Another body on the beach? Lola just wants to sell antiquities with her telepathic cat instead of decrypting the blood-stained karma message.
Putting her traumatic past behind her, Lola has finally found tranquility running her aunt’s antique shop with her sassy telepathic cat Jade and new detective boyfriend Marco at her side.
However, when a local Casanova turns up dead on the beach, Lola is determined not to get involved in the murder investigation that ensues.
But then an ominous message appears in blood-red lipstick- Karma is waiting for you - but isn’t the Karmaic Killer already jailed?
She thought so...until a second body hints that another serial killer may be on the island but the police refuse help.
It seems someone with a twisted thirst for revenge is targeting Lola next and the sleazy reporter looks good for it. With cryptic clues piling up and the body count rising, she has no choice but to find out who is leaving these messages.
They say friendships never die, but will long-buried secrets rise up to haunt her and bury her for good? Lola is in a race against time to catch the mystery murderer who knows her cat has the answers to save her life.
Friends to Die For has so many friends that I was struggling to keep them straight. Lucy has a cafe. Marie gives historical tours. Sasha, Cristina, Andie, Brandon, Charles, Marco, Lola, Jack, and Jax all play important roles. Jade, Lola’s familiar, is attacked. Messages from Mara Mae show up in the till, on a mirror, on the front door window. Three people are murdered. What is the missing clue? I kept turning the pages trying to figure it out. There are so many red herrings, that you will be hooked. I received an Advanced Reader copy for my honest opinion.
I read this story while traveling from home to San Diego and back again and while I found it unnecessarily wordy at times I think it may have been a choice of the writer as she seemed to write from the characters perspective from time to time. I found it hindered the story somewhat at time, all those words getting in my way of a really superb story. I liked the relationship between the main character and her familiar cat 🐈. But this is merely one person's opinion and not to take away from a fun little read.
I will start by saying that I LOVE the premise for this cozy! It’s a whodunnit murder mystery of sorts amongst a group of friends set in an idyllic island location – a la Agatha Christie. Kicking things off with a tourist walking tour, the author acquaints us with a remote island setting that’s shrouded with mystique, voodoo, and mystery.
The characters are likable and the talking cat’s a hoot!
A few criticisms: While I enjoy the building mystery, I feel that some parts are repetitive and could be edited down, whereas other sections jump so quickly that I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something.
Ok, like take page 65 first example— “Despite [Lola’s] lingering nervousness”…
“Lola exhaled, bolstered simply by his steady presence.”
“Noticing her lingering anxiety…”
“Drawing strength from his radiating composure…” It’s wordy, and this was just ONE page! We get it. Say less. Lola’s frazzled and she feels comfort in Marco’s super strong manly arms.
It also irks me that the reporter’s name, Jack, keeps being thrown around like he’s a good ol’ friend. From the get-go, he’s an adversary, so it just doesn’t feel totally plausible. “The a**hole reporter,” “That jerk who wrote that article,” “nasty press” — I’m no writer, but there must be another way?
The fact that the group of friends is celebrating and “throwing parties” amidst an investigation feels forced and unlikely… especially for Lola’s retired detective boyfriend Marco who has signed up as a consultant for the police. From the moment that the first mirror note was left, you’d think that he or the police would be dusting for prints and installing video surveillance in the least.
Alas, I will let some of my irritations slide, as perhaps it’s info that was dropped in the first book within the series, which I didn’t read.
Circling back to the good, though: The Mystical Origins portions about the cat, Jade, is magnificent! The writing is beautiful and I’d implore the author to write further books about witchcraft and familiars— I’d eat these up! I wish there was more of this included in the book!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’d like to thank the author/publisher and BookSirens for the opportunity to honestly review “Friends To Die For” ahead of its release. It was a fun, quick read that I’d recommend to those that love cozy mysteries. My overall rating is a 3.
