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Cue Ball Mysteries #3
Three Odd Balls
A romantic vacation for…five? This wasn’t exactly what Jessie and Wilson had in mind when they planned their trip to the tropics. But the fun begins when Jessie’s delightfully spry mother, Wilson’s surfer dude son, and Jessie’s rabidly hyperactive New York agent decide to tag along. But what kind of trouble can these three oddest of odd balls possibly get into? Take a guess.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 2, 2018
Jessie Hewitt decides to go to Hawaii with her boyfriend, Wilson, to get the atmosphere and begin her next romance novel. What started out as a little getaway for the two of them ends up with a trip with "three odd balls", her agent, her mother and Wilson's son. The bartender at the retreat is murdered and they are on the trail of discovering the murderer. Humorous, especially on audio with the agent's constant "fantastical". There is also a bird, Bebee. Enjoyable and recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
February 13, 2016
This was such an enjoyable read!
This series is shaping up to be a favorite. I can't get enough of Jessie and her group. The murder mysteries might be simplistic, but the stories are just so FUN, leaving me reading even the most far-fetched plot twists with a grin on my face. The scenery in this book was certainly lush, and the characters quite entertaining. I give it four stars for my silly grin!
This series is shaping up to be a favorite. I can't get enough of Jessie and her group. The murder mysteries might be simplistic, but the stories are just so FUN, leaving me reading even the most far-fetched plot twists with a grin on my face. The scenery in this book was certainly lush, and the characters quite entertaining. I give it four stars for my silly grin!
January 21, 2018
THREE ODD BALLS
A Cue Ball Mystery
Cindy Blackburn
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
I keep on coming back to Blackburn's novels because they are fun to read with an underlying theme of mystery that may or may not be easy to unravel. The characters are well defined and compliment Jessie, author, and amateur sleuth.
In this book, the bartender of enticing pink drinks is found dead in Jessie's mother's Hawaiian vacation bedroom. How Jessie's close inner group gets to Hawaii and the antics that follow are hilarious.
Everyone in Jessie's group gets involved with an original investigation which does not go along with the Official Police conclusions which are that one of her tourists committed the crime.
The events leading to solving the crime are funny, and near the end, deadly. As in all of the Blackburn's stories, Jessie is the center of an unusual conclusion that is exciting.
I think this is my fifth of the Cue Ball Mysteries. I'll be back for more fun.
A Cue Ball Mystery
Cindy Blackburn
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
I keep on coming back to Blackburn's novels because they are fun to read with an underlying theme of mystery that may or may not be easy to unravel. The characters are well defined and compliment Jessie, author, and amateur sleuth.
In this book, the bartender of enticing pink drinks is found dead in Jessie's mother's Hawaiian vacation bedroom. How Jessie's close inner group gets to Hawaii and the antics that follow are hilarious.
Everyone in Jessie's group gets involved with an original investigation which does not go along with the Official Police conclusions which are that one of her tourists committed the crime.
The events leading to solving the crime are funny, and near the end, deadly. As in all of the Blackburn's stories, Jessie is the center of an unusual conclusion that is exciting.
I think this is my fifth of the Cue Ball Mysteries. I'll be back for more fun.
June 6, 2023
Mindless entertainment, good enough to finish, but not particularly memorable.
August 19, 2014
GUEST REVIEW FOR EARGASMS - BY KIMBERLY HOLGATE
Jessica (Jessie) Hewitt AKA Adele Nightingale and her Beau Captain Wilson Rye have planed a Christmas get away to Hawaii thanks to the ill gotten gains from the last murder, that surprisingly she was aloud to keep. But there plans are quickly interrupted by the addition of three to there party Jessie's mother Tessie and her agent Louise as well as Wilson's son Chris. Wakilulani Garden the hotel the group is staying at is the setting of most of the book.
On there first night there the Bartender stumbles into Tessie's room, where a shirtless Chris is also visiting, and dies. Unlike the other books the islands police officer is inept and only ever arrests tourists for crimes so as the lone guests at the Gardens, minus two annoying ukulele players, he tries to pin it on Chris and Wilson regardless of more obvious suspects. So off Jessie and Wilson go to investigate some humor ensues when Tessie and Louise also go off to investigate unfortunately the story is in Jessie's point of view not Tessie's which in my opinion would of made for a better story.
