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Cindy Blackburn
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Playing with Poison: A Humorous and Romantic Cozy Kindle Edition

by Cindy Blackburn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,478 ratings

Cozy mysteries with a little romance, a lot of humor, and far too much champagne. All of Cindy Blackburn's books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Jessie Hewitt spent her youth sharking in a pool hall, so she usually knows where the balls will fall and how the game will end. But when a body lands on her couch, and the cute cop in her kitchen accuses her of murder, even Jessie isn't sure what will happen next. She also isn't sure how to catch a killer, but she's about to learn.

If you like cozy mysteries laced with laugh-out-loud hilarity, then you should be Playing With Poison! Cue up and read on!

PRAISE for Playing With Poison

"I just love Jessie Hewitt. She is the bomb." Melina Mason,Melina's Book Blog

"This was one of my favorite submissions so far. I loved the main character, Jessie Hewitt, a middle aged romance writer (ex-pool hustler) having the time of her life." Amazon contest review

"These characters are a hoot!! A lighthearted cozy that willput a smile on your face." Lori Caswell, Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book

"A fast paced read with humor and mystery blended togetherto create the perfect story." Yvonne, Socrates Cozy Cafe

"Playing With Poison is a lighthearted, fun, breezy, wittypage-turner of a mystery novel." Peter Lacey

MORE PRAISE for The Cue Ball Mysteries

"Even if you've never played pool in your life, this reallyis a mystery series you need to pick up. I would compare it to JanetEvanovich's Stephanie Plum...it's just that much fun." Melissa Lapierre,Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and More

"Wrap a pool-shark around a mystery, and throw in a lot ofhumor, and you've got a great read." Howard Lewis

"Fun cozy mysteries that will keep you laughing and on yourtoes all the way to the nail-biting end. Cindy Blackburn brings a fresh newvoice to the mystery genre." Dorothy St. James, author of The White HouseGardener Mysteries

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Cue Ball Mysteries
  2. Print length
    251 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    7 Nov. 2013
  6. File size
    584 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009D99R0I
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 7 Nov. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 584 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 251 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Cue Ball Mysteries
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,478 ratings

About the author

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Cindy Blackburn

Cindy Blackburn

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Cindy Blackburn writes cozy mysteries because she thinks grim reality is way overrated. When she’s not thinking up unlikely plot twists and ironing out the quirks and kinks of her lovable characters, Cindy is feeding her fat cat Betty or taking long walks with her cute hubby John. A native Vermonter who hates snow, Cindy divides her time between the south and the north. Most of the year you’ll find her in South Carolina. But come summer she’ll be on the porch of her lakeside shack in Vermont. Yep, it’s a place very similar to Lake Elizabeth. Cindy’s favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory, her favorite movie is Moonstruck, and her favorite color is purple. Cindy dislikes vacuuming, traffic, and lima beans.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,478 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this cozy mystery book well-written and amusing, particularly appreciating the clever unfolding of the plot with its many enjoyable twists. The book features fabulous characters, with one customer noting how the protagonist's romance novel writing adds humor. Customers describe the book as light-hearted and easy to read.

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27 customers mention ‘Readability’27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, with one customer noting how the mix of characters makes for a great read.

"A funny and pleasing novel featuring a relatable 50-something divorcee, erotic fiction novelist. Who doesn't know one of those in their spare time?..." Read more

"Lightweight, but in a very entertaining, easy to read way...." Read more

"...I quite liked the lead character, she was fairly ballsy and likeable enough...." Read more

"...I did suss out the killer before it was revealed but I still really enjoyed this book...." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Fun’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amusing, particularly appreciating its banter and holiday light-hearted tone.

"A funny and pleasing novel featuring a relatable 50-something divorcee, erotic fiction novelist. Who doesn't know one of those in their spare time?..." Read more

"Lightweight, but in a very entertaining, easy to read way...." Read more

"...Jessica's a smart, sassy and amusing middle-aged sleuth, a perfect foil for detective Wilson Rye. And Snowflake's just adorable." Read more

"...apart from guessing who it was the banter was funny and the mix of people made a great read. I will be getting book 2." Read more

15 customers mention ‘Storyline’15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this cozy mystery, praising its clever unfolding plot and exciting twists in solving the murder. One customer particularly appreciated the hints of a novel within a novel.

"Great plot, fabulous characters and a puzzle until the last chapter. Worth every penny. I'm looking for more by this author." Read more

"...when you want to be amused but not have to work too hard, the story unfolds before you with a number of quirky twists and turns." Read more

"...Jessie is a brilliant creation and I loved the hints at her novel within a novel. The editor's nickname is truly inspired...." Read more

"I liked the storyline and it was fast paced in the beginning...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Character development’13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the protagonist's romance novel writing style and another noting the tongue-in-cheek humor.

"Great plot, fabulous characters and a puzzle until the last chapter. Worth every penny. I'm looking for more by this author." Read more

"...The editor's nickname is truly inspired. I loved it and am just about to start book two - after I download three and four." Read more

"...I quite liked the lead character, she was fairly ballsy and likeable enough...." Read more

"...The cast of characters are well rounded and I look forward to reading other books in this series." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Humour’4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it light-hearted and easy to read.

"Lightweight, but in a very entertaining, easy to read way...." Read more

"...revealed more clues, as well as red herrings, and the light touch -without being lightweight - that kept me hooked...." Read more

"...A nice light hearted change if you fancy an easy read." Read more

"...but I am not onto the 3rd book in the series, very funny and light hearted." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and entertaining
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Great plot, fabulous characters and a puzzle until the last chapter. Worth every penny. I'm looking for more by this author.
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  • H
    4.0 out of 5 stars A funny and pleasing novel featuring a relatable 50-something divorcee
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A funny and pleasing novel featuring a relatable 50-something divorcee, erotic fiction novelist. Who doesn't know one of those in their spare time? Never-the-less our heroine continues to give details about her past and insights into how to be a kick-ass character all the whilst dealing with the rather silly people that surround her. The main love interest does indeed sound very hot and flirts in all the right places. Bought when the novel was on the Kindle freebie section. It's a great book to read when you want to be amused but not have to work too hard, the story unfolds before you with a number of quirky twists and turns.
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  • Ruthie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I confess to having zero expectations of this novel only to be charmed entirely. Jessie is a brilliant creation and I loved the hints at her novel within a novel. The editor's nickname is truly inspired. I loved it and am just about to start book two - after I download three and four.
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  • Mr Lee Rudd
    3.0 out of 5 stars lightweight, but entertaining
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 January 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Lightweight, but in a very entertaining, easy to read way.

    For me, a female lead was different from the fiction I've been reading of late, but it was an interesting perspective.

    I did find myself thinking through the relationship between the author, the lead character (also an author) and the lead character of her books! Just whom was based on whom..
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  • LW
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hmmm
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the storyline and it was fast paced in the beginning. Unfortunately, it got a bit slow in the middle and i did feel my attention wandering a bit. She was sleuthing but everything she turned up the police already seemed to know. There was a hint of romance between the lead and Rye but nothing really happened. I quite liked the lead character, she was fairly ballsy and likeable enough. I won't spoil it by saying who the murderer is but i did guess it before it was revealed, not long before it was revealed and i didn't have the motive or means figured out but i did realise who it was. All in all i quite enjoyed it
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  • Jenny Drew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 April 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this cosy mystery! The murder vic comes in and dies on the main characters couch from then on she wants to find out who killed him.

    I did suss out the killer before it was revealed but I still really enjoyed this book. I got it free and will definitely pay for the rest of the series
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A well-written book with an interesting heroine. Solving the murder takes many enjoyable twists and turns along the way until a satisfying ending is reached. The cast of characters are well rounded and I look forward to reading other books in this series.
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  • Beccy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Good read and kept my wanting to read to see whodunit.

    Got a bit flat in the middle but I persevered to the end to find out the killer.
    Glad I got the book on free kindle reads a while ago and am likely to get authors other books if on kindle free reads again.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Linda
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable debut!
    Reviewed in the United States on 2 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed Playing with Poison. What a wonderful debut! Jessie Hewitt, protagonist, historical romance writer, and pool shark, is a delight. She is funny, smart and very loyal to her friends. Jessie is in the middle of working on her latest book when she answers a knock on her door. Her neighbor's fiancé, Stanley, stumbles in, collapses on her couch, and dies. So begins a really fun read. Naturally, Jessie immediately becomes a `person of interest' so she feels compelled to investigate. Eventually, Candy (friendly neighbor, lingerie seller, and Stanley's fiancée), is arrested for the murder. Jessie is convinced she is innocent and sets out to prove it.

    Ms. Blackburn has written a very engaging story. She has filled her book with a great group of characters. Since most of these characters have a good reason for wanting Stanley dead, it isn't easy to figure out the identity of the culprit. I was hooked before I finished reading the first page--actually, it was the first sentence that pulled me in. Being of a certain age, or as Candy puts it, old, that sentence had me nodding my head and chuckling. Throughout the book, Jessie gives us a sneak peek into her work-in-progress, which enhanced the story and made me laugh. This is a well-written story with humor, believable dialogue, extremely likeable characters, and just the right amount of romance--everything I love in a story!

    I've just downloaded the next two books in this series: Double Shot and Three Odd Balls. Looking forward to reading them. Can't wait to see what Ms. Blackburn has in store for Jessie and her friends. Happy reading!
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  • jovelles
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on 1 February 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and with a great mix of romance and intrigue...well worth the read. It will keep you reading till the end.
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  • tiziana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Shooting pool and sleuthing
    Reviewed in Italy on 7 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Even though I am not interested in pool and do not know the rules of this game, I was not at a disadvantage: I skimmed through those pages focusing on the details relevant to the mystery. Anyway, some details were well dealt with during the game. On the whole, I liked this cosy mystery. Jessie is fifty-two and divorced; she is a historical romance writer who soon becomes a smart sleuth. No sooner does she return home from shopping at Tate’s where her friend and neighbour Candy works as an assistant, than Candy’s boyfriend Stanley shows up and lands up on Jessie’s couch, dead. Needless to say, Jessie is the prime suspect and she has to face up to the fact that she is being questioned by the police and harassed by the reporters. After snooping around, she finds out important clues, shared with a cute cop: Stanley’s will, a lot of money found in Stanley’s house, a new boyfriend for Candy, strange goings-on in the company where Stanley works as a financial counsellor, Stanley’s job and his business relationships with regular customers at the bar where pool is played. Candy knows everything and she is the sole beneficiary of the will, so she is now in custody, together with her new boyfriend. Jessie is convinced Candy is innocent and does her best to prove it, searching for motive, means and opportunity. After some interesting twists and turns and a bit of action, the culprit is found.
    A good mystery, with unexpected developments at certain points and the inevitable dash of romance. Go for it!
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  • Deirdre Harber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, funny read.
    Reviewed in Canada on 10 June 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book has quirky characters with lots going on. There is a middle aged author in the middle of writing a novel who is interrupted by a neighbour's boyfriend who drops in and promptly dies on her sofa. The story then proceeds to the investigation into who murdered Stanley and how the friends and police sometimes work at cross purposes until a satisfactory ending. The story moves along at a good pace wth smart dialogue and enough humour to keep the reader happy. I am now starting the next book in the series.
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  • Grete
    4.0 out of 5 stars Amüsanter Lesespaß
    Reviewed in Germany on 21 March 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Auf der Suche nach günstigen Kindle Büchern bin ich über dieses Buch gestolpert und der erste "Blick ins Buch" hat mir gleich gut gefallen. Es ist amüsant geschrieben, liest sich leicht und zügig. Insgesamt ein angenehmer Krimi, der mir Lust auf mehr gemacht hat. Den zweiten Band habe ich schon gekauft.
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