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The Crying Crocodile: An Iris Reid Mystery
AN ANCIENT CROCODILE SHEDS AN EMERALD TEAR— A JAGUAR GUARDS A VALUABLE SECRET—AND A MURDERER THREATENS A JUNGLE PARADISE.
Iris Reid refuses to get caught up in any more criminal schemes. She escapes to Costa Rica with her sexy chef boyfriend Luc for two relaxing weeks of surf lessons and luxury pampering. But when a pool boy is murdered and a quartet of jeweled artifacts are stolen, Iris’s vacation in paradise becomes a nightmare.
A text on the dead man’s phone convinces the police that someone at the resort is the murderer. Passports are collected and no one is allowed to leave. But the clever villain is not done killing. Can Iris prove her innocence and unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim?
The Crying Crocodile, the seventh book in the Iris Reid mystery series, is a fast-paced whodunit set amidst the spectacular scenery of Costa Rica. If you like clever amateur-sleuth mysteries with unexpected twists, get your copy of The Crying Crocodile today!
Iris Reid refuses to get caught up in any more criminal schemes. She escapes to Costa Rica with her sexy chef boyfriend Luc for two relaxing weeks of surf lessons and luxury pampering. But when a pool boy is murdered and a quartet of jeweled artifacts are stolen, Iris’s vacation in paradise becomes a nightmare.
A text on the dead man’s phone convinces the police that someone at the resort is the murderer. Passports are collected and no one is allowed to leave. But the clever villain is not done killing. Can Iris prove her innocence and unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim?
The Crying Crocodile, the seventh book in the Iris Reid mystery series, is a fast-paced whodunit set amidst the spectacular scenery of Costa Rica. If you like clever amateur-sleuth mysteries with unexpected twists, get your copy of The Crying Crocodile today!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 5, 2024
The Crying Crocodile is a terrific whodunit and a worthy addition to the Iris Reid Mystery Series by Susan Cory.
While the other 6 books in the series are set in and around Cambridge, Massachusetts, this book takes readers on a vicarious journey to Costa Rica and a luxury resort and spa where Iris and her chef boyfriend, Luc, go to experience two glorious weeks of surfing, sunning, and pampering. At least, that's the plan.
But if you know Iris, you know everything goes sideways in a hurry.
It's Luc who stumbles into trouble this time, and given his past reluctance to encourage Iris' sleuthing, this is an interesting turn of events. The author uses Luc's discovery as a springboard to delve a bit more into the relationship between these two driven professionals. Their dynamic is terrific, and the dialogue genuine and believable. Theirs is not a perfect relationship, and I like that about them. They argue, they misunderstand each other, and they can get on each other's nerves. It makes them real.
Like a snake that's been disturbed, the plot is twisty and plunges the characters into mortal danger. Not only are Iris and Luc trying to figure out who stole a quartet of ancient artifacts that have deep roots in local culture, but someone's been murdered. Police suspect the killer is among the guests at the resort where Iris and Luc are staying, so no one is allowed to leave. Suspicion builds as a podcaster who's closely following the case fingers Iris as the prime suspect.
All Iris and Luc have to do to clear her name is stay alive while trying to figure out which of the guests is hiding behind a carefully-crafted facade.
There are red herrings aplenty in this fast-paced read, and I suspected Every. Single. Guest. before getting to the end. That's the kind of mystery I love, and Cory is a master of redirection.
I would highly recommend The Crying Crocodile to any contemporary mystery lover.
While the other 6 books in the series are set in and around Cambridge, Massachusetts, this book takes readers on a vicarious journey to Costa Rica and a luxury resort and spa where Iris and her chef boyfriend, Luc, go to experience two glorious weeks of surfing, sunning, and pampering. At least, that's the plan.
But if you know Iris, you know everything goes sideways in a hurry.
It's Luc who stumbles into trouble this time, and given his past reluctance to encourage Iris' sleuthing, this is an interesting turn of events. The author uses Luc's discovery as a springboard to delve a bit more into the relationship between these two driven professionals. Their dynamic is terrific, and the dialogue genuine and believable. Theirs is not a perfect relationship, and I like that about them. They argue, they misunderstand each other, and they can get on each other's nerves. It makes them real.
Like a snake that's been disturbed, the plot is twisty and plunges the characters into mortal danger. Not only are Iris and Luc trying to figure out who stole a quartet of ancient artifacts that have deep roots in local culture, but someone's been murdered. Police suspect the killer is among the guests at the resort where Iris and Luc are staying, so no one is allowed to leave. Suspicion builds as a podcaster who's closely following the case fingers Iris as the prime suspect.
All Iris and Luc have to do to clear her name is stay alive while trying to figure out which of the guests is hiding behind a carefully-crafted facade.
There are red herrings aplenty in this fast-paced read, and I suspected Every. Single. Guest. before getting to the end. That's the kind of mystery I love, and Cory is a master of redirection.
