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Zanna Mackenzie
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In The Stars: Cozy Mystery Series (Amber Reed Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Zanna Mackenzie (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 962 ratings
A desperate phone call. A murdered celebrity. A deadline to catch a killer and solve a crime...

Amber, a newspaper admin assistant in a sleepy small town, wishes her life could be more exciting.

Then, with one phone call, her world turns upside down.

Soon she’s caught up in the middle of a high-stakes celebrity murder investigation and battling to convince handsome (and incredibly stubborn) special agent Charlie Huxton that she really can help him catch the killer.

Time is running out though, so this unlikely sleuthing duo needs to act fast if they stand any chance of cracking the case and catching the bad guy...

If you enjoy reading intriguing and humorous cozy mysteries about fun female sleuths then you'll love the 'addictive' Amber Reed series. Download In The Stars today!

"Addictive new series, approach only if you are willing to read into the early hours of the morning!!!" Chicks That Read Book Blog

“The book is witty and light, with non-stop action and plenty of romance. I love the way the characters play off of each other, especially the leads. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Amber and Charlie next!” Caroline Fardig, author of the Lizzie Hart mysteries.

“I quickly warmed to the main protagonist, Amber, and leading man Charlie has a bit of a James Bond feel to him which I think numerous female readers will definitely enjoy!” Jody, A Spoonful of Happy Ending Book Blog.

“This is the opening salvo for a fun, new series which I enjoyed very much. Interesting characters with an intriguing "who done it" plot which holds you enthralled.” Barbara, Amazon reader.

“I loved this book! I had to go & buy the next 3... Had to see what happens next. Can't wait for book 5 to come out! I got hooked fast.” Maryanne, Amazon reader.

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  1. Book 1 of 9
    Amber Reed Mystery
  2. Print length
    363 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 11, 2014
  6. File size
    1.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Addictive new series, approach only if you are willingto read into the early hours of the morning!!!" Chicks That Read Book Blog

"Lighthearted and with a lovely touch of screwballcomedy, this is truly great fun. While cosy and entertaining, the mystery partis well done and keeps suspense and tension nicely up. I'm not surprised thatthis is the first in a successful series."
Book Blog: writerchristophfischer

"The book is witty and light, with non-stop action andplenty of romance. I love the way the characters play off of each other,especially the leads. I can't wait to find out what happens to Amber andCharlie next!" Caroline Fardig, author of the Lizzie Hart Mysteries.

"I quickly warmed to the main protagonist, Amber. Leading man Charlie has a bit of a James Bond feel to him which I thinknumerous female readers will definitely enjoy!" Jody, A Spoonful Of Happy Endings Book Blog.

"This is the opening salvo for a fun new series which Ienjoyed very much. Interesting characters with an intriguing "who doneit" plot which holds you enthralled." Barbara, Amazon reader.

"I loved this book! I had to go and buy the next 3 in the series to see what happens next. Can't wait for book 5 to come out! I got hookedfast." Maryanne, Amazon reader.

"Cute story and very entertaining. A light hearted adventurewith many hilarious moments; still having all the necessary components of agood mystery. Sort of a quirky romance with a foreshadowing of things to comein the future. Definitely plan on following up with our heroic couple to seewhat adventures they have." Happy Me, Amazon reviewer.

"I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I can't evenput my finger on what it was that made the book stand out so much. I justreally enjoyed the chemistry between the investigating team, the understatedcomedy and the overall cosy feeling of it. There is good humour, warmth and agood plot, moved along by interesting characters. A series I will be watching."Molly, Amazon reader.

"The start of what promises to be a very good series, Amber Reed (also known as Madam Zamber, astrologer in residence on the local paper) is about to get involved in murder!" Shani Struthers (author)


"I am an avid reader and constantly looking for new series to love. I seem to have found another one, for I was only at 65% when I went looking for and bought the next one in the series, Precious. " Bookgyrl


"Book one in a celebrity mystery series that will leave readers eager for more. Author Zanna Mackenzie balances romance with intrigue with generous doses of humor sprinkled throughout. Perfect read for lovers of romance, rom com, and mystery." Julie Valerie's Book Blog

About the Author

Zanna Mackenzie is the author of the Glen Falls, Recipe for Disaster, and Amber Reed mystery series. A freelance writer and editor, she lives in the U.K.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00QXFNP62
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 11, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 363 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 9 ‏ : ‎ Amber Reed Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 962 ratings

About the author

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Zanna Mackenzie

Zanna Mackenzie

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
962 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this cozy mystery book entertaining with many twists and turns throughout the entire story. The book features appealing characters with good chemistry between Charlie and Amber, and one customer notes the author's detailed description of the quarry setting. Customers appreciate the wonderful writing style, with one mentioning it's perfect for holiday or sick leave reading.

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EnjoymentPlotReadabilityCharacter developmentSeries contentPacingChemistryDescription
58 customers mention "Enjoyment"55 positive3 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and enjoyable, describing it as a fun mystery with a bit of humor.

"I liked this book. It follows Amber as she investigates a death in her small town...." Read more

"...This is a thoroughly enjoyable clean cozy which offers a couple of twists and turns...." Read more

"This was a fun cozy mystery. Amber is the least likely sleuth but she tries hard...." Read more

"...I enjoyed reading this clean, fun, and entertaining read...." Read more

55 customers mention "Plot"49 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, praising its well-developed mystery with many twists and turns throughout.

"Was a good story. Amber wants more in life then her job she wants romance and excitement . Will she get more she hopes for when she a handsome man?..." Read more

"...This is a thoroughly enjoyable clean cozy which offers a couple of twists and turns...." Read more

"This story is a great start to a new cozy mystery series...." Read more

"...This was a fun mystery that has a few red herrings, developed characters, and a solid plotline along with a decent amount of humor...." Read more

33 customers mention "Readability"29 positive4 negative

Customers find the book easy and quick to read, with one mentioning it's perfect for holiday or sick leave.

"...I enjoyed reading this clean, fun, and entertaining read. It is written in UK English, so a couple of times I found myself re-reading a paragraph to..." Read more

"In The Stars is a fun, quick read. Amber is relatable, and easy to root for...." Read more

"...An easy read that has you smiling along with a good mystery to solve." Read more

"...I would recommend it for a nice beach read or a curl up rainy day read. You won't be in a hurry to finish this one." Read more

28 customers mention "Character development"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them appealing, with one customer noting they feel the emotions of the characters and another mentioning they empathize with the female lead.

"...She is a very interesting character, to say the least! I enjoyed reading this clean, fun, and entertaining read...." Read more

"...This was a fun mystery that has a few red herrings, developed characters, and a solid plotline along with a decent amount of humor...." Read more

"...Each stood alone as a character. I'll let you read the other reviews for the plot. I'll just say that it stayed interesting all the way...." Read more

"I really enjoyed reading this fun cozy set in England. Amber Reed is a great character and is a good friend to Ennis when he needs help finding out..." Read more

12 customers mention "Series content"12 positive0 negative

Customers love this series starter and recommend it to all fans of cozy mysteries.

"...Will she get more she hopes for when she a handsome man? Keeps you interested. I would definitely recommend it." Read more

"...I really enjoyed In The Stars, and recommend it to all fans of cozy mysteries...." Read more

"Love this series starter! What's not to like; murder, mystery, and mayhem, oh my!..." Read more

"Loved this book. A great start for a new series. This was a new author for me and I look forward to many more." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, finding it cute and interesting, with one customer noting it is intriguing without being graphic or gory.

"...It was scary, funny, lovely, sad, happy and most any other emotion you can come up with...." Read more

"...The deceptive is cute and interesting...." Read more

"...Great setup for the next book in the series. Intriguing without being graphic or gory." Read more

"...of this gem with the perfect amount of intrigue, humor and sexy innuendos that had me laughing out loud! :)" Read more

7 customers mention "Chemistry"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the chemistry between Charlie and Amber in the book.

