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Pineapple Port Mysteries #8
Pineapple Jailbird: A Funny, Thrilling & Cozy (ish) Mystery
Book eight of the hilarious Pineapple Port mystery series from Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author Amy Vansant has Charlotte awaking to find Mariska and Bob gone, kidnapped from their home. Their disappearance is a message from a familiar Help me or your friends will disappear.
To save her loved ones, Charlotte must find a way to clear her boyfriend's crazy ex of a killing. It may be the only crime the woman didn't commit...but things don't get any easier when someone mistakes Charlotte as a traitor and sends a madman with a distinctive "tattoo" and unusual gang of deadly pets to stop her.
Fans of comedic mysteries like The Thin Man, Moonlighting, Monk and Elementary will fall in love with the charming, funny and thrilling world of Pineapple Port!
To save her loved ones, Charlotte must find a way to clear her boyfriend's crazy ex of a killing. It may be the only crime the woman didn't commit...but things don't get any easier when someone mistakes Charlotte as a traitor and sends a madman with a distinctive "tattoo" and unusual gang of deadly pets to stop her.
Fans of comedic mysteries like The Thin Man, Moonlighting, Monk and Elementary will fall in love with the charming, funny and thrilling world of Pineapple Port!
Audible Audio
Published February 18, 2021
About the author
Amy Vansant
93 books843 followersAmy Vansant is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author who writes with an unique blend of thrills, romance and humor (occasionally with a touch of time travel or fantasy). Check out the Pineapple Port Mystery series or her Urban Fantasy Thriller, the Kilty Series!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 8, 2019
So I thought the book was okay, and I liked the cast of characters hanging out in Pineapple Port - pickpockets, hackers, assassins, etc. The story line was okay - a leader in the WITSEC program was trying to get her daughter off a charge, and in the process Charlotte and Declan end up being chased by alligators, shot at by paragliders and have bugs tossed at them through a mulch blower. It got better for me towards the end, but the beginning was a little slow I thought.
June 2, 2019
I have followed Pineapple Port Mysteries from its beginning and have enjoyed every minute of it. That is, until "Pineapple Port Jailbirds". Ms. Vansant did an unforgiveable thing when she took the hero and heroine and turned them into incompetent, idiotic, moronic, abjectly stupid nincompoops.
Who, in their right mind, is also most killed by a 20 foot python being put in their bedroom while they are asleep, only surviving because the dog woke them up , alerting them to the snake's presence, and then, after receiving a call from the man who put the snake in their room, agrees to meet him at a place near the river, alone, having been cautioned not to bring the dog. You did not have to read anymore to know what was going to happen. Of course Charlotte goes, gets attacked by an alligator but, of course, gets away unharmed,. How else can the book continue if the heroine is dead.
Now, we have Declan, a formidable, military trained, fine specimen of a man, who has fought and, obviously, survived in jungle fighting, etc - in other words, he is purportedly more experienced in the ways of war, etc. than a normal man and a presence to be reckoned with. Except, that Ms. Vansant has deemed to render him brainless, so when an unknown person calls him and tells him that he has information to give him, he agrees, albeit the fact that he is instructed to go to an abandoned airfield and stand in the middle of the field, and his caller will meet him there. Kind of like a sitting duck wouldn't you say? I am surprised that Declan wasn't told to wear a t-shirt with a target on it, which I am sure he would have done if told to do so. And so, surprise, surprise, an airborne man in a self-propelled kite chair appears in the air and starts shooting at him. Imagine that! And, so, like Charlotte, he escapes unscathed so the series can continue.
Really, I expected more from Ms. Vansant.
Additionally, it would appear that only the good guys die, the bad guys only get caught and put in prison, where they can either escape or manipulate their respective gangs (for want of a descriptive word) during their incarceration, which is not uncommon and has been done many times in real life. So, there is no reason for Ms. Vansant to come up with any new nemesis, she just uses the existing ones to terrorize and in other ways make Charlotte, Declan and company's lives miserable.
