mystery – Page 9 – Rosepoint Publishing

Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney – #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Book Blurb:

Twenty years after a baby is stolen from a stroller, a woman is murdered in a care home. The two crimes are somehow linked, and a good bad girl may be the key to discovering the truth.

Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at eighty-years-young, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning messes and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything.

Edith’s own daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door…and their intentions aren’t good.

With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them.

My Review:

OMG, not like I haven’t read this author before, my first being His and Hers back in July 2021 followed shortly after that by two more of her successful audiobooks. I loved the first—but experienced a bit less enthusiasm with the successive choices.

This narrative begins with a baby kidnapped on Mother’s Day (twenty years previous) and the POVs of those most closely related to the scenario of the missing child after that. Now, Edith, 80 years old, is plotting her escape from a local nursing home placed there by daughter Clio—her greatest disappointment. Patience works at the nursing home and has bonded with Edith.

There is a jump between the original event and twenty years later when the POV goes to Frankie who lives and raises her estranged daughter, Patience, on a narrow boat on the Thames. Frankie found employment as a librarian at the local prison and is frantic to find her missing daughter.

The characters are obstinate, paranoid, distrustful, and alienated. The author carefully develops these characters bit by slow bit, adding a layer each time. They are wonderfully diverse and sympathies begin to divide and invite reader engagement or alienation. Can this dysfunctional cast of personalities possibly find a way to reconcile?

The storyline weaves in and out of the varied characters and timelines, adding a bit more backstory, information that fills in the blanks. There are secrets quietly divulged, lies, deception, and finally murder.

Yikes!! There are twists and turns but I couldn’t believe what I’d just read. Are you kidding? Somebody has a dark sense of humor…

This is a study of mother-daughter relationships like you’ve never read before leading to a raft of notable quotables:

(Motherhood) “A job I thought I wanted and now can’t quit.”

“Sadly it is human nature to squander love and stockpile hate.”

(A reference that brought a chuckle and mood-lightening moment)

“Am I supposed to Columbo what you just said…”

“Life seems better at punishing bad deeds than it is at rewarding good ones.”

(Of course, the mantra, theme of the narrative)

“The world is full of people who are good at being bad, and people who are bad at being good.”

(But my favorite)

“Mother knows best but sometimes it’s best Mother doesn’t know.”

It might be that you’d read the book for the pearls of wisdom doled out in bite-sized pieces—the easier to swallow—almost slipped by, but then you’d miss the lesson in a book with themes of dysfunction, abuse, manipulation, and reconciliation.

Is blood thicker than water? It’s gentle, but you can’t have missed that capsule.

You might need a chart to keep up or just pay attention so you don’t get lost. I did appreciate the conclusion. The novel is satisfying, in that defying kinda way, but on the whole, I found it rather depressing heartrending.

I received a copy of this book from my local library’s recommended list that in no way influenced this review. These opinions are my own.

Rosepoint Rating: Four Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Domestic Thrillers, Kidnapping Thrillers
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ASIN: B0BST5X6GS
Print Length: 310 pages
Publication Date: August 29, 2023
Source: Library recommendation

Title Link(s):

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Alice Feeney is a New York Times million-copy bestselling author. Her books have been translated into over thirty-five languages, and have been optioned for major screen adaptations. Including Rock Paper Scissors, which is being made into a TV series by the producer of The Crown. Alice was a BBC journalist for fifteen years, and now lives in Devon with her family. Good Bad Girl is her sixth novel.

You can follow Alice on Instagram and Twitter: @alicewriterland

To find out the latest book and TV news, or to sign up for Alice’s free newsletter, please visit: http://www.alicefeeney.com

Head Case by Bonnie Traymore – #BookReview – #DomesticThriller

Book Blurb:

A heartbroken teacher in need of a change gets more than she bargained for in this page-turner thriller.

Never make a major life decision in the wake of emotional turmoil. Cassie Romano learned this the hard way, leaving sunny San Diego for a teaching position at a private school in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York after a painful break-up left her heartbroken and in need of a change.

It all seemed so perfect in June when she came to interview. But now it’s December, and she’s stranded on top of a mountain surrounded by snow, ice, and acres of wilderness, lonelier than ever and bored out of her mind.

When a fellow teacher turns up dead and Cassie receives an unsettling letter from her a few days later, it’s clear to Cassie that something twisted is going on at Falcon Ridge Academy. Everyone seems to be writing the death off as a tragic accident, but she’s not so sure.