I would highly recommend The Crying Crocodile to any contemporary mystery lover.
August 31, 2024
“The Crying Crocodile” is my favorite kind of amateur sleuth novel. The protagonist is unique—an architect who applies her diligence and analytical skills to the murders and other crimes that drop into her lap. She has challenges with a life partner who wonders why her curiosity gets her into so many dangerous situations. Until he persuades her to take 2 weeks of surf lessons in Costa Rica where he’s the one taking risks. He heads off on a solo beach jaunt and stumbles upon a mysterious hut in a jungle with a jaguar.
Human bad guys aren’t the only hazards. Violent surf, dangerous animals, all provide delicious tension and scary plot twists. The novel has elements of a locked-room mystery as the resort’s guests and staff come under suspicion for thefts of priceless artifacts, and then murders. The author brings the Costa Rican jungle and beach to life—we want to be there despite the threats.
The characters are quirky, and some are not as they seem. Throw in an obnoxious real-crime podcaster, and you’ll be hooked by the story.
Having a chef as a main character will make any foodie’s mouth water. Here’s a sample: “Their appetizers arrived, four different choices beautifully arranged on their plate. Iris’s yellowfin tuna was garnished with cucumber and peanuts. Fried green tomato slices fanned along one side of Luc’s grilled Mahi-Mahi. Eric had ordered the ceviche with a tomato granita and Tia had chosen a bright purple beet fritter with yogurt sauce drizzled across it.” Yum.
Stories like “The Crying Crocodile” are so satisfying when they wrap up with the characters learning something about themselves and with relationships strengthened. Check out this novel for a fast-paced, entertaining mystery.
Human bad guys aren’t the only hazards. Violent surf, dangerous animals, all provide delicious tension and scary plot twists. The novel has elements of a locked-room mystery as the resort’s guests and staff come under suspicion for thefts of priceless artifacts, and then murders. The author brings the Costa Rican jungle and beach to life—we want to be there despite the threats.
The characters are quirky, and some are not as they seem. Throw in an obnoxious real-crime podcaster, and you’ll be hooked by the story.
Having a chef as a main character will make any foodie’s mouth water. Here’s a sample: “Their appetizers arrived, four different choices beautifully arranged on their plate. Iris’s yellowfin tuna was garnished with cucumber and peanuts. Fried green tomato slices fanned along one side of Luc’s grilled Mahi-Mahi. Eric had ordered the ceviche with a tomato granita and Tia had chosen a bright purple beet fritter with yogurt sauce drizzled across it.” Yum.
Stories like “The Crying Crocodile” are so satisfying when they wrap up with the characters learning something about themselves and with relationships strengthened. Check out this novel for a fast-paced, entertaining mystery.
August 31, 2024
I Couldn’t Put It Down !!
The Crying Crocodile is irresistible from the first page.
Clever architect Iris Reid is hoping for a drama-free vacation in Costa Rica with her boyfriend Luc. Of course that’s not going to happen.
This mystery is one of my favorites in the series. I enjoyed learning more about Iris’ relationship with Luc. Since he’s a chef, there are a lot of tempting foodie details as well as great descriptions of the setting at a surf camp. The book showcases another of Cory’s unique plots along with her well-drawn characters. I didn’t see the ending coming, or the twists, but they made good sense. The format of including views from a podcaster and the murderer was fresh and well done.
While this is #7 in the series, you could read it as a standalone entree.
The Crying Crocodile is irresistible from the first page.
Clever architect Iris Reid is hoping for a drama-free vacation in Costa Rica with her boyfriend Luc. Of course that’s not going to happen.
This mystery is one of my favorites in the series. I enjoyed learning more about Iris’ relationship with Luc. Since he’s a chef, there are a lot of tempting foodie details as well as great descriptions of the setting at a surf camp. The book showcases another of Cory’s unique plots along with her well-drawn characters. I didn’t see the ending coming, or the twists, but they made good sense. The format of including views from a podcaster and the murderer was fresh and well done.
While this is #7 in the series, you could read it as a standalone entree.
September 1, 2024
Architect and amateur detective Iris Reid goes on a surfing vacation with her boyfriend Luc, both of them determined to get away from the mysteries and danger Iris attracts. Iris has her eyes shut tight, but Luc finds himself more and more tangled in an international art mystery and local murders. Fortunately Iris opens her eyes in time to save him and others while learning some cool surfing moves.
I enjoyed the exotic change in setting from Boston to Costa Rica, to a real jungle instead of the concrete jungle. It was good to see this couple expand their relationship horizons and grow more tolerant of each other and therefore closer.
I enjoyed the exotic change in setting from Boston to Costa Rica, to a real jungle instead of the concrete jungle. It was good to see this couple expand their relationship horizons and grow more tolerant of each other and therefore closer.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews