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Hetta Coffey Mystery #3

Just Add Trouble

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Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it!

A globe-trotting engineer with adventure in her soul, Hetta is determined to solidify her relationship with her long-distance boyfriend, Jenks Jenkins. What better place for a romantic interlude than aboard her yacht in Mexico's hauntingly beautiful and solitary Sea of Cortez?

But where Hetta goes, trouble follows, and chaos is sure to ensue. After a run-in with a couple of sea serpents that threaten to rock the boat, she nevertheless decides to take on a project in the Mexican port city of Guaymas. After all, Jenks is headed back to Kuwait, so why not cash in on the best of both worlds by picking up a few pesos while living aboard her boat in Mexico?

Once again Hetta's indomitable spirit, stubborn independence and penchant for deceit will keep the reader in stitches as she launches herself and her best friend, Jan, into a sea of trouble. A pesky parrot, a drunken aunt, and a shadowy figure who is handsome in a "criminal sort of way" lead to murder, mayhem, kidnapping, and run-ins with several federal agencies on both sides of the border.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2007

390 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read

About the author

Jinx Schwartz

29 books318 followers
Jinx Schwartz is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of the award-winning Hetta Coffey series.

JUST ADD WATER, first in the series, introduces Hetta, a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it. JUST ADD SALT, JUST ADD TROUBLE, JUST DESERTS, JUST THE PITS, JUST NEEDS KILLIN', AND JUST DIFFERENT DEVILS get her into hot Mexican Waters. JUST PARDON MY FRENCH, BOOK 8, FINDS HETTA IN FRANCE and Book 9: JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY, takes a wild ride on two continents, and JUST FOR THE BIRDS, Book 10, gets her afowl of exotic bird smugglers. Book 11 finds her in Texas, and living in an RV until her boat goes missing back in Mexico, and in Just On Porpoise (12 ) her attention is drawn to the almost extinct Vaquita, and JUST SO WRONG (13) finds Hetta taking on the dogfighting trade. Her other books: The Texicans (Texas 1806-1836 Historical Western), Land of Mountains, a YA/TWEEN set in Haiti in the 1950's, Troubled Sea, a thriller in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and BAJA GET AWAY, suspensful romance in Mexico.

Jinx spends equal time in Arizona and Mexico.

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5 stars
619 (44%)
4 stars
467 (33%)
3 stars
229 (16%)
2 stars
67 (4%)
1 star
19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Laurie Hanan.
Author 11 books160 followers
July 19, 2012
The Hetta Coffey mysteries just keep getting better. Now Hetta's in Mexico, it's Christmas time, and she's in a heap of trouble. Man trouble, and so much more. As the owner of a West Highland Terrier, I was thrilled to see one featured in the book. As an animal lover, I agonized over the fate of all the animals. It was a relief to know that the animals fared better than most of the human characters. I can't wait to dive into book 4.
Profile Image for S.R. Mallery.
Author 22 books336 followers
February 16, 2013

To me, Jinx Schwartz’s Just Add Trouble hits a home run right out of the park. From the very first page, the language was so creative and well-phrased, I knew this was going to be a fine read. And talk about a great heroine! Part Sam Spade, part Mae West, one cannot help but fall in love with Hetty Coffey. No plot spoilers here; just hear me out––Ya gotta get this book!

Profile Image for Marilyn.
467 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2012
This has been the best in the series so far. I really enjoyed this one. And as usual, Hetta is in trouble again. This time I think she really goes too far. Good storyline and some more interesting characters.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,197 reviews100 followers
December 22, 2024
Just Add trouble by Jinx Schwartz is book 3 in the Hetta Coffey Mystery series. Sailing the Sea of Cortez, engineer Hetta Coffey takes on a project in the Mexican city of Guaymas, only to land herself in more trouble. An entertaining adventure with Trouble the parrot providing a lot of fun. A bit crazy with so much going on and plenty of rather nutty characters.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2020
Crazy fun

Hetta gets herself involved in another crazy adventure between Mexico and the US. She manages to destroy vehicles, deal with a Homing Parrot and deal with drug dealers.
Profile Image for Nina Preuss.
12 reviews
July 4, 2024
Hetta is a memorable character, a strong woman who knows her own mind. I enjoyed several books in this series as they each had a fun mystery caper with a quirky cast.
Profile Image for Jemima Pett.
Author 28 books340 followers
April 13, 2025
I think it says a lot for the quality of Jinx Schwartz’s writing, that when I start reading Just Add Trouble, I have no difficulty in remembering the madcap Hetta Coffey, and why she’s on a boat on Mexican waters. I was slightly confused that the Prologue was of some other event, but all became more or less clear.