Pool really isn't a big part of this book they do learn how to surf though. Chris spends most of the book not there but when he is all his time is spent being rude to Jessie with not a word from Wilson on his behavior and worst than that not a word from Jessie. At least now we don't have to listen to Jessie wine about her age because Chris is doing it for her. Jessie dose have other things to bemoan though starting with wanting to know all Wilson's deep dark secrets and her apparent, although this is the first time we heard about it, fear of insects as well as harassing Wilson on his choice of shirts.
I had so many problems with the plot i really don't know where to start and at the end there were still unanswered questions. Like the first book you are not given enough information to actually solve the crime and even when the killer is unmasked you still don't understand the reasoning of the killer. The atrocity that is Adele Nightingails story's continues threw out the book but when put next to the rest of the story don't seam so bad. The story is still humorous and the closed door action between Jessie and Wilson still continues but overall the story was a disappointment.
The book is again Narrated by Caroline Miller which was the only saving grace. She makes it easy to differentiate characters and i liked that she didn't try to use a males voice just her own in a different tone. She doesn't read excessively fast so its easy to listen to in 3X speed and still understand.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica (Jessie) Hewitt AKA Adele Nightingale and her Beau Captain Wilson Rye have planed a Christmas get away to Hawaii thanks to the ill gotten gains from the last murder, that surprisingly she was aloud to keep. But there plans are quickly interrupted by the addition of three to there party Jessie's mother Tessie and her agent Louise as well as Wilson's son Chris. Wakilulani Garden the hotel the group is staying at is the setting of most of the book.
On there first night there the Bartender stumbles into Tessie's room, where a shirtless Chris is also visiting, and dies. Unlike the other books the islands police officer is inept and only ever arrests tourists for crimes so as the lone guests at the Gardens, minus two annoying ukulele players, he tries to pin it on Chris and Wilson regardless of more obvious suspects. So off Jessie and Wilson go to investigate some humor ensues when Tessie and Louise also go off to investigate unfortunately the story is in Jessie's point of view not Tessie's which in my opinion would of made for a better story.
Pool really isn't a big part of this book they do learn how to surf though. Chris spends most of the book not there but when he is all his time is spent being rude to Jessie with not a word from Wilson on his behavior and worst than that not a word from Jessie. At least now we don't have to listen to Jessie wine about her age because Chris is doing it for her. Jessie dose have other things to bemoan though starting with wanting to know all Wilson's deep dark secrets and her apparent, although this is the first time we heard about it, fear of insects as well as harassing Wilson on his choice of shirts.
I had so many problems with the plot i really don't know where to start and at the end there were still unanswered questions. Like the first book you are not given enough information to actually solve the crime and even when the killer is unmasked you still don't understand the reasoning of the killer. The atrocity that is Adele Nightingails story's continues threw out the book but when put next to the rest of the story don't seam so bad. The story is still humorous and the closed door action between Jessie and Wilson still continues but overall the story was a disappointment.
The book is again Narrated by Caroline Miller which was the only saving grace. She makes it easy to differentiate characters and i liked that she didn't try to use a males voice just her own in a different tone. She doesn't read excessively fast so its easy to listen to in 3X speed and still understand.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2017
Romance author, Jessica Hewitt is going on vacation with her boyfriend, Detective Wilson Rye. But before they can leave for Hawaii, they have three others joining them. First, Jessie's hyper publisher, Louise, invites herself along, then Jessie asks her 82-year-old mother, Tessie, to join them so that she won't be alone for Christmas. Then, Wilson's son, Chris, has his Christmas plans fall through, so Wilson invites him, too. So much for a relaxing vacation for 2.
When there is a murder, relax is the last thing they are going to do. The Hawaiian police are handling the investigation, but not very well. The officer always blames tourists for any crimes that happen on the island so he is sure Chris is the killer. Since Wilson is out of his jurisdiction, he can't investigate. But, Jessie is a really good amateur sleuth and shows him how it's done. They have to figure out who the killer was before Chris is arrested.
This is a terrific mystery with wonderful characters. Tessie was so cute when she was learning how to "hang ten". She was determined to help with the "sleuthing" and was pretty good at it. It was surprising to see Tessie and Louise become so friendly. What a pair! They shouldn't have been left alone. It was hysterical when Tessie was driving (like a speed demon), then let Louise drive. The problem was that Louise didn't know how to drive. Then there was Chris. He was quite nasty to Jessie. He thought very badly of her and rarely spoke to her. I loved Jessie! Not only is she a romance writer but also a pool shark. She actually put herself through college playing pool. She is THAT good. How Wilson kept his patience with everyone is a mystery in itself. What a wonderful man.