To say that I am severely disappointed in this author is putting it mildly and, even though the latest Pineapple Port mystery book is out, I will have to put it under advisement as to whether or not I wish to continue with this series and/or this author.
Who, in their right mind, is also most killed by a 20 foot python being put in their bedroom while they are asleep, only surviving because the dog woke them up , alerting them to the snake's presence, and then, after receiving a call from the man who put the snake in their room, agrees to meet him at a place near the river, alone, having been cautioned not to bring the dog. You did not have to read anymore to know what was going to happen. Of course Charlotte goes, gets attacked by an alligator but, of course, gets away unharmed,. How else can the book continue if the heroine is dead.
Now, we have Declan, a formidable, military trained, fine specimen of a man, who has fought and, obviously, survived in jungle fighting, etc - in other words, he is purportedly more experienced in the ways of war, etc. than a normal man and a presence to be reckoned with. Except, that Ms. Vansant has deemed to render him brainless, so when an unknown person calls him and tells him that he has information to give him, he agrees, albeit the fact that he is instructed to go to an abandoned airfield and stand in the middle of the field, and his caller will meet him there. Kind of like a sitting duck wouldn't you say? I am surprised that Declan wasn't told to wear a t-shirt with a target on it, which I am sure he would have done if told to do so. And so, surprise, surprise, an airborne man in a self-propelled kite chair appears in the air and starts shooting at him. Imagine that! And, so, like Charlotte, he escapes unscathed so the series can continue.
Really, I expected more from Ms. Vansant.
Additionally, it would appear that only the good guys die, the bad guys only get caught and put in prison, where they can either escape or manipulate their respective gangs (for want of a descriptive word) during their incarceration, which is not uncommon and has been done many times in real life. So, there is no reason for Ms. Vansant to come up with any new nemesis, she just uses the existing ones to terrorize and in other ways make Charlotte, Declan and company's lives miserable.
To say that I am severely disappointed in this author is putting it mildly and, even though the latest Pineapple Port mystery book is out, I will have to put it under advisement as to whether or not I wish to continue with this series and/or this author.
April 6, 2019
Great sequel.
I can't wait for the next book to come out. I love Pineapple Port stories. They are all well written, humorous and out right crazy. I hope there will be a new one very soon.
I can't wait for the next book to come out. I love Pineapple Port stories. They are all well written, humorous and out right crazy. I hope there will be a new one very soon.
June 25, 2024
Charlotte wakes up one morning to find that the couple that raised her have been kidnapped by a serial killer woman (Jamie/Simone). Jamie calls Charlotte and says that unless Charlotte helps get Jamie's daughter Stephanie out of jail, Jamie will start killing all those near and dear to Charlotte. The problem is that Stephanie (who is not a nice person either) is Declan's ex-girlfriend (and she still has feelings for him, but he's not interested - because he is currently dating Charlotte!!! The plot thickens as more and more people are dragged into this quagmire! Things get pretty dicey, but Charlotte is smarter than people give her credit for.
May 28, 2022
Love this series!
July 20, 2021
3/5
Overall, a nice way to pass the time.
These books are entertaining and feel good cozy mysteries. Things have gotten a bit darker as the series moves on, but I enjoy them. This is my go to series to get me out of a reading slump (last month, I read one book… I’ve read 5 of these in as many days).
They’re not award-winning literature or writing, but they’re entertaining and pass the time.
Overall, a nice way to pass the time.
These books are entertaining and feel good cozy mysteries. Things have gotten a bit darker as the series moves on, but I enjoy them. This is my go to series to get me out of a reading slump (last month, I read one book… I’ve read 5 of these in as many days).
They’re not award-winning literature or writing, but they’re entertaining and pass the time.
March 25, 2019
The animal rights group would love to get him!
A terrific fast paced read. The plot is about a serial killer who spent years working for Witness Protection but also using it to squirrel away hitmen and others for her own private army. Can they bring her in? I wouldn't say that this is funny but it is entertaining. The characters just get better and it's amazing what is hiding behind closed doors in terms retirement section of the town.
