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Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective #8
Castaway Corpse
Lucy is a human lie detector. Her little rescue dog Paco is a ghost whisperer. Together, they solve crime in this laugh-out-loud cozy mystery series!
Lions and Tigers and Squirrels, oh my!
When Lucy and Paco are invited by the Sunshine Ghost Society to join an expedition to resurrect the spirit of a long-ago dead pirate, Lucy agrees on one her best friends Will and Brittany must be part of the team. Lucy’s been trying to play matchmaker for a while now and an entire day on a deserted island just might do the trick to force her two stubborn friends into admitting their feelings for one another.
But what was supposed to be a fun ghost-hunting escapade quickly turns into a murder mystery when one of their team members is found dead. To make matters worse, their boat is stolen by a crewmember, leaving Lucy and the rest of the expedition stranded.
With the certain knowledge that one of them is a murderer, the misfit castaways must band together for survival. With the help of an eccentric cast of characters, Lucy and Paco must unravel the island's secrets and uncover the truth behind the murder. Before they become the next victims.
With plenty of humor, unexpected twists, and a swashbuckling dash of romance, Castaway Corpse is a page-turning cozy mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end!
Lions and Tigers and Squirrels, oh my!
When Lucy and Paco are invited by the Sunshine Ghost Society to join an expedition to resurrect the spirit of a long-ago dead pirate, Lucy agrees on one her best friends Will and Brittany must be part of the team. Lucy’s been trying to play matchmaker for a while now and an entire day on a deserted island just might do the trick to force her two stubborn friends into admitting their feelings for one another.
But what was supposed to be a fun ghost-hunting escapade quickly turns into a murder mystery when one of their team members is found dead. To make matters worse, their boat is stolen by a crewmember, leaving Lucy and the rest of the expedition stranded.
With the certain knowledge that one of them is a murderer, the misfit castaways must band together for survival. With the help of an eccentric cast of characters, Lucy and Paco must unravel the island's secrets and uncover the truth behind the murder. Before they become the next victims.
With plenty of humor, unexpected twists, and a swashbuckling dash of romance, Castaway Corpse is a page-turning cozy mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2023
93 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Maggie March
23 books105 followersLooking for your next addictive cozy mystery series? Maggie March delivers heartwarming whodunits that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Her stories blend clever mysteries with humor and just enough romance to make your heart flutter.
She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."
When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.
Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com
Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.
She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."
When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.
Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com
Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 18, 2023
I do not read a lot of Cosy Mysteries, but I stumbled upon this series a number of years ago, and I love it. The author's humor shines forth from the lively banter. The story line is funny and the characters are very likable. I met the author on a Zoom event during the COVID lockdown and she is very funny in person. In each book she provides Lucy and Paco's background, she being a human lie detector and Taco being a dog ghost whisperer. Travis, Lucy's boyfriend, has been trying to set up a romantic dinner for the two of them, but something keeps happening to mess up his plans. In this installment, Lucy is coerced by two members of the Sunshine Ghost Society, into going on a short day trip to a nearby island for Paco to channel the ghost of a dead pirate. Of course things do not go the way they planned and someone ends up dead.
I read an ARC from the author as part of her review crew. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I read an ARC from the author as part of her review crew. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
April 22, 2023
Another winner from Maggie March!!! I love Lucy and Paco's adventures. A lot of different characters make trying to solve the mystery fun. Looking forward to the next book!
May 4, 2023
Castaway Corpse was such a fun read that I stayed up way too late enjoying some laugh-out-loud fun. With the gang stuck on an island just off Whispering Bay looking for an old pirate grave and possible pirate treasure, Lucy and Paco have found themselves in quite a mystery when one of their party is murdered. As always, this is a clean story and I really liked how Maggie March brought a character from a prior story in and delved deeper into a few of the Sunshine Ghost members. With an amazing ending for some of our favorite characters, pick this one up today and enjoy the warmth of Whispering Bay. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
May 4, 2023
Castaway Corpse is a nice continuation of the Lucy McGuffin, Physic Amateur Detective series. While it's nice to read them in order the books can be read as a stand alone. It was great to reconnect with Lucy, Paco and the others and I liked the premise of the story.
Of course, Lucy and Paco are at it again with their communication to each other even though he's her dog. Set on a remote and uninhabited island off the coast of Florida, Lucy, Paco and the others get more than they bargain for. There is pirate lore and layers to the story as we are drawn in to the whodunnit when a corpse is found. Lucy's lie detector is going off continuously as she collects clues and listens to the others in their group tell their tales.
With a few twists and turns and lots of details, Lucy is once again able to solve the crime and save the day. There is an interesting ending to the story with a wonderful happily ever after in the offing. I can't wait to see what this cast of characters gets up to next! I liked the vibrancy and details on the cover.
