Vice and Virtue

A Layla Virtue Mystery, Book 1

By: Libby Klein

Narrated by: Stefanie Kay

Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, thirty-something recovering alcoholic and former cop, is trying to reinvent herself as a musician. She's taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Though try telling that to the group of local ladies who are in relentless pursuit of Layla as their new BFF, determined to make her join them for coffee and donuts.

Since her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla's trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It's not easy competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer, while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But Layla isn't in a position to turn down any gig. Which is why she's at an eight-year-old's birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last . . .

Who would want to kill a clown—and why? Layla and her unshakable posse are suddenly embroiled in the seedy underbelly of the upper-class world of second wives and trust fund kids, determined to uncover what magnetic hold a pudgy, balding clown had over women who seem to have everything they could ever want. Then again, Layla knows full well that people are rarely quite what they seem—herself included . . .

©2025 Libby Klein (P)2025 Tantor Media

Real life characters, vulnerable and lovable in spite of themselves. I wept because it was over

I don’t want to give away the ending, but I also loved the dog, “Ringo.” Tender, funny, difficult and real. I love the insight into the struggles of addiction and the pathway to recovery through courageous facing truths and accepting friendships. A wonderful dad daughter theme throughout. Oh so good! Waiting impatiently for the next book!

Awesome story line

I really look forward to the next book in this series. It was modern and it had some good laughs in it. Narrator did a great job.

lLibby Klein does it again!

This first book in Libby Klein's new series is fantastic! The characters are well developed, and the suspense is well paced. Looking forward to having another series from this author.

Humor and Sass

Libby Klein has a great storytelling knack of using humor to flourish despite pain and muder.

Wow!!

You must read(listen to this) book. Let me start by saying that I started to listen to this book when it first came out. I was sort of “startled “ by the beginning of the first chapter. I left it alone and read ( listen to another book) which I enjoyed. I decided to give Vice and Virtue another try. I am SO glad I did! I enjoyed this book SO MUCH!! Please read or listen to this book. The NARRATOR IS GREAT!! Excellent beginning to a wonderful series. I do not know when the the 2nd in this series comes out but I can’t wait !!! 🥰