More or less? Yes, this is indeed a mystery, with many clandestine activities and players, so working out who is who, and who’s on Hetta’s side, becomes increasingly difficult to fathom. The story has many twists, some dangerous, some involving handsome men, and some involving stolen vehicles with names I don’t know but probably imply SUV or even more robust four-wheel drive types. It’s not important: they are wheels to get through desert terrain without going through police checks. Oh, and Hell’s Angels.

There are also boats, and as the author has a boat, the details are excellent, and not too horrendous for people who get seasick just looking at them!

All in all it’s an engrossing, enjoyable mystery, involving drugs, indentured locals, and a parrot. The parrot of course steals the show. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
251 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2014
Super Sleuth

Super Sleuth

Some series lose their momentum as the series increases. Not so the Hetta Coffey series. The more you read of her exploits, and get to know her character traits the more enjoyment in reading the series. I think from my point of view, Hetta doesn't always seek out trouble, but if it finds her she won't back down! Blessed (or cursed) with a well developed curious nature, she follows her curiosity and instincts into multiple and unusual troubles. Fiercely loyal to her friends, her wit and sarcasm keeps the reader well entertained. I like that she is a strong character and at the same time has her moments when we are allowed to see her fears and her vulnerabilities. Don't expect a lot of profound lows in her life tho. Life and impossible situations can't keep her down.
382 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2013
I love the Hetta Coffey books. Hetta is an unlikely heroine and always getting herself in deep water. This series is very enjoyable, but you must read the book and not skim around and read the end first. Lots happens between the books, but if you read them simultaneously you will be able to stay up-to-date on the current status of the characters, what goes on in their heads, and how they work out theit current problems/mishaps.

Profile Image for RJ.
470 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2014
1 1/2 stars
This is a series and not a stand alone novel. The author kept making references back to the other books. It was rather annoying. Needs a good editor. Plus some very offensive racial / cultual language that just really bothered me.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
798 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2015
Outrageous characters and plots, always entertaining and ready to make you laugh. Sort of like Evanovich on a yacht in the Sea of Cortez with lots of action, bad guys and animals.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,252 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2017
Third book of Hetta Coffey's adventures is great! Hilarious at times and scary at times; full of action. Love the bird named "Trouble"
Profile Image for Lora Shouse.
Author 1 book31 followers
November 19, 2023
Just Add Trouble is the third book in the Hetta Coffey Mystery Series. This time the stakes, and the danger, seem to have ratcheted up pretty seriously – even though for much of the book the most dangerous thing around seems to be a parrot named Trouble who originally belonged to Hetta’s aunt Lil.

Jenks is with Hetta for what seems like a much longer period than in the two previous books. About the time he returns to the Middle East for his job there, Hetta lures her best friend, Jan back with a fake story about a brain tumor. And Hetta and Jan have some interesting encounters with a man who calls himself Nacho. They believe for most of the time that he is a drug dealer because they have seen him in the company of another man, Paco, who really is a drug dealer and who was on the point of killing Hetta and Jenks for gasoline early in the story.

Jan wants to visit the little town of Agua Fria where her boyfriend Chino’s grandmother lives. We met Chino, a whale biologist (among other things) in the previous book of the series. Jan wants to marry him, and Chino wants to get his grandmother’s approval. But the road to the village where she lives has been blocked by a landslide and their only phone line is out. Jan and Hetta do their best to try to get there despite bad roads, insufficient cars, and another encounter with Paco and Nacho, but they don’t make it. That time.

