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The Cora Baxter Mysteries #2
The Deadline
Cora Baxter is back - and this time, she's facing the most important deadline of her career...When TV reporter Cora Baxter attends the scene of a murder in a London park, she's horrified to discover the victim is someone she knows - and devastated when one of her best friends is charged with the crime. Suddenly the fun-filled life of Cora and her eccentric camera crew takes a darker turn. Cora is convinced that her friend is innocent, but with seemingly solid evidence, the police investigation team - reluctantly led by Cora's boyfriend DCI Adam Bradberry - believe the case is closed. With a trail of clues that leads all the way to New York, can Cora find out the truth before the trial begins - or is it already too late? The Deadline is the second in the hugely popular Cora Baxter Mysteries series by acclaimed broadcaster Jackie Kabler.
244 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2016
About the author
Jackie Kabler
15 books456 followersJackie Kabler is a journalist, TV presenter and author. She spent twenty years as a TV news reporter for GMTV, ITV and BBC news, and now works as a presenter for shopping channel QVC and is author of the Cora Baxter Mysteries, a series of murder mysteries set in a television newsroom.
The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.
The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 17, 2021
Definitely as good as the first.
I read this book under a different title: The Accused. The cover of it differs from this one on Amazon (the Kindle edition links to this cover & the edition I read doesn't exist on Goodreads). Take care not to buy the book twice. There's one more in this series & the re-titled & re-covered also doesn't exist on Goodreads.
I read this book under a different title: The Accused. The cover of it differs from this one on Amazon (the Kindle edition links to this cover & the edition I read doesn't exist on Goodreads). Take care not to buy the book twice. There's one more in this series & the re-titled & re-covered also doesn't exist on Goodreads.
October 18, 2016
Last year I read and loved Jackie Kabler's debut novel 'The Dead Dog Day', the first Cora Baxter mystery, so much so that it gained a place among my top ten reads of 2015. So when a few weeks ago, the author offered me an ARC of her second book 'The Deadline', I was over the moon and couldn't wait to start reading it. Though second in a series, this book can be very well read as a standalone.
In 'The Deadline', Morning Live TV reporter Cora Baxter finds herself in a race against time to prove one of her best friend's innocence, after the latter's boyfriend is brutally murdered in a local park. With all evidence pointing at her friend, it's an open and shut case for the police and she's remanded in custody awaiting trial. But Cora is not convinced. She knows her friend well enough to discount any possibility that she could really commit murder but...
"...sometimes good people do bad things."
Now Cora is faced with the most important deadline of her life... In just six weeks her friend will appear in court for trial. In that time she has to find proof that her friend wasn't the killer. Cora has never missed a deadline. Could this possibly be the first one she fails? Will she be able to solve this mystery in time and save her friend from a long prison sentence for a crime she didn't commit? But then, is she really innocent? Cora believes so, but how come there's so much damning evidence against her?
Once again Jackie Kabler has written a highly entertaining read and I spent some delightful hours engrossed reading it. I have to say that I actually enjoyed it even more than 'The Dead Dog Day' and that's a brilliant book! Like in the previous book, the author shows an exceptional ability to mix and balance humour, drama, suspense and romance seamlessly and effortlessly while weaving a very well-written, clever, intriguing plot, brimful of highly realistic characters and believable dialogue. The numerous twists and turns the author plants along the way throws the story into a direction I certainly wasn't expecting.
Cora is such a great character, she's funny, glamorous and amusingly clever. She's the sort of person who brightens up anyone's day, the person you want to meet and befriend in real life. In this book she shows her unswaying loyalty towards her friend. As in the first book, Cora gets herself in the most ridiculous situations on live TV making up the humorous part of the book that made me laugh out loud on many occasions. I just loved the banter going on between Cora and 'the boys' while they're on the road. But when suspense is at play there are no laughs... but tears and anguish. The author knows how to portray the tension and keep the reader on their toes and she has an uncanny way of sowing doubt in the reader's mind on each and every character. Every time I'd convinced myself of someone's innocence, she added those few words at the end of the chapter just to rouse my suspicions back, keeping me wondering, unsure and asking questions! Who of the many possible suspects committed this murder?
With hilarious scenes, suspense, bizarre twists and turns, an intriguing storyline and a great cast of characters, this book is just fabulous and worthy of ALL THE STARS from me!! I can't recommend the Cora Baxter series highly enough!
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this terrific book.
In 'The Deadline', Morning Live TV reporter Cora Baxter finds herself in a race against time to prove one of her best friend's innocence, after the latter's boyfriend is brutally murdered in a local park. With all evidence pointing at her friend, it's an open and shut case for the police and she's remanded in custody awaiting trial. But Cora is not convinced. She knows her friend well enough to discount any possibility that she could really commit murder but...
"...sometimes good people do bad things."
Now Cora is faced with the most important deadline of her life... In just six weeks her friend will appear in court for trial. In that time she has to find proof that her friend wasn't the killer. Cora has never missed a deadline. Could this possibly be the first one she fails? Will she be able to solve this mystery in time and save her friend from a long prison sentence for a crime she didn't commit? But then, is she really innocent? Cora believes so, but how come there's so much damning evidence against her?
