What do you think?
Rate this book
Julia Blake Murder Mystery #1
Virtually Scared to Death
A Short Murder Mystery
Julia Blake’s First Murder Mystery.
Julia Blake runs her own cleaning business. The first time she sees a dead body is when she discovers one of her clients, Mark Castle, lying dead on the floor of his luxury apartment.
She remembers things that Mark mentioned to her a few days before his death, things he was worried about.
A bottle of pills is lying open at Mark’s side, but they’re not his usual ones. And why is his computer playing a continuous game?
Julia soon suspects that Mark was murdered. He was a good friend and she is determined to find out who killed him.
Julia Blake’s First Murder Mystery.
Julia Blake runs her own cleaning business. The first time she sees a dead body is when she discovers one of her clients, Mark Castle, lying dead on the floor of his luxury apartment.
She remembers things that Mark mentioned to her a few days before his death, things he was worried about.
A bottle of pills is lying open at Mark’s side, but they’re not his usual ones. And why is his computer playing a continuous game?
Julia soon suspects that Mark was murdered. He was a good friend and she is determined to find out who killed him.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2013
150 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Larkin
221books109followersI'm an avid fan of mystery stories. I started reading Agatha Christie novels at an early age. My favourite fiction detective is Poirot, I love his fussy ways and his attention to small details. I love the TV series, 'Murder She Wrote' and have watched every episode. I like working out who the killer is, and what the clues are.
I live near Leeds, Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. My two daughters live with me and they are understanding about my passion for mystery shows! I've now discovered 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'.
I've been wanting to write my own mystery stories for years - and now I finally have.
You can visit my . To get a free pdf copy of 'A Different Shade of Death', .
You can also .
I live near Leeds, Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. My two daughters live with me and they are understanding about my passion for mystery shows! I've now discovered 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'.
I've been wanting to write my own mystery stories for years - and now I finally have.
You can visit my . To get a free pdf copy of 'A Different Shade of Death', .
You can also .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 2, 2018
This was the first book I read from Gillian Larkin and boy was that a good choice to finish the year 2017! The characters were well developed and I adore Julia, the house cleaner and sleuth. The victim was a very likable person and I was sad to see him getting killed. There was a good variety of red herrings and real clues and I didn't spot the perp until the finale.
The only complaint I have is that it was such a short story. I would have loved to spend more time with this all around well told and fun mystery. I will read more books from this series.
The only complaint I have is that it was such a short story. I would have loved to spend more time with this all around well told and fun mystery. I will read more books from this series.
December 31, 2017
This is another in the Julia Blake mysteries- the first in the series, where Julia doesn’t seem to have stumbled onto as many bodies as in the previous one I read, A Lesson in Deceit. In this one, when she is at work cleaning one of her client’s Mark Castle’s house, Castle who is a game developer asks her to try out the new game he is working on and send in her feedback. While there, she finds he has been scared by some creepy noises, and also notices him arguing with his agent (?) over the company he wants to sell his game to, and that his ex-wife is after his money. When next she visits the apartment block to clean house for another client, she and the janitor find Mark’s body. She begins to form her own theories about whodunit and starts to make some casual inquiries but when the police begin to suspect her, she has to work out who really did it.
This and I guess all the other stories in this series are very short reads (about 40 odd pages) so one simply jumps right into the mystery with only very slight background of the characters, and Julia herself. In this one we only “meet� her father, hear a little about her mother, and are told her children are at the university and that her business is keeping her very busy, so much so that she doesn’t have time to look for another person to employ. This wasn’t one where the murderer was obvious from the beginning through there was (thinking back) a clue that might have pointed to it. Still for a short, quick, read, this is fairly interesting, though as a series, I think I enjoyed Gillian Larkin’s other series with the Butterworths a little better.
This and I guess all the other stories in this series are very short reads (about 40 odd pages) so one simply jumps right into the mystery with only very slight background of the characters, and Julia herself. In this one we only “meet� her father, hear a little about her mother, and are told her children are at the university and that her business is keeping her very busy, so much so that she doesn’t have time to look for another person to employ. This wasn’t one where the murderer was obvious from the beginning through there was (thinking back) a clue that might have pointed to it. Still for a short, quick, read, this is fairly interesting, though as a series, I think I enjoyed Gillian Larkin’s other series with the Butterworths a little better.