There is plenty of witty banter between Hetta and Jenks, between Hetta and Jan, and even between Hetta and Nacho over their several encounters. But Hetta hardly gets out of one sticky situation before she lands in another one.

The bad thing is that the gang of drug dealers to which Paco belongs is a very large and very organized one, and they are holding the entire village of Agua Fria hostage and forcing them to make meth for them. The good thing is that Nacho, who is an agent of some law enforcement agency, specific details of which remain undisclosed, has a plan to rescue them before this gang kills all of them. Hetta, her boating friends, and the strange group of animals collecting on her boat provide him with a way to put his plan into action.
556 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2023
It has been awhile since I’ve read anything in this series. I was attracted to the series because the female lead is a feisty engineer who lands in trouble instead of nosing her way into it. I did have to remember that it is not a murder mystery but a mystery.

The dialogue kept me smiling, the treatment of Jenks caused head shaking tsks and the friendship with Jan warmed my heart. The Trob and Allison are awesome characters and unlikely couple.

Hetta’s sentimentality about her boat, car, etc feeds into some questionable decisions.

I’m not sure what the main plot was though. There were several plots happening. While not typical cliffhangers, there are a few open questions at the end of the story.



In my opinion, this book is for those who enjoy Gilmore Girls type dialogue. Be warned there are a number of heavy themes flowing through all of the Hetta craziness.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Starr  Perry .
348 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2024
Hetta is lonely and missing her sweetheart Jenks who is overseas on a long job.
So Hetta accepts a job in Mexico, thinking it will be a cakewalk and eassssy peasy, when things go sideways and she and Jan find themselves on a wild rollercoaster of an adventure.

Hetta and Jan are almost killed, their rental car totaled and Jan’s passport and identification burns in the car, kidnapped and forced across the border into the U.S., arrested by local authorities. They are chased by a parrot across the country no then eventually return to Hetta’s boat to find it invaded by a gargantuan iguana and a CAT (and Hetta is foercely allergic to cats in spite of her love for fabulous felines).

That is just a beginning - this dynamic duo is entertaining and exhilarating, full of wit and sass to boot. Love their ragtag band of misfit friends that somehow manage to come together and save the day.

The series is really fun and funny, thanks to hilarious Hetty and Jan, her tall gorgeous blonde bestie and assorted friends that revolve throughout the series - and a totally worthwhile read
Profile Image for Linda.
19 reviews
August 14, 2023
For me this was the book that started my addiction to the Hetta Coffey series. After reading this one, #3 in the series, I had to get the first two to see the background & I’m glad I did.
When an impossibly loquacious parrot (Trouble) flies into Hetta’s life … via dai hache elle (read the book to find out) it is the start of her zaniest adventure yet, complete with a drunken aunt and a new character, Nacho, who becomes my favorite by far for a Hetta love interest, way better than the constantly absent Jenks.
Hetta, Jan, Trouble (the parrot), a pill-popping promiscuous Aunt, and Nacho who is handsome & charming “in a criminal sort of way” … what coukd go wrong?
Hetta will figure out a way to cause the maximum mayhem.
Grab a glass of chilled red wine & prepare to enjoy a really fun read.
65 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2018
Another winner!

I love Hetta Coffey-I wanna be her when I grow up. I don't know where or how the author dreams up these plots, but they are well-thought-out and well-written. I
have enjoyed every book in the series, and an looking eagerly forward to reading the next title. I cannot stress enough that I would recommend this book and this series to anyone. If you enjoy mysteries or nautical settings, sassy protagonists with an attitude, comedy and one-liners enough to make you roll on the floor laughing then this is definitely the book ( and series) for you. Do yourself a huge favor and down-load this book - or better yet, go back to the beginning (Just Add Water) and great yourself to the start of the magic. Have fun!
Profile Image for Carol.
232 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2017
Hetta leads the way....