Once again Jackie Kabler has written a highly entertaining read and I spent some delightful hours engrossed reading it. I have to say that I actually enjoyed it even more than 'The Dead Dog Day' and that's a brilliant book! Like in the previous book, the author shows an exceptional ability to mix and balance humour, drama, suspense and romance seamlessly and effortlessly while weaving a very well-written, clever, intriguing plot, brimful of highly realistic characters and believable dialogue. The numerous twists and turns the author plants along the way throws the story into a direction I certainly wasn't expecting.
Cora is such a great character, she's funny, glamorous and amusingly clever. She's the sort of person who brightens up anyone's day, the person you want to meet and befriend in real life. In this book she shows her unswaying loyalty towards her friend. As in the first book, Cora gets herself in the most ridiculous situations on live TV making up the humorous part of the book that made me laugh out loud on many occasions. I just loved the banter going on between Cora and 'the boys' while they're on the road. But when suspense is at play there are no laughs... but tears and anguish. The author knows how to portray the tension and keep the reader on their toes and she has an uncanny way of sowing doubt in the reader's mind on each and every character. Every time I'd convinced myself of someone's innocence, she added those few words at the end of the chapter just to rouse my suspicions back, keeping me wondering, unsure and asking questions! Who of the many possible suspects committed this murder?
With hilarious scenes, suspense, bizarre twists and turns, an intriguing storyline and a great cast of characters, this book is just fabulous and worthy of ALL THE STARS from me!! I can't recommend the Cora Baxter series highly enough!
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this terrific book.
August 10, 2022
Another great Cora Baxter mystery. Really enjoyed this… some aspects were a little far fetched but that made the story even more interesting. Will definitely be reading the next one!
October 13, 2016
The Deadline is the second in a series of books to feature Cora Baxter but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Cora is a TV journalist on a morning breakfast show and is used to working to tight deadlines. Now she has a very different kind of deadline. Her friend's partner has been murdered and to everyone's shock, her friend and colleague has been arrested and charged with the murder. No-one can believe this friend is guilty but all the evidence points to her. Cora's boyfriend is the detective in charge of the investigation and even though he can hardly believe it either, the evidence is difficult to argue with. Cora and her friends set out to prove their friend's innocence before her trial. It is very difficult to write a synopsis without mentioning the friend's name but you don't know at the beginning so I don't want to spoil that part of the story for you.
The Deadline was a very enjoyable, entertaining read. I really like the character of Cora, particularly her loyalty to her friends. Every time it seemed she had a lead which could cast doubt on her friend's guilt, that hope was dashed. But she didn't give up trying and refused to believe the friend she knew so well could be a murderer. There were plenty of revelations about the alleged murderer and her family throughout the book which certainly took me by surprise. Jackie Kabler has scattered red herrings and potential suspects throughout her book which kept me guessing right up to the final reveal. As usual, the person I thought was responsible had nothing to do with the murder. However, that person, along with the other suspects did have a secret of their own which made them act a bit oddly.
Despite this being essentially a murder mystery, Jackie Kabler has introduced a touch of light-heartedness to the story. The exploits of Cora's breakfast tv colleagues provided many funny moments throughout the book and I believe that they are all based on real experiences from the author's own tv career. I will be listening carefully next time I go to a coffee shop to see if anyone order a twataccino! If I'd been drinking a coffee when I read that line, I am sure it would have been spluttered everywhere!
Jackie Kabler has written another really entertaining and engaging mystery story. I'm looking forward to reading about the further adventures Cora and her friends will no doubt have in the future.
(Thanks to Jenny at Neverland BlogTours for my copy of this book. )
Cora is a TV journalist on a morning breakfast show and is used to working to tight deadlines. Now she has a very different kind of deadline. Her friend's partner has been murdered and to everyone's shock, her friend and colleague has been arrested and charged with the murder. No-one can believe this friend is guilty but all the evidence points to her. Cora's boyfriend is the detective in charge of the investigation and even though he can hardly believe it either, the evidence is difficult to argue with. Cora and her friends set out to prove their friend's innocence before her trial. It is very difficult to write a synopsis without mentioning the friend's name but you don't know at the beginning so I don't want to spoil that part of the story for you.
The Deadline was a very enjoyable, entertaining read. I really like the character of Cora, particularly her loyalty to her friends. Every time it seemed she had a lead which could cast doubt on her friend's guilt, that hope was dashed. But she didn't give up trying and refused to believe the friend she knew so well could be a murderer. There were plenty of revelations about the alleged murderer and her family throughout the book which certainly took me by surprise. Jackie Kabler has scattered red herrings and potential suspects throughout her book which kept me guessing right up to the final reveal. As usual, the person I thought was responsible had nothing to do with the murder. However, that person, along with the other suspects did have a secret of their own which made them act a bit oddly.
Despite this being essentially a murder mystery, Jackie Kabler has introduced a touch of light-heartedness to the story. The exploits of Cora's breakfast tv colleagues provided many funny moments throughout the book and I believe that they are all based on real experiences from the author's own tv career. I will be listening carefully next time I go to a coffee shop to see if anyone order a twataccino! If I'd been drinking a coffee when I read that line, I am sure it would have been spluttered everywhere!
Jackie Kabler has written another really entertaining and engaging mystery story. I'm looking forward to reading about the further adventures Cora and her friends will no doubt have in the future.
(Thanks to Jenny at Neverland BlogTours for my copy of this book. )
December 20, 2016
Cora Baxter is a television reporter. She loves her job and many of her coworkers are close friends. That also goes for Sam, the producer of the show Cora presents. When Cora is at a murder scene for work she instantly recognizes the victim. The police found DNA and one of Cora's closest friends, Sam, is being arrested. Cora doesn't think Sam is capable of murder and has just got a short period, until Sam's trial, to prove Sam is innocent. She gets help from many people, but the trail is complicated and full of dead ends. Will Cora be able to prove her friend's innocence?
I loved The Dead Dog Day and couldn't wait to read the second Cora Baxter mystery. Jackie Kabler writes about the world of television in a terrific way. I really like the topic and she has great knowledge about her subject, which makes her stories wonderfully informative. This means they have a solid basis, which is always a good beginning. I love that Jackie Kabler writes about something she knows so well and shares her knowledge, while combining it with a creative and dramatic plotline.
Cora loves working as a reporter and she likes both the studio and the location work. She's a fabulous heroine. She appreciates life and knows how to have fun. She can stand up for herself and she's fierce, determined, strong and capable. She works hard to get to the bottom of things. What I love about her is that she stands by the people she loves. It's an admirable quality and seeing this part of her character even more clearly in the second book of the series makes Cora even more sympathetic. She's the perfect main character for mysterious stories, which results in imaginative gripping novels.
Jackie Kabler's writing has an easy flow. She's a good observer and clearly describes the looks, activities and personalities of her main characters. This allows the reader to get a lot of inside information. Cora uncovers plenty of fascinating secrets. There's grief, but there's also joy. Jackie Kabler never let her story become too dark. Her sense of humor brings some lightness and there were a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. The plot is interesting and amazingly strange and Jackie Kabler has a vivid imagination. I enjoyed reading The Deadline very much. I loved this unusual and fun book, it has the exact right setting, there's a thrilling plot and the main characters are intriguing.
I loved The Dead Dog Day and couldn't wait to read the second Cora Baxter mystery. Jackie Kabler writes about the world of television in a terrific way. I really like the topic and she has great knowledge about her subject, which makes her stories wonderfully informative. This means they have a solid basis, which is always a good beginning. I love that Jackie Kabler writes about something she knows so well and shares her knowledge, while combining it with a creative and dramatic plotline.
Cora loves working as a reporter and she likes both the studio and the location work. She's a fabulous heroine. She appreciates life and knows how to have fun. She can stand up for herself and she's fierce, determined, strong and capable. She works hard to get to the bottom of things. What I love about her is that she stands by the people she loves. It's an admirable quality and seeing this part of her character even more clearly in the second book of the series makes Cora even more sympathetic. She's the perfect main character for mysterious stories, which results in imaginative gripping novels.
Jackie Kabler's writing has an easy flow. She's a good observer and clearly describes the looks, activities and personalities of her main characters. This allows the reader to get a lot of inside information. Cora uncovers plenty of fascinating secrets. There's grief, but there's also joy. Jackie Kabler never let her story become too dark. Her sense of humor brings some lightness and there were a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. The plot is interesting and amazingly strange and Jackie Kabler has a vivid imagination. I enjoyed reading The Deadline very much. I loved this unusual and fun book, it has the exact right setting, there's a thrilling plot and the main characters are intriguing.
October 3, 2016
The Deadline is a fabulous mix between a mystery with a very strong lead female character, who won't take know for an answer and is utterly convinced by her best friends innocence, and a story with some brilliantly timed moments of comic relief.
With regards the comedy, there were moments I almost burst out laughing on my commute, in public, as the scene had tickled me so much. Most of the best humour involved Cora making slight gaffs while on camera, as well as one great typo in an email to a hotel, by one of her colleagues, and then there are some great malapropisms!
The question this book asks, is would you stand by your best friend, and her pleading her innocence, when all the evidence puts her at the scene of the crime with potential motive and evidence. Well Cora Baxter is loyal to the end and sets herself a deadline to prove her friend's innocence, with the help of a group of their friends. She struggles with the fact the police think its an open and shut case, complete with her boyfriend being in charge of the police investigation.
I don't think it matters what outlandish thing you think may have happened as you read, I can assure you that unless you are a master at working out fictional mysteries, this will shock you. I did have a complete OMG moment, as I hadn't seen something coming.
This is the second book in the Cora Baxter mystery series, and it can definitely be read as a standalone, although the first was excellent too. I say this because there is a year between the books, and I don't have full recollection but didn't feel lost at all, so sure people that haven't read The Dead Dog Day wouldn't have a problem either.
The Deadline is a fantastic second book, from author Jackie Kabler, and it kept me reading longer than my lunch break allowed, and had me wanting to get back to the book all afternoon, which just shows how much it was playing on my mind.
If you like humour and like your crime and mysteries to not be too gruesome and hardcore then this is definitely a book to be read.
Thank you to Jackie Kabler for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
October 25, 2016
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC
My review is a little late, the book being published on 20th October, so I missed my deadline (see what I did there?). But I have finished it now, and I can honestly say it is brilliant!
I haven't read the first in this crime series, but this second book reads well as a stand-alone story, with the author filling in necessary points from Cora's first adventure without giving it away. Hence I will be reading The Dead Dog Day shortly.
I remember Jackie's humour from her days as roving reporter on GMTV, and I was pleased to see it shining through this did-she-or-didn't-she-and-if-not-then-who-did tale. There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, which, I am told, are based on true events which have happened either to Jackie herself or her colleagues. These funny moments keep the pace up, balancing out the more serious aspects of the story.
It's a crime thriller, but the overriding theme for me was that of friendship. Cora has strong friendships here; between her and her studio team, Sam, Alice & Wendy; her friends from back home, Rosie and Nicole; and the brilliant camardarie within her reporting team, Nathan, Rodney and Scott. I particularly love the way Sam's work colleagues all join forces to help Cora in her quest to prove Sam's innocence.
It's well-plotted and the dialogue flows naturally between the well-rounded characters. The climax of the story is jaw-dropping, and perhaps a little stretch of the imagination, but what the hell, this is fiction! It is fun, set in the world of live TV where anything can happen (and frequently does) and is a tightly written, fast pace story. I look forward to reading more of intrepid reporter/investigator Cora's adventures.
My review is a little late, the book being published on 20th October, so I missed my deadline (see what I did there?). But I have finished it now, and I can honestly say it is brilliant!
I haven't read the first in this crime series, but this second book reads well as a stand-alone story, with the author filling in necessary points from Cora's first adventure without giving it away. Hence I will be reading The Dead Dog Day shortly.
I remember Jackie's humour from her days as roving reporter on GMTV, and I was pleased to see it shining through this did-she-or-didn't-she-and-if-not-then-who-did tale. There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, which, I am told, are based on true events which have happened either to Jackie herself or her colleagues. These funny moments keep the pace up, balancing out the more serious aspects of the story.
It's a crime thriller, but the overriding theme for me was that of friendship. Cora has strong friendships here; between her and her studio team, Sam, Alice & Wendy; her friends from back home, Rosie and Nicole; and the brilliant camardarie within her reporting team, Nathan, Rodney and Scott. I particularly love the way Sam's work colleagues all join forces to help Cora in her quest to prove Sam's innocence.
It's well-plotted and the dialogue flows naturally between the well-rounded characters. The climax of the story is jaw-dropping, and perhaps a little stretch of the imagination, but what the hell, this is fiction! It is fun, set in the world of live TV where anything can happen (and frequently does) and is a tightly written, fast pace story. I look forward to reading more of intrepid reporter/investigator Cora's adventures.
October 21, 2016
Having read The Dead Dog Day, I couldn't wait to read this one. I instantly downloaded this and couldn't put it down once I started reading. I loved all the characters I read about, especially the main female one of Cora.
Cora again finds herself dealing with the aftermath of a murder, but this time she is closely linked to it as one of her best friends looks like being the only suspect. Even with all the evidence seeming to back this up, Cora can't bring herself to believe that her friend would do such a thing. Regardless of the fact that everything points to her being wrong, Cora sets out to prove that there must be another explanation.
Her quest for the truth takes Cora on quite a journey. Not only does she find long hidden secrets, she travels a long way to interview potential leads she has unearthed. The author throws in quite a few red herrings in this book, leaving me constantly wracking my brain to try and figure everything out. Even when she revealed part of the secret I still couldn't figure out which other character could be responsible as there were a couple it could have been.
As in book one the author interjects a lot of humour throughout as Cora's antics lead to some hilarious moments. I'm left wondering again how much of this is fiction, and how much is based on fact. The author has obviously drawn on her experience of working in television for a lot of her material in both books, and this insider knowledge shines through on the pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to finding out more about the author and where the future will take Cora and all the other characters.
Cora again finds herself dealing with the aftermath of a murder, but this time she is closely linked to it as one of her best friends looks like being the only suspect. Even with all the evidence seeming to back this up, Cora can't bring herself to believe that her friend would do such a thing. Regardless of the fact that everything points to her being wrong, Cora sets out to prove that there must be another explanation.
Her quest for the truth takes Cora on quite a journey. Not only does she find long hidden secrets, she travels a long way to interview potential leads she has unearthed. The author throws in quite a few red herrings in this book, leaving me constantly wracking my brain to try and figure everything out. Even when she revealed part of the secret I still couldn't figure out which other character could be responsible as there were a couple it could have been.
As in book one the author interjects a lot of humour throughout as Cora's antics lead to some hilarious moments. I'm left wondering again how much of this is fiction, and how much is based on fact. The author has obviously drawn on her experience of working in television for a lot of her material in both books, and this insider knowledge shines through on the pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to finding out more about the author and where the future will take Cora and all the other characters.
July 26, 2023
Another good cosy crime story, albeit with an astonishing twist in it that being that . Well, I said the twist was amazing, even unbelievable.
Again I loved the location stories but hated some of the verbs used to denote speech or facial expressions E.g. Grinning, grinning, grinning everywhere. And giggling a lot too.
Again I loved the location stories but hated some of the verbs used to denote speech or facial expressions E.g. Grinning, grinning, grinning everywhere. And giggling a lot too.
October 31, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
This is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by Jackie Kabler and I'm pleased to say that it certainly won't be the last. I couldn't wait to begin The Deadline, having seen plenty of positive reviews for the first in this series, The Dead Dog Day. Despite the books in The Cora Baxter Mysteries being clearly linked, I was able to read this one as a standalone quite happily, not once feeling as if I'd missed out due to not having read the first.
In Jackie Kabler's The Deadline, we're introduced to Cora Baxter, who readers first meet in The Dead Dog Day. Alongside her colleagues who also double up as some of her closest friends, Cora Baxter is a strong and determined woman who I loved from the get-go. Everything seems to be going grand for Cora, that is until a shocking murder takes place and the person behind the crime turns out to be a little too close to home. As the investigation begins and numerous clues are unearthed in the process, Jackie Kabler hooks her readers and ensures they remain hooked throughout the remainder of the novel with twists and turns and red herrings aplenty.
What I loved first and foremost about this book was how easy and enjoyable it was to get into. Kabler's style is entirely welcoming, despite the dark and mysterious circumstances that arise, and once started, I found it almost impossible to put down. The characters came to life immediately with Kabler's fantastic descriptions, even more so with the flawless dialogue that took place between them. I felt as if I was part of the conversations myself. From Cora and Sam, to Adam and the rest of the investigation team, they were each crafted uniquely and entertaining in their own ways which made it all the more enjoyable for me and easier to connect with them too.
I would definitely call The Deadline by Jackie Kabler a 'cosy mystery', because for me, that's exactly what it was. I felt totally wrapped up in Cora Baxter's world and the events that unravelled as she got closer and closer to the investigation. It was such a tough position for Cora to be in though, considering the circumstances of the murder and those involved, and Kabler portrayed this brilliantly. It was perfectly paced and, dare I say it, addictive. Once I became involved, I couldn't wait to find out the truth behind it all, and loved the moments of anticipation that cropped up regularly.
For me, this was a fantastic introduction to Cora Baxter and her world. I completely adored Kabler's style and already can't wait to read more from Jackie. A proper 'sit down with a cuppa and get stuck in' type of novel, complete with a cast of characters it's impossible not to like.
Becca's Books is awarding The Deadline by Jackie Kabler with five of my bookish cupcakes. Roll on the next Cora Baxter Mystery! I, for one, will certainly be looking forward to it!
This is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by Jackie Kabler and I'm pleased to say that it certainly won't be the last. I couldn't wait to begin The Deadline, having seen plenty of positive reviews for the first in this series, The Dead Dog Day. Despite the books in The Cora Baxter Mysteries being clearly linked, I was able to read this one as a standalone quite happily, not once feeling as if I'd missed out due to not having read the first.
In Jackie Kabler's The Deadline, we're introduced to Cora Baxter, who readers first meet in The Dead Dog Day. Alongside her colleagues who also double up as some of her closest friends, Cora Baxter is a strong and determined woman who I loved from the get-go. Everything seems to be going grand for Cora, that is until a shocking murder takes place and the person behind the crime turns out to be a little too close to home. As the investigation begins and numerous clues are unearthed in the process, Jackie Kabler hooks her readers and ensures they remain hooked throughout the remainder of the novel with twists and turns and red herrings aplenty.
What I loved first and foremost about this book was how easy and enjoyable it was to get into. Kabler's style is entirely welcoming, despite the dark and mysterious circumstances that arise, and once started, I found it almost impossible to put down. The characters came to life immediately with Kabler's fantastic descriptions, even more so with the flawless dialogue that took place between them. I felt as if I was part of the conversations myself. From Cora and Sam, to Adam and the rest of the investigation team, they were each crafted uniquely and entertaining in their own ways which made it all the more enjoyable for me and easier to connect with them too.
I would definitely call The Deadline by Jackie Kabler a 'cosy mystery', because for me, that's exactly what it was. I felt totally wrapped up in Cora Baxter's world and the events that unravelled as she got closer and closer to the investigation. It was such a tough position for Cora to be in though, considering the circumstances of the murder and those involved, and Kabler portrayed this brilliantly. It was perfectly paced and, dare I say it, addictive. Once I became involved, I couldn't wait to find out the truth behind it all, and loved the moments of anticipation that cropped up regularly.
For me, this was a fantastic introduction to Cora Baxter and her world. I completely adored Kabler's style and already can't wait to read more from Jackie. A proper 'sit down with a cuppa and get stuck in' type of novel, complete with a cast of characters it's impossible not to like.
Becca's Books is awarding The Deadline by Jackie Kabler with five of my bookish cupcakes. Roll on the next Cora Baxter Mystery! I, for one, will certainly be looking forward to it!
June 6, 2023
Another great story from Jackie Kabler in the Cora Baxter series.
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Cora Baxter is back - and this time, she's facing the most important deadline of her career...When TV reporter Cora Baxter attends the scene of a murder in a London park, she's horrified to discover the victim is someone she knows - and devastated when one of her best friends is charged with the crime. Suddenly the fun-filled life of Cora and her eccentric camera crew takes a darker turn. Cora is convinced that her friend is innocent, but with seemingly solid evidence, the police investigation team - reluctantly led by Cora's boyfriend DCI Adam Bradberry - believe the case is closed. With a trail of clues that leads all the way to New York, can Cora find out the truth before the trial begins - or is it already too late? The Deadline is the second in the hugely popular Cora Baxter Mysteries series by acclaimed broadcaster Jackie Kabler.
