On Location

by Elizabeth Sims

Click here to read the complete reviews from
Booklist, Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.

  • Booklist review by Michele Leber
    "Sims’ plotting and dialogue are brisk and sharp, and the characters of Rita and George—both interestingly introspective—raise this well above the genre norm. Crime fiction as smart as it is compelling."
  • Publishers Weekly
    " Sims orchestrates the action--and occasional comic relief--for maximum impact, with characters you hope will survive to enjoy another day."
  • Kirkus Reviews New York, NY
    " Feisty Rita Farmer adds hatchet-brandishing to her repertoire.
    ...
    Like George, you just have to love Rita, who’s a great mom, a devoted sister and a helluva actress, even if Spielberg hasn’t cast her yet. Deftly plotted, often droll, but so rainy throughout that you might want to read it with a pair of dry socks by your side. "
  • Harriet Klausner (syndicated online)
    "More a thriller than a mystery, the third Farmer tale (see The Actress and The Extra) is a fabulous novel as Rita’s independent streak leads her and her two compatriots into trouble reminiscent of Dickey’s Deliverance. On Location is a winner that does not need a Byrd to tell fans that this entry is terrific."
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The Extra

by Elizabeth Sims

  • The Boston Globe review by Hallie Ephron
    "side characters straight from central casting... the two leads, Rita and George, are engaging and believable..."
  • Publishers Weekly
    "entertaining second Rita Farmer misadventure... the action builds to a satisfying conclusion... steamy L.A. setting... "
  • Booklist review by Michele Leber
    "brisk prose and facile storytelling... vivid portrayal of the seamy side of urban life, and engaging characters... "
  • Kirkus Reviews New York, NY
    "smelly disguises... fierce confrontations... and a lost beagle... "
  • examiner.com Miami Books Examiner by Rosa St.Claire
    "... a perfect blend of mystery, comedy and romance."
  • The Gumshoe Review Ernest Lilley, Senior Editor
    "Dames. Go Figure."
  • Lavender Magazine and Holiday Gift Guide 2009 Arts and Entertainment review by The Page Boy, E.B. Boatner
    "...ingredients for a Julia Child-like mystery bouillabaisse recipe for murder. It works."
  • Sullivan County Democrat and the Ellenville Shawangunk Journal of August 13 2009 - About Books column by Claire Ernsberger, Ph.D.
    "Rita's occasional acting jobs are cleverly integrated. A good thriller, taut and tough."
  • RT Book Reviews - Romantic Times Magazine mystery, suspense, thriller review by Pat Cooper
    "**** Compelling — Page-turner"
  • Crimespree Magazine issue 31 review by Jon the Crime Spree Guy
    "Written with a strong voice and wonderful characters The Extra as a book that goes down easy, like a perfect cup of coffee."
  • Richmond Times-Dispach - Book Bag review by Jay Strafford
    "Sims, whose The Actress won high acclaim, outdoes herself... an intelligent thriller... comes together seamlessly... sure to appeal to fans of complex plots and strong women."
  • The Mystery Gazette review by Harriet Klausner
    "an entertaining investigative tale... The story line is fast-paced... Overall The Extra is an engaging thriller."
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The Actress

by Elizabeth Sims

  • Kirkus Reviews New York, NY
    "In her first departure from her Lillian Byrd series, Sims crafts a page-turner from stem to stern!"
  • Publishers Weekly
    "Her wry commentary on life in Hollywood is dead-on."
  • Booklist review by Kristine Huntley
    "Intricate and surprising, this is a gripping read and a promising start to a new mystery series."

    Aunt Agatha's review
    "vividness of the writing... compulsive read ... Rita's unforgettable character""
  • Mystery Books News review by Katherine Peterson
    "A tightly plotted tale with multiple layers."
  • The Mercury News San Jose, CA review by Roberta Alexander
    "Rita is a strong and believable voice, so it's easy to root for her to find her way through the harrowing thicket."
  • Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    "The veteran mystery writer...kicks off a new series with a crackerjack tale."
  • The Seattle Times review by Melinda Bargreen
    "Sims has a well-plotted and engaging winner here in what looks like the start of a new series. Let's hope so."
  • Richmond Times-Dispach review by Jay Strafford
    "In real life, a Hollywood murder trial simultaneously fascinates and repels (think O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake and Phil Spector). But in fiction, you can forget the "repels." In Elizabeth Sims' The Actress the fascination will keep you up late."

    I Love A Mystery review by Manya Nogg
    "At last, a fresh idea in mysteries."

  • BookLoons.com review by Tim Davis
    " "With a fond nod to Konstantin Stanislavsky - the legendary Russian actor, director, producer, and originator of the actor development process that came be known as Method Acting - The Actress is more than a top-notch mystery, it is also an intriguing character study in which personal emotions - either real or imagined - become the methodically constructed foundations for perceived - rather than authentic - behaviors and attitudes."
  • Harriet Klausner review by Amazon top reviewer.
    "Exhilarating! Elizabeth Sims provides a fascinating tale."
  • Elizabeth's Mom
    "It sure looks like a winner to me!"
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REVIEWS:

    The Rita Farmer Mysteries

  1. On Location
  2. The Extra
  3. The Actress

    The Lillian Byrd Crime Stories

  1. Easy Street
  2. Lucky Stiff
  3. Damn Straight
  4. Holy Hell


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