Homicide at the Hotel

Deadly Destinations Cozy Mysteries #2

by Carly Winter

Sam Jones and Jordan Branson planned on nothing but sunbathing, sipping margaritas, and indulging in five-star opulence at a breathtaking Cancun resort. But paradise turns perilous when they stumble upon a shocking crime—a housekeeper’s lifeless body in their suite.

The local police hint at pinning the murder on them, forcing Sam and Jordan to dive into the mystery themselves. As they peel back the layers of the resort’s impressive façade, they uncover secrets darker than the ocean depths. Someone will do anything to keep the truth buried, and if Sam and Jordan aren’t careful, their luxurious vacation might just be their last.

This is a spinoff from the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries and book 2 of the Deadly Destinations Cozy Mysteries. Book 1 is free in the anthology, Murder Doesn’t Take a Vacation, free at all ebook outlets.

This is a standalone vacation cozy mystery.

Genres: Ebooks, Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is well plotted, the action moves quickly as Sam and Jordon work to solve a resort murder that comes too close for comfort. Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy.

[Victoria Readman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Carly Winters and BookSirens for providing an e-ARC copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie, then I would recommend the Deadly Destination series! 'Homicide At The Hotel' is the perfect cosy mystery set in Cancun, we follow Sam & Jordan to the idyllic setting at a five-star luxury resort their dream holiday turns into a nightmare when they find a housekeeper's body in their hotel room. Although this is the second book in the Deadly Destinations series, you can enjoy as a stand-a-lone.

Carly Winters transports you to the sandy beaches, and tropical location in Mexico -- there is a great balance to this mystery with a list of suspects, exotic descriptions and many twists to keep you turning the page. Winter's is a new author and I really enjoyed her writing style, the two main character's were witty and the banter showed throughout their relationship. The plot is fast-paced and easy to follow, readers could enjoy this book all year round. Unlike Miss Marple, Sam & Jordan don't meddle in the police investigation but sense that they are being potentially framed for this murder. They unravel the truth and don't see who the murderer is coming!!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deadly Destination Cozy Mysteries follows two of my favorite Carly Winter characters in another spinoff from her Heywood Herbalist series. But the book is a stand alone novel with the necessary background provided in the exposition. Sam Jones and her boyfriend Jordan Branson are vacationing in a five star beach resort in sunny Mexico. But when they discover a body in their suite, they get proactive and start to investigate before they can be named as suspects. Winter does a great job with a well planned plot. There are plenty of suspects and although I considered the solution, I wasn't sure until the reveal. This is book 2 of the series. Book 1 is included in the cozy mystery anthology, Murder Doesn't Take a Vacation: A Vacation Cozy Mystery Anthology, which is free at all eBook outlets. I was fortunate enough to read an advance reader copy from the author and BookSirens. I am a fan of Carly Winter, and this book did not disappoint. I recommend it as an ideal beach read for cozy mystery fans.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Jordan are off for a beach holiday in Cancun. Unfortunately for them vacations don’t seem to be very relaxing and dead bodies have a way of turning up. This time a maid is found dead in their room and they are on lockdown until the crime is solved. Things get deadly and dangerous really fast with corruption and cartels can Sam and Jordan make it through this vacation alive?
Okay I think that last statement was overly dramatic on my part but honestly it fits. This is a great short novel. Packed with all the fun, danger, craziness and sleuthing you could possibly want. While Sam and Jordan can’t catch a break and relax it sure does make for some great stories for us to enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was descriptive enough that I pictured the resort in my mind and felt like I was on vacation to! This would be a good beach read or travel read because it’s short and easy to read! Sam and Jordan make a good team and are such a sweet couple. The mystery was tricky! All the suspects were sketchy. If you liked Carly’s Heywood Herbalist series I think you’ll like this!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was excited to read about Sam and Jordan from the Heywood Herbalists. My enjoyment did not transfer well to Cancun. I missed the rest of the gang and logic for getting involved in a dangerous murder and ruining a lovely vacation was missing to me.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Jordan are back! They just landed in Cancun, ready to enjoy some beach time and poolside drinks. Unfortunately, after witnessing a fight between two women on the cleaning crew, they find one of those women dead in their room.