Hetta finds her way hurt and in serious trouble with both the Mexican government and Arizona Border patrol. To her rescue is retired Detective Martinez; who seems to be the go too guy for getting her out of trouble. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth the energy to be at her beck and call. She finds her way back to Mexico and this time it's Nacho kidnapping her to save her from her menus Pack who wants her dead. Nacho has a mission to complete and I think Hetta turns out to be the ploy while she doesn't know it. Nacho fires a shot directly at her. She hits the ground and feels warm blood and then .......
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews61 followers
September 3, 2019
Hetta and Jan had me laughing out loud in Just have trouble! Not only were they getting in and out of trouble almost constantly but Hetta's Mom sent her a parakeet named Trouble (actually her Aunt's) who could sing every song--did not particularly like Mexican men-and was an escape artist who always managed to find Hetta where ever she might have gone or been taken. He also fashioned himself into an attack bird when the need arose!!

You REALLY want to read this one especially if you need a few belly laughs!!
122 reviews
February 14, 2022
Hetta Coffey is quite the character

Hetta Coffey is a VERY interesting person. She manages to get into interesting situations. It's a page turning thrill ride for sure... and her sarcasm is stellar. As one is reading the story there are laugh out loud moments. This is the first book I've read by Jinx Schwartz. It won't be the last. I love her writing style. The lan6is acceptable (no f bombs thank you very much) and no sex scenes. Ms. Schwartz is another author who shows an excellent story can be written without stooping to either. Bravo!
Profile Image for Suzie.
2,485 reviews23 followers
October 13, 2024
From BookBub
What starts as a romantic getaway becomes a tangled — but hilarious — knot of trouble! When a yacht outing ends in murder, kidnapping, and chaos, Hetta and Jenks must figure out how to stay afloat on a sea of peril…

My Thoughts:
I do love Hetta , Jenks-her guy, Trouble and all of their zany adventures at sea. Fast paced action/adventure, humorous situations, and fun characters make this series very entertaining. I loved this installment.

I listened to this one on audiobook for the second time through---fabulous!
Profile Image for Laurie Kazmierczak.
182 reviews221 followers
June 7, 2017
Enjoyable read. Main character Hetta is full of wit, but her wisdom is a bit shaky. She places herself in sticky situations but always finds a way to redeem herself. I enjoyed this jaunt over the Cortez Sea (or maybe it's the Sea of Cortez...I'm not a sailor) and the locales described by author Jinx Schwartz.
Profile Image for Gail Baugniet.
Author 11 books180 followers
September 29, 2018
Should be entitled "Just Multiply Trouble"

Hetta manages to get into trouble without even trying, but sometimes she goes out of her way to find it. I really enjoyed all the animals filling roles for this novel, especially the eponymous feathered friend. Plenty of surprise twists, especially once the groundwork was laid and the action picked up.
Profile Image for Wendy H..
Author 46 books66 followers
December 19, 2019
I love this entire series and this, the third book, did not disappoint. The characters are superb and Hetta Cofe’s sharp wit is a delight. I laughed out loud in several places. The eclectic cast of characters, including the funniest parrot ever, entertain and shock in equal measure. A superb book which I would highly recommend
1,052 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2023
romantic adventure comedy

Hetta should have kept Trouble, he obviously loved her. She also could have kept the dock dog or with so many animal lovers you would think the dog would have received better care. A lot of the trouble in this book was entirely Jan’s fault but Hetta is always blamed
Profile Image for D Jones.
47 reviews
January 12, 2025
Does not disappoint

HiJinx in the high seas! A crazy bird that follows cars and talks up a storm and assorted other animals are around to add a little comic relief to the otherwise scary scrapes Hetta just cannot seem to avoid. She is learning to pilot her yacht alone and never ceases to amaze with what she can master.
Profile Image for Donna K.
235 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2017
Good book

I liked the book, concept, and characters but there were some grammer errors that made me re-read section to make sense. Over all great idea for a book. This is the 3rd book in the series I have read. On to book 4
Profile Image for Pamela .
839 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2018
In this installment of “Just Add….”, Hetta finds herself in hot water again while in Mexico. Kidnapping, illegal border crossings, a menagerie of critters and some nasty drug smugglers make for an interesting tale.
1 review
April 23, 2019
Jetta Coffey

This is a very well written and entertaining series of books. Very interesting and relatable characters and interactions. This is the second time I have read this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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