15 Minutes (Maizie Albright Star Detective, #1)

by Larissa Reinhart

[layawaydragon]

The Good
⦿Loved Maizie
⦿The plot never feels forced or overwrought.
⦿Love the setting and I have a feeling more of the economic challenges and changes in a ⦿place like Black Pine will show up
⦿Every chapter has hashtags as titles, which is relevant, cute, and they’re often funny.
⦿Liked how Maizie was no longer on social media but it’s a vital part of everyone else’s lives and makes the right waves in the narrative.

The Bad & The Other
⦿Figured out the mystery before Maizie and a bit disappointed she didn’t clue in, especially given the clues…
⦿The half-naked show down was a bit much and hard for me to believe.
⦿The repeated reference to Paul Newman eyes got old quick and seemed like an outdated reference for Maizie. I thought of the salad dressing first and had to Google Image search him, though that might just be me.
⦿Her attitude of having to appreciate the male leers makes sense for her character, and is very telling. I didn’t think it was an anti-feminist knock and I’m hoping the issue is explored further from this angle with Maizie’s burgeoning self-esteem.


I’m a huge fan of the Cherry Tucker so I jumped to try Reinhart’s new series with Maizie Albright. I love protagonists who don’t have their shit together but are trying to and working on improvement. Maizie’s got problems in spades from blackmail to . She will feel down and out, eat some comfort food, and get back up.

As with her other series, Reinhart brings the drama told in a vivid voice with a strong supporting cast and a solid mystery.

Here’s a brief run-down of the cast since you can tell a lot about a cozy mystery from the ensemble.

Maizie Albright - If a Disney star starred in a Veronica Mars like show, went wild, and went straight again. Or is trying to at least while escaping from the limelight.

Maizie’s Father & Step-Mother - If Duck Dynasty was real and not bigoted POS’s. (They’re yuppies gone country for fame & fortune.)

Maizie’s Manager/Mother - Every horror story of a Hollywood Mom rolled into one
Wyatt Nash - Tall, dark, handsome, & ripped. Silent, commanding, gruff, and old-fashioned old-school. With Paul Newman eyes and a scar. (You’ll hear about the last two a lot.)

Jolene Sweeney - Nash’s ex and still technical business partner. She set Maizie up to follow Nash around but boy, does she hate when she turns up.

Rhonda & Tiffany - two nice down to Earth women working in a beauty salon when Maizie strolls in behind Nash…


Initially, I noted the scene where Maizie meets Nash was convoluted and difficult to follow. I went back to check why since I hadn’t specified and it comes off clear as day now. I don’t know if I was just not in the right headspace at the time or it’s easier after becoming familiar with all parties involved.

Even when confused, it kept me reading though. Maizie’s fashion name dropping meant nothing to me but I admired her resolve while she battled inner demons. And later when they show up, the outside forces of evil.

15 Minutes is highly enjoyable ride along with Maizie. She has just the right mix of down to Earth problems and outrageous events to keep the story grounded but rolling along.

I think fans of Cherry Tucker will appreciate the former Hollywood star and her adventures as will most cozy mystery fans as long as you’re cool with up to date trendy 25 year old figuring her life out.