This is a fun mystery with some surprising twists. If you want a humorous cozy mystery that will keep you wondering whodunit, this is the book for you.
When there is a murder, relax is the last thing they are going to do. The Hawaiian police are handling the investigation, but not very well. The officer always blames tourists for any crimes that happen on the island so he is sure Chris is the killer. Since Wilson is out of his jurisdiction, he can't investigate. But, Jessie is a really good amateur sleuth and shows him how it's done. They have to figure out who the killer was before Chris is arrested.
This is a terrific mystery with wonderful characters. Tessie was so cute when she was learning how to "hang ten". She was determined to help with the "sleuthing" and was pretty good at it. It was surprising to see Tessie and Louise become so friendly. What a pair! They shouldn't have been left alone. It was hysterical when Tessie was driving (like a speed demon), then let Louise drive. The problem was that Louise didn't know how to drive. Then there was Chris. He was quite nasty to Jessie. He thought very badly of her and rarely spoke to her. I loved Jessie! Not only is she a romance writer but also a pool shark. She actually put herself through college playing pool. She is THAT good. How Wilson kept his patience with everyone is a mystery in itself. What a wonderful man.
This is a fun mystery with some surprising twists. If you want a humorous cozy mystery that will keep you wondering whodunit, this is the book for you.
April 22, 2018
Romance author, Jessica Hewitt is going on vacation with her boyfriend, Detective Wilson Rye. But before they can leave for Hawaii, they have three others joining them. First, Jessie's hyper publisher, Louise, invites herself along, then Jessie asks her 82-year-old mother, Tessie, to join them so that she won't be alone for Christmas. Then, Wilson's son, Chris, has his Christmas plans fall through, so Wilson invites him, too. So much for a relaxing vacation for 2.
When there is a murder, relax is the last thing they are going to do. The Hawaiian police are handling the investigation, but not very well. The officer always blames tourists for any crimes that happen on the island so he is sure Chris is the killer. Since Wilson is out of his jurisdiction, he can't investigate. But, Jessie is a really good amateur sleuth and shows him how it's done. They have to figure out who the killer was before Chris is arrested.
This is a terrific mystery with wonderful characters. Tessie was so cute when she was learning how to "hang ten". She was determined to help with the "sleuthing" and was pretty good at it. It was surprising to see Tessie and Louise become so friendly. What a pair! They shouldn't have been left alone. It was hysterical when Tessie was driving (like a speed demon), then let Louise drive. The problem was that Louise didn't know how to drive. Then there was Chris. He was quite nasty to Jessie. He thought very badly of her and rarely spoke to her. I loved Jessie! Not only is she a romance writer but also a pool shark. She actually put herself through college playing pool. She is THAT good. How Wilson kept his patience with everyone is a mystery in itself. What a wonderful man.
This is a fun mystery with some surprising twists. If you want a humorous cozy mystery that will keep you wondering whodunit, this is the book for you.
When there is a murder, relax is the last thing they are going to do. The Hawaiian police are handling the investigation, but not very well. The officer always blames tourists for any crimes that happen on the island so he is sure Chris is the killer. Since Wilson is out of his jurisdiction, he can't investigate. But, Jessie is a really good amateur sleuth and shows him how it's done. They have to figure out who the killer was before Chris is arrested.
This is a terrific mystery with wonderful characters. Tessie was so cute when she was learning how to "hang ten". She was determined to help with the "sleuthing" and was pretty good at it. It was surprising to see Tessie and Louise become so friendly. What a pair! They shouldn't have been left alone. It was hysterical when Tessie was driving (like a speed demon), then let Louise drive. The problem was that Louise didn't know how to drive. Then there was Chris. He was quite nasty to Jessie. He thought very badly of her and rarely spoke to her. I loved Jessie! Not only is she a romance writer but also a pool shark. She actually put herself through college playing pool. She is THAT good. How Wilson kept his patience with everyone is a mystery in itself. What a wonderful man.
This is a fun mystery with some surprising twists. If you want a humorous cozy mystery that will keep you wondering whodunit, this is the book for you.
