Release: January 1, 2019
Format: Ebook
Publisher: John Paul Publishing
Source: BookFunnel
Find it at: Goodreads | BookFunnel
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A fun-filled vacation on Marco Island. A humanitarian worker with a passion for jewelry making. A mystery that will keep you guessing.
Vacations and Victims is the 15,000-word prequel to the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series.
Desperate to escape a blustery Boston winter, Connie visits her charismatic and glamorous aunt, Concetta Belmonte, a former Hollywood movie star, who arranged for them a first-class getaway on Marco Island in southwest Florida. The two women, along with their best friends, are ready for a weekend of sun, sand, and relaxation, but their plans are interrupted by a murder Connie is compelled to investigate.
If you enjoy page-turner cozy mysteries, loveable characters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, you’ll love the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series.
About the Author:
Angela K. Ryan, author of the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series, writes clean, feel-good stories that uplift and inspire, with mysteries that will keep you guessing.
When she is not writing, Angela enjoys the outdoors, especially kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, snowshoeing, and skiing. She lives near Boston and loves the change of seasons in New England, but, like her main character, she looks forward to brief escapes to the white, sandy beaches of southwest Florida, where her mother resides.
Angela dreams of one day owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like Ginger, but isn’t home enough to take care of one. So, for now, she lives vicariously through her main character, Connie.
Vacations & Victims Review:
Firstly, I found the dynamics between Connie and her Aunt Concetta to be quite enjoyable. The author skillfully portrays their camaraderie, and I appreciated their protective nature towards their friend Beth and their determination to help clear her name.
Secondly, I was particularly drawn to the captivating drama between Curt and Beth, which the author cleverly weaved into a murder mystery. The story presents several potential suspects, keeping the reader engaged as Connie delves into the investigation while on her vacation in Marco Island. With its short length and fast-paced nature, the book never has a dull moment.
Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the author’s ability to keep me guessing the identity of the killer, despite the limited number of suspects.
However, the only drawback is that the plot occasionally falters as it alternates between scenes of Connie and Concetta enjoying their vacation and their pursuit of clues. While I am a fan of cozy mysteries, I found it slightly awkward to have detailed descriptions of Connie and Concetta’s leisure activities such as jetskiing interspersed with their investigative efforts.
Nevertheless, I consider “Vacations and Victims” to be a delightful prequel to the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery series. It piqued my interest, prompting me to pick up and delve into the series eagerly.