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Cora Baxter is back - and this time, she's facing the most important deadline of her career...When TV reporter Cora Baxter attends the scene of a murder in a London park, she's horrified to discover the victim is someone she knows - and devastated when one of her best friends is charged with the crime. Suddenly the fun-filled life of Cora and her eccentric camera crew takes a darker turn. Cora is convinced that her friend is innocent, but with seemingly solid evidence, the police investigation team - reluctantly led by Cora's boyfriend DCI Adam Bradberry - believe the case is closed. With a trail of clues that leads all the way to New York, can Cora find out the truth before the trial begins - or is it already too late? The Deadline is the second in the hugely popular Cora Baxter Mysteries series by acclaimed broadcaster Jackie Kabler.
Read
June 5, 2023Another brilliant 5* mystery by Jackie Kabler.
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After a stressful week, TV reporter Cora Baxter is ready for a quiet weekend. What she isn't counting on is witnessing the shocking death of a young woman on her way home. Cora discovers that seventeen-year-old Leanne has been protesting against a new housing development, angering the powerful establishment. Leanne’s death is ruled a suicide but, when puzzling information comes to light, Cora decides to investigate further.
She might not know what an unscrupulous businessman, a suspended police officer and hate-mail sending neighbours have to do with the case – but she does know there is a news story there.
With her eccentric camera crew on hand to help, can Cora work out what happened in the days before Leanne’s death? And was it really suicide after all?
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After a stressful week, TV reporter Cora Baxter is ready for a quiet weekend. What she isn't counting on is witnessing the shocking death of a young woman on her way home. Cora discovers that seventeen-year-old Leanne has been protesting against a new housing development, angering the powerful establishment. Leanne’s death is ruled a suicide but, when puzzling information comes to light, Cora decides to investigate further.
She might not know what an unscrupulous businessman, a suspended police officer and hate-mail sending neighbours have to do with the case – but she does know there is a news story there.
With her eccentric camera crew on hand to help, can Cora work out what happened in the days before Leanne’s death? And was it really suicide after all?
March 5, 2021
Quick Summer Read.
Not as good as I had hoped after reading some of the reviews. Twists and turns were very few and short.I found the book fairly obvious in some places.Approximately 2/3 way through it seemed the book was gathering momentum but it was short lived. Some bits I guessed,,the ending was good but not what I would call a shock ending,clever idea however.Worth reading but not as good as the authors previous book I had read.
Not as good as I had hoped after reading some of the reviews. Twists and turns were very few and short.I found the book fairly obvious in some places.Approximately 2/3 way through it seemed the book was gathering momentum but it was short lived. Some bits I guessed,,the ending was good but not what I would call a shock ending,clever idea however.Worth reading but not as good as the authors previous book I had read.
June 20, 2022
Enjoyed this as much as the first and actually wanted to read the next one in the series straight away. However, as there aren't that many in the series yet, I decided to ration it and read something else in between. I've really grown to like Cora Baxter and her friends - it feels a bit like they're very likeable acquaintances I'm getting to know better. Excellent storyline again with quite a few unexpected twists.
July 12, 2024
This second novel in the Cora Baxter series is another great mystery from Jackie Kabler. When Cora’s friend and work colleague, Samantha is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Cora is determined to prove her innocence before the case comes to trial.
Some interesting themes are explored throughout the novel with plenty of plot twists. Engaging and easy to read.
Some interesting themes are explored throughout the novel with plenty of plot twists. Engaging and easy to read.
March 16, 2017
Not too long ago I got around to reading my first Jackie Kabler novel - Dead Dog Day.
I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want to wait so long to read her follow up novel The Deadline. I wasn't disappointed in this second novel either.
We are back with Cora Baxter and although it follows on from the first novel, it also completely readable as a stand alone novel if this is your first encounter with Cora. This time Cora finds that one of her friends from the TV station is accused of a murder, and the evidence is so stacked against her that really she must have done it, but Cora knows her friend and won't accept the cast iron evidence.
Cora works in the world of TV and as we know Jackie Kabler knows a lot about this subject, so you can read in the complete comfort of knowing its going to be accurate and believable and I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
At first I didn't think there was as many twists and turns as the first book, however, this was more than made up for later on in the book where it felt like you were going fast down a hairpin bend road in an open top car! I don't do spoilers, so you need to read it for yourself, but Jackie really pulled off a fabulous plot.
Of course now I have read both of Jackie's books I have a wait for the next one - which I hope there will be. I really enjoy her writing style - so easy to read.
I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want to wait so long to read her follow up novel The Deadline. I wasn't disappointed in this second novel either.
We are back with Cora Baxter and although it follows on from the first novel, it also completely readable as a stand alone novel if this is your first encounter with Cora. This time Cora finds that one of her friends from the TV station is accused of a murder, and the evidence is so stacked against her that really she must have done it, but Cora knows her friend and won't accept the cast iron evidence.
Cora works in the world of TV and as we know Jackie Kabler knows a lot about this subject, so you can read in the complete comfort of knowing its going to be accurate and believable and I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
At first I didn't think there was as many twists and turns as the first book, however, this was more than made up for later on in the book where it felt like you were going fast down a hairpin bend road in an open top car! I don't do spoilers, so you need to read it for yourself, but Jackie really pulled off a fabulous plot.
Of course now I have read both of Jackie's books I have a wait for the next one - which I hope there will be. I really enjoy her writing style - so easy to read.
I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars.
August 7, 2022
Brilliant
another sit on the edge of your seat book. Page turner! You can't help but turn another page wanting desperately to find out who the killer was. Playing detective yourself and then another twist in the storyline puts you back to square one.
another sit on the edge of your seat book. Page turner! You can't help but turn another page wanting desperately to find out who the killer was. Playing detective yourself and then another twist in the storyline puts you back to square one.
February 6, 2026
Good book, although the ending was predictable
Some elements of this book I did NOT expect, but there were some things that came too quickly. But an easy read and I enjoyed it overall.
Some elements of this book I did NOT expect, but there were some things that came too quickly. But an easy read and I enjoyed it overall.
October 8, 2017
Couldn't finish it - to slow!
March 16, 2019
Many twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Cute and entertaining.
February 10, 2022
I read this after reading 'The Accused' and sadly this was slow throughout. In the end it was too far fetched for me.
February 17, 2022
Page turner
If you like a good mystery you will enjoy this book . Fast pace and sport twists & turns .
If you like a good mystery you will enjoy this book . Fast pace and sport twists & turns .
January 14, 2024
Fun easy series
February 25, 2024
A nice easy read, good storyline (a bit far fetched in some parts) but saw the ending coming.
May 27, 2024
I was really enjoying this book until it became sooooo unrealistic. Don’t really want to say and spoil someone’s read. Just a bit too unbelievable.
October 22, 2025
Bit far fetched.
August 5, 2022
Enjoyable read even if it does stretch the realms of credibility. Certainly kept my interest to the last reveal.
October 29, 2016
Sharp, sassy and suspenseful, you are going to absolutely love The Deadline, the second Cora Baxter mystery from the fabulous Jackie Kabler!
For the very first time in ages, Samantha Tindall feels like things are finally going her way: she’s got a fantastic job working as a senior producer for Europe’s most popular daytime news show, Morning Live, a great circle of friends who love and support her and she has finally found love with the gorgeous Marcus, her Prince Charming after years spent kissing frogs and dating one nightmare ex after the other. Life is almost perfect for Sam – except for a secret admirer who has started to creep her out with his very generous gifts. At first, Sam had been thrilled with the expensive flowers and the delicious chocolates and had initially thought that Marcus was behind it all – until his very vehement denial made her start to fear for her safety. A suspicion that is intensified when, after an argument, Marcus is found dead in the park – and Sam is the chief suspect! Out of her wits with grief and fear, Sam begins to wonder whether she will spend the rest of her life in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, but luckily for her, her best friend Cora Baxter is on the case and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery!
Cora has known Sam for years and she is sure that her dear friend couldn’t be capable of such a heinous crime! Her best friend was talking marriage, she surely couldn’t go from loved-up bride to be to vicious murderer in a split second. Although all evidence is pointing towards Sam’s guilt, a determined Cora is adamant that she will find the real killer and clear Sam’s name – even if her quest for justice ends up costing her her relationship with her gorgeous boyfriend, DCI Adam Bradberry, who is leading the investigation!
From London to New York, Cora will leave no stone unturned to bring the real killer to justice, but will she succeed in nailing the real murderer? Or has she got herself into a dangerous situation that will end up costing her everything?
Crime fiction fans you have just found your new obsession – the Cora Baxter mysteries are fun, suspenseful and gripping page-turners that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A phenomenally readable tale packed with heart-stopping tension, nail-biting intrigue and jaw-dropping twists and turns, The Deadline has at its heart a wonderfully likeable heroine, a fantastic cast of supporting characters, delightful humour that will make you laugh out loud and plenty of action and suspense to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
A smashing read sure to appeal to fans of MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin, The Deadline is a wonderful mystery from a wonderful new voice in suspense: Jackie Kabler!
For the very first time in ages, Samantha Tindall feels like things are finally going her way: she’s got a fantastic job working as a senior producer for Europe’s most popular daytime news show, Morning Live, a great circle of friends who love and support her and she has finally found love with the gorgeous Marcus, her Prince Charming after years spent kissing frogs and dating one nightmare ex after the other. Life is almost perfect for Sam – except for a secret admirer who has started to creep her out with his very generous gifts. At first, Sam had been thrilled with the expensive flowers and the delicious chocolates and had initially thought that Marcus was behind it all – until his very vehement denial made her start to fear for her safety. A suspicion that is intensified when, after an argument, Marcus is found dead in the park – and Sam is the chief suspect! Out of her wits with grief and fear, Sam begins to wonder whether she will spend the rest of her life in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, but luckily for her, her best friend Cora Baxter is on the case and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery!
Cora has known Sam for years and she is sure that her dear friend couldn’t be capable of such a heinous crime! Her best friend was talking marriage, she surely couldn’t go from loved-up bride to be to vicious murderer in a split second. Although all evidence is pointing towards Sam’s guilt, a determined Cora is adamant that she will find the real killer and clear Sam’s name – even if her quest for justice ends up costing her her relationship with her gorgeous boyfriend, DCI Adam Bradberry, who is leading the investigation!
From London to New York, Cora will leave no stone unturned to bring the real killer to justice, but will she succeed in nailing the real murderer? Or has she got herself into a dangerous situation that will end up costing her everything?
Crime fiction fans you have just found your new obsession – the Cora Baxter mysteries are fun, suspenseful and gripping page-turners that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A phenomenally readable tale packed with heart-stopping tension, nail-biting intrigue and jaw-dropping twists and turns, The Deadline has at its heart a wonderfully likeable heroine, a fantastic cast of supporting characters, delightful humour that will make you laugh out loud and plenty of action and suspense to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
A smashing read sure to appeal to fans of MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin, The Deadline is a wonderful mystery from a wonderful new voice in suspense: Jackie Kabler!
November 1, 2016
TV presenter Cora Baxter is faced with the toughest deadline of her career, when one of her friends is arrested for murder. Believing that her friend is innocent Cora and her crew must find the perpetrator before the case goes to trial. With the evidence stacked against them can they get to the truth before it’s too late?
The Deadline is the second book in the Cora Baxter series, which I actually didn’t realise at first. Luckily for me you don’t have to read the first book to be able to read the second. Everything is well explained and whilst there is a reference to what happened in the first book, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything in this story due to not having read it.
I think what sets this book apart for me is that it has a brilliant balance between humour and drama. I went into it thinking that it would be quite serious given that it is a crime/mystery but I was pleasantly surprised that it had many light-hearted moments. There are lots of funny situations that Cora and some of the others find themselves in and I think having these moments works really well because it reflects everyday life.
I think the author has definitely used her experiences in TV and journalism to her full advantage here; she manages to create an exceptionally realistic setting which certainly helps to pull you into the story. There were perhaps points in the story where I personally thought the dialogue felt a bit forced, however I really enjoyed the camaraderie between Cora and the other characters.
Overall what really stands out in this book is the author’s ability to keep you guessing. The plot is so well thought out; there were some red herrings and on plenty occasions I thought I had it sussed, only to find I’d got it completely wrong a few pages later.
This is a very entertaining read and it manages to surprise you right until the end.
Thank you to the author and Neverland Blog Tours for the review copy of this book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
The Deadline is the second book in the Cora Baxter series, which I actually didn’t realise at first. Luckily for me you don’t have to read the first book to be able to read the second. Everything is well explained and whilst there is a reference to what happened in the first book, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything in this story due to not having read it.
I think what sets this book apart for me is that it has a brilliant balance between humour and drama. I went into it thinking that it would be quite serious given that it is a crime/mystery but I was pleasantly surprised that it had many light-hearted moments. There are lots of funny situations that Cora and some of the others find themselves in and I think having these moments works really well because it reflects everyday life.
I think the author has definitely used her experiences in TV and journalism to her full advantage here; she manages to create an exceptionally realistic setting which certainly helps to pull you into the story. There were perhaps points in the story where I personally thought the dialogue felt a bit forced, however I really enjoyed the camaraderie between Cora and the other characters.
Overall what really stands out in this book is the author’s ability to keep you guessing. The plot is so well thought out; there were some red herrings and on plenty occasions I thought I had it sussed, only to find I’d got it completely wrong a few pages later.
This is a very entertaining read and it manages to surprise you right until the end.
Thank you to the author and Neverland Blog Tours for the review copy of this book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
October 30, 2016
I had the pleasure of reading the first in this series last year The Dead Dog Day so I was thrilled to find there is another book about Cora and her escapades. The Deadline really does what it says on the tin .. Cora the morning TV presenter has to beat the deadline of her life in this one. Her best friend and colleague is accused of murdering her boyfriend. Cora is adamant that she is not capable of such a crime and sets out to prove her not guilty. But all the evidence definitely seems to point towards her.
To make life somewhat harder Cora’s boyfriend is the investigative officer on the case! As each lead is followed, Cora and her group of friends use all their connections to try to trace the news story that might bring them the lead they so desperately want.
Cora will stop at nothing and goes on a convoluted chase to protect her friend’s innocence. The resulting story is filled with mystery, intrigue and a large dollop of humour perfectly scattered into the mix.
Cora tends to blunder her way through life, how she ever succeeds in a live TV environment amazes me .. the sticky incident with her handbag and the mortifying email creased me up. And I will never go to a coffee shop again (and I love my coffee!!) without waiting for the next ‘twataccino’ to make themselves evident!!
A marvellous mix of murder in the park, lots of clues but also some blind alley’s this will keep you guessing until the end.
It may be a second book but can easily be read as a standalone .. thanks so much to Jackie and Jenny from Neverland Blog Tours for the entertainment.
To make life somewhat harder Cora’s boyfriend is the investigative officer on the case! As each lead is followed, Cora and her group of friends use all their connections to try to trace the news story that might bring them the lead they so desperately want.
Cora will stop at nothing and goes on a convoluted chase to protect her friend’s innocence. The resulting story is filled with mystery, intrigue and a large dollop of humour perfectly scattered into the mix.
Cora tends to blunder her way through life, how she ever succeeds in a live TV environment amazes me .. the sticky incident with her handbag and the mortifying email creased me up. And I will never go to a coffee shop again (and I love my coffee!!) without waiting for the next ‘twataccino’ to make themselves evident!!
A marvellous mix of murder in the park, lots of clues but also some blind alley’s this will keep you guessing until the end.
It may be a second book but can easily be read as a standalone .. thanks so much to Jackie and Jenny from Neverland Blog Tours for the entertainment.
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