On a small island named Jaramillo, which is a tourist attraction, there is a legend of a spirit who is still angry and cursed to wander called the Mara Mae or Bitter Pearl. She lost her first love to her best friend wayyy back when. And apparently she can't rest. Not to mention the Haiku murders of recent past. The island has a lot of gloom and doom to it.😬 Lola Hutchinson and her boyfriend, former detective, Marco Rossi run an antique shop on the island. Jade, a very special and unusual cat shares a psychic bond with Lola. There are flashbacks of the history of Jade that deals with witchcraft and how she came to be on that island and who brought her there. That was interesting. But then... a man's body has been recently found murdered. And then another one.🪦🙀🪦
Marco is pulled back into detective mode again. Lola seems to be at the center of attention with these murders. Or someone very close to her is making it seem that way. Who would do such a thing? A close friend, perhaps?! I didn't read the first book but I didn't feel lost reading this one. Lola has a group of friends that she grew up with. At times it was hard to keep up with all of them and their names.😁 Think of it this way, the cops can't figure out anything, messages from 'Mara Mae' are targeting Lola, and the group of friends are all suspicious and turning on each other faster than the blink of one's eye.👁️ lol Will Marco, Lola, and Jade figure out this murder mystery? The cops seem to not be. And will Lola be able to finally uncover who her enemy or enemies are before it's too late? Check this one out. Happy reading!!🔍🏝️🔍
🐈Thank you for an early book via Bookfunnel. This is my honest critique on the story I read.🐈
Book 2 of this Island Cozy Mystery series delves into local myths and legends, revenge, and the darkness in idyllic island towns. A marvelous recipe for a cozy mystery, as we follow along with Lola, Marco, and Jade as they attempt to unravel cryptic messages targeting Lola with a roster full of suspects that are all close friends!
There is loads to enjoy: Jade, Lola's telepathic cat, a small island town full of legends and secrets, foreboding atmosphere, and murder! I could read an entire book about the origins of Jade's telepathic beginnings, Lola's ancestors, and the powers that link the two together. The chapters exploring these themes are pure magic and I loved them.
For me, this novel was not as successful as it could be because there were so many suspects/friends of Lola's involved and I had a really hard time keeping them straight. Perhaps this would have been cleared up if I had read Book 1 in the series, but I could not keep track of them all and what made them different/unique. There were times when I felt the descriptions of Lola's inner turmoil were redundant and could have been tightened up a bit to keep the story moving at a consistent clip.
I will have to read Book 1 to meet Marco as Lola did - plus I need more Jade!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This cozy mystery may be a murder mystery but really it is a story of betrayal and friendship. I admit I did not guess the bad person correctly because I could not see the betrayal motive but when the villain wove her tale, it all made sense. Sometimes the cuts we can't see are the deepest and it takes a friend to heel them.
Our leading couple found themselves in hot water almost from the jump in this book. Lola and Marco may have been antique dealers by trade but it is clear their hearts were in solving mysteries. Their friends and employees rounded out the cast of characters quite nicely. Although, truth be told, Jade was the star (or queen) of the story. Lola had even made her a crown which she wore once and them promptly made her displeasure know. Some of Jade's messages to Lola were cryptic but cryptic was the order of the day in this story.
I would recommend this book and will caution to hold your friends close but your books closer. LOL
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this second book to this para. cozy mystery with a stroke of murder this compelling , dramatic and well written cozey mystery will entrance you with its intriguing array of familiar colorful and vibrant characters along with the new .This unique mystery will wrap itself around you keeping you seeking truths along with the tight nit group of friends recognizing their struggles, their pain and a bond only time spent with each other through the good and the bad giving and taking support when needed. In this tale you are captured in the first few chapters then held hostage through the intrigue of loyal friendships,misdirection ,lies, secrets, betrayals and murder .It's one of those tales that carries the plot while the plot carries the tale .I started reading it earlier this afternoon and it's now past two in the morning. I stopped for substance and release and continued turning page after compelling page until I reached its climatic conclusion .Acquire " Freinds To Die For " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
Lola having returned to the island where she lived to run her Aunt's Antique shop just wanted a normal tranquil life after leaving trauma behind. With her boyfriend, Marco, a retired detective and her telepathic cat Jade, she decides not to get involved with a murdered man found on the beach. But when a cryptic message in lipstick turns up in her house, she must get involved. The local police are not all that concerned about finding a killer, so they are slow walking any investigation. So, Lola, Jade and of course, Marco decide to investigate, especially when a second man is found dead and another note is directed at Lola. Is she next? Why is this killer after Lola? Who can it be? Is it someone she knows - an enemy or a friend? This is a fast page turning read until the very surprising end. This is a great second book in the series and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
An island where there is a mix of residents. Born there and either stayed or moved away, only to return, new comers and tourists. For Lola, a returning resident and now owner of an antique shop left to her by her grandmother, finds herself becoming a sleuth. After the island is trying to settle from murders by a serial killer, Lola has a boyfriend and a few close friends. She even reunites with one old friend, but, the reunion is not only happy, but, cautious. No one has recuperated from the past and now there are mysterious cryptic messages left for Lola, not to mention another murder. Does the island have another serial killer? Who exactly is this visiting news journalist? Is the saying "with friends like you, who needs enemies" befitting this mystery? Ms. Stone had me turning the pages all night! I could not put it down.
This is the second book in this series; I haven’t read the first book yet, but this one stands alone very well. Lola is a really interesting main character and she and her cat, Jade, have a telepathic connection that is fun and slightly snarky. Lola’s boyfriend, Marco, is a detective who is taking a break and staying on the island with Lola and working in her inherited antique store. There was previously a serial killer in town, but there are some deaths that make people wonder if there’s another serial killer. Lola is getting creepy messages and she and her friends are gathering together to try to solve the mystery. The book is well-written, although maybe a little melodramatic. I enjoyed it though, and I’m curious to read more in the series. I received an arc, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
Lola Hutchinson owner of a antique shop and her boyfriend detective Marco Rossi hear about the body of Leonardo found on the beach . Then clothing boutique owner Sasha is arrested for his murder as she was his girlfriend. There is mayhem as Lola gets disturbing treats , Sasha arrested only on circumstantial evidence ,a on going inner village legend in the mix and it looked like someone was setting them up to take the fall. Two more murders of Nick Hamilton and Jack the journalist make these a serial murder case. Marco and Lola with the help of her friends go after the truth. A exciting read with a nail-biting finish. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but I am definitely going to now.
I really enjoyed this mystery, was surprised by the killer. It's not often that I don't figure out who the killer or killers are in a book, way before the end. If the first book is anything like this one, I definitely will follow the series. It definitely has a little bit of everything, mystery, murder, used to be detectives, amateur sleuths, friends, an island - it doesn't get much better than this! I'd like to see a little more mystical, paranormal background and history, just because I really enjoy that. I love Jade, you can't not love a snarky cat and being telepathic just tops the story off. I'm headed to read the first one now! Join me.
This was the first book of the Island cozy series I've read. I'd really recommend new readers start with the first book. I felt a bit lost in trying to understand the dynamics of Lola's friends and really needed more backstory. Despite that, I also did not want to stop reading! Jaramillo is an intriguing island with a special history I'd like to know more about. As a cat lover, I utterly approve of Jade's presence and her side story about how she has a bond with Lola.
It may not have been the best start to reading the series, but at least I can quickly head back to Jaramillo by picking up the first book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Antique owner Lola Hutchinson and her boyfriend Marco Rossi, ex detective and now part owner of antique shop and Jade her cat that talks to her. Marco is called on to consult on a body found on the beach. A threatening message in lip stick is on Lola’s bathroom mirror that she fears has to do with dead man then another man is killed and another message on mirror. Lola continues to get threatening messages. Theresa was so witchcraft involved. There was a very surprising ending.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for my free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
I really loved this book. From the very start there was a slightly magical atmosphere which was both enchanting and sinister in equal measure. A really close-knit friendship group was almost becoming unravelled and the hows and whys were not at all clear. Who to trust?
This was an absolute page turner which was very hard to put down. I really can't wait to read another book with this wonderful protagonist Lola and her amazing cat Jade. I feel there is much more to discover about them and the magical island Jaramillo.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An entertaining cozy murder mystery with lots of suspects. Lola is being targeted by a mysterious person and whom might be the murderer. In time all Lola's close friends are suspects. The story moved quickly and there was several twists. I had two concerns with the story. One is since Lola's boyfriend Marco is hired as a police consultant on the murder case why didn't he have any more insights on the murders? The second one was why Lola didn't communicate with her familiar cat Jade or listen to her more, especially before Jade was injured? I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
While I found Friends to Die hard to get into at first, I am so glad that I continued. Being second in the series there are some references to the first book. I am going to read it now. It turned into a good story with some great characters. The friendship that Lola and company have is worth fighting for. And when one of their own tries to return but has devious intentions those friendships are put to the test. And Jade is worth many friends! Everyone needs a Marco, good looking, smart and a former detective. He will protect Lola at all costs. The last few chapters moved so quickly I was surprised to be at the end. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Lola is running together with her ex detective boyfriend Marco a quaint antique shop which wouldn't be complete without her psychic cat Jade.
When the first murder takes place at their lovely little town and an obnoxious journalist is asking too many questions things are heating up, special after Lola received threatening messages in her home and shop. A long lost friend is showing up at the same time and the circle of friends tries to figure out who is trying to harm Lola.
This is the second book in the Island Cozy Mysteries series.
The protagonist is Lola, an antique shop owner who likes to crochet. When a body is discovered on the beach, Lola and her former police detective boyfriend, Marco, try to find out who is responsible.