Jordan is channeling his police days and starts asking questions and digging. They find themselves up against the Cartel, drugs and all kinds of relationship drama.

Although this is a spin off from the Heywood Herbalists series, it can be read as a standalone. It was fun to see Sam and Jordan out on their own, but I also love having the whole gang together. This was a fun and quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was to be the ultimate in relaxation: travelling to Mexico to stay at a luxurious resort. But for Sam Jones and her partner, Jordan Branson, their trip rapidly turns into a nightmare when, upon returning to their room, they find the dead body of a maid. With the police intimating their status as suspects and being closely watched by security, the two quickly realise that their freedom may depend on their ability to flush out the real killer.

I am loving this new series from Carly Winter. As a spinoff from the excellent Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries, it hits all the marks with the two characters who headlined the original series. Both Sam and Jordan retain their well-defined personas, yet are in situations that leave them less prepared than in their former lives. This provides excellent material as they navigate their new circumstances.

Homicide at the Hotel is more than just a beach read. But it would also delight in those conditions. Well worth the read!

Thank you to Carly Winter and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Peachy 105 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Rathbone (a.k.a. Sam Jones) and her boyfriend, Jordan Bradson, planned a relaxing getaway at one of Cancun’s most prestigious five-star hotels in Mexico. Upon arrival, they were informed that their suite had been unexpectedly upgraded to the presidential suite. Thrilled by the luxurious surprise, they accepted—only to stumble upon a dead body in their upgraded room on their very first day, right after returning from the beach.

From that moment, their vacation took a dark turn. The body turned out to be that of a hotel maid, and what should have been a week of relaxation quickly turned into a dangerous murder mystery. Sam and Jordan suddenly found themselves suspects, their movements under scrutiny. Though told to relax and let the authorities handle it, the couple couldn’t ignore the tension building around them. They had to clear their names—and fast.

The story is told from the first-person point of view of Sam, a former actress who’s no stranger to the shadows of public scandals. Her internal monologue reveals her fear—not just of being a suspect, but of reliving past traumas related to the limelight and crime. This layer of psychological vulnerability adds realism and tension to the narration. Her perspective is raw, observant, and emotional without being overly dramatic.

Jordan, her boyfriend, plays a key supportive role. As a former law enforcement officer, his calm demeanor and attention to detail help balance Sam’s anxieties. Their partnership—both romantic and investigative—is central to the story’s momentum. Their subtle interactions show trust and strain, but ultimately reinforce their bond, making the emotional stakes as strong as the mystery itself.


Supporting Characters

Supporting characters such as Caesar (the hotel manager), Camilla, and Alex help build the web of suspicion. Each character is unique and suspicious in their own way. Caesar, in particular, stood out as a deeply layered character whose every action made me second-guess my conclusions. His behavior created a cloud of tension that lingered over the entire investigation.

Camilla’s plot arc, though compelling, felt too brief. More time spent on her perspective could have enhanced the tension and helped clarify certain plot twists. Still, her presence contributed to the intrigue, and the short scenes left an air of mystery that worked in the story’s favor.


Settings

The author paints a vivid picture of Cancun—both the glittering luxury of the resort and the darker realities lurking beneath. Descriptions of the hotel, beach, and surrounding areas are detailed and immersive. There are subtle nods to real-life dangers in Mexico, including mentions of cartel involvement, corruption, and insecurity. These elements provide a real-world backdrop that raises the stakes and grounds the mystery in plausible tension.


Mystery Construction & Clues

The mystery is masterfully structured. Each clue is subtly placed—never obvious, but always fair. The twists were numerous and unpredictable. Nearly every character had a possible motive, making it impossible to identify the killer with certainty until the final reveal.

And what a reveal it was.

I genuinely did not see the ending coming, but once the truth was out, I realized the clues had been there all along. The author’s restraint in how much to show and when to show it is a testament to smart plotting.


Writing Style & Pacing

The writing is tense, engaging, and psychologically rich. Each chapter builds more urgency, and Sam’s internal thoughts add dimension to the unfolding events. The author maintains a tone that mirrors Sam’s emotional state—sometimes frantic, sometimes cautious, but always alert.

