, looking like a battered rag doll. And the murder attempts and warnings begin.

Sometimes a girl just can’t get a break. To replace Aaron, the studio brought in (was it at Georgia’s best friend Becca’s suggestion? Becca, the assistant producer of the show?) Paul, a former co-worker from the San Francisco Police Department. Paul, the one who stood against her at the PD with those who fired her? Paul, the one who stood her up, literally at the altar? And she had to play nice with him for the rest of the show?

As a reader who can get very caught up with the main character, I felt what I imagined (and read) Georgia felt as the story progressed. The shock of Aaron’s demise, Paul’s appearance (and sickly sweet words), the show’s required skin-tight clothing and stiletto heels, dates in unusual places, then so many times the scene is CUT just when it starts going smoothly. No phone, internet, or communication with the outside of any kind except those who might be taking a dinner order or giving a ride. Then select the guy that you like the best and hope that he’s into you for love instead of money. Georgia felt another priority – solve the murder attempts before another person is injured, or worse. Paul wants her to stay out of it, but she simply can’t ‘obey’ his orders this time.

This book was fun (except, of course, for injuries and/or death)! While I wouldn’t be Georgia for anything in the world, it was a great vicarious adventure. Each of the characters was unique; the men portrayed revealed just the right amount about themselves for the game – or for love, depending on their priority. I liked Georgia and Becca – strong women in business and still looking for Mr.Happily Ever after. Of the men, I liked…well, let’s just say that I had no idea who was “right” and was somewhat surprised at the man she selected.

The plot is unique, which is why I couldn’t not read it. It was even more fun that I had hoped, and the mystery was well planned and finely carried out. The “whodunit” was challenging as there were several suspects based on the minimal clues offered. There was misinformation floating around, also, planted by someone who wants Georgia to choose the wrong guy. which kept changing Georgia’s perspective. Trying to guess who the right man was seemed equally as challenging! Would the best man really win? Would Georgia actually win one before being taken out by the killer? Read it and see – as I found it surprising, yet completely satisfying. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will bring!! Diana has a hit with this new series! I highly recommend this novel to adults and teens of any age who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with more than a little bit of romance, strong female characters, humor, and a challenge.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgia Thornton is down on her luck. First, her fiance leavers her at the alter; then, she loses her job on the police force; and finally, she ends up on the reality tv show Love or Money going to face-to-face with 10 men, which really isn't all that bad, if you think about it....I'm talking about the men and not the being ditched or getting fired parts. After all, she could find love and/or make some money (since she doesn't, you know, have a job).

Everything is moving along as it should, that is, if you think finding your next romance on a tv show is the way to go. At the taping of the very first date, however, tragedy strikes in the form of a defective bungee jumping cord. The injured party, no longer able to compete, is replaced my none other than Georgia's estranged fiance, Paul, who just happens to be a police officer. While trying to figure out the mystery behind the defective bungee cord another contestant is found dead. Add in a suspicious makeup/hair stylist, fishy circumstances, and dates with a bunch of hot men and you have a wonderful book.

I was hooked from the beginning. I started reading the book about 7:00 pm and couldn't put it down. I finished reading it before going to bed at midnight that same evening. The premise of A First Date with Death will be familiar to those that watch The Bachelor and/or The Bachelorette. Actually, even if you don't watch them you'll catch on pretty quick (I don't watch either show but know enough about them to make the comparisons). I found myself trying to identify the men there for love and those who were only in it for the money right along with Georgia.

I enjoyed the multitude of red herrings tossed around to keep the true villain under wraps. I had no idea who the murderer was until near the end of the novel. The novel has humor at all the right times and wit. There are emotional scenes that occur between Paul and Georgia and her pain is so heartfelt and realistic.

The only real complaints I have are the rush at the end and the date scenes. After building up the mystery and suspense, the quick revelation was a bit of a let down. Some of the date descriptions were a bit wordy, too, and just seemed fluffy. I'm hoping that the reveal is paced a bit better and the descriptions are overly flowery in the next book.

For the most part I found this cozy mystery novel to be entertaining. The plot was well developed and the story was paced out well (except for the rushed ending). Once I began A First Date with Death, I was engaged immediately and read the book in one sitting (as noted above).

I'm pretty pleased with the protagonist, Georgia. While many may think that she was passive or not engaged enough, I found her character to be written well. She'd lost her job, was left at the alter, and was trying to find love and help a friend by appearing on a reality show. She wasn't bargaining on death, mayhem, and her former fiance to rear their ugly heads in the midst of taping. Her actions and reactions were spot on with the happenings that unfolded in the book. The bachelors all played their part well and the show "must go on" mentality was felt throughout the book. The introduction of Paul was curious and added another level of depth to the novel. His presence was actually good for Georgia in several ways that you'll discover as you read the book.

I anxiously await what the author has in store for Book 2.

Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute cozy mystery, a perfect read for a lazy/rainy afternoon. The characters are likable and the story was easy to follow. I look forward to checking out other books by the author.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great New Series!
This is a great new series; this is the first book in the A Love Or Money Mystery series by Diana Orgain. This was the first book that I have read by this author and loved it. Georgia’s best friend is a producer of the reality show called Love or Money, she convinces Georgia to be on her show. Georgia was ditched at the alter and is willing to go on the show if it gives her a chance at finding love. She will go on then dates with ten different men. On her first date Georgia and her date decide to bungee off the Golden Gate Bridge, when her date’s bungee cord breaks and her date ends up dead. When another date ends up dead, the police step in and sends a cop (Paul Sanders) to work undercover as a contestant. The problem is that Paul is Georgia’s ex fiancé. Georgia ends up putting her sleuthing skills to the test. If you are looking for a great mystery with humor that will leave you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won A First Date with Death by Diana Orgain from Goodreads.

Diana Orgain's A First Date with Death is truly a unique cozy mystery. Protagonist Georgia Thornton is on the rebound after being fired from her job and abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. She agrees to participate in a reality show. Told from Georgia's point of view, the experience is not what Georgia, or the reader, expects.
Like other cozies, this mystery has the feel of a small town full of quirky characters even if the setting is a series of location shoots. Orgain offers readers plenty of suspects from members of the cast and crew to individuals from Georgia's past. The plot is full of surprising twists, red herrings, and fun clues.
A First Date with Death is the first novel in a new series that will hook cozy mystery lovers immediately. Ordain's book is a five-star cozy. I can't wait to see where the author takes the series next!

[Marsha Giese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun first book of a new cozy series. It is about Georgia, a woman who goes on a reality T.V show while getting over her ex-fiancee, and possibly finding new love. The book opens with the first date that ends tragically with the first death. Then to make matters worse the ex, Paul, shows up. He's a cop, so is he there to investigate or to get her back? It was interesting to follow her feelings about Paul and the other men as the story unfolded. Sometimes the murder took a back seat to the reality show and I would have liked that to be the other way around. I enjoy the thought process that goes into solving a mystery and didn't get as much of that with this book as I would have liked.
Overall the book was a good read and I plan to read the next one when it comes out. I'm looking forward to getting to know the main characters better and seeing if the romance with the chosen bachelor continues.

** I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like TV shows such as 'The Bachelor', you should enjoy the concept of this new cozy series. Georgia is on this reality show with several good-looking bachelors when a couple of the guys experience unusual accidents and die. Georgia is a former police officer, but in my opinion, she didn't have much backbone. The show producer insisted the show must go on, and Georgia spent some of her spare time between dates and eliminating the bachelors she believed were there for money, rather than love, sleuthing to see if she could figure out who the killer was. This story is not a bad story--it is entertaining, but the characters need a lot of strengthening. The next book should be interesting to see how the author will continue with the series.

[Rachael Abrams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found A First Date With Death a very easy fast read. A great book to read on a lazy summer day. The author had me hooked on the first page. The story just rolled out with ease. Diana Orgain is a great story teller. The main character Georgia was very likable.....just wish her back story was involved in the story. I loved to go behind the scenes of a reality show....they are not all that they are cracked up to be. The main guy characters could have had more of an involvement in the story....more in-depth with them would have been good. More romance was going on instead of mystery. Mystery more please in the second book. More peril and more of the main characters involvement in the mystery would be better. I was entertained and am looking forward to the next book.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A First Date with Death by Diana Orgain is the first book in the A Love or Money Mystery series. After being left at the altar, former policewoman Georgia Thornton takes part in a bachelorette style reality show but when her dates start dying, she starts looking for a killer instead. A fun and entertaining book and not what I expected. Not being a fan of reality television, I did not expect much from the book, but I loved it much more than I thought I would. Georgia was smart and capable and the mystery intriguing and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.

[Julia David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul left Georgia at the alter and then she was fired from the SFPD. Could things get any worse? Could be. Her best friend is an assistant producer of a reality show and she is supposed to pick which man is there for love and which is there for money. As one leaped off the Golden Gate Bridge, his bungee failed. Paul took his place on the show and Georgia thinks it is to investigate the "accident". It is that or is he there for love? Will Georgia pick the right guy?

[Candice L Frink · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah

I couldn't help thinking to myself that everyone is better off with the main character being fired and no longer a cop - we had the worst instincts. Who'd pass up $125,000 just to keep her friend happy. Storyline wasn't really believable and the characters hollow so you as the reader are not invested in them or the outcome. Only reason I finished this is because it came with free audio so I could listen anywhere and anytime.

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars, but rounding up instead of down. I liked the main character and even though I truly detest those stupid Bachelorette/Bachelor shows, it played pretty well for this story. Not a bad mystery with lots of suspects. Not sure how long you can run a series based on bad "reality" shows, but I'll pick up the next one. Recommend!

[Kirsten Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A deft combination of cozy and suspense, A First Date with Death kept me up reading late into the night, guessing until the end, and cheering at the outcome. And the "love or money" reality show angle was brilliant - not only do we have to try to puzzle out whodunnit, but also which of the contestants the heroine will end up with. I can't wait for the sequel!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read that keeps you turning the pages, but I wouldn't say this book is "cozy" at all. It reads more like chick lit with some romance.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality behind the reality show. Fun and suspenseful look at a Bachelorette program. Entertaining and a quick read.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Diana's first series, but this first installment in the new series blew me away. Lots of action, fun, great characters, great mystery! I'm eager for the next book!