July 30, 2017
In Book Three of the Cozy Cue Ball Mysteries series, we find Jessie telling her publisher about an upcoming Holiday Vacation in Hawaii. Somehow, the fantabulous Geez Louise (the publisher) manages to invite herself along for the holiday using the excuse about doing research and giving suggestions for the latest book that Jessie (aka Adele Nightingale) is writing. The next thing she knows, not only is her mother also joining them, but also her boyfriend's eighteen yr old son. Amazingly, they all manage to find rooms at the same resort.
The resort is somewhat deserted compared to the other nearby hotels and resorts, and it seems that they pretty much have the place to themselves. The first night, however, the bartender ends up with a knife stuck in him in Jessie's mother's room. The local PD are keen on pinning this on a tourist. The chef goes missing, and not soon after the resort's pet parrot also goes missing.
Wilson (Jessie's boyfriend) is out of his jurisdiction, but this does not stop everyone from trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle to solve the murders.
It's a quick, easy read and of course, the characters of the story will bring a smile to your face.
The resort is somewhat deserted compared to the other nearby hotels and resorts, and it seems that they pretty much have the place to themselves. The first night, however, the bartender ends up with a knife stuck in him in Jessie's mother's room. The local PD are keen on pinning this on a tourist. The chef goes missing, and not soon after the resort's pet parrot also goes missing.
Wilson (Jessie's boyfriend) is out of his jurisdiction, but this does not stop everyone from trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle to solve the murders.
It's a quick, easy read and of course, the characters of the story will bring a smile to your face.
July 6, 2020
3
Another quick and fun read. However, the beginning was a bit strange with how Jessie kept referring her to her mother as 'Tessie' even in her head, but stuck with 'Mother' later on. It is also difficult to picture any of the characters as their age (Tessie is supposed to be 85, but she is learning to surf and acting like a teenager??).
Another quick and fun read. However, the beginning was a bit strange with how Jessie kept referring her to her mother as 'Tessie' even in her head, but stuck with 'Mother' later on. It is also difficult to picture any of the characters as their age (Tessie is supposed to be 85, but she is learning to surf and acting like a teenager??).
February 12, 2017
Great next adventure
I really enjoy the antics from Jessie and all the characters, including her mom. This was a story of what was two people going on a vacation that morphed into five with a murder thrown in.
I really enjoy the antics from Jessie and all the characters, including her mom. This was a story of what was two people going on a vacation that morphed into five with a murder thrown in.
January 3, 2019
Great fun!
A cozy murder mystery in the style of a screwball romantic comedy, evocative of classic films of the 1940s. As improbable as it is entertaining, I can’t put this series down—an utter delight!
A cozy murder mystery in the style of a screwball romantic comedy, evocative of classic films of the 1940s. As improbable as it is entertaining, I can’t put this series down—an utter delight!
May 7, 2019
I actually bought this one because I enjoyed the first two so much. I will probably buy more.
July 28, 2019
NOT fantastical!
March 6, 2021
Fun read. I was very entertained by this book.
July 31, 2014
Jessica (Jessie) Hewitt AKA Adele Nightingale and her Beau Captain Wilson Rye have planed a Christmas get away to Hawaii thanks to the ill gotten gains from the last murder, that surprisingly she was aloud to keep. But there plans are quickly interrupted by the addition of three to there party Jessie's mother Tessie and her agent Louise as well as Wilson's son Chris. Wakilulani Garden the hotel the group is staying at is the setting of most of the book.
On there first night there the Bartender stumbles into Tessie's room, where a shirtless Chris is also visiting, and dies. Unlike the other books the islands police officer is inept and only ever arrests tourists for crimes so as the lone guests at the Gardens, minus two annoying ukulele players, he tries to pin it on Chris and Wilson regardless of more obvious suspects. So off Jessie and Wilson go to investigate some humor ensues when Tessie and Louise also go off to investigate unfortunately the story is in Jessie's point of view not Tessie's which in my opinion would of made for a better story.
Pool really isn't a big part of this book they do learn how to surf though. Chris spends most of the book not there but when he is all his time is spent being rude to Jessie with not a word from Wilson on his behavior and worst than that not a word from Jessie. At least now we don't have to listen to Jessie wine about her age because Chris is doing it for her. Jessie dose have other things to bemoan though starting with wanting to know all Wilson's deep dark secrets and her apparent, although this is the first time we heard about it, fear of insects as well as harassing Wilson on his choice of shirts.
I had so many problems with the plot i really don't know where to start and at the end there were still unanswered questions. Like the first book you are not given enough information to actually solve the crime and even when the killer is unmasked you still don't understand the reasoning of the killer. The atrocity that is Adele Nightingails story's continues threw out the book but when put next to the rest of the story don't seam so bad. The story is still humorous and the closed door action between Jessie and Wilson still continues but overall the story was a disappointment.
The book is again Narrated by Caroline Miller which was the only saving grace. She makes it easy to differentiate characters and i liked that she didn't try to use a males voice just her own in a different tone. She doesn't read excessively fast so its easy to listen to in 3X speed and still understand.
On there first night there the Bartender stumbles into Tessie's room, where a shirtless Chris is also visiting, and dies. Unlike the other books the islands police officer is inept and only ever arrests tourists for crimes so as the lone guests at the Gardens, minus two annoying ukulele players, he tries to pin it on Chris and Wilson regardless of more obvious suspects. So off Jessie and Wilson go to investigate some humor ensues when Tessie and Louise also go off to investigate unfortunately the story is in Jessie's point of view not Tessie's which in my opinion would of made for a better story.
Pool really isn't a big part of this book they do learn how to surf though. Chris spends most of the book not there but when he is all his time is spent being rude to Jessie with not a word from Wilson on his behavior and worst than that not a word from Jessie. At least now we don't have to listen to Jessie wine about her age because Chris is doing it for her. Jessie dose have other things to bemoan though starting with wanting to know all Wilson's deep dark secrets and her apparent, although this is the first time we heard about it, fear of insects as well as harassing Wilson on his choice of shirts.
I had so many problems with the plot i really don't know where to start and at the end there were still unanswered questions. Like the first book you are not given enough information to actually solve the crime and even when the killer is unmasked you still don't understand the reasoning of the killer. The atrocity that is Adele Nightingails story's continues threw out the book but when put next to the rest of the story don't seam so bad. The story is still humorous and the closed door action between Jessie and Wilson still continues but overall the story was a disappointment.
The book is again Narrated by Caroline Miller which was the only saving grace. She makes it easy to differentiate characters and i liked that she didn't try to use a males voice just her own in a different tone. She doesn't read excessively fast so its easy to listen to in 3X speed and still understand.
January 17, 2016
Jessie Hewitt, successful romance writer by day, pool shark by night, and mystery-solver when the need arises, is going on a romantic Hawaiian vacation with her copy boyfriend Wilson Rye during the Christmas holidays. Crazy circumstances have them bringing her elderly mother, her annoying hyperactive New York book agent, and his hostile son along for the ride.
While at the resort, Wilson’s son, Chris, becomes Suspect No. 1 in a murder, and her mother, Suspect No. 2. The local police officer is known for blaming everything on “the tourists”, so Chris is a likely target. Jessie isn’t too sure about Chris, but she knows her mother is the last person on earth to kill anyone. Jessie has helped Wilson solve other crimes, so steps in to get Chris and her mother out of trouble.
This was a light, easy, fun read. I could have done without Jessie’s agent, “Geez Louise” being along for the ride. She’s loud, rude, self-centered and abrasive. And! She! Speaks! In! Exclamation! Points! In fact, I was kind of hoping she was the killer so she could go away permanently. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone else, however.
I have always liked Jessie; she’s in my age group and is someone I could see hanging out with. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Wilson progress. Their dialogue makes me laugh out loud. I also like the running gags between them. I even liked the in-between chapters, where Jessie’s alter ego, author Adele Nightingale works out the details of her romance novels. In most books, I tend to page past stuff like this, but Adele’s writing is pretty entertaining.
This is the third in the Cue Ball series. You could read them out of order, but I think they are better read in order.
While at the resort, Wilson’s son, Chris, becomes Suspect No. 1 in a murder, and her mother, Suspect No. 2. The local police officer is known for blaming everything on “the tourists”, so Chris is a likely target. Jessie isn’t too sure about Chris, but she knows her mother is the last person on earth to kill anyone. Jessie has helped Wilson solve other crimes, so steps in to get Chris and her mother out of trouble.
This was a light, easy, fun read. I could have done without Jessie’s agent, “Geez Louise” being along for the ride. She’s loud, rude, self-centered and abrasive. And! She! Speaks! In! Exclamation! Points! In fact, I was kind of hoping she was the killer so she could go away permanently. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone else, however.
I have always liked Jessie; she’s in my age group and is someone I could see hanging out with. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Wilson progress. Their dialogue makes me laugh out loud. I also like the running gags between them. I even liked the in-between chapters, where Jessie’s alter ego, author Adele Nightingale works out the details of her romance novels. In most books, I tend to page past stuff like this, but Adele’s writing is pretty entertaining.
This is the third in the Cue Ball series. You could read them out of order, but I think they are better read in order.
May 14, 2013
I can summarize my feelings about this third novel in the Cue Ball Mystery series as "Fantastical, Fantastical, Fantastical!" With about another hundred ones thrown in for good measure.
I laughed from page one until the very end and then realized that there isn't a fourth book out yet. I will continue to search the booksellers until one gets published, not to mention, books five, six and well you get the idea.
Romance Fiction writer (and boy is she,) Jessica just wants to go on vacation with her love interest, in real life, Detective Wilson Rye to Hawaii. Plans immediately go astray with the addition of three odd balls that get added to the trip, Geez Louise, Jesse's agent, Tessie, Jesse's 82yr old Mother, and Christopher Rye, Wilson's Son who up to now has refused to meet Jesse. If you think this is going to slow the couple down, think again.
When a murder occurs at the almost empty hotel that early (2:15am) night, all are brought into the investigation with hilarious results. There are suspenseful times, there are shocking crimes, there are missing chefs and more, but what was the highlight to me, was the humor running throughout the novel.
So, I suggest you sit back with one of the 'pink drinks, also known as a Pele's Melee complete with gold umbrella,' and relax with a lovely pupu platter and settle in for a non-stop reading session. I couldn't put the book down. Enjoy!
I laughed from page one until the very end and then realized that there isn't a fourth book out yet. I will continue to search the booksellers until one gets published, not to mention, books five, six and well you get the idea.
Romance Fiction writer (and boy is she,) Jessica just wants to go on vacation with her love interest, in real life, Detective Wilson Rye to Hawaii. Plans immediately go astray with the addition of three odd balls that get added to the trip, Geez Louise, Jesse's agent, Tessie, Jesse's 82yr old Mother, and Christopher Rye, Wilson's Son who up to now has refused to meet Jesse. If you think this is going to slow the couple down, think again.
When a murder occurs at the almost empty hotel that early (2:15am) night, all are brought into the investigation with hilarious results. There are suspenseful times, there are shocking crimes, there are missing chefs and more, but what was the highlight to me, was the humor running throughout the novel.
So, I suggest you sit back with one of the 'pink drinks, also known as a Pele's Melee complete with gold umbrella,' and relax with a lovely pupu platter and settle in for a non-stop reading session. I couldn't put the book down. Enjoy!
July 22, 2014
Another funny hit!
1st let me say I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. If you get a chance to try an audiobook, go for it as it makes the story even better, along with accents , excitement & proper pronunciations. It's like listening to a movie!
This is book 3 to this series. The setting is Christmas time. Jessica & Wilson are going to the tropics for some alone time. However things don't work out as planned and Jessica's hyper editor Geeze Louise, Jessica's Mom Tess & Wilson's surfing son tag along to Hawaii with them.
While vacationing, a murder happens & they are the suspects. My favorite character is Beebee the talking parrot! While this book & series is cozy mysteries, there is loads of comedy in them too! Each book in the Cue series had lots of tongue twisters & loads of fun. I really enjoyed the 1st 3 books so far & going to read book 4 next. The farther into the series I get, the more fun I find in them as I can relate to the characters! The author, Cindy Blackburn doesn't disappoint! The narrator, Caroline Miller does one heck of a bang up job reading these books too! Listening to her tell these stories just makes them so much more exciting & fun! Kudos to both of these ladies for a great job!!!
1st let me say I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. If you get a chance to try an audiobook, go for it as it makes the story even better, along with accents , excitement & proper pronunciations. It's like listening to a movie!
This is book 3 to this series. The setting is Christmas time. Jessica & Wilson are going to the tropics for some alone time. However things don't work out as planned and Jessica's hyper editor Geeze Louise, Jessica's Mom Tess & Wilson's surfing son tag along to Hawaii with them.
While vacationing, a murder happens & they are the suspects. My favorite character is Beebee the talking parrot! While this book & series is cozy mysteries, there is loads of comedy in them too! Each book in the Cue series had lots of tongue twisters & loads of fun. I really enjoyed the 1st 3 books so far & going to read book 4 next. The farther into the series I get, the more fun I find in them as I can relate to the characters! The author, Cindy Blackburn doesn't disappoint! The narrator, Caroline Miller does one heck of a bang up job reading these books too! Listening to her tell these stories just makes them so much more exciting & fun! Kudos to both of these ladies for a great job!!!