Stephanie is being held for murder but her mother wants her out. Therefore the kidnapping of two of Charlotte's neighbours takes place. To keep everyone safe she has to find the real killer and get the charges dropped. Meanwhile a mastermind is plotting to keep her from helping whilst Stephanie runs into her own problems in prison. A python, an alligator, a sea of bugs, a sniper paraglider, the return of Dec's errant father and a sniper attack plus finding out more secrets about the residents of the town are all mixed into a plot that will have you reading as fast as you can.
A terrific fast paced read. The plot is about a serial killer who spent years working for Witness Protection but also using it to squirrel away hitmen and others for her own private army. Can they bring her in? I wouldn't say that this is funny but it is entertaining. The characters just get better and it's amazing what is hiding behind closed doors in terms retirement section of the town.
Stephanie is being held for murder but her mother wants her out. Therefore the kidnapping of two of Charlotte's neighbours takes place. To keep everyone safe she has to find the real killer and get the charges dropped. Meanwhile a mastermind is plotting to keep her from helping whilst Stephanie runs into her own problems in prison. A python, an alligator, a sea of bugs, a sniper paraglider, the return of Dec's errant father and a sniper attack plus finding out more secrets about the residents of the town are all mixed into a plot that will have you reading as fast as you can.
June 2, 2019
Mommy Dearest
If you loved Lucy, The Golden Girls, and Laverne and Shirley, you will adore author Amy Vansant's latest Pineapple tale. Slapstick humor abounds as our heroine, a newly minted a private investigator, finds herself threatened at every turn by wildlife of every description. Pineapple Port is an old-age community. If you live long enough you are likely to end up in one, regardless of what you used to do for a living. Makes for some interesting neighbors! I just deleted a couple of sentences that may have provided spoilers--so I simply recommend that you read and laugh for yourself. I have enjoyed a few of the other books in this series but, although previous capers are referenced, any information needed is provided, so this can easily be read as a standalone if you haven't had the joy of dipping into these stories before.
If you loved Lucy, The Golden Girls, and Laverne and Shirley, you will adore author Amy Vansant's latest Pineapple tale. Slapstick humor abounds as our heroine, a newly minted a private investigator, finds herself threatened at every turn by wildlife of every description. Pineapple Port is an old-age community. If you live long enough you are likely to end up in one, regardless of what you used to do for a living. Makes for some interesting neighbors! I just deleted a couple of sentences that may have provided spoilers--so I simply recommend that you read and laugh for yourself. I have enjoyed a few of the other books in this series but, although previous capers are referenced, any information needed is provided, so this can easily be read as a standalone if you haven't had the joy of dipping into these stories before.
March 31, 2019
I really enjoy the gang
I always look forward to each new book in this series, they are always hilarious, entertaining and yet, can be pretty serious with serial killers and crazy exes. The few things that just bother me are the fact that there really isn’t much of a romantic relationship between our two main character. It’s just flat and if you didn’t already know they were a couple, you couldn’t tell especially in this book. I miss the romance and relationship part. Second, this is just my opinion but I’m completely over the crazy ex always there. It’s old and she’s doing nothing for the series to me and who would allow this to keep going if you’re the girlfriend? I truly do love this author and this series, I do and I hope to keep reading more.
I always look forward to each new book in this series, they are always hilarious, entertaining and yet, can be pretty serious with serial killers and crazy exes. The few things that just bother me are the fact that there really isn’t much of a romantic relationship between our two main character. It’s just flat and if you didn’t already know they were a couple, you couldn’t tell especially in this book. I miss the romance and relationship part. Second, this is just my opinion but I’m completely over the crazy ex always there. It’s old and she’s doing nothing for the series to me and who would allow this to keep going if you’re the girlfriend? I truly do love this author and this series, I do and I hope to keep reading more.
March 2, 2021
Here is another funny book from Amy Vansant and her fictional retirement community of Pineapple Port. This one starts out with Charlotte's neighbors Bob and Mariska being kidnapped. The kidnapper leaves mannequins in their bed and pens a note for Charlotte telling her she has to get Stephanie out of jail or everyone she loves will die. Charlