A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton has once again cleverly woven threads to give us another thrilling, fast paced,and exciting story that had me on the edge of the seat from start to finish. Murder and mystery, fear and drama, love and hurt were compelling and emotions were running rampant but the story and the plot flowed smoothly. It can be read as a standalone since there is sufficient information from the first book ‘Girl Trap’ to bring you up to speed but I recommend you read it first as it gives you much more depth to the person Madeline is and what she has gone through.
Madeline fights once again for truth and justice as she faces off against the one monster that has haunted her dreams and made her life a living hell. Unfortunately she can’t seem to catch a break when organising a birthday bash which turns into murder and she is once again in the hunt to catch a killer.
Cynthia has infused elements of humor throughout which kept things from getting to dark and provided a laugh.
If you love a good mystery then give this series a go. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Cynthia has infused elements of humor throughout which kept things from getting to dark and provided a laugh.
If you love a good mystery then give this series a go. You will be pleasantly surprised.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2019-06-22 23:54:442019-06-23 08:20:45A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is series that has threads and characters that run through each story. While not imperative, I think it would be helpful to read in order.
The author writes a very detailed book. At times, I found myself skimming more than I thought I would. However, even though I skimmed I was able to grasp the storyline and the intricacies of the mystery/suspense.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-06-21 20:17:072019-06-21 20:56:48A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is a four star novel. Madeline is an event planner and also now a private investigator. Even though this is the second book of the series, I didn’t think it was necessary to have to read the first one first. The first one would give you extra insight into the characters of the novel, but isn’t necessary to understand what is going on. I loved how the author is able to give you just enough information that the characters are being developed and it isn’t redundant from the first novel. First jewels are stolen while a big wedding is being prepared, then a character is being released from prison early, then things progress from there. I loved how it just progresses from one thing onto the next to the next. There is never a dull moment in this novel.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Lounellohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Lounello2019-06-21 14:56:352019-06-21 15:22:03A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Julie Lounello
A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. I highly suggest that you read book 1, Spouse Trap. There are some sequences in A High Price to Pay makes more sense and gives it a deeper meaning and understanding in the book. I really love Madeline in this book. It is like Ms. Hamilton took time to give the details of Madeline that were not shared in the first book. Madeline and Mike are back to investigate missing property which turns into a murder investigation. I went on the adventure with Madeline and Mike. The characters are so real that I could see myself being their friend. With this story there were moments that there was an abundance of detail. It makes reading at parts a bit too much. Do not let that stop you from reading this exciting book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2019-06-20 12:00:272019-06-20 12:52:11A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Erica Fish
A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins #2) by Cynthia Hamilton was a thrilling, fast pace, exciting read, that had me hooked from start to finish.
The second book in this top shelf series, we are in the hot seat with Madeline as she’s told that the man, that hunts her dreams has been cut a deal and is out on the streets again. In saying this, this series follows a continuous timeline and plot, so I highly suggest reading the first book, as you won’t get get full effect of Madeline fear, and turmoil without it.
Like the first book the tones are heavy from the start, telling you this isn’t going to be a light and fluffy read. As things get heated up, and bodies start rolling in, Madeline once again, has to use her wit, smarts and steel resolve to make it out alive. The book really highlighted her growth as a character, and seeing the progress she has made from that first book was excellent.
I will say that there were some, situations, that pulled me out of this story. There was some over-explaining in parts, and, what got me the most was the, going into too much detail about the murders. That made for weird lulls, and broken continuity. But other than that, this was a pretty solid read. The mystery was compelling, the emotions high, and the plot line itself was smooth.
So overall this book gets my high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily-Ann Walshhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily-Ann Walsh2019-06-16 06:43:582019-06-16 08:44:59A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Emily Walsh
A High Price To Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton 5-Stars A High Price To Pay was a suspenseful and exciting novel. Madeline is given news that one of the men who left her for dead has been released. When he turns up dead a few days later things really begin to go crazy. It is enough that she is dealing with her two busy careers already.
This was such a fun and exciting read. It is the second book in this series and can be read as a standalone. It is actually the first book I have read by this author and I am definitely going to look into reading the other books in this series. I loved Madeline’s strong and self sufficient character. She was very driven despite her occasional flash backs from her traumatizing events. I also loved her partner Mike. He was funny and also protective. This was a magnificent read and I highly recommend it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2019-06-15 21:49:312019-06-15 22:38:16A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
I thoroughly enjoyed Spouse Trap and was so looking forward to this book. Madeline is so much more sure of herself and I loved seeing how much she had matured as a character. She’s not throwing a minor pity party anymore because she knows she can take care of herself but also doesn’t have that superhero complex that drives me up the wall. The story line did get a bit crowded at one point because so much was being thrown at Madeline and Mike, and even though they were repetitive in talking though details of the case, I didn’t mind that. It made me think of how I need to talk though things out loud (no matter who is around) to really get a handle on problems and such. Overall, I loved the story and hope to see more in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emma Morrealehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmma Morreale2019-06-13 19:01:162019-06-13 20:09:47A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Emma Morreale
Okay this series just gets better and better with each novel! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Madeline Dawkins book, Girl Trap, but alas I will divulge some tidbits about this current installment, A High Price to Pay. In this novel we find Madeline finishing up the PI training and making the necessary steps to being a full-time detective. In order to do so she must first finish up and survive the last major event that she is responsible for. Things only take on more twists and turns when a crazed man that Madeline testified against is let out of prison on a plea deal. There is nothing boring about this novel, it just keeps on throwing punches right up until those last few chapters. I adored every moment of it and truly was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! I look forward to seeing what will come for Madeline in the next book, I am sure it will be fantastic and most likely will be even better than this one, a hard task considering I would give this 10 stars if I could. Thank you so much for the fabulous read Ms. Hamilton!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2019-06-13 11:41:332019-06-13 13:19:33A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Liz Vrchota
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is a mystery that will take you on an elaborate ride which will spin your imagination while shifting your belief in which direction this story will go. Madeline is a highly capable women in the most realistic of ways despite events that have unfolded within her life. Cynthia Hamilton is impressive with her detailed story line and character development. The sequence of events as that occur are fine tuned, multi-dimensional, and beautifully done. This story kept me engaged wondering which way the author was leading the character(s) next. Amazingly done.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Bahmhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bahm2019-06-12 19:34:292019-06-12 21:19:01A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Heather Bahm
5 Star A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton A High Price to Pay is the second Book in The Madeline Dawkins Series and I will highly suggest reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already. I found myself again lost in the pages and at times I was on the edge of my seat trying to put the pieces together to figure out what happens next. Find out what happens when a background check turns into much more. Will they figure out who is behind it? I truly enjoyed this book as much as the first one. Madeline and Mike are amazing characters that at times I felt like I was right there with them. I highly recommend reading this book. You won’t be disappointed I know I wasn’t. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2019-06-11 21:01:302019-06-11 21:53:00A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Madeline Dawkins is back. She has escaped her ex-husband and his goons, in fact, they are in jail with hopefully no chance of ever getting out. Of course, that is not to be! Madeline has once again learned that she is tough and smart. With the help of Mike and some unlikely other characters, it’s time to show the bad guy just how tough she is.
I have once again enjoyed the adventure of Madeline Dawkins. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how everything would turn out. Cynthia Hamilton has an easy to read style which made it hard to put this book down. I love the way this story has a mystery inside of another mystery. Lots of action so there is never a boring moment.
Madeline’s character shows growth and potential in just these first two books. I can’t wait to see where Hamilton takes her. This book is part of a series so it is best to read them in order.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2019-06-11 07:07:492019-06-11 08:28:54A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Shannon Fowler
A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton is the second book in The Madeline Dawkins series. Madeline is back and she is thriving in her new professions as an event planner and private investigator. What starts as an event she is planning becomes something more complex. With the help of Mike, they are following the clues. Will they figure out the mystery? I enjoyed this book and recommend reading them in order because of the character backstories and development from the first book. It is great to see how Madeline continues to change and grow in confidence and as a person. The story is well written and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Madeline is taken on her next mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2019-06-10 20:50:212019-06-11 05:29:05A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Sheri Schrader
A High Price to Pay is Book 2 In the series and picks up 3 years after book 1. Madeline and Mike have successfully completed what was needed to become licensed PI’s. They are also running a party planning business. Madeline is planning the party of the year for a fortieth birthday to a high profile client. She is earning every dollar she makes on this case. Cherie Alexander has quite a few melt downs and now with the party here, they are more frequent. As the weekend approaches, Cherie’s mother In law ( Ms Story ) hired Madeline to locate some missing jewelry. Everyone thought Teresa has stolen the pieces so a background check is run on her. Unfortunately, they do not have the correct info on Teresa.
All of this is happening while a madman is on the loose after Madeline. She tries to keep herself busy with Cherie’s party and Miss Story’s case but, no matter how busy she keeps herself, things are still happening to remind her that he is still tailing her.
The night of Cherie’s party someone is murdered at the mansion. Who could have pulled it off with so many people there and cameras in the house?
Madeline and Mike are hard at work to find the killer. So much suspense is in this book. It’s a great addition the to series. Madeline is one tough cookie.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2019-06-10 16:32:562019-06-10 18:24:17A High Price To Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Michelle Mulvey
A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order as it follows the same characters. This book is full of mystery and intrigued as well as a complex story line. I felt like I connected more with Madeline in this story than I did the first. This book felt like were out of the “get to know you period” and we were seeing the person Madeline is. It is great character development and has left me interested to see what else is to come from her. The story was great as well. Although there were times when I felt like a little bit of the detail could have been condensed it was a well thought out story. It was action packed and kept me on my toes. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2019-06-10 15:05:072019-06-10 15:23:16A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Kerry Baker
Another great story by this author and a wonderful addition to a series that I am thoroughly enjoying so far! I really liked reading about Madeline, she seemed a little different in this story too which I liked. Again I felt like I was living the story with Madeline and guessing right along with her. There were a few twists and turns which kept me interested in the story all the way through. I did find the story a little repetitive at times however I still really enjoyed it. I do feel like there is so much more to Madeline as a character so I hope there is more to come from this series and the characters in it. A High Price to Pay was an enjoyable read and one that I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2019-06-06 08:20:182019-06-06 09:13:01A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Katie Matthews
This is absolutely a must read book and series. Intrigue, mystery, wonderful characters, rich detail. I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I was so immersed that I couldn’t tear myself away. Hamilton does a beautiful job weaving this story and building upon the first book. Absolutely loved it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-06-05 22:21:032019-06-05 22:21:03A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Heather Lovelace
A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) By: Cynthia Hamilton 5 out of 5 stars
The story A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton is an amazing book to read and had me on the edge of my seat. It is a page-turner that will have you wondering what will happen next. I love how the story is written in such a way that I felt like I was right there with Madeline and her partner Mike every step they took. What starts out as a simple background check because of missing jewels turns into an investigation into murder. Will they find the one who is guilty? There is also a threat that appears from the past. There is an atmosphere of suspense that I felt when reading this book. Madeline is such a wonderful character as she is strong, independent, and has a fierce determination to find the guilty party. She is one that looks at all angles when working a case. I also loved reading about her partner, Mike. He is Madeline’s best friend and business partner. He is also very protective of Madeline and goes to great lengths to make sure she is safe. There is also the character of Lionel Usherwood who has a need for revenge. His has made Madeline his next target. Don’t miss out on a thrilling book that takes you on a ride that doesn’t end until the final page. I would highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-06-03 02:16:572019-06-03 07:29:30A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) By Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Laura Furuta
This is the second book in this series, my favorite yet. It is a mystery story that left me turning pages and sitting on the edge of my seat. Madeline was assaulted in the past but now it looks like they are after her again. In the meantime she and her partner, Mike are asked to look into a jewelry theft. She is a strong character that needs to learn to open up. The secondary characters are a great support to her and add to the story. I highly recommend reading this mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2019-06-02 11:16:202019-06-02 11:16:20A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Madeline’s dual professions as event coordinator and private investigator cross paths during the most lavish affair of her career—a weekend-long 40th birthday extravaganza for the wife of a famous film director. As the party draws near, a simple background check after the disappearance of precious family jewels quickly turns into a murder investigation, and before Madeline and Mike can put the pieces together, another body turns up.
Madeline’s dual professions as event coordinator and private investigator cross paths during the most lavish affair of her career—a weekend-long 40th birthday extravaganza for the wife of a famous film director. As the party draws near, a simple background check after the disappearance of precious family jewels quickly turns into a murder investigation, and before Madeline and Mike can put the pieces together, another body turns up.
Adding to Madeline’s already overflowing plate, the D.A. informs her that Rick Yeoman, one of the men who had abducted her three years earlier, has been released from prison after cutting a deal with the Feds. Besides fearing reprisals from the man she helped to convict, his parole also triggers the reappearance of soulless Lionel Usherwood, lured out of his hideaway by the call of revenge. When Yeoman’s body surfaces in Lake Cachuma, Usherwood moves on to the next target: Madeline.
A High Price to Pay is the second novel in the Madeline Dawkins series.
Though I was always an ardent reader, I was convinced I couldn’t string sentences together if my life depended on it. Fortunately for me, when I was looking for something creative I could do from bed—if my mystery illness progressed to that point—I decided to try my hand at it. No pressure, no expectations. I didn’t tell anyone what I was up to. I just wanted to see if I could string sentences together and tell an interesting story.
I remembered a quote by Hemingway, “Write about what you know.” With this mandate, I chose a topic I knew well, the time spent living with my husband in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I typed out my first two paragraphs on my forty-third birthday. I finished that book on my next birthday, and started my second the same day.
As my still-nameless illness progressed, I continued running the family business and continued to write. Nine years after my symptoms began, I finally received a correct diagnosis: Lyme disease, and more specifically, late-stage Lyme, because it had been allowed to progress untreated for so long.
Though the pain was almost unendurable, I clung to my writing like a life preserver. It allowed me to crawl up inside my head, out of my body, giving me brief respites from the vast array of pains.
Though I would never wish this disease on anyone, I can honestly say I am grateful for the path my life took, for it gave me the gift of writing. I now have nine published books, all of which have special significance for me. I write general fiction, mysteries and some nonfiction.
Once Upon a Lyme: The Tale of Two Journeys, is the detailed account of the path my mystery illness led me down as I sought help from over two-dozen doctors, and the gift of writing that was the unexpected upside of being so hopeless ill.
Finding Ruth was inspired by a previously unseen photograph of my mother when she was nineteen. I found it as I was going through her things prior to her move into a skilled nursing hospital. That gorgeous photograph of her looking so happy and full of promise made me realize how little I knew about her life before I came along. Because Alzheimer’s has taken away all her memories, I painstakingly reconstructed her life from public records, thousands of photographs, and what my brother, sister and I could remember. The message in the tribute to my mom is Ask while you have the chance.
As of this writing, I have just completed the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins mystery series. I’m still in love with writing and I still squeal with joy to think that I’ve written eleven books and self-published nine of them. If there is a message in this, it’s Never discount what you are capable of achieving.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-06-02 00:05:232020-04-06 08:37:44A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton
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