January 6, 2013
Three Odd Balls by Cindy Blackburn was an absolute delight.
When romance writer Jessie Hewitt, who writes as Adele Nightingale, plans a romantic getaway Christmas to Hawaii with her love interest, Wilson Rye, things don’t go so well. Her outrageous agent, her aging mother and Wilson’s son (who doesn’t care for Jessie) decide to tag along.
It’s not very long until they discover a murder at the hotel where they’re staying, and the only witness may be a parrot named Bee Bee, while the main suspect is Wilson’s son, Chris. Jessie and the gang make it their job to find the killer to clear Chris, and to keep the local police from arresting all of them. They also need to find the one witness, Bee Bee, who’s apparently been birdnapped.
Interspersed with snippets from her latest romance novel, this story is face-paced and funny. Loved the characters and the storyline and I’ll be reading more by Cindy Blackburn. I highly recommend this story for anyone who wants a good laugh and who wants to get away from it all through a humorous book.
When romance writer Jessie Hewitt, who writes as Adele Nightingale, plans a romantic getaway Christmas to Hawaii with her love interest, Wilson Rye, things don’t go so well. Her outrageous agent, her aging mother and Wilson’s son (who doesn’t care for Jessie) decide to tag along.
It’s not very long until they discover a murder at the hotel where they’re staying, and the only witness may be a parrot named Bee Bee, while the main suspect is Wilson’s son, Chris. Jessie and the gang make it their job to find the killer to clear Chris, and to keep the local police from arresting all of them. They also need to find the one witness, Bee Bee, who’s apparently been birdnapped.
Interspersed with snippets from her latest romance novel, this story is face-paced and funny. Loved the characters and the storyline and I’ll be reading more by Cindy Blackburn. I highly recommend this story for anyone who wants a good laugh and who wants to get away from it all through a humorous book.
September 21, 2014
I took a break between book 2 and 3. I didn't realize how much I missed these characters until I hit play on this book! This time Jessie and Wilson take a vacation to Hawaii where Jessie is going to do some research for her new book. Jessie's Mom, her agent and Wilson's son all tag along on the trip. Shortly after they get there, the bartender ends up dead in Tessie's (Jessie's Mom) room. Even though Wilson is out of his jurisdiction, they all work together to find the killer. All while trying to not get arrested since the local police officer wants to pin it on a tourist.
Caroline did another awesome job with narrating this book! I love her voice and all of the character's voices all sound the same between books!!
This is another fun and easy book to listen to! I'm looking forward to the fourth book!
Caroline did another awesome job with narrating this book! I love her voice and all of the character's voices all sound the same between books!!
This is another fun and easy book to listen to! I'm looking forward to the fourth book!
April 5, 2016
I'm a big fan of this series. Jessie, Wilson and Tessie are great characters that are really engaging. This addition finally introduces us to Wilson's son, Chris, and Jessie's agent Louise who all end up in Hawaii for Christmas. I loved the interplay between the characters and the humour the series is known for is there in spades. My only gripe was Louise. I know the character was supposed to hyper-energetic but she came across as seriously annoying. There were several points along the journey where I wondered if she was brought into the book to be a victim of our killer. Also, if I never read the word Fantastical again that will be fantastical by me. All in all though I really did like this addition to the series, and I've still got 2 more to read.
May 12, 2013
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so I was dreadfully disappointed to discover that book three had degenerated into one of Jessie's bodice rippers. The plot is ridiculous and, appropriately, there are two loathesome characters, but they are not the villains. They are Jessie's ghastly agent, Louise, and Wilson's obnoxious son, Chris. Chris is consistently rude to Jessie and his father, Jessie's "beau", Wilson, passes no comment on this. Any other woman would have dumped Wilson and son and flown home from their so-called holiday in Hawaii after 24 hours. Yet our heroine is allegedly a feisty woman! I confess I only finished the book because I had paid for it.
