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Banana Bamboozle
After imbibing in one too many Banana Bamboozles at a backyard party, Cassidy Dunne is flabbergasted to recognize one of the partygoers as her teenage niece. When she points out the girl to her longtime best friend, Dan Diehl, he revokes her bar privileges, reminding her that one, she’s blotto, and two, the niece in question died in a tragic house fire as an infant fourteen years earlier.
Nevertheless, Cassidy becomes obsessed with confirming the girl’s identity, regardless of possible disastrous consequences.
Dan has been involved in thirty years of Cassidy’s bad ideas, but gets sidetracked by an accusation against him with the potential to destroy both his business and his reputation. Cassidy must handle this one alone.
Well, almost alone. Every problem in her life is accompanied — and medicated — by her secret stash of candy. Run-ins with an old high school nemesis. Booty calls with her ex-husband. Her first date in Justin Bieber’s lifetime. Shapeware. All tamed with a candy bar. Or three.
But all the chocolate in the world can’t help her figure out this puzzle. If she’s not prudent, she could ruin several lives.
And Cassidy isn’t prudent.
Nevertheless, Cassidy becomes obsessed with confirming the girl’s identity, regardless of possible disastrous consequences.
Dan has been involved in thirty years of Cassidy’s bad ideas, but gets sidetracked by an accusation against him with the potential to destroy both his business and his reputation. Cassidy must handle this one alone.
Well, almost alone. Every problem in her life is accompanied — and medicated — by her secret stash of candy. Run-ins with an old high school nemesis. Booty calls with her ex-husband. Her first date in Justin Bieber’s lifetime. Shapeware. All tamed with a candy bar. Or three.
But all the chocolate in the world can’t help her figure out this puzzle. If she’s not prudent, she could ruin several lives.
And Cassidy isn’t prudent.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
286 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
19 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Becky Clark
27 books301 followersBecky Clark is the seventh of eight kids, which explains both her insatiable need for attention and her atrocious table manners. She likes to read funny books so it felt natural to write them too. She surrounds herself with quirky people and pets who end up as characters in her books. Her stout-hearted dog keeps her safe from menacing squirrels, leaves, and deer, but not plastic bags. Those things are terrifying.
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 4, 2023
This is a novel that is impossible to take seriously, despite being a mystery. Sure, there are some silly moments that make you think that you’re reading a romantic comedy without the romance. However, I hated the main character, Cassidy. How can anyone be friends with someone who is constantly putting your business at risk with her irresponsible choices. Listen, I have no problem if you want to live a specific lifestyle, go do you, boo. CAVEAT TIME: As long as it doesn’t affect those around you, your family, and circle of friends. Cassidy is just a selfish person, and to do what she does, despite how it affects those around her is inexcusable. So, no I didn’t like this story. Dan is an amazing man and the fact that he still chooses to keep Cassidy as a friend demonstrates how good he is. Above everything else, his work with at-risk youth is wonderful. Just not a fan of the book, and a just OK rating because of Dan, but if I dwell on Cassidy, I will never read this again. A mystery without much mystery is no mystery.
March 15, 2014
A laugh-out-loud book with a drink recipe and quite possibly the best "Book Club Discussion Questions" at the end that have ever been written. Tightly plotted, well-paced, loved the two main characters. It's nice to have a mystery where the small town isn't populated by characters so eccentric you can't help wondering about inbreeding. But no inbreeding here! Just a fascinating plot that will pull you along while you're laughing out loud at Cassidy's antics and her inner dialogue.
I want another Dunne Diehl novel!
I want another Dunne Diehl novel!
August 14, 2016
I have to say that Banana Bamboozle made me laugh out-loud at the unusual disclaimer, then off and on throughout the book. Good thing I was exercising alone while reading the book, or people would have thought I was crazy.
The book is well-written, humor laced with engaging characters. Cassidy, one of the main characters, doesn’t think before she acts and as a result, finds herself in often embarrassing and sometimes hilarious situations of her own making. Yet, she believes all things are made better with a candy bar. Dan is a good friend, but try as he might, he can’t seem to keep her out of trouble. Then again, he has his own troubling situation to straighten out, only this one is not of his own making.
It’s a quick, entertaining read, that will leave a smile on your face.
Tena
The book is well-written, humor laced with engaging characters. Cassidy, one of the main characters, doesn’t think before she acts and as a result, finds herself in often embarrassing and sometimes hilarious situations of her own making. Yet, she believes all things are made better with a candy bar. Dan is a good friend, but try as he might, he can’t seem to keep her out of trouble. Then again, he has his own troubling situation to straighten out, only this one is not of his own making.
It’s a quick, entertaining read, that will leave a smile on your face.
Tena
April 7, 2014
Banana Bamboozle is a great beach book—funny and entertaining. This is the perfect novel to enjoy on the airplane, at the beach, or when relaxing in your home with a cocktail. Cassidy Dunne is a quirky character that anyone can relate to. Dan Diehl has a soft side that may get him into trouble. Clark has crafted a story that will pull you in and keep you rooting for the Dunne Diehl team, right up to the end.
January 31, 2014
This book was hilarious from start to finish! But the added bonus was this well written story that included mystery, romance and human compassion. A great quick read!
May 4, 2014
Loved it, even though I had the plot figured out halfway through the book. Very funny a quick read
May 31, 2014
A quick fun read that has laugh out loud moments. Looking forward to Cassie and Dan's next adventures!!
May 27, 2019
I liked it!
A hilarious new cozy. The story was full of adventure and quirky characters. A very good plot and subplots. Small town life long friends supporting each other to help solve mysteries.
A hilarious new cozy. The story was full of adventure and quirky characters. A very good plot and subplots. Small town life long friends supporting each other to help solve mysteries.
October 14, 2022
Fun cozy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2014
What a fun romp with a quirky cast of characters. I want to hand out with Cassidy and Dan, maybe knock back a few Banana Bamboozles and tear into the Earthquake Kit. It’s fun to read about characters who don’t have all the answers and are feeling their way through life like the rest of us. But Cassidy and Dan do it with such humor and flair it’ll keep you laughing all the way through.
November 13, 2016
Wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I LOVED it! Reminded me a bit of Janet Evanovich, with kooky characters that make you laugh and you really get to know them, great character development. The book had a great storyline and yet not too serious for a mystery. I enjoyed it so much I had to immediately read the next one!
July 14, 2015
This was FUNNY! My husband couldn't understand what I was laughing about... A good mystery and a handful of really quirky characters who kept me in stitches and highly entertained! I will read more of this author's work!
September 23, 2015
Good read
Mostly funny, with a sad background. People with a lot of problems doing their best to make do with what life has dealt them, and find happiness by being friends and helping each other along the way. Dan and Cassidy rock!
Mostly funny, with a sad background. People with a lot of problems doing their best to make do with what life has dealt them, and find happiness by being friends and helping each other along the way. Dan and Cassidy rock!
October 7, 2017
What a fun book. This reminded me of Janet Evanovich and was just as funny. This book is a two-for-one mystery with our heroine Cassie persuing the possibility that her supposedly dead niece is still alive and her friend Dan tracking down a thief so he doesn't take the fall.
Cassie and Dan were charming characters--self-deprecating without being pathetic and their friendship seemed genuine. Loved the Pino Point setting in California. The author has a fantastic knack for hilarious similes and many scenes (like the Miss Miracle bathroom one) had me laughing out loud.
If you like your mysteries light and frothy as a summer cocktail, look no further.
Cassie and Dan were charming characters--self-deprecating without being pathetic and their friendship seemed genuine. Loved the Pino Point setting in California. The author has a fantastic knack for hilarious similes and many scenes (like the Miss Miracle bathroom one) had me laughing out loud.
If you like your mysteries light and frothy as a summer cocktail, look no further.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews