Poison in Paradise

Pearl Sands Beach Resort #1

by Danielle Collins, Millie Briggs

You can take yourself away from mysteries but you can't necessarily take the mysteries away from you.

A new cozy mystery series from International Bestselling Author Danielle Collins and Millie Briggs.

Charlene “Charlie” Davis built a reputation as a skilled detective and private investigator, but has now retired her sleuthing shoes and started a new life at the Pearl Sands Beach Resort. When a guest is poisoned, she steps back into her investigating ways and finds herself in a sticky situation when several of her new co-workers are named prime suspects. Can she help the police find the killer and clear the names of the people she will be working with every day?

Poison in Paradise is the first story in the Pearl Sands Beach Resort Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries with interesting characters, a mischeivous monkey, and unexpected twists, you’re going to love Pearl Sands.

Download Poison in Paradise and get started on your next murder mystery adventure today!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this nice, relaxing debut cozy that takes place at a lovely Florida resort. The protagonist is a former P.I. currently learning the ropes at a new job as a concierge. Murder soon has her resuming her investigator skills in this whodunnit. The story could have been longer with more characterization and clues; however, it was entertaining and I recommend to cozy readers.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Charlie Davis has just started a new job as concierge at the Pearl Sands Resort after being a police officer and private detective. On her second day Kyle Grayson is poisoned and found by his wife Amanda. Detective Don Neal ask her to be part of the investigation. She meets Nelson Hall who become a friend. She pieces things together and with all the suspects at the table where Kyle Greyson was founded she brings the truth to the table and three suspects are arrested. Charlie continues her job and making friends. I would highly recommend this two book series to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮

I have ten series going plus others that are not on the reading list. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 not bad at all, the mystery was quick, the investigation was pretty basic, the characters were more interesting and it would be fun to see how they and the relationships develop as the series continues. Charlene (Charlie) is the new concierge at the resort after a career as a police officer then a private investigator. The manager who really wanted her on the security team, lured her with that job and she’s getting used to it and a new atmosphere when an odious guest is murdered. Charlie is pulled into helping the local police with the investigation and Felix wants her to help and clear the resort.
She’s making friends but that’s hampered by her investigation into the employees as some are suspects, potential love interests has secrets but does help with the investigation, and overall with her deduction and help of others the murder is solved. The writing is basic, mystery quick, and medium paced mystery.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Charlie and her three new friends at the resort. I liked how they just all kinda started sleuthing the case. Charlie as an ex-cop did a good job keeping the current detective on track. He said himself he needed her to keep him accountable, so they did make a good team but I could tell he was eager for his retirement after this case.

There were a lot of twists and turns, and so many people probably wanted the dead guy dead anyway, Charlie and Det. Don had their work cut out for them, but they did come through in the end. Charlie's super gracious boss kinda indicated this was exactly what he hired her for, especially when he saw a sweet sendoff of some guests. I'll be borrowing the next book soon on KU!

[Lexi Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and easy cozy murder mystery!

kept me entertained, read it in one sitting

i did guess the killer but everyone was hella suspicious and had their reasons

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kept me entertained for sure, but wasn’t in love 😂😂

[Krystle Krystlesbookclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun debut to a mystery series, but the investigation was minimal. Lots of Characters to develop with the staff and repeat guests.
A cozy mystery with vacation vibes.

[Valorie Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!!!

I love the start of this series!!!!!
Charlene (Charlie) had needed a change in her life and was offered a job at the Pearl Sands Beach Resort by Felipe Delgado to become his concierge. Her first day started out kinda smooth until the staff heard who the guests were that was coming and things turned quickly once they arrived. Kyle Greyson with his wife Amanda and son Jimmy, for his son's birthday, but invited adults only. Kyle is a demanding, rude, obnoxious jerk. People put up with it because he is rich and gets away with a lot of crap. He is a control freak when it comes to his family, and abusive.
Well someone didn't like him and his behavior and decided to do something about.
Charlie use to be a cop and PI , and Felipe knew all this and it was part of why he got Charlie to come.
After Kyle's demise, they had to figure out who? Why?
There was a long list of suspects to go through, there was cheating, blackmail, jealousy, love, and money!
Now you have to read to get the details!!!!
You won't be disappointed!!!!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I think I found a new must-read-every-book cozy mystery series! Love the Florida resort setting -- such scope for murder and mayhem with a revolving door of suspects! I also love that our heroine, Charlie, is older-ish. I'm guessing mid to late forties? But not sure about that. She's old enough to have had a career in both law enforcement and private investigation, which brings me to something else I love about this book. Our heroine knows what she's doing and the way she's legitimately drawn into the murder investigation is brilliant. And the way Charlie does her sleuthing is just about perfect. Loved the way the mystery progressed, the twists and turns and the surprise at the end (at least to me.) I bought this one on sale at Chirp (really enjoyed the narration) and heading over there now to purchase book two. :-)

[Bryna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am always excited to read another Cozy especially when it involves some of my favorite places and activities. This one was appealing because of the location, however I didn't really get a feel for or experience it, despite the detail. I think I was a little thrown off our character lands this new job but isn't really doing her role but instead reverts back to her P.I. work to help solve a crime .... now I fully understand I should just sit back and enjoy the ride but this was a tad far fetched. All was a bit too convenient, getting hired, oh AND solve a mystery even though you left that line of work ...
That being said, what I did enjoy was the ending. I didn't see all the pieces. I like when endings are not as predictable as they may seem. I will continue with the series because I developed a liking for the characters and want to see how they grow.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Pearl Sands Beach Resort series. Charlie Davis is the new concierge. A cantankerous and obnoxious client, Kyle Greyson, is found dead on her second day on the job.
She is asked to join the investigation by her boss, Felipe Diego and Detective Don Neal based on her previous NYPD and private eye experience.

The writing was straight forward, the characters have personality, and relationships between the characters are being established.
I wished the story was a little longer and more flushed out.


I listened to this book from Hoopla through my library. I actually rate this 3.5 but there are no half points in this rating system. I enjoyed it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlene Davis has left her job as a private investigator to take a position as a concierge at an upscale Florida resort. When a really annoying guest is poisoned, the lead police detective is only too happy to recruit her to help with the investigation. It is interesting how the skills of an investigator translate well to the tasks of a concierge. If you are one of those readers who is driven bonkers by poor or non-existent editing, then this is not the book for you. Otherwise, an interesting, light read.

[Mac Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concierge job at a popular beach resort should be less stressful than being a private detective. At least that's what Charlie thinks when she trades one career for another. Wrong! In her first week, she's tested by her boss, encounters a very disagreeable visitor, and discovers a murder victim. Looks like you can't escape your calling.

On the bright side, she does meet a handsome, if slightly annoying, stranger willing to help with the investigation.

It's a fun entry into a new series.

[Beth Temin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very rich but nasty man is poisoned.

Charlene (Charlie), a former investigator and cop, takes a job as a concierge for a luxurious hotel on a tropical island. A murder causes the owner to ask her to help the police find the killer. She meets many new friends and some not-so-friendly people in her new job and eventually solves the crime.

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery! I enjoyed the characters and the writing style. I think this will make a cute series. I was kind of disappointed at the solving of the mystery, there could have been more insight. I really wanted another conclusion as well, but I guess that just shows how well the author created the characters. Looking forward to seeing how the relationships develop.

[Stephanie Coniff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery! Listened to the audiobook. I loved the setting of the Pearl Sands Beach Resort. The plot flowed well and I loved how concierge/former P.I. Charlie Davis rounded up all the suspects in one room for the big reveal at the end. It gave modern-day Poirot vibes.

I really enjoyed this first of the Pearl Sands Beach series and have already downloaded the next mystery!

[prettysureannereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite cozy mystery author strikes again ✨

"There are some gray areas, and yet murder is black and white."

What a good way to start Charlie's story!! I've been a fan of Danielle Collins and I've finished two series of hers last 2023 and reading this one this 2024 was somewhat nostalgic already. I'm soooo ready to dive into this series!!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than I anticipated. The plot is straight forward and easily followed, the characters were quite intriguing, and the story had value in making the brain work. I do recommend this book.

[Timothy P. Hench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poison in Paradise! Remarkably good read.

A new beginning for Charlie as she starts a new career. A new career with an old twist. Well fleshed out characters, with room to grow. A truly satisfying experience!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this cozy mystery!!

I love getting into a series from the start and can’t wait to read more about Pearl Sands, The characters are relatable and the location divine…great writing, great story!!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poison in Paradise : Pearl Sands Beach Resort Cozy Mystery book 1

This was an interesting story. It had murder, blackmail, but it keeps you guessing about who did what and why. Enjoy the read, I did!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to what promises to be a cute, fun series. Charlie is a great character, and it looks like there's plenty of cool side characters too. Not to mention a beautiful setting. Solid mystery. Recommended read! 😊

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new series! The setting is very nice, and the role Charlie has at the resort is very interesting. I'm already looking forward to the next book. A definite entertaining page turner!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a fast, easy read.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Kyle and why??? Misguided love??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Lily Stirling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this introduction to Charlie at the Pearl Sands Resort! :)

[Marie (UK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable book The characterisation is well done and varied. Definitely one series to continue

[BV · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Sheila Milardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

poison in the San

Excellent fast read with interesting characters. I love reading murder mysteries and trying to guess who the villain was ..