June 7, 2024
Their tropical holiday getaway was nothing like they planned, when Jessie, Wilson and their families attempt Christmas in the tropics. A dead body, a prejudiced local cop, and more suspects than Jessie can shake her cue stick at complicate the heck out of what was supposed to be a relaxing Hawaiian vacation. I love the ever-expanding Hewitt clan, and these holiday hijinks only served to further cement that opinion. We got to dig a little into the mysteries Wilson’s deep, dark secrets and learn a few things about what makes him the man he is. Oh yeah, and there’s the murder mystery they need to solve to clear their good names. I need more of the Hewitts, and I need it NOW!
October 26, 2015
Another great mystery from Cindy Blackburn
Wilson and Jessie plan a relaxing vacation in Hawaii that turns out to be anything but relaxing. Along with the unexpected traveling companions there is murder, kidnapping, and amateur sleuthing, of course. This is a great story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I borrowed this book from the Amazon lending library which is a great feature for those of us that have tight budgets. I didn't have to wait till payday to read this great book.
Wilson and Jessie plan a relaxing vacation in Hawaii that turns out to be anything but relaxing. Along with the unexpected traveling companions there is murder, kidnapping, and amateur sleuthing, of course. This is a great story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I borrowed this book from the Amazon lending library which is a great feature for those of us that have tight budgets. I didn't have to wait till payday to read this great book.
March 3, 2016
I love, love, love this book!
This is the third book in the Cue Ball Mysteries Cozy series. Jessie and her friends and family are very entertaining, endearing characters, as are Jessie's beau and his son. Jessie is a middle-aged romance novelist by trade and an amateur sleuth by necessity. We get to read excerpts of the books she is writing in the story we are reading, which is a refreshing concept by the author, Cindy Blackburn. These books are at most, rated PG, and are just downright fun! I intend to read them all.
This is the third book in the Cue Ball Mysteries Cozy series. Jessie and her friends and family are very entertaining, endearing characters, as are Jessie's beau and his son. Jessie is a middle-aged romance novelist by trade and an amateur sleuth by necessity. We get to read excerpts of the books she is writing in the story we are reading, which is a refreshing concept by the author, Cindy Blackburn. These books are at most, rated PG, and are just downright fun! I intend to read them all.
September 28, 2016
A funny cozy mystery set on a Hawaiian vacation with murder, a talkative parrot named Bee Bee, and a local cop who assumes all local murders are committed by tourists! Along for the ride with Jessie and her hunky cop Wilson are Jessie's very spry lovable mother, Jessie's loud talking NY book agent whose favorite word is "fantastical", and Wilson's disapproving surfing college aged son. What's not to love? As usual, there are times you'll want to stop Jesse from acing out her plan, but she can't hear you yelling at your book! Enjoy!
January 26, 2017
Cindy Blackburn knocked this cozy out of the park with her humor and mystery. Jess and her beau, Wilson, just wanted to have some much deserved alone time in beautiful Hawaii for Christmas. Her 80 year old Mom, Tessie, and her book publisher/PR/friend, Louise, somehow get themselves invited. Then Wilson's son, Chris, had his Christmas plans fall through! So the five of them get reservations at a the "Wacky" resort. So much for alone time! Let the pink drinks flow. This by far is the lightest and funniest of the series I've read so far. Great job, Cindy!
April 13, 2013
Three Odd Balls" by Cindy Blackburn was an absolute delight to read. It had all of the ingredients one would expect from a good mystery novel: intriguing plot, fantastic setting and a cast of fascinating and unique characters but it went one step further. It was hilarious! I laughed out loud several times as I read about Jessica Hewitt's vacation to Hawaii with her mother, her literary agent, her significant other and his son. You will NOT want to miss this one!
September 21, 2016
Fun in Hawaii
Jessica and Wilson are going to Hawaii for Christmas. She is going to get inspired for her newest novel.
Next thing you know her Editor Geez Louise, her mother and Wilsons son have all invited themselves on Vacation too.
Next thing there is a dead body and a missing bird. The police are blaming the tourists. It will take everyone to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Jessica and Wilson are going to Hawaii for Christmas. She is going to get inspired for her newest novel.
Next thing you know her Editor Geez Louise, her mother and Wilsons son have all invited themselves on Vacation too.
Next thing there is a dead body and a missing bird. The police are blaming the tourists. It will take everyone to get to the bottom of this mystery.
July 14, 2015
This is pretty good. I was a little put off by the absolute horror that Jessie has for all things outdoors and bugs in particular, but otherwise a good read. the characters are (mostly) familiar, the setting is tropical, and the sleuthing is humorous. Enjoyed it and looking forward to the next in the series...
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