February 7, 2021
A really good mystery, the kind that keeps you not knowing to the end.
July 8, 2014
Virtually Scared To Death by Gillian Larkin
I liked this short murder mystery. It was fun! There were technical problems, mostly to do with punctuation that did throw me, but I was able to get past it. At one point in the story, Julia Blake became ‘Ms Devlin� and obviously that threw me, too.
There wasn’t a lot of description and I liked that. I never got lost in a scene and I don’t really care what every single person looks like so it worked well for me. We could get to the action quick and without a loss of understanding.
When Julia comes across the dead body and the police show up, it was a bit awkward with the inspector immediately claiming it was murder, without examining the death scene. Another character, and Julia herself, automatically jump to murder with no evidence to back it up. I would have liked this part to be a little slower, for the characters to organically come to the conclusion that it was murder � but that’s my preference.
One thing that might not have worked - Julia figures out whodunit and then keeps it from us. It didn’t bother me too much because it’s revealed quickly afterwards.
The story went a bit too fast for me! But that only goes to show how much I liked it. I’d have loved to sink my teeth into the mystery!
I’m giving Virtually Scared to Death four stars despite the issues I’ve mentioned because I thoroughly enjoyed Julia. She was fun to follow around.
Note: I found this short story for free at Smashwords. I'm not sure if it's free during the sitewide sale or if it's always free. Either way, don't wait. Go get a copy for yourself right now! (I must admit, I don't know that I'd spend $1.99 (next book) for such a short story and for the punctuation issues I mentioned above but that shouldn't prevent you from checking it out and making a decision for yourself.)
I liked this short murder mystery. It was fun! There were technical problems, mostly to do with punctuation that did throw me, but I was able to get past it. At one point in the story, Julia Blake became ‘Ms Devlin� and obviously that threw me, too.
There wasn’t a lot of description and I liked that. I never got lost in a scene and I don’t really care what every single person looks like so it worked well for me. We could get to the action quick and without a loss of understanding.
When Julia comes across the dead body and the police show up, it was a bit awkward with the inspector immediately claiming it was murder, without examining the death scene. Another character, and Julia herself, automatically jump to murder with no evidence to back it up. I would have liked this part to be a little slower, for the characters to organically come to the conclusion that it was murder � but that’s my preference.
One thing that might not have worked - Julia figures out whodunit and then keeps it from us. It didn’t bother me too much because it’s revealed quickly afterwards.
The story went a bit too fast for me! But that only goes to show how much I liked it. I’d have loved to sink my teeth into the mystery!
I’m giving Virtually Scared to Death four stars despite the issues I’ve mentioned because I thoroughly enjoyed Julia. She was fun to follow around.
Note: I found this short story for free at Smashwords. I'm not sure if it's free during the sitewide sale or if it's always free. Either way, don't wait. Go get a copy for yourself right now! (I must admit, I don't know that I'd spend $1.99 (next book) for such a short story and for the punctuation issues I mentioned above but that shouldn't prevent you from checking it out and making a decision for yourself.)
August 31, 2016
I’ve been wanting to read Gillian Larkin’s cozy mysteries for awhile. Finally, I had a chance. This is a good one. It had everything � it’s a complete story with character development. Many clues to lead you to the killer, but I have to admit, I didn’t realize it until the end of the story.
It’s well written with nicely developed characters. I loved Julia and want to read more books with her as our main amateur sleuth. She’s good…a bit nosy for her own good, but what amateur sleuth isn’t?
I really enjoyed this bite-sized cozy mystery. It’s especially nice to have this “small� sized story when you are between books. I felt like I was reading a full-sized book, which means the short size didn’t hurt any aspect of this book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Overall, it’s a quick read with great characters and an intriguing plot.
It’s well written with nicely developed characters. I loved Julia and want to read more books with her as our main amateur sleuth. She’s good…a bit nosy for her own good, but what amateur sleuth isn’t?
I really enjoyed this bite-sized cozy mystery. It’s especially nice to have this “small� sized story when you are between books. I felt like I was reading a full-sized book, which means the short size didn’t hurt any aspect of this book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Overall, it’s a quick read with great characters and an intriguing plot.
November 5, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
August 7, 2014
Very enjoyable, simple murder mystery. I wish the plot had been a bit more detailed, elaborate, involved. But I enjoyed reading it.
August 17, 2014
Good
Good
this short mystery and the murder is one of many different people who know the victim.the cleaning lady is a great dective.
Good
this short mystery and the murder is one of many different people who know the victim.the cleaning lady is a great dective.
July 11, 2015
A little bit cleaning, a little bit resolving murder... I liked Julia, she's funny and determined, thumb's up J.B.
April 3, 2023
Julia is shocked to discover one of her clients, Mark Castle, dead on the floor of his apartment. The last time she saw him, he was working on a new computer game, and he said some odd things before arguing with a business partner. Julia begins to suspect foul play, especially considering the bottle of pills next to Mark's body were different than what she normally saw in his home. Although she shares her concerns with the detective inspector on the case, Julia soon learns she's a suspect, herself. It's up to her to clear her name and help bring a killer to justice.
This was shorter than I had anticipated, and it was basic and bland. If you wanted to introduce your tweens to cozy mysteries, this would be a good story to start them with. There was anything wrong with it; it simply lacked substance and sophistication.
Average read, average rating: three stars
This was shorter than I had anticipated, and it was basic and bland. If you wanted to introduce your tweens to cozy mysteries, this would be a good story to start them with. There was anything wrong with it; it simply lacked substance and sophistication.
Average read, average rating: three stars
May 16, 2020
VIRTUALLY SCARED TO DEATH is an easy-going, light read, featuring Julia Blake, owner of a cleaning business in Leeds. She becomes cleaning lady cum private investigator when one of her clients is found dead under mysterious circumstances and she decides to conduct a little investigation of her own. She runs into a hiccup here and there but, as in all cozies, arrives at the solution as to the who, what and why of the matter.
Just an okay read, if you have nothing better to do.
Just an okay read, if you have nothing better to do.
December 1, 2017
Wish it was longer
I really loved this book, and can’t wait to read more. I do wish that it was longer and had more mystery, but I really love how the plot was handled, and all the characters we got to see. It definitely leaves you wanting to read more about her life and everything else going on.
I really loved this book, and can’t wait to read more. I do wish that it was longer and had more mystery, but I really love how the plot was handled, and all the characters we got to see. It definitely leaves you wanting to read more about her life and everything else going on.
May 16, 2019
A fun computer related possibly spooky murder
I really enjoyed this first book in this series. I've been wanting to read it for awhile now. I wasn't sure who the killer was, and once I found out, it was fun seeing how Julia helped trap the perp for the police. I'll definitely read more in this series!
I really enjoyed this first book in this series. I've been wanting to read it for awhile now. I wasn't sure who the killer was, and once I found out, it was fun seeing how Julia helped trap the perp for the police. I'll definitely read more in this series!
May 27, 2019
Something a high school student would write for an assignment.
Very short story of a house cleaner who solves a murder on her openfor with no training, before the police. It makes the cops in Leeds look very incompetent. Also she is not tech savey so how does she know what's going on? Lots of questions left unanswered and not in a good way.
Very short story of a house cleaner who solves a murder on her openfor with no training, before the police. It makes the cops in Leeds look very incompetent. Also she is not tech savey so how does she know what's going on? Lots of questions left unanswered and not in a good way.
August 6, 2019
Good initial start of series
Meet Julia Blake, a cleaning lady who lives near her father. One of Julia's clients is murdered, and Julia is drawn into the investigation. With the help of DI Clark, Julia offers her observations on the case. Overall, this was a good start to the series.
Meet Julia Blake, a cleaning lady who lives near her father. One of Julia's clients is murdered, and Julia is drawn into the investigation. With the help of DI Clark, Julia offers her observations on the case. Overall, this was a good start to the series.
September 19, 2017
Alright read
It's a sort of take or leave it book. There's not much action at all , it tries to be a Agatha Raisin type book . The dialogue between Julia and the detective is at times slightly witty, I felt let down by the book. It's alright to read if your travelling.
It's a sort of take or leave it book. There's not much action at all , it tries to be a Agatha Raisin type book . The dialogue between Julia and the detective is at times slightly witty, I felt let down by the book. It's alright to read if your travelling.
January 27, 2018
I thought the book was okay, but I finished it in about an hour. The chapters weren't very long. The characters didn't have much depth to them. I'm hoping her next book is longer and the characters have more depth to them. But all in all I liked it.
January 9, 2019
An okay read: simple yet pleasant
A short story. With short chapters. And short sentences, making it just a bit fragmented. A pleasant, quick read, but simple. Although the solution was cleverer than I had expected. If everything had been developed more, I’d probably really like it.
A short story. With short chapters. And short sentences, making it just a bit fragmented. A pleasant, quick read, but simple. Although the solution was cleverer than I had expected. If everything had been developed more, I’d probably really like it.
March 6, 2019
Cute story
I really liked how the cleaning lady helped solve the mystery. I like how it assorted fast paced. I thought the detective was a little too forthcoming. The cleaning lady was very observant. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
I really liked how the cleaning lady helped solve the mystery. I like how it assorted fast paced. I thought the detective was a little too forthcoming. The cleaning lady was very observant. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
April 25, 2019
Formulaic
I find it a bit implausible that someone can remember a list of banking account numbers which is the sole reason a case is solved. I was disappointed with the cliched dialogue as well. Rats.
I find it a bit implausible that someone can remember a list of banking account numbers which is the sole reason a case is solved. I was disappointed with the cliched dialogue as well. Rats.
February 8, 2020
Geeks vs cleaning lady
First of all, this is a SHORT STORY, not a novel. With that in mind, it was a brief moment of readability. Main character was believable and her actions flowed right along. If this author cared to write a full-length NOVEL I might buy it.
First of all, this is a SHORT STORY, not a novel. With that in mind, it was a brief moment of readability. Main character was believable and her actions flowed right along. If this author cared to write a full-length NOVEL I might buy it.
June 29, 2020
A quick enjoyable read
I had read other Julia Blake books and it was good to know where the series started. I have enjoyed all Gillian Larkin books and look forward to reading many more.
I had read other Julia Blake books and it was good to know where the series started. I have enjoyed all Gillian Larkin books and look forward to reading many more.
July 12, 2020
Really did enjoy author Gillian Larkin's style of writing and this first short story, a Julia Blake Mystery, has me wanting to read more about Julia working out murder mysteries whilst doing her usual cleaning jobs.
September 27, 2017
Easy, quick read
I just wanted a short story before bed and this was perfect. Good characters, good mystery. I didn't have to get into a long complicated story.
I just wanted a short story before bed and this was perfect. Good characters, good mystery. I didn't have to get into a long complicated story.
November 12, 2017
Short, cute read-took maybe ten minutes. The writing was concise and the mystery was simple but satisfying.
November 28, 2017
A good, enjoyable, cozy mystery.
A short one, but entertaining and we'll written.
A short one, but entertaining and we'll written.
February 26, 2018
Nice short “Who Done It�!
Good character and plot development. This was a cozy murder so not too graphic which is what I like. I would definitely recommend this book.
Good character and plot development. This was a cozy murder so not too graphic which is what I like. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 2, 2019
Good little mystery,promising for future books in this series.
May 13, 2019
It was great
I want to read the next book. Your to us great and I will always read your books. Keep up the good work.
I want to read the next book. Your to us great and I will always read your books. Keep up the good work.
October 5, 2019
Games a foot
I have enjoyed each one of the books that I have read by this author. Each one is a fun quick read.
I have enjoyed each one of the books that I have read by this author. Each one is a fun quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.