This was a lovely, cheerful cosy story that suited my reading mood very well. I enjoyed the island setting because it made the story feel like an escape. I also loved the connection between Lola and her cat, Jade.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lola has settled into her life on the island running the antique store that had belonged to her aunt. At her side is her boyfriend Marco who is a retired detective and her telepathic cat Jade. Life is so peaceful until a body is found on the beach. She is determined not to get into the investigation but she is drawn into it when a message is found in her apartment that seems to be directed at her. Lola, Marco, and the close knit group of her friends are desperately seeking answers but will they be able to find the killer before more people are killed? Be prepared… you won’t be able to put this one down!
OMG 😱 this was a great book. It was a strange page turner and the suspense was mind blowing thriller. I was on the edge of my seat as I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked. A cozy mystery may be a murder mystery but it’s really might be a story of betrayal and friendship. On island where there is a mix of residents.Lola was settled down into her life on this island as she was running an antique store that had belonged to her aunt. There many twists and turns and even danger as she was trying to solve murder mystery or will the person be revealed in time. I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
Friends To Die For is a murder mystery set on an island off the US coast. The main character, Lola, has a cat she can “talk” to using telepathy. I really enjoyed the story and loved the relationship between Lola and Jade, the cat. I particularly enjoyed the chapters about Jade’s past and how she found Lola. And as for the mystery, I was still guessing when the perpetrator was revealed. I actually haven’t read the first book in this series and that didn’t detract from the story at all. It can absolutely be read on its own.
I am honored to have been chosen to receive this book for free as an advance reader and have voluntarily written this honest review.
There’s a lot of meat in this book. A lot to remind you and me that the words we let come out of our mouth in jest or in anger can leave lasting scars that sometimes a lifetime can’t erase. Now the real review is that this is a very entertaining book with tears of joy as well as sadness. The story is woven with finesse by an author who knows her craft. I can heartily recommend it to friends and family. I may or may not have received this book as an advance reader. But the review is honest so I don’t know if it even matters. Hey, I’m on a crash-course heading toward 80. Cut me a little slack, please.
This is the second book in the series. I liked the first part of the book about hearing the history of the island with the tour guide. I was trying to figure out who could be the serial killer and was totally shocked at the end of the story. Like every movie has some sort of sad part, there is a sad part in the book, but otherwise it was a great read. I do not want to give any spoilers away, if you have not read this book yet. You will definitely like this book if you have read Peyton Stone's books before.
Friends to Die For is book 2 in An Island Cozy Mystery by Peyton Stone. I really enjoy this series. The characters are interesting and well written. I book 1, the Karmic Killer was arrested and is in jail. But, there is another serial murderer who is after Lola. I enjoyed how the author took familiar characters and made them look guilty. I was very surprised at the ending and I thought it was great. I can't wait to read another book in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
A killer is on the loose. And someone is stalking Lola. Could this be a coincidence or is Lola in serious danger.
Friends to Die for was a good mystery. Everytime I thought I knew who the killer was. I was excited to find out I was wrong. (I loved how Ms. Stone used misdirection to keep the killers identity a secret until the end) I didn't read the first book Antiques to Die For) so there are some details about Lola and her friends that I didn't understand. But overall it can be read as a standalone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading this, I felt like I was in a maze going round and round without any good rationale or way out. It was sad to see how good friends could turn on each other and question everything . This was so twisted. I didn't have any idea who the perpetrator was , but I felt that the killer/ note writer had to be deeply mentally ill to keep killing senselessly. When the big reveal came and the rationale, I felt heartsick. For someone to go to these lengths for the reason given- I'm devastated!! Check it out.
Peyton Stone has done it again! This author has captured all there is to desire of a cozy mystery with a soft thriller twist. She keeps you guessing the whole way through, and I am proud to say I guessed the murderer correctly, though Peyton Stone made sure I was just as confused as our amateur sleuth, Lola.
This second installment of Lola and Jade truly improved upon the first book and I am looking forward to reading more of Peyton Stone's work!
I received an ARC of this book and leave a review freely!
I enjoyed this cozy mystery book. And it was so good that I didn't figure out who-done-it until the very end. I enjoyed getting to know the characters but I felt that since I didn't read the first book in this series I missed some of their background.
I also had a hard time when I got to the chapters where the cat, Jade's history was revealed. First it was confusing and then it felt like the chapters should have been at the beginning so you understood the cat better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I found this book to be very busy and overly wordy, the story itself was really good. And the ending... Holy cow. I felt like I should've seen it coming, but I didn't. It was a twisty story for sure, and like I said, it was a good story. I just felt like it could've been pared down somewhat. I'm pretty sure there were some words that weren't the right ones for what the author was trying to say. A good editor could've made this book a 5 star. I received this book for free from the author and am leaving my voluntary review.