The Lady Said No is an engaging mystery centered around The Kentucky Derby. A horse trainer is found dead. Was it suicide when he had a winning horse? Was it murder? Much is at stake. A good read overall. Mystery fans will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It is a well written story with a 1940s era detective charm.
Its a well written and easy to read whodunit with a romantic undercurrent.

3.5 stars

Meet Augustus (Gus) Grant, a detective working in the heart of Kentucky. It's just weeks away from the Kentucky Derby and emotions are riding high ... especially for those who have horses entered into this prestigious event.

A well-respected horse breeder is found murdered in his home. At first, it is hinted that he may have taken his own life. But would this man choose this time ... when his horse is expected to win?

Detective Grant is investigating the death and finding plenty of suspects who may have had the motive and / or the opportunity. What he didn't count on was the fact that Rebecca Hayes was the last person to see the victim alive. This makes her the prime suspect ... but what would her motive be?

He and Rebecca have a history ... and a daughter he never knew about. He finds it hard to think about ... Rebecca killing someone? He can't wrap his mind ... or his heart ... around that idea at all. He's going to have to dig deep to solve this case.

Gus reminds me a bit of Columbo, the seemingly not-so-smart detective who uses deception as an art form to catch the bad guys and The Pink Panther, an inept French police detective. Gus is a bit on the clumsy side, a stumbler, a bumbler, but in a most amusing way. He is smart and being a detective is the only thing he ever wanted to be. Rebecca is a sweet woman, a terrific mother, who works hard to be able to take of her daughter. Gus's ex-wife is a termagant who is not to be trusted at all.

The suspects vary and some of them aren't who they say they are. Some of them have motives that they want to keep buried.

Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, inspirational romance, or romantic suspense, will like this second chance romance story.

Many thanks to the author / Author Collective 20 / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

What a great introduction to a new to me author. The Lady Said No is a great murder mystery with realistic characters and an engaging storyline. This is definitely a promising start to this series and I will be looking to read more.

Augustus Grant is a wonderful change from the rough and tough detective. He is still handsome and smart, but has a few endearing characters as well that make him even more irresistible. Although the killer tried to make it look like a suicide, a famous horse breeder has been murdered. Gus is on the case and notices subtle nuances that others might miss. He is surprised to find that his former lover, Rebecca Hayes, is employed in the home of the victim. Then he is shocked to learn that Rebecca has a young daughter…could she be his? Working the case and trying to make things right with Rebecca will take all of Gus’s mental and emotional ability. There are many twists and turns in this mystery that will keep you guessing. A delightful mystery from one of my favorite authors, Jacquie Biggar! I had purchased this book and also received a free copy and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)