Cassie has secrets of her own, though, so she’s initially reluctant to get involved. Torn between the urge to protect herself and the desire to investigate further, she decides on the latter.

And the consequences could be deadly.

His Review:

Kimi is excited to have a new position at a prestigious finishing school in the mountains of central New York. She is a little uneasy about the competition for the coveted position of Headmaster but feels she has an open path to the position. An assisted fall down a steep staircase shatters that dream and takes her life.

Teaching summer classes is always a pain. The students are less than motivated and some of them are here from foreign countries learning English as a second language. The passing of Kimi puts everyone on edge including the entire staff of the school. Such a tragedy, a young life dying in such a tragic accident. The question on everyone’s mind, “Was it an accident”?

Compensation is good for this position and housing and food are supplied to the educators. A year or two in the position and there will be enough saved to buy a house back in California. Cassie hates the winters in upstate New York and cannot wait to get back to the beaches of southern California. She will leave as soon as the winter break at the school commences but being one of the newer teachers she is stuck with staying and teaching the students who cannot go home for break.

Madeline wants to be the head of the school’s administration. She has worked towards this goal and will let nothing stand in her way! Kimi seemed to have an inside track to the position but Madeline feels better qualified and worthy of the title. Why should an upstart get this plumb when Madeline has worked so hard?

This tale embraces the politics of a small teaching institution that caters to the very rich and foreign students. The characters are well developed and the plot simple but tragic. Avarice is a terrible taskmaster. Mix that with a mental condition and you have the ingredients for an interesting and heartrending tale. 4 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rosepoint Publishing: Four Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Domestic thrillers, Psychological Fiction
Publisher: Pathways Publishing
ASIN: B0CGQ2QCMN
Print Length: 253 pages
Publication Date: September 23, 2023
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Author: Bonnie Traymore is the award-winning author of suspenseful, page-turner, domestic and psychological thrillers that hit close to home. Her books consistently hit the hot new release page on Amazon. Her thrillers have been described as entertaining page-turners. They aren’t overly graphic and sometimes include occasional touches of romance and humor, but all in service of a fast-paced thriller read. The plots touch on disturbing topics such as sexual assault, revenge, murder, psychological disorders, and the complexities of human behavior, so they aren’t exactly cozy either. She aims to entertain and engage readers, and maybe freak them out a bit, but not give them nightmares. FYI, she likes to include multiple points of view in her books. If you like that, her books might be for you.

Originally from the New York City area, she lives in Honolulu with her family but frequents Hudson Valley, New York City, and the Bay Area. She has been reading mystery and thriller novels her entire life, and she’s been writing short stories and non-fiction for decades. She is also an award-winning non-fiction writer, historian, and educator. She’s taught at top independent schools in Honolulu, Silicon Valley, and New York City, and she’s taught history courses at Columbia University and the University of Hawaii.

Mystery Writers of America, Active Member

International Thriller Writers, Active Member

Secrets of the Greek Revival by Eva Pohler – #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

Book Blurb:

Like Nancy Drew meets The Golden Girls!

Ellen and her two best friends share a mid-life crisis by hatching a plan to renovate an 1860’s Greek revival in the nearby historic district of San Antonio. Although Ellen isn’t one to believe in ghosts, she comes face to face with something inexplicable in the attic. Her ghost-enthusiast friends convince her that they must help the spirit find closure, and as they dig deeper into the past, they uncover a shocking history that someone in the neighborhood doesn’t want exposed.

But Ellen and her friends don’t give up easily. They realize they’ve been called to give voice to the invisible women who suffered behind the walls of the house for decades.

The books in this series may be read in any order.

My Review:

You don’t get many books geared toward older protagonists, so the blurb got me. Yes, I do enjoy ghost stories and expected the “golden girls” to be well into retirement. They were certainly written as if they were, but surprise, still working in their fifties.

I was expecting a ghost story and got—well—sorta, but not. I was expecting wonderful description of the building’s architecture and features. Apparently, it didn’t have original kitchen cabinets and I still don’t know what it was really supposed to look like. I hoped the ladies might be intelligent enough to pull off a rehab—but it’s good they had more money than sense as they changed the original idea for the Gold House to a museum.

Ellen is the lead MC and we know little about her except that her sex life is almost non-existent and she is having marital problems. (Really.) Sue and Tanya are not wholly developed except that Sue is pro-ghost and enjoys a good séance. I was introduced to “Goofer Dust,” the first I’ve heard or read of it, an old Black American hoodoo formula composed mainly of graveyard dirt, snakeskin, and powdered bones.

The writing style is simplistic with a slow burn. Not a lot of description, background, or character development, and none of the three ladies were particularly compelling or engaging.

The plot shift from ghost to wild child to pregnant woman with a boyfriend is swift and head-spinning. No real sympathetic characters and some were downright distasteful. A lot of tell, not show and the plot bogged down more than once by reading portions of a journal. What was eventually disclosed was a downer as well as the shift (again) of what they were going to do with the place.

I received a free copy of this book from the author through a promo on Instagram and next time will research more before I bite. These are my honest thoughts.

Rosepoint Rating: Three point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Occult Supernatural, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Occult Horror
Publisher: Green Press
ASIN: B019ATLCWG.
Print Length: 255 pages
Publication Date: December 12, 2015
Source: Free Instagram Offer
Title Link(s): Secrets of the Greek Revival [Amazon]

The Author: After earning her Ph.D. in English and teaching writing and literature for over twenty years, Eva Pohler worked diligently to become a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels in multiple genres, including supernatural mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based on Greek mythology. Her books have been described as “addictive” and “sure to thrill”–Kirkus Reviews.

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Visit Eva’s website for FREE resources, such as a Greek names pronunciation guide, Underworld map, and a printable reading log. You will also find free ebooks and other cool stuff: http://www.evapohler.com.

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See Ms Pohler’s bio to see a complete listing of her books.

Closure by Garrett Addison – #BookReview – #vigilantejustice

A page-turner psychological revenge crime thriller mystery

Book Blurb:

It’s hard to move on when vengeance takes over.

Bestselling author and clinical psychologist James Malter immediately attracts police suspicion when his terminally ill patients suddenly begin suiciding and harming others. His guilt seems even more likely when the seemingly innocent victims are found to be related to his sister’s acquitted killer many years earlier. With mounting casualties and a shadow threatening to derail his past and sully his career, Malter’s quest to uncover the truth will pit his longstanding belief in ‘moving on’ against his long-suppressed want for revenge.

His Review:

Regrettably, the police did not catch this despot in time. He spent a lifetime killing people in the most gruesome manner. The detective who finally outed him had found his sister’s body horribly mutilated with evidence of her horrendous execution. Pleads to let her die were ignored as the criminal reveled in his ability to make his victims writhe and suffer.

Finally captured, he is lying on his deathbed confronting his captor and some of the relatives of his victims. Oh yes, he was apologizing, but the deceased were given absolutely no mercy! How could anyone be so depraved as to subject other human beings to such cruelties?

This writer is very talented! He illuminated the subject with surgical precision and graphic detail. His writing would have garnered a five-star rating from me except that his topic was appalling! Writing with such illuminating clarity about a sadistic serial killer is, in my opinion, an unfortunate misuse of his talent. 3.5 stars – CE Williams

I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book provided by the author. Unfortunately, this kind of subject is not for me.

Rosepoint Publishing: Three point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Vigilante Justice, Vigilante Justice Thrillers, Crime Thrillers
ASIN: B0C3YNC8BJ
Print Length: 233 pages
Publication Date: August 29, 2023
Source: Author

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Garrett Addison is an Australian revenge author keen to bring something different to people’s reading. Forget your formulaic storylines and cliched characters, Garrett wants to sucker you in to something light, readable, enjoyable and ultimately help you discover (or rediscover) the joy of being totally immersed in a book.

Web: https://garrettaddison.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarrettAddison
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettaddisonauthor

Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose – #AudiobookReview – #TBT

Book Blurb:

Discover New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose’s brand-new series set in the sultry city of New Orleans and featuring a tough team of high-end private investigators who are after justice—no matter what they have to do to get it.

Good cops. Bad cops. Only one will win.

After completing her tours with the Marines in Iraq, Molly Sutton knew she could take down any bad guy she met. But when a family tragedy exposes the dark side of her local police, she joined up with her former CO Burke Broussard, who left New Orleans PD to set up a private investigative service for people who couldn’t find justice elsewhere.

Gabe Hebert saw the toll that working for the NOPD took on his dad and decided instead to make a name for himself as one of the best young chefs in the French Quarter. But when his father’s death is ruled a suicide after a deliberately botched investigation by his former captain, Gabe knows his dad stumbled onto a truth that someone wants silenced.

