Blogger Reviews

Gina Rae Mitchell

My Thoughts on Deception

Britt Lind's Deception peels back the shimmer of show business to reveal a dark, character-driven mystery. Josh Sibley is an instantly sympathetic lead-talented, self- sabotaging, and hungry for a chance to matter. His attraction to Lila is the book's live wire; Lind lets that swoony rush curdle into dread at a satisfying pace, so the inevitable fallout lands with real sting.

The standout, though, is Sergeant Rosemaria Baker. She's allergic to Hollywood nonsense and laser-focused on justice, and every scene with her tightens the screws. The case delivers classic thrills-missing starlet, secret agendas, money and lust in the mix-but what elevates the story is how Lind ties each twist to choice and consequence. Even the glamorous moments have teeth.

The pacing is brisk without feeling breathless; clues surface cleanly, and the final reveals play fair while still surprising. The content stays PG-13 adjacent-some language and sensuality-but the tension comes from moral pressure, not gore. Fans of Hollywood noir, romantic complications with consequences, and competent-woman- detective energy will have a blast. I turned the last page satisfied by the justice delivered and already curious about where Rosemaria's instincts will take her next.

Liese

Hollywood has never looked this dangerous!!

Behind the blinding lights and red-carpet smiles, Deception peels back the glitter to show what really hides in the shadows.

Ambition, betrayal, and a murder that ties it all together. Britt Lind's writing feels cinematic and every scene plays out like a noir film dripping with secrets. the story follows singer-songwriter Josh Sibley, the mysterious Lila Levy, and Detective Rosemaria Baker as their lives collide in a swirl of fame, guilt, and lies. The twists are sharp, the pace fast, and the glamour deliciously tainted.

readwithinsoul blog review

Hollywood has always been the perfect stage for secrets, ambition, and heartbreak, and Britt Lind captures that world so vividly through deception and avarice. these two books dive into the glamorous yet dangerous side of Hollywood, where fame and darkness often walk hand in hand. deception introduces us to Josh Sibley, a singer-songwriter haunted by his past, and sergeant rosemaria baker, a cop who sees right through the industry's glitter. their lives collide in a murder investigation that unravels deeper secrets than either of them expects and it's gripping from start to finish.

Avarice picks up with josh and Rosemaria again, but this time the danger feels even more personal. after surviving Hollywood's chaos, they're finally finding peace. until someone tries to end Rosemaria's life. the tension builds fast, with old enemies, new mysteries, and an undercurrent of trust and love being tested in every chapter. and the characters feel so real, they've been through loss, guilt, and redemption, yet they keep fighting, not just for justice, but for each other.

Britt brings her insider Hollywood experience to every page, making the mystery sharp, emotional, and cinematic. deception pulls you in with its dark glamour, and avarice keeps you hooked with its twists and emotional depth. together, they make a series that feels classic yet fresh, perfect for readers who love crime fiction that blends heart, suspense, and a touch of old Hollywood charm.

Bubbleswrapherbooks

My Thoughts

Both of these mysteries were engaging, well plotted, and moved at a nice pace - not too fast and not too slow. I loved getting to know Josh and Rosemaria and see their friendship and then relationship flourish and grow while solving all kinds of wild mysteries in Hollywood and LA! I think of the two, Avarice was my favorite because of the relationship that's now more developed between our two main characters. I also liked seeing this seedier side of Hollywood being talked about! If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with a side of romance, you'll love this series!

Both deception and avarice by britt lind kept me completely hooked from beginning to end. these hollywood mysteries are engaging, well-plotted, and paced just right, not too fast and not too slow. i loved following josh and rosemaria as they navigated fame, danger, and the messy world of love, justice, and dark secrets in hollywood.

Of the two, avarice stood out to me the most. the chemistry between josh and rosemaria felt even more alive here, and i loved seeing their bond deepen while the stakes grew higher. i also enjoyed how britt lind didn't shy away from showing the seedier, grittier side of hollywood that lurks behind the glamour.

If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with a side of romance and heart, this series is definitely worth adding to your tbr.

Bearyintobooks

Review Deception:

This book has a little bit of everything and I would label it as a slow burn. At the 60% part the book starts to pick up and keep the pacing until the last page. The author did a great job of revealing and giving clues without taking away from the overall mystery. I appreciated some of the realistic parts of the story but some of the character relationships were a miss for me.

Review Avarice:

What I liked the most about this book was how the author took the relationship from the first book and really developed it. In this book I felt the chemistry and I loved how the two worked together. The pacing was also better which made for a good sequel! Overall, the writing was strong and the setting was neat to see so I would definitely recommend this series!