The pacing is mostly steady, with increased tension as the story progresses. One minor flaw was the short treatment of Camilla’s storyline—it had the potential for more impact. However, this does not overshadow the overall gripping nature of the plot.



Themes

Fear and distrust, especially when everyone around you becomes a suspect

Justice and self-vindication, in a system that may not protect you

The fragility of safety, even in paradise

Trust in relationships, as Sam and Jordan navigate life-or-death tension together


It also subtly questions the security practices of luxury hotels and exposes the potential consequences of hidden corruption.


This book kept me guessing from start to finish. With each chapter, I formed a new theory, only for it to crumble under Caesar’s next move. The interplay between romance and mystery was well-balanced, and the setting gave the entire story a unique flavor.

My favorite character was Caesar—his complexity kept me on edge and challenged my assumptions again and again.


It is recommended for fans of character-driven mysteries, slow-burn suspense, and stories that blend romance with psychological intrigue. Especially great for readers who enjoy international settings, emotional depth, and smart twists.

Content warning: Mentions of murder, corruption, and psychological distress. Suitable for mature readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lap of luxury ,sounds good to me but now this could go down in history…Sam Jones and Jordan Branson are embroiled in a murder mystery while holidaying in Cancun (no not their honeymoon ), when they find the lifeless body of the maid in their room. Just like that there’s a cog in the machine ,and boom things have blown up and it’s now a crime scene. Of course the inept local police aren’t best pleased and are looking at pinning them for the murder?! Jeez! So now they must solve this case post haste before they end up incarcerated for the crime. Five star opulence ,a dream vacation ? This is far from sublime! Their vacay could be halted anyway with them at the police station! Oh my gosh,they must act now ,how was she killed anyhow ? Was it with a cosh ? Was it with a knife? What does it matter ,they’re still in strife? But of course it does matter because they need a reason why the the maid had to die ,a clue to follow ,a trail ,was there blood ,take it easy Sam you don’t half look pale . Has a footprint or handprint been left at the scene ,does the place look serene or has there been a struggle . A pool of blood or a puddle? One things for sure they’re going to need their brains intact to work out this muddle. There’s something hidden behind the facade of this hotel to what end if you can’t tell the difference between foe or friend? Great writing as ever by Carly Winter ,from storyline to intricate plot ,the weaving a story brain she’s got. The characters are solid ,all with great traits and depth not horrid .The scenes ,descriptions of the scenery from the greenery and lux she gets us in the crux and immersed in. I finished this book with a satisfied grin . Carly Winter for the win 🏆

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter returns to her Destination Series with this cleverly written installment, a vacation cozy mystery that combines a beach vacation with a hint of murder. Indulging in five-star opulence in Cancun turns sour when Sam and Jordan are unexpectedly drawn into a mystery after discovering a lifeless body in their suite. Murder Doesn't Take a Vacation is the first book to be highlighted. When they realize the local police may blame them for the murder, they can't stop themselves from playing detective. Coming up with a plan is difficult enough; doing so while under the manager's constant watch is even more difficult. A cop and an actress put their former careers to use, exposing the filth and layers beneath the resort's impressive veneer. Years of experience appear to be an advantage for them, with scheming, observation, interrogation, and stealth becoming their strengths. Although it isn't enough, someone is determined to conceal the truth, even tampering with evidence. What they discover is more sinister and chilling than they could have imagined—and it has the potential to change everything. The plot of this book is very well executed. It keeps the reader guessing while trying to figure out who committed the murder. Winter writes descriptively, making the book enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and her friend Jordan are off to Mexico for a fun vacation. Their days of sunbathing and sipping drinks on the beach are shattered when the body of a hotel maid is found in their suite. They haven’t been called persons of interest, but they certainly have attracted the attention of the hotel security and the local police. Jordon is a retired cop and Sam a former daytime actress, and they will have to call on all their skills to solve this one. The deeper they dig, the more they realize that their lives may be in danger. Some of the people they are investigating appear to have connections to a dangerous cartel. It boils down to finding out whom to trust: not everyone in a position of authority is working on the right side of the law. This cozy is a fun read in so many ways. The setting is delightful, and the descriptions of the scenes take readers right to the seaside. The mystery is intriguing, complex but not overly so. The interaction between Sam and Jordon is delightful and sweet, and their romance adds a touch of charm to the story. This well-written tale is Book 2 in the Deadly Destinations Cozy Mysteries. It works as a standalone book and is a great addition to the series.

I was given an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sun, sand, margaritas… and murder! Carly Winter delivers another fun and fast-paced cozy mystery in Homicide at the Hotel, the second book in her Deadly Destinations series.

Sam and Jordan are ready for nothing but sunshine and luxury at a five-star Cancun resort—until a housekeeper’s body is discovered in their suite. Suddenly their dream vacation turns into a nightmare as they’re pulled into a dangerous investigation where everyone’s a suspect. From cartel whispers to staff secrets and jealous coworkers, the resort proves to be hiding more than cabana cocktails.

What I enjoyed most is the balance between the lush, atmospheric resort setting and the escalating tension of the murder investigation. Winter’s descriptions of the beaches, pools, and tropical vibes make you want to pack a bag, but she never lets you forget the danger lurking behind the paradise façade. Sam and Jordan’s banter and partnership are fun to follow, and their sleuthing feels like the perfect mix of amateur curiosity and genuine stakes.

This is a great choice for fans of vacation cozies who like their mysteries with exotic settings, plenty of suspects, and just enough danger to keep the pages turning. It works well as a standalone, but if you’ve read Winter’s Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries, you’ll love seeing familiar energy in a new setting.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The author has created a core group of delightful characters in her Heywood series and by doing so it has given her a chance to produce a number of spin off series with some of the characters. While the rest of the characters are based in Heywood Sam and Jordan give the author chance to travel and write about different locations, in this case it's a resort in Mexico. Giving her scope to dream up a topical paradise, add in a murder to solve and you have a fun read. The mystery was interesting in the fact that there was a number of suspects and all the while you didn't know who to trust. Look forward to the next adventure.

Sam and Jordan arrive in Mexico for a relaxing holiday vacation, especially as the manager recognises Sam from her acting days a e up grades them to the presidential suite. However when the head of housekeeping is found dead in there room, all thoughts of sea, sun and sand disappear. The police confiscate there passports and worried the blame will be pinned on them they start there own investigation. Can Sam and Jordan survive there stay in Mexico? Especially if it involves taking on a drug cartel?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Jordan head off to Mexico for a fabulous beach vacation. But instead of fun in the sun and poolside cocktails, they find themselves investigating a suspicious death. The unexpected upgrade to the luxurious Presidential Suite turns into a nightmare when a housekeeper is found dead in their room. With suspicion falling on them and at a disadvantage with the language barrier, they’re wondering who they can trust. Rumors of cartel involvement make questioning suspects even more fraught. Will this be their last vacation, ever?

Deadly Destinations, a spin-off from Carly Winter’s Heywood Herbalist series, has former soap star Sam Jones jet setting with beau, former detective Jordan Branson. This fast paced mystery is filled with tension as they try to untangle the murder of a housekeeper in their suite. Evidence tampering, corruption, language barriers, and employees fearing for their jobs and lives makes for a difficult investigation for our intrepid duo. The well plotted mystery will keep you guessing up until the final reveal and the danger Sam & Jordan find themselves in feels true to life. While a quiet, relaxing vacation doesn’t seem to be in the cards for Sam and Jordan, solving the cases with them is always lots of fun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Sam and Jordan again as I had missed them. At first the story line was engaging but somewhere in the middle it began to fall a bit flat and was too much like reading a formula. The story arc mid way through started reminding me of a made for TV movie, which the main character Sam would certainly appreciate given her soap opera background. Additionally, there was no real relationship development between the two main characters and after missing them this was a bit of a disappointment. Despite that the setting was good, and it was wonderful to see Sam and Jordan engaged in sleuthing together on the same team. The book was a good, easy vacation read . I am hopeful, as I really enjoyed all the Heywood series, that Sam and Jordan's future adventures will provide deeper relationship growth for their characters and that perhaps some of their old friends from Heywood will appear.

Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book by a favorite author.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book, but I do love all books by this author so that's no surprise. One of my favorite characters, Samantha Rathbone (aka Sam Jones), a former soap star who left Hollywood to live undercover in a small town in Arizona, and her boyfriend, Jordan, a retired cop Sam met in Arizona, are traveling the world and end up in Cancun for what was supposed to be a relaxing time in paradise. But, early on in their vacation they found someone in their room who had been murdered and find themselves to be suspects! There are several twists in the story as Sam and Jordan investigate in order to clear their names, making this a page turner for sure. They were able to enjoy some relaxing moments at the beach though, making me wish I too were there as well! I hope this series continues. I enjoy reading the books set in Arizona, but the ones that take place during their travels set a special tone making them extra special. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun adventure!

I can guarantee a great rating for Carly Winter's books.

This is the 2nd book in the Deadly Destinations series (the first is in the anthology "Murder Doesn’t Take a Vacation" It's a spinoff of the Heywood Herbalist series, so if you've read those (and I highly recommend them), you'll be familiar with Sam and Jordan already.

If not, they'll soon feel like old friends. When the couple goes to a resort in Cancun, they find the body of the housekeeper in their room. A great vacation turns into a search for the killer, as Sam and Jordan worry that they will be put in jail in a foreign country.

It's quite an adventure, and the ending was not expected. The story is told well, the mystery intriguing. Great characters and a lovely setting that you can imagine yourself in, with the descriptions of it, all add up to a great, pretty quick read that will keep you engaged til the end.

Well done - I'm ready for their next adventure at the next destination!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It’s great to see more of Sam and Jordan, especially in sunnier and more carefree environments, even if it didn’t last long. I didn’t manage to solve the murder until the dots started to be connected for me and even then Winter had a trick left up her sleeve. I did wonder at one point how much cash these people took on holiday with them but with Sam getting her money back I know they could afford it so it didn’t take me out of the story, aside from a quick thought about it being nice to have that much to take away with you. This is another great short mystery from Carly Winter and she hasn’t disappointed me yet.

Favourite Quote:
“Women my age went practically unseen amongst the general public, but I was okay with it on most days. It allowed me to go through life unnoticed. But this outfit would make it more so. It was that boring. But boring offered safety. No one notices the woman in the frumpy brown Mumu.”

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been in love with the Heywood Herbalist series by Carly Winter since its beginning and to start a new series featuring Sam and Jordan, two of my favorite characters from the Herbalist series is such fun. Sam, the former famous Hollywood actress who fled to Heywood after her downfall is now in love with Jordan the ex-cop who stole her heart and they're spending some of that money she got on traveling the world, but is the world ready for Sam and Jordan? That's the question here in Cancun a city of sun, fun and endless beaches with the occasional murder. I had a great time following the two as they figured out who murdered the girl in their hotel room. The story was action packed, filled with interesting characters who either made me laugh or cringe. You have to feel for the couple as their romantic getaway is interrupted by a murder investigation where they could be the main suspects. The book is a quick read, and I can't wait for the next one in this series. Happy Reading!

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but prefer the series Heywood hounds. There is just something about an animal that adds to a cozy. With that said this new series does tie us back to Heywood with a terrific couple who share an eye for mystery. When death interrupts their relaxing resort stay, the seem to be more in their element going to great lengths to solve the case. And that is where the author brought the twists. There were some really obvious suspects that we were expected to suspect as Sam and Jordan did. Then the author through in an unexpected twist in the villain department and a harrowing final battle before Sam and Jordan safely escape Mexico. The series was fun but I think it needs a furry travel companion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homicide at the Hotel: A Vacation Cozy Mystery is book #2 in the Deadly Destinations Cozy Mysteries series by Carly Winter.