Gabe goes to his father’s best friend, Burke, for help. Burke assigns the toughest member of his team, Molly, to the case. Molly can’t believe she’s being asked to work with the smoking hot chef whose chocolate cake is not the only thing that makes her mouth water. Sparks fly as they follow the leads Gabe’s dad left them, unraveling a web of crimes, corruption, and murder that runs all the way to the top.

My Review:

I sure wish books came with the same kind of ratings as movies do. If they did, I might not have opted to listen to steamy sex scenes that greatly prolonged an already lengthy novel. This one went well beyond “romance” and straight to the sheets with sufficient description to curl your hair—or depending on who you are—heat in other places.

I chose the book because of the location, New Orleans, which I thought would be fun and reading the blurb, a good crime thriller mystery as well. There is suspense but after the hook and good start, high body count.

There is more than one POV that switches back and forth occasionally, putting you in the head of the perp, and in the meantime, the two main characters Molly Sutton and Gabe Hebert get to know each other really well.

An ex-Marine, Molly joined her former CO in his private investigation service. She is delighted when she is paired with Gabe, an accomplished chef, in the investigation of his father’s death. He is convinced his dad would never take his own life and neither could guess just where or how high this examination could take them.

Once again, the romance begins too quickly and escalates into the forefront of the storyline. When they surface, they pursue any leads that might have come their way even when it appears that the stakes are ever higher and they’ve ruffled feathers along the way.

Some very interesting support characters, although I also tired of the boy’s story of being saved during Katrina by the sacrifice of his mother, an oft-repeated backstory becoming very familiar.

Generally, it is fast-paced, well-plotted, descriptive, and atmospheric of the region. But Lordy, is it long! Could it be cut in half? If I hadn’t been multi-tasking as usual while listening, I’d have skipped through those graphic sex scenes. The narrator did a fine job with the accents and Southern drawl and I don’t think there are too many themes the author missed from murder to secrets and corruption.

I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.

Rosepoint Publishing: Three point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery Romance
Publisher: Penguin Audio
ASIN: B09MDT37QL
Listening Length: 21 hrs 41 mins
Narrator: Lee Osorio
Publication Date: August 2, 2022
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)
Title Link: Quarter to Midnight [Amazon]

The Author: Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn’t concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”

Her debut suspense novel, DON’T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published more than twenty-five novels and two novellas. Her twenty-sixth novel, QUARTER TO MIDNIGHT, will be released in 2022.

Karen’s books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London’s Sunday Times, and Germany’s der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!

To date, her books have been translated into more than twenty languages.

A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than thirty years.

Autumn at Rosepoint Pub

The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal- #AudiobookReview – #bookclubs – #TBT

Book Blurb:

From International Latino Book Award-winning author Ann Dávila Cardinal comes a gorgeously written family saga about a Puerto Rican woman who finds herself gifted (or cursed?) with a strange ability.

There was always an old woman dying in the back room of her family’s house when Isla was a child…

Isla Larsen Sanchez’s life begins to unravel when her father passes away. Instead of being comforted at home in New Jersey, her mother starts leaving her in Puerto Rico with her grandmother and great-aunt each summer like a piece of forgotten luggage.

When Isla turns eighteen, her grandmother, a great storyteller, dies. It is then that Isla discovers she has a gift passed down through her family’s cuentistas. The tales of dead family storytellers are brought back to life, replaying themselves over and over in front of her.

At first, Isla is enchanted by this connection to the Sanchez cuentistas. But when Isla has a vision of an old murder mystery, she realizes that if she can’t solve it to make the loop end, these seemingly harmless stories could cost Isla her life.

My Review:

I wanted to like this book. It was the selection from the book club for the quarter. They go for an eclectic selection of books—those I would probably not read on my own—this being one.

Usually, if I can find an audiobook for the book club selection, I’ll choose that over reading it. I’m glad I did this time as well, the narration did help, with a couple exceptions.

I loved the main character’s name, Isla. I thought very pretty right up until one of her aunt’s drew it out in exaggerated pronunciation for the umpteenth time in that high-pitched irritating voice.

Isla Sanchez is sent to Puerto Rico every summer where she develops a strong bond with her great aunt. Her mother is an alcoholic and does not get along with her mother who cares for Isla.

But her grandmother passes away when Isla turns 18 and it quickly appears that she has imparted a gift of visions to Isla. Unfortunately, not all of the visions are benign and involve her beloved great aunt.

As the visions progress from alarming to dangerous, she realizes that the mystery of the murder must be solved. It never felt, however, that she was really in mortal danger.

I must admit that my attention wandered from time to time and like a petulant teenager who “tunes out” I did so with parts of the storyline I felt lagging or redundant. I enjoyed info bits about Puerto Rico, the customs, the foods, and celebrations. But part of my problem is that Isla comes from an entitled family—money—class—land, an irksome trope. And she becomes aware of that class distinction when she meets José.

While I enjoyed the storyteller aspect of the plot, her investigation successes came quickly, always seeking and easily finding the person who would supply that part of the information. No tension or suspense. Her time is her own, she has the money and resources to go where and when she wants. It’s all too easy.

There is a twist at the conclusion that did come as a surprise. Still, I’m a little underwhelmed with this one.

I listened to a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Magical Realism Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, Family Life Fiction
Publisher: Recorded Books
ISBN-10: ‎ 1728250773
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1728250779
ASIN: B0B5JPP7D4
Listening Length: 9 hrs 48 mins
Narrator: Marisol Ramirez
Publication Date: October 4, 2022
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)
Title Link: The Storyteller’s Death [Amazon]

Rosepoint Publishing: Three Point Five Stars

The Author: Ann Dávila Cardinal is an International Latino Book Award winning novelist and aging tattooed punk. Her first young adult horror novel Five Midnights, was released by Tor Teen (2019), as was the sequel, Category Five (2020). Her adult debut, the novel The Storyteller’s Death, was released by Sourcebooks and is a finalist for the Vermont Book Awards for 2022. Her next magical realist adult novel, We Need No Wings, will be released from Sourcebooks in October 2024. Her young adult, horror rom-com, Breakup From Hell, came out from HarperTeen in January of 2023.

Five Midnights won an AudioFile Earphones Award, an International Latino Book Award 2020, and was a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award. Category Five was a finalist for the 2021 International Latino Book Award. The Storyteller’s Death is a finalist for the Vermont Book Award.

Her stories have appeared in a number of anthologies, including Our Shadows Have Claws (2022), Other Terrors: An Inclusive Anthology (2022), Lockdown: Stories of Crime, Terror, and Hope During a Pandemic (2020); and Women Writing the Weird (2012) and she contributed to the Encyclopedia Latina: History, Culture, And Society in the United States edited by Ilan Stavans.

Ann lives in Vermont, needle-felts tiny reading creatures, and prepares for the zombie apocalypse.

Have a great week!

The Sorrowful Girl by Keenan Powell – #BookReview – Historical Irish Fiction

A Liam Barrett Gilded Age Novel

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

Liam Barrett embodied the hopes and dreams of his family, bound for Harvard Law School. When his father unexpectedly dies, he gives up his plans and goes to work providing for his family in Adams, Massachusetts. As a policeman who abhors violence and who possesses an ability to calm agitated people, he strives to mediate disputes and keep peace in his community.

When a young Adams woman is found murdered near the estate of mill owner Alistair Cunningham, Cunningham pressures Liam to make a quick arrest. But Liam wants justice. As he fights to ensure that an innocent man is not railroaded, Liam uncovers a sinister plot forcing him to choose between his pacifist conviction and his duty to protect his town.

His Review:

Owen Sweeny comes into the local police office to report the finding of a young girl’s body found in the nearby woods. A good deed never goes unpunished. He is immediately thrown in jail as the prime suspect in her murder. The townspeople are expecting a lynching.

Liam Barrett is the local policeman appointed by the owner of the town’s factory to investigate the murder and hang the culprit. There is no evidence that Owen is the killer and he has a solid alibi. The plot thickens and the town’s tension is amplified as the investigation seems to stall.

This writer has devised a well-conceived crime with many false leads. The guilty party is not exposed until the end and I found myself totally in the dark, unable to guess the perp. I was impressed by the myriad of false leads leading to the climax. I heartily recommend this read to everyone who enjoys a good mystery. 5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and these are my own opinions.

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Traditional Detective Mysteries
Publisher: Three Hooligans Press
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8987149553
ASIN: B0C81KGNW3
Print Length: 271 pages
Publication Date: June 14, 2023
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Title Link(s): The Sorrowful Girl [Amazon]

The Author: Keenan Powell is the Agatha, Lefty, and Silver Falchion nominated author of the Maeve Malloy Mystery series.