Synopsis:

Singer/songwriter Josh Sibley is handsome, talented, and smart, but he tries to appease his demons with alcohol in an effort to break free of his complicated past. When he gets the opportunity to write songs for a multi-million dollar feature film, he throws himself in headfirst, determined to shake his bad luck streak. Then he meets Lila Levy, the sexy singer/actress who is married to the producer of the movie. She attempts to use her sexuality to hook Josh into a secret love affair-but Josh surprises himself by keeping his feelings under wraps while trying to teach Lila to sing his songs. But this is Hollywood, and dark souls are clothed in glamour and secrets. When Lila's husband Stan is murdered, Lila disappears, leaving Josh to deal with the woman determined to track her down-Sergeant Rosemaria Baker of the Beverly Hills Police Department. Beautiful yet disenchanted with the glitz of Hollywood, Rosemaria considers Josh a delusional loser but he's her best lead. Too bad Josh doesn't know Lila in the way he thought he did. When the cops finally bring Lila in, she declares herself innocent and builds her case around disturbing childhood trauma that will twist Josh's soul.

This.humanreads

Britt Lind
Deception

This is book one in Hollywood Mysteries.

Intriguing, suspenseful, emotional, dark. And - cinematic. Filled with characters with depth, realistic dialogues, and very visual storytelling, this definitely is one to consider adding to your TBR if you love engaging mysteries!

Nissa_the.bookworm

love a good mystery
would love to communicate with panthers
are looking for a quick, engaging read
enjoy a bit of romance in your mysteries

WHAT IT'S ABOUT

Deception

Josh Sibley, singer/songwriter, is handsome, talented, smart and headed for oblivion. Alcohol provides relief when his demons threaten to overwhelm his every effort to break free of his past. When his friend Jennie Seger arranges for him to write songs for a multi-million-dollar feature, all his doubts and fears fall away, and he embraces the opportunity like a starving man who has found a bounteous feast during a famine.

Avarice

Rosemaria Baker loved being a cop even though at times she had to chase down pimps, drug dealers, and killers who inhabited the sleazy dark world and back alleys of Hollywood. She decided to become a prosecutor because she enjoys putting the bad guys away even more than arresting them. When she met Josh Sibley, a down and out singer songwriter, she had no intention of falling in love with a man with whom she had nothing in common and, even worse, he was a murder suspect in a case she was investigating.

@Leannebookstagram

It was a absolute pleasure being introduced to our protagonist Rosemaria Baker. She is a little firecracker with determination, smarts and street witty. Rosemaria is the daughter of a cop and a wannabe actress. While her mother was suffering from mental health issues I found her very hard to like. Rosemaria and her father on the other hand I instantly connected with. Rosemaria is very interested in her father's job and it certainly helps her when she has to use and do everything she has to save his life. This is a thrilling introduction into a mystery series.

My Rating 5/5

Bigreader

I loved this wonderful dark mystery. I loved all the twists and turns. I loved Rosemaria, Josh and Noor. I was shocked and surprised at how twisted this story was and enjoyed it all. I liked learning some of the horrible things that happen in Hollywood just to get in a film. I loved learning all of the many secrets. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

Mama Coffee Books Cardigans

My thoughts: The way I thoroughly loved this book from every angle! What a phenomenal continuation to the first book in the series- Deception. It was really really well rounded and I didn't find any places that left me even a smidge bored. I found myself very invested in the relationship building among all of the characters!! We had more of our Noor and the plot? Kept me flipping those pages! There was suspense, obviously some mysteries to be solved, twisty turns to keep us on our toes, moments to elevate our heart rates a bit, some moments to make our hearts flutter, uncertainty, excitement. Rosemarie is a rockstar! Really enjoying her character!

Thanks for a great read! Highly recommended by me that you dive into this series!

GetUrBook

Britt Lind's Malevolence is a gripping addition to the Rosemaria Baker Hollywood Mystery series, weaving together crime, conspiracy, and emotional depth against the glittering yet dangerous backdrop of Los Angeles.

At the heart of the novel is Rosemaria Baker, a former cop turned prosecutor, whose fierce determination to protect the vulnerable collides with the shadowy forces of Hollywood. When assassins target two young girls she rescued from the streets, Rosemaria is thrust into a deadly game that stretches beyond local crime into international political intrigue.

What makes Malevolence stand out is its balance of fast-paced suspense and emotional resonance. Rosemaria's relationship with Josh Sibley, a rising singer-songwriter, adds warmth and vulnerability to the narrative. Their bond is tested as danger closes in, reminding readers that love and justice often demand sacrifice.

Lind's writing is sharp, cinematic, and layered with authenticity. The novel doesn't just deliver a mystery; it exposes the darker truths of fame, power, and exploitation. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers with strong female leads, Hollywood intrigue, and conspiracy-driven plots will find themselves hooked from the first page.

Malevolence is more than a mystery - it's a story of courage, love, and survival in a world where justice is never guaranteed. Britt Lind has crafted a novel that will resonate with fans of suspense, crime fiction, and Hollywood drama.

Locks, Hooks, and Books

A Fate Worse Than Death (A Hollywood Mystery) is a prequel for Britt Lind's series, Rosemaria Baker Hollywood Mystery,. I have had the pleasure in reading the first two installments of this series and found it interesting to get a better glimpse at Rosemaria's life prior to those books and what lead her to where she is currently. It was a bonus to learn more about how she grew up and getting to know her parents more. I can see her where her bravery and determination came from. The book is just over one hundred pages and it was easy to read in a short time. It may be short tale, it was still packed full of drama, suspense, and intrigue. I thought it was a great addition to this series. It was a delight getting to know Rosemaria even more and having a better understanding of her life.

I am going to give A Fate Worse Than Death (A Hollywood Mystery) a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read exciting mystery and suspense filled thrillers. I look forward to continuing to read the remaining books from the Rosemaria Baker Hollywood Mystery series to see where else Rosemaria's adventures go to next.

I received a paperback copy of Britt Lind's A Fate Worse Than Death (A Hollywood Mystery) from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

michellegodardricher

Avarice: A Hollywood Mystery (Book 3 of Rosemaria Baker Hollywood Mystery)
Out Now

Description: Taking a long-awaited holiday in Pacific Beach, California, ex-cop, now prosecutor, Rosemaria Baker and her fiancé, singer-songwriter Josh Sibley are enjoying the sun and each other, anticipating a few days of focusing on the good things in life, but their vacation is interrupted by an attempt on Rosemaria's life. The assassins escape while Rosemaria is hospitalized severely injured. The police cast a wide net and clues lead them to investigate suspects amongst the wealthy denizens of Beverly Hills, former roommates who lived in drug infested squalor in the worst part of Hollywood, and criminals Rosemaria helped convict. Working with her ex-homicide-detective father, and her former partners in the Beverly Hills Police Department, Rosemaria helps track down possible offenders who have fled California while all her instincts tell her that the person who wants her dead is much closer to home.

My thoughts: I enjoyed delving back into the world of Josh and Rosemaria as they faced another dangerous threat coming at Rosemaria. This book once again touched on the Hollywood scene both glamorous and rotten which adds an intriguing aspect to the plotting. The romance between Josh and Rosemaria also stands out, pulling you into their story filled with danger, tension, and twists. This is a great read for mystery thriller fans who enjoy a dash of romance.

michellegodardricher

Deception: A Hollywood Mystery by Britt Lind
Out Now

Description: Blood and dreams run red through the magical land of Hollywood, and rarely do kind souls win the spoils of war...

Singer/songwriter Josh Sibley is handsome, talented, and smart, but he tries to appease his demons with alcohol in an effort to break free of his complicated past. When he gets the opportunity to write songs for a multi-million dollar feature film, he throws himself in headfirst, determined to shake his bad luck streak. Then he meets Lila Levy, the sexy singer/actress who is married to the producer of the movie. She attempts to use her sexuality to hook Josh into a secret love affair—but Josh surprises himself by keeping his feelings under wraps while trying to teach Lila to sing his songs.

But this is Hollywood, and dark souls are clothed in glamour and secrets. When Lila's husband Stan is murdered, Lila disappears, leaving Josh to deal with the woman determined to track her down-Sergeant Rosemaria Baker of the Beverly Hills Police Department. Beautiful yet disenchanted with the glitz of Hollywood, Rosemaria considers Josh a delusional loser but he's her best lead. Too bad Josh doesn't know Lila in the way he thought he did. When the cops finally bring Lila in, she declares herself innocent and builds her case around disturbing childhood trauma that will twist Josh's soul.

My thoughts: Josh is a flawed and entertaining character with an endearing backstory-caring for his disabled brother-who encounters the darker side of Hollywood. He becomes embroiled in an intriguing murder mystery and encounters the wrath of Sergeant Rosemarie Baker who is determined to solve the case. The plotting is unpredictable and entertaining with the types of secrets and toxic ambition reminiscent of showbiz. Fans of murder mysteries would enjoy this series.

Ablueboxfullofbooks

Step into the Hollywood Mystery series by Britt Lind where glitter meets danger and every secret hides behind a perfect smile. Following singer-songwriter Josh Sibley and fierce detective-turned-prosecutor Rosemaria Baker, these mysteries dive into the dark side of fame, the weight of past trauma and the risks of chasing truth in a city built on illusion

Deception : A Hollywood Mystery by Britt Lind ( May 11, 2020)

A smoky, music-soaked Hollywood noir. Josh's big break spirals into chaos when a seductive actress, a murdered producer and a disappearing starlet pull him into a world of lies. Rosemaria Baker steps in, sharp and skeptical, uncovering the twisted truths fame tries to hide.

Avarice : A Hollywood Mystery by Britt Lind (August 22, 2025)

A romantic getaway turns deadly when Rosemaria is targeted by an assassin. As she and Josh dig for answers, the case leads from Beverly Hills elites to old Hollywood shadows and the chilling suspicion that the threat may be someone close.

Therathercozyreader

Deception and Avarice of A Hollywood Mystery by Britt Lind

Deception:

This mystery hooked me from the start. It was the first book I've read by this author, and I was immediately impressed by how immersive her writing is. The plot is packed with surprises, and Rosemaria, Josh, and Noor really stood out as layered, engaging characters. I didn't expect the story to dive quite so deep into its darker turns, but that made it even more absorbing. With its blend of hidden motives, sharp twists, and Hollywood's polished-yet-poisoned atmosphere, it delivers a satisfying mystery.

Avarice:

Diving back into Josh and Rosemaria's world was a treat, especially as they faced a new danger targeting Rosemaria herself. The book once again explores Hollywood's glossy façade and the shadows beneath it, giving the story a rich and dramatic setting. Their relationship remains a compelling force-full of tension, warmth, and high-stakes moments. It's an engaging follow-up that mystery-thriller fans, especially those who enjoy a thread of romance, will appreciate.

Book Corner News and Reviews

Expect a Well-Done Thriller--But Be Patient. If you love a well-done, character-driven mystery with realistic elements and well-planned twists and turns, you will find it in this book. Having said that, however, it takes a while for the pace to pick up and the storyline to really grab you for the heart of the thriller. I was interested in the early character development and scenes--but the pace didn't pick up quickly for me. Once it did, however, it was an impossible book to put down.

Readers will find a Strong, Character-Driven Novel. I loved Rosemaria Baker - and certainly looked forward to reading more of her stories. Most of the character interactions and story paths were engaging and believable without seeming too coincidental or misplaced as the author revealed twists, secrets, and surprises leading to the mystery's resolution. I always love animal connections in novels, and this one has a unique one in its panther role.

Would I recommend Deception by Britt Lind? The author does an excellent job bringing readers into the Hollywood setting and builds characters that are realistic and engaging, as she also builds a very well-connected, fast-paced thriller. If you enjoy a mystery with a strong detective lead and realistic moral "grey zones" and some Hollywood glitz--this is an excellent addition to your fall reading list.

GetUrBook

A Fate Worse Than Death

Britt Lind's *A Fate Worse Than Death* is more than a mystery = it's the origin story of Rosemaria Baker, a detective whose sharp instincts and fiery spirit make her unforgettable. What struck me most was how Lind balances Hollywood glamour with the grit of police work, weaving Rosemaria's childhood influences into a compelling journey toward justice. The novel doesn't just set up a crime series; it builds a character whose resilience and humanity resonate long after the last page. Suspenseful yet deeply personal, this prequel adds emotional weight to the Rosemaria Baker mysteries and makes me eager to follow her future cases.

@kiv_coffeeandpages

Britt Lind's Deception and Avarice are gripping tales of love, danger, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. Both novels showcase Lind's skill at crafting complex characters and twisting plots that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Deception introduces us to Josh Sibley, a talented singer-songwriter caught in a web of intrigue with the alluring Lila Levy. While the first half moves slowly, the pace picks up dramatically after Lila's husband is murdered, delivering a thrilling ride through LA's glamorous yet seedy world.

Avarice shifts focus to prosecutor Rosemaria Baker, whose vacation turns deadly when someone tries to kill her. This sequel ups the stakes, exploring themes of trust and survival as Rosemaria digs deep to uncover who's behind the attempt on her life - and why.

Lind's strength lies in her nuanced characters and vivid LA settings. Both books blend music, mystery, and suspense, making for addictive reads. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with complex characters and twists that hit hard, check out Britt Lind's Hollywood noir universe.

@reader_ceygo

Deception: A Hollywood Mystery Book 1

This is a great start of a new series. Deception is a slow burn mystery with a large cast of characters in the movie industry and of course the detectives . We also get snippets of Josh's (our hero and animal lover) background with snippets of his childhood in Wisconsin along the way as well . Although, is it wrong that my favorite character was a panther named Noor?

Avarice: A Hollywood Mystery Book 3

Rosemaria and Josh are back and engaged in this third book in the series, where Rosemaria, who is now an attorney, is in danger herself . An action filled story with romance , returning characters, as well as a reunion between Josh and his estranged mother.

@kiv_coffeeandpages

Britt Lind's Deception and Avarice are gripping tales of love, danger, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. Both novels showcase Lind's skill at crafting complex characters and twisting plots that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Deception introduces us to Josh Sibley, a talented singer-songwriter caught in a web of intrigue with the alluring Lila Levy. While the first half moves slowly, the pace picks up dramatically after Lila's husband is murdered, delivering a thrilling ride through LA's glamorous yet seedy world.

Avarice shifts focus to prosecutor Rosemaria Baker, whose vacation turns deadly when someone tries to kill her. This sequel ups the stakes, exploring themes of trust and survival as Rosemaria digs deep to uncover who's behind the attempt on her life - and why.

Lind's strength lies in her nuanced characters and vivid LA settings. Both books blend music, mystery, and suspense, making for addictive reads. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with complex characters and twists that hit hard, check out Britt Lind's Hollywood noir universe.

Bigreaderssite

I enjoyed this newest thriller in the Hollywood mystery series. I love Josh and Rosemaria. I enjoyed learning more about all of their friends as they need to find out who is trying to kill Rosemaria and Josh is on a tour to see if people like his singing. I loved the twists and turns and the action that surrounded Rosemaria and the craziness that surrounds a concert tour. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

@onlyforthebooks

Britt Lind just became one of my favorite new mystery thriller finds. These books have twists, heart, and the kind of pacing that keeps you turning pages without realizing it.

@lizzies.reaing.recs

Reviews of Deception and Avarice

I don't know about you, but I'm obsessed with Hollywood stories. The more drama the better, which is exactly what these books bring. I love when a series is about one character so you really get to know the main characters well, and these books brought that. I feel like many people feel the same way as Josh- hoping to fall in love, but getting there was a whole ordeal. I really loved the writing style from the author along with how well written these books are. Highly recommend!

@Readsandmusic

Book: Deception : A Hollywood Mystery
Author: Britt Lind

Review:

Josh Sibley is a gifted singer songwriter whose life has been held hostage by trauma and alcohol for far too long. A huge break finally arrives when he is offered the chance to write songs for a major Hollywood film. Just as his confidence begins to return, he meets Lila Levy, the stunning star of the movie and the wife of its powerful producer. Their chemistry is dangerous and irresistible. It's veiled in secrets. When the producer is found murdered and Lila vanishes, Josh is pulled into a twisted battle between truth and illusion. Sergeant Rosemaria Baker enters the picture, suspicious of Josh, unimpressed by Hollywood. She's determined to bring Lila in. What follows is a gripping clash of love, manipulation, ambition, and the darkness behind fame.

The book sinks its hooks in from the very first chapter. Britt Lind builds Hollywood with an insiders sharp eye, painting a world filled with shine on the surface and rot underneath. I loved the book and the characters. It reads easy.

The writing is confident, smooth. The book talks how desire blinds and how guilt corrodes. The murder mystery is tight, the emotional beats land with force. This is the kind of Hollywood noir that seduces its readers with glamour. Deception is a delicious amalgamation of crime, passion, thrill and psychological depth. I had a great time reading it.

5/5

@respecka

These are the first books I've read by Britt Lind and I was NOT disappointed. Both Deception and Avarice will hold your attention from the start. I love a good mystery that keeps me on my toes, and that is exactly what these provided me. I highly recommend to any mystery/thriller lover.

Gina Rae Mitchell

Today I'm reviewing Avarice, the latest installment in Britt Lind's Hollywood Mystery series - and what a ride it is. Britt takes us behind the glittering surface of Southern California and deep into a story of justice, obsession, and the chilling truth that someone you trust may be plotting your downfall.

If you love mysteries led by smart, determined heroines who won't quit - even when they become the target - this series continues to deliver.