Ms. March is an author whose books I look forward to. Cozy mysteries that draw me in and have me turning the pages to see what will happen next!
Of course, Lucy and Paco are at it again with their communication to each other even though he's her dog. Set on a remote and uninhabited island off the coast of Florida, Lucy, Paco and the others get more than they bargain for. There is pirate lore and layers to the story as we are drawn in to the whodunnit when a corpse is found. Lucy's lie detector is going off continuously as she collects clues and listens to the others in their group tell their tales.
With a few twists and turns and lots of details, Lucy is once again able to solve the crime and save the day. There is an interesting ending to the story with a wonderful happily ever after in the offing. I can't wait to see what this cast of characters gets up to next! I liked the vibrancy and details on the cover.
Ms. March is an author whose books I look forward to. Cozy mysteries that draw me in and have me turning the pages to see what will happen next!
May 5, 2023
Castaway Corpse by Maggie March is one book I have been looking forward to being published. It is the eighth book in the Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective series, with a year long wait. It was certainly worth the wait.
Pirates, ghosts and island adventures for Lucy and Paco is just the beginning. Lucy decides to play matchmaker but being island stranded was never part of her plans. Count on a great mystery with Lucy, Paco and friends. There is much more going on than what just winding up as castaways. What and amazing story.
Believe you me, I am totally team Paco. You will be too if you read this book. Maybe start with the first book in the series only to see how Paco and Lucy end up together. Otherwise, this is a great stand-alone story.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pirates, ghosts and island adventures for Lucy and Paco is just the beginning. Lucy decides to play matchmaker but being island stranded was never part of her plans. Count on a great mystery with Lucy, Paco and friends. There is much more going on than what just winding up as castaways. What and amazing story.
Believe you me, I am totally team Paco. You will be too if you read this book. Maybe start with the first book in the series only to see how Paco and Lucy end up together. Otherwise, this is a great stand-alone story.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2024
I love this series. It’s funny and leaves you guessing who the bad guy is. I love Lucy, Paco and the gang. This excursion Lucy gets roped into is interesting to say the least to find a dead pirate? She isn’t sure about it, but her friend Will learns about it he’s all for it. He wants to go. But her boyfriend Travis who also is the Sheriff of Whispering Bay doesn’t think it’s a good idea. He knows trouble always follows her. She agrees for him to send help if she doesn’t make it back for there date.
Her good friend Will and Brittany go on the trip, and boy is that fun. Lucy knows there’s something between them. She can’t figure out why they only went out on one date. She will find out.
Ok back to the trip. It’s going great only it’s not. Lucy knows and even tells her good friends everyone has lied to her, but one person.
Buy the book to see what happens next.
Her good friend Will and Brittany go on the trip, and boy is that fun. Lucy knows there’s something between them. She can’t figure out why they only went out on one date. She will find out.
Ok back to the trip. It’s going great only it’s not. Lucy knows and even tells her good friends everyone has lied to her, but one person.
Buy the book to see what happens next.
April 25, 2023
We had to (impatiently) wait a long time for the next book in the Lucy McGuffin (aka Muffin Queen) mystery series. After all, Paco the Ghost Whispering dog is not getting any younger. This series is hilarious and Castaway Corpse is another wonderful addition. This time Lucy gets talked into an expedition to a deserted tropical island with Paco to try to discover the remains of a pirate. Paco does find a body or two and the adventure begins. Many old friends and new characters are involved in trying to discover the murderer and their motive, and try to get off the island before the murderer can strike again. Lucy's aside comments throughout the book, as usual, are so funny. Paco is in good form and romances progress despite the danger! Enjoy.
April 30, 2023
This is a fun cozy mystery story that takes place on an uncharted island off the coast of Florida. Lucy, her friends, and Paco go on an expedition to try to find the body of a long-dead pirate. Instead of the adventure they'd planned, there is a murder in the group.
Paco and Lucy, with their special bonding, determine who is and who isn't telling the whole truth, in order to find the killer.
With more potential suspects than normal, and an isolated island, this book is even more interesting. An exciting ending and a big revelation round out this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Paco and Lucy, with their special bonding, determine who is and who isn't telling the whole truth, in order to find the killer.
With more potential suspects than normal, and an isolated island, this book is even more interesting. An exciting ending and a big revelation round out this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
May 5, 2023
Castaway corpse
Another great book by Maggie March
This installment centers around a dead pirate and his cohorts. Lucy, Paco, Will and Brittany head out as part of a private expedition to an uncharted island to speak with lazy eye Louie the pirate.
When the group stumbles across a dead body it is up to Lucie to find the killer before anyone else is injured or worse killed.
This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It centers more on the core group of characters and because of the island murder the characters really open up to each other. We get some insight into a few of the side characters too.