Despite being one of original Dungeons and Dragons illustrators, art seemed an impractical pursuit – not an heiress, wouldn’t marry well, hated teaching – so she went to law school. The day after graduation, she moved to Alaska.

She is the author of the Maureen Gould Legal Thrillers, the Maeve Malloy Mysteries and numerous short stories.

Stretch out and relax--Enjoy your day.

Dying for a Daiquiri by Cindy Sample – #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

Laurel McKay Mysteries Book 3

Book Blurb:

When Laurel McKay attends a Hawaiian wedding, her vacation soon becomes more deadly than the calorie count in her daiquiri. Her post-wedding holiday upends after a beautiful hula dancer is found dead on the rocks below the oceanfront restaurant owned by Laurel’s brother and sister-in-law.

When a family member is arrested for the murder, Laurel is plunged into a mystery where exotic Big Island locations–a coffee plantation, black sand beaches and a volcano–reveal their deadly side. And where is her hunky on-again/off-again boyfriend detective when she needs him?

Laurel zip-lines and four-wheels her way through the island paradise unearthing long hidden secrets. Will ingenuity and pluck be enough? Or will this hula be her last?

My Review:

While I’m not usually a fan of the klutsy amateur sleuth trope, I have to say I was hooked on this one pretty quick. It’s that sense of humor, you know?

My first outing with a Cindy Sample book, it was offered free on Amazon recently and I liked the title, the blurb, and that it is usually located in Sacramento? Our old stomping grounds for more than 45 years!

This time the setting is gorgeous Hawaii. We commented after our first trip to Hawaii, that there is San Francisco time, Sacramento time, and then there is Hawaiian time. The pace of Hawaii is just the perfect antidote to anyone seeking to slow down life, smell the orchids, enjoy those Mai Tai’s—or in this case Daiquiris—it’s just fruit juice. Right?

Laurel, with her mother and Stan, is in Hawaii for her best friend Liz’s wedding. Her brother Dave and sister-in-law own a bar and restaurant oceanside where the reception is held, but it’s obvious from the get-go that the sis-in-law isn’t happy with the entertainment, one hula dancer in particular. Regan isn’t shy about accusing Dave of cheating. But her brother Dave? Not Daaave!

So when the voluptuous Hawaiian dancer is found on the rocks below in the surf, it doesn’t look good for Laurel’s family.

We are talking light-hearted, cozy mystery, not something to be taken seriously. It is peppered heavily with humor while keeping a good pace in a well-plotted murder mystery.

The location lends itself to salty Pacific air descriptions combined with an abundance of wild island habitat further mingled with the delightfully descriptive aromas of fresh Kona coffee. The characters are lively and are eventually joined by Laurel’s boyfriend, Detective Tom after Laurel’s second close brush with accidental (on purpose) close calls. So there is a bit of romance interspersed with fast action-paced chapters.

Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, glued to the pages, chuckling or gasping as you go. It’s delightful escapism, even given the seriousness of murder. The conclusion wraps it up well and leaves you reluctant to leave these characters. You need some fun? Discover this series; it’s a happy find.

I received a promo copy of this book from the author through Amazon that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. I’ll be back.

Rosepoint Rating: Four Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Lawyers & Criminals Humor, Cozy Culinary Mystery, Cozy Culinary Mysteries
ASIN: B00FK5UW4Y
Print Length: 267 pages
Publication Date: January 20, 2014
Source: Amazon promo

Title Link(s):

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The Author: Cindy Sample is a former corporate CEO who decided plotting murder was more entertaining than plodding through paperwork. She retired to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a mystery author. Her national bestselling LAUREL McKAY HUMOROUS MYSTERY series is set in the California Gold Country, unless Cindy feels like traveling. Then the characters tag along with her on trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean and Las Vegas. Her new SPINDRIFT COVE series, featuring Sierra Sullivan, is set in Washington State. Cindy is a five-time finalist for the LEFTY Award for Best Humorous Mystery, a two-time finalist for the SILVER FALCHION Award for best traditional mystery, and a two-time finalist for the Chanticleer MURDER & MAYHEM AWARD.

Cindy is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and the YWCA. She has two wonderful adult children, a lovely daughter-in-law, and a grandson who live too far away.

Visit Cindy on her website at http://www.cindysamplebooks.com
http://www.facebook.com/cindysampleauthor
http://www.twitter.com/cindysample1

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