"...The attraction between Charlie and Amber was nice, too. They tried to stay professional and keep their hands off each other, but it was hard." Read more

"...I can't wait to read the rest of the series now, I love the chemistry between Charlie and Amber!" Read more

"...The lead characters, Amber and Charlie are likeable but I thought Amber a bit pushy and considering Charlie's career, the author failed him terribly..." Read more

"...The main characters are likable and has great chemistry. Very interested in reading the next book." Read more

5 customers mention "Description"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's descriptive writing style, with one mentioning how well the quarry scenes are portrayed, and another noting how relatable the main character Amber is.

"In The Stars is a fun, quick read. Amber is relatable, and easy to root for...." Read more

"...Her writing style is perfect. Descriptive but doesn't over do it." Read more

"I really enjoyed this first book; I found it imaginative and fun to read. And the next book should be just as good!!" Read more

"I enjoyed the story and the author described the quarry quite well, found myself getting dizzy during some escapades lol...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • GDH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I liked this book. It follows Amber as she investigates a death in her small town. I liked the way she connected with Charlie, a special investigator brought in to solve the mystery. This story ends so isn't a cliff hanger but leaves the door open for more stories with the main characters.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars was a quick easy read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Was a good story. Amber wants more in life then her job she wants romance and excitement . Will she get more she hopes for when she a handsome man? Keeps you interested. I would definitely recommend it.
    Helpful
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  • MikiHope
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a thoroughly enjoyable clean cozy which offers a couple of twists and turns.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Do you read the emails from authors you follow? I do and once in a while I even look into their recommendations--In the Stars is one of them. This is a thoroughly enjoyable clean cozy which offers a couple of twists and turns. The female lead--a writer of horoscopes for the local paper (she also tends bar on occasion!) leads a pretty ordinary life until a friend's brother is found dead. This friend is a movie star who hates being in the public eye and hired a special secret agent. He then proceeds to ask Amber to keep an eye on the agent! What goes on is really quite funny when Amber has to convince this agent that she is not going to back off--meanwhile there are sparks flying between the two of them--which both try very hard to ignore!

    So, who killed the brother? The answer is unusual. What I want to know --will these two be able to entwine their lives--guess who will eventually get to the second book in this series!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Jo-Anne B.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Light Cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a fun cozy mystery. Amber is the least likely sleuth but she tries hard. She works part-time in a pub and newspaper but when a good friend, Ennis, asks her to follow the agent assigned to his brother's death, she can't say no. Ennis is worried that the death had something to do with him because he's now a famous movie star.

    It was funny when the agent, Charlie, wouldn't let Amber go with him while he investigated the death but she followed him anyway. Of course, he spotted her right away. Poor Charlie knew it would be easier to keep track of Amber if she was with him so he let her tag along.

    I liked the way Charlie tracked down all possible suspects. It was interesting to find out how the death came about. The attraction between Charlie and Amber was nice, too. They tried to stay professional and keep their hands off each other, but it was hard.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • MD Riggs
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and romantic cozy mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story is a great start to a new cozy mystery series. I am intrigued with the special police agency introduced in this story, the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA). Of course one of their top-secret agents, Charlie, adds more than a little flavor to this story. I loved reading of Amber’s many antics and wondering what she would do next. She is a very interesting character, to say the least!

    I enjoyed reading this clean, fun, and entertaining read. It is written in UK English, so a couple of times I found myself re-reading a paragraph to make sure I understood what I thought I understood. I am fascinated by our shared English language from across the pond. That just added a little more fun to the story for me. I am anxious to begin binge reading this series.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Thomas
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fun beginning
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Amber Reed receives an urgent call from a former boyfriend who's now a major movie star.
    His brother has died, and they don't know if he was killed or if it was suicide.

    Ennis has hired a specialist celebrity investigation crew to investigate and try to solve it quickly
    before the news is released to the public, and he wants Amber to shadow Charlie on the sly if possible.

    This was a fun mystery that has a few red herrings, developed characters, and a solid plotline along with a decent amount of humor.

    There is a bit of romance that's a little stronger than in other cozy mysteries that I've read, but, the author did a really great job of not letting the romance take over the mystery aspect of the book.

    I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
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  • Jane Reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humor, hijinks, and hilarity in IN THE STARS
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In The Stars is a fun, quick read. Amber is relatable, and easy to root for. Amber's old pal Ennis is a celebrity, whose brother's murder must be kept secret from neighbors and media. To ensure discretion, Ennis calls in the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA), but since he doesn't quite trust the CCIA agent (Charlie), Ennis recruits Amber (who's so not an agent) to keep an eye on him. Humor, hijinks, and hilarity ensue, as the CCIA agent and wannabe-agent investigate.

    I love the chemistry that develops between Amber and Charlie, and the loyalty she has for Ennis. In The Stars is full of funny bits, as well as mystery, danger, and suspense.

    I really enjoyed In The Stars, and recommend it to all fans of cozy mysteries. I think it will have special appeal to those who are fans of Zanna's Recipe for Disaster/ Celebrity Mysteries.

    Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Arkansas reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good start for a series!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This new series is off to a good start with this book. I liked the characters. The author drew them well, from the main ones, Amber and Charlie, to the not-so-main ones. Each stood alone as a character. I'll let you read the other reviews for the plot. I'll just say that it stayed interesting all the way. It kept me wondering if Amber was going to get back together with the movie star ex (Ennis) or if she and Charlie were going to get together. I'm glad there are going to be more adventures--this time in Los Angeles.

    The only distracting thing to me was that it was written in present tense, which made it seem a bit 'off'. Readers are used to books being written in past tense, so when we read things like, "I am going down the hall. I am leaving the house, etc," it doesn't read quite right.

    I also question having a character with a split personality, who doesn't know when he does some things. That is very far fetched and didn't fit the story very well. I'll definitely going to read book #2, but hope it doesn't have things like that in it.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • PD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun
    Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A quick, fun, and exciting read! There was a good balance of humor and suspense. I look forward to the sequel!
    Report
  • nanjar
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... The Earth Moved by Zanna Mackenzie 5 stars I loved this fast paced mystery that kept my attention at ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    And The Earth Moved by Zanna Mackenzie 5 stars

    I loved this fast paced mystery that kept my attention at full alert all the way through. Ms Mackenzie’s tendency to be heavy on dialogue makes it easy to empathise with the very amiable characters; the story well crafted. I felt that I was right there in the mystery with them. The settings and plot seem simple but are also very credible. CCIA operative, Charlie, does everything the hard boiled agent should do to solve the crime but he is also a man with a great heart. Amber is a girl who doesn’t sit well on the sidelines but has vulnerabilities as well. Though the crime committed was a serious offence, the denouement of the murder isn’t a serious read. I wished I had time to read it in one sitting but since finding that time wasn’t possible for me, two sittings covered it. If you’re looking for an entertaining cosy crime story, I don’t hesitate to recommend it.
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  • Gay K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
    Reviewed in Australia on September 27, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved it.
    Report
  • Elaine Bertolotti author of Florence and Me
    5.0 out of 5 stars an easy read
    Reviewed in Italy on July 30, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An interesting setting to introduce a nice little mystery.
    A hometown girl gets involved with the murder of her best friend’s brother. He asks her to work with an investigator to discover the murderer before the news is given to the press.
    She didn‘t realize the dangers of this task. She didn’t realize either that she would work with a handsome, intelligent and protective agent who was to steal her heart.
    Easy reading , nice first person dialogues and a tale that keeps the reader guessing.
    Report
  • Beecee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the effort.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 28, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great combination of fun, chemistry and mystery to keep you reading until the end. Look forward the the next in the series.
    Report

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