Sam and Jordan are vacationing in Cancun at a luxury resort. Their plans for rest and relaxation change quickly when they discover a body. The quickest way to clear their names and get back to their vacation is for them to solve the murder. While I’m always happy to see Sam and Jordan, this one was not my favorite stories. They are in a foreign country where they do not speak the language or know who, if anyone, they can trust. Yet they keep digging and Jordan made some questionable decisions. But it was fun having Sam go back to her acting past and become Cassie when needed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars.
I received the e-ARC version ofnthis book in exchange of an honest review.
This book is part of a series. Each book of the series can be read as a standalone and there's no need to read the previous book before reading this one. I didn't read the previous book.
Sam and Jordan are tourists from Arizona taking some vacation in Cancun, Mexico. The head housekeeper is murdered in their room while they are enjoying their afternoon at the beach. They understand that they might get accused of the crime so they decide to investigate to find the culprit.
This book was easy to read. It's not as elaborate as an Agatha Christie or a Conan Doyle's book but it's still better than the Agatha Raisin series for me.
I think it's the perfect book to read if you want a mystery to solve without getting a headache.

[BookHound]

Nothing is easy for Sam and Jordan and that includes vacations. Not even safe at home with all the murders going on there. This time they are visiting Mexico when they find a body in their hotel room. Not the way to start a vacation. They feel they are the prime suspects in a foreign country so they do what they normally do-find the killer. I didn't figure it out until the end which is a great sign for mystery books. Great characters although Sam isn't as likable as in the previous books. Somehow she has gotten a bit bossy, hopefully that changes because she had a great personality before. Jordan is the same character he was before. Lots of interesting characters in this story. A fun read (even with murder) I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homicide at the Hotel is a twisted, beach vacation, cozy mystery. Sam and Jordan arrive in Cancun for their fun-in-the-sun vacation. But they soon discover a body in their suite. Downgraded to a room, they find they are considered suspects in this murder. They trade fun in the sun for sleuthing. The more they sleuth, the more secrets and suspects they discover. The camera footage has been erased, the hotel manager is keeping Sam and Jordan under near constant surveillance, their passports are in "safe keeping" and they discover a drug dealing bartender. It will take all their wits and life experiences to figure this one out - especially who do they trust while in a foreign country! Once I started reading this intriguing mystery, I could not put the book down!

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropical treachery
Sam and Jordan just want to relax and enjoy sunny Mexico. They get upgraded to the fancy Presidential suite by a manager who recognizes Sam from her Hollywood days. When they return from the beach they find a maid dead in their room. When the investigation includes them as suspects they decide to do their own investigation to clear their names. With many people who disagreed with the maid and a language barrier it will not be easy, but that's never stopped them before. A fine mystery spinoff from the Heywood Herbalist series but it isn't necessary to have read those books to enjoy this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SleeplessBookExplorer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery itself was solid—I didn’t guess the culprit until the end, which I loved. But the main characters wore me down. The FMC repeated herself often about wanting to relax, only to jump into chaos, while the MMC leaned too heavily on his “cop” personality. Their choices also felt unrealistic—honestly, they should’ve been in serious danger (or worse) multiple times.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

With tighter character development, less repetition, and more believable consequences for risky decisions, this could’ve been a 5-star read. As is, it’s an enjoyable mystery with a clever reveal, but the leads made it harder for me to stay invested.

[BooktrovertMma · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of mystery, I was excited to dive into this ARC, but sadly, it didn’t quite land for me. The narrative voice felt more like a summary—too much telling and not enough showing—which made it hard to connect emotionally. The mystery itself had potential, but the plot twist didn’t deliver the punch it was aiming for. I could see where the story wanted to go, but the execution left me a bit underwhelmed. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn’t give me the satisfaction I usually look for in a mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homicide at the Hotel: A Vacation Cozy Mystery is a delightful and engaging read that perfectly blends mystery with a touch of humor and charm. Set in a picturesque vacation spot, the story follows two clever amateur detectives who stumble upon a murder at their hotel. The characters are quirky and likable, and the plot moves at a comfortable pace with just enough twists to keep you guessing. While the ending could have been a bit more surprising, the cozy atmosphere and witty dialogue make this a thoroughly enjoyable escape. A great pick for fans of lighthearted mysteries!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why did our vacations always end up in turmoil? Would we ever be allowed to actually enjoy a trip instead of solving a crime"

It really does seem as where Sam and Jordan go, trouble follows. They're in Mexico and again get mixed up in a murder mystery. But why did it happen and who can you trust?

This book is more like the ones from The Heywood Herbalist series and well thought out and makes much more sense than the first of this series. I highly appreciate and enjoyed this. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens however it didn't affect my reading or review]