I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
Another great book by Maggie March
This installment centers around a dead pirate and his cohorts. Lucy, Paco, Will and Brittany head out as part of a private expedition to an uncharted island to speak with lazy eye Louie the pirate.
When the group stumbles across a dead body it is up to Lucie to find the killer before anyone else is injured or worse killed.
This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It centers more on the core group of characters and because of the island murder the characters really open up to each other. We get some insight into a few of the side characters too.
I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
May 5, 2023
What could possibly go wrong with Paco being requested to search for a dead pirate? Travis knows the mayhem that follows in Lucy's wake. It gives him some comfort that Will and Brittney will be along. When Paco finds the professor dead, everyone tells their actions to before they found him on camera. Only Lucy is detecting that everyone has told some sort of lie/lies. When another body is found, they think that the pirate was found. Only it's a female. The real killer decides everyone must die. Only Lucy and Paco have another thing in mind. Don't underestimate these two. The day is saved. Absolutely loved the ending!
May 6, 2023
Lucy McGuffin and Paco are back solving mysteries again. Lucy, Will and Brittany are talked into going to an uncharted island to search for the spirit of a long-dead pirate. Instead of finding the pirate, one of the group is murdered and their boat goes missing. There is pirate lore and many characters to the story as we are drawn in to when a corpse is found. Lucy's lie detector is going off continuously as she listens to the others in their group tell their tales. With twists and turns and lots of details, Lucy is able to solve the crime. There is a surprise ending to the story which finishes the book on just the right note.
April 23, 2023
Fun culinary cozy
Cafe owner Lucy McGuffin and friends get involved with a documentary boat trip because her dog Paco is rumored to talk to ghosts. The trip doesn’t go well and the professor in charge is murdered leaving all and sundry to suspect each other. Lucy knows her two friends didn’t do it, but needs to figure out who did and why. There are motives bandied about and a skull turns up muddying the waters. Nicely done short who dun it. I recommend it.
I received an ARC gratis for my yea or nay opinion and I give it freely.
Cafe owner Lucy McGuffin and friends get involved with a documentary boat trip because her dog Paco is rumored to talk to ghosts. The trip doesn’t go well and the professor in charge is murdered leaving all and sundry to suspect each other. Lucy knows her two friends didn’t do it, but needs to figure out who did and why. There are motives bandied about and a skull turns up muddying the waters. Nicely done short who dun it. I recommend it.
I received an ARC gratis for my yea or nay opinion and I give it freely.
April 27, 2023
The newest Lucy McGuffin book is a romp on an island with most of the usual group in attendance. They are on the hunt for a pirate's ghost to prove another pirate had existed, until one of their number is murdered. Lucy and Paco investigate with the help of their friends, piecing the clues together as usual. There are twists, turns and red herrings that make for a fun and enjoyable whodunit. There are a few other developments that make this a truly special story but discussing those would be spoilers. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2023
I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this new paranormal cozy mystery from Maggie March. It's delightful, funny and clever. Muffin-baker Lucy, whose superpower is knowing when anyone tells a lie, and her adorable ghost-whispering dog, Paco, are stranded on an island during a day trip with a bunch of oddballs with secrets, one of whom ends up dead. Lucy's goal is to unravel the mystery before anyone else meets their doom. And not get attacked by flying squirrels. It's a light, fast read that advances the story of lovable side characters, too. Giggles guaranteed.
September 24, 2025
As an avid reader, I find this mystery series to be a captivating journey of literary excellence. With each subsequent novel, the author masterfully develops more intricate plot lines and increasingly complex character dynamics. The narrative's unpredictability is particularly compelling, as the storyline consistently defies my expectations, making it impossible to anticipate the ultimate resolution or identify the culprit before the dramatic reveal. The element of suspense is brilliantly maintained throughout, keeping me thoroughly engaged and eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events.
May 5, 2023
Castaway Corpse (Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective Book 8) was such a fun story!! This is the first book I've read in the series and while I didn't have the entire back story I did not feel lost.
Can't wait to read more in this series! Unique setting, entertaining characters and a solid mystery - nothing more to ask from a cozy mystery!
I received this ARC free from the author. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own.
Can't wait to read more in this series! Unique setting, entertaining characters and a solid mystery - nothing more to ask from a cozy mystery!
I received this ARC free from the author. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own.
May 8, 2023
The murder solving duo is at it again. Lucy and Paco are never short on adventure and shenanigans and if it involves buried treasure, even better. This was a cute story with funny moments and the process Lucy has in eliminating suspects is well, suspect. I have no clue how everything they embark on has trouble behind it yet always works out. But for me while it was funny it wasn’t very exciting. At least the reader wasn’t forced to be subjected to a long process of whodunnit.
June 5, 2023
CASTAWAY CORPSE is the 8th book in the Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective series written by Maggie March. Another winner from Maggie March!!! The author's humor shines forth from the lively banter. The story line is funny and the characters are very likable. I love Lucy and Paco's adventures. A lot of different characters make trying to solve the mystery fun. Looking forward to the next book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2025
Finding The Ghost Pirate
I think anyone who enjoys a light hearted mystery with a dog. They would completely enjoy this series by Maggie Marsh.
The main female character has a special talent, I would like to have, she can detect when someone lied to her.
The dog, Paco, can communicate with the recently dead. Also can definitely defend himself when the need comes up. Even as a little dog he is. Only it doesn't take much, a bite in the ankle, to get his owner safe.
I think anyone who enjoys a light hearted mystery with a dog. They would completely enjoy this series by Maggie Marsh.
The main female character has a special talent, I would like to have, she can detect when someone lied to her.
The dog, Paco, can communicate with the recently dead. Also can definitely defend himself when the need comes up. Even as a little dog he is. Only it doesn't take much, a bite in the ankle, to get his owner safe.
April 25, 2023
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. What starts out as a ghost hunting expedition for buried treasure turns into something else entirely. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next adventure that Lucy and Paco have.
May 4, 2023
Another very cute whodunnit in the Lucy and Paco series. I love these stories as they always have a good murder mystery with characters from Whispering Bay, Florida. Each book is a standalone but the series itself is so cute with continuing characters that reading them is like catching up with old friends. This book in particular gives lots of couples their HEA and I truly hope this isn’t the final book in this series. I love how Lucy and Paco ( the dog )communicate as they always get involved in some sort of murder. So happy with this series and hope we get more soon.
May 4, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book which went by so fast. I am also happy with the way things progressed for some of the characters in this storyline. They were a long time coming!! Paco is still adorable and I hope the next book (there has to be a next book) comes along a lot quicker than this one and is maybe a bit longer with a more in depth storyline. I will be impatiently waiting…..
May 8, 2023
Lucy and Paco are back at it. This time they join an expedition along with Lucy's friends looking for the ghost of a pirate. Along the way there is a murder, of course. Add in all the twists and turns and revealing of secrets and Lucy will save the day and figure out who the culprit is. Will she be do that before or after they are rescued though...
May 22, 2023
Lucy and Paco are my favorite cozy mystery sleuths. Maggie March weaves a perfect tale of these crime solvers along with wonderful characters, laugh out loud circumstances, and the tiniest glint of the supernatural (because Paco!) This installment is absolutely a great addition to the world of Lucy and Paco. No matter where you start, you'll want to read them all.
February 7, 2024
Delightful Series
Maggie March's Castaway Corpse from the Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective series was captivating entertainment. As always, Lucy and Paco, her ghost whispering pooch, manage to wind up discovering a dead body when they go on a day excursion in search of a pirate. You'll laugh out loud at their antics. Don't miss this series, it's a keeper!
Maggie March's Castaway Corpse from the Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective series was captivating entertainment. As always, Lucy and Paco, her ghost whispering pooch, manage to wind up discovering a dead body when they go on a day excursion in search of a pirate. You'll laugh out loud at their antics. Don't miss this series, it's a keeper!
February 5, 2025
past and present loves
Lots of lies, drama, mystery and romance amid threats of death. Paco saves the day again, what a dog. Will and Brittany finally admit they love each other and Will admits he’s the famous author. Travis proposes and Lucy accepts when he gets Paco’s permission, how cute!
Lots of lies, drama, mystery and romance amid threats of death. Paco saves the day again, what a dog. Will and Brittany finally admit they love each other and Will admits he’s the famous author. Travis proposes and Lucy accepts when he gets Paco’s permission, how cute!
April 27, 2023
Love all the Lucy and Paco adventures and this one is no exception. If you enjoy witty adventures with a wonderful cast then this is the book for you. I was gifted this book as an arc. This is my honest review
April 30, 2023
Another cute, fun adventure in Lucy and Paco's lives. Always lots of action and intrigue with a great supporting cast. I always enjoy what happens with this group and I'm already ready for the next adventure. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2023
Still good!
I love Lucy, Paco and the gang! They are quirky and fun, and you know some catastrophe will always follow! I was super excited that some of the storylines have finally merged and come to light, and can’t wait for the next book.
I love Lucy, Paco and the gang! They are quirky and fun, and you know some catastrophe will always follow! I was super excited that some of the storylines have finally merged and come to light, and can’t wait for the next book.
August 20, 2023
I received an ARC and was introduced to Lucy and Paco. I like mysteries, humor and dogs, so this was fun. I have to admit that I sometimes wondered who was brighter, Lucy or Paco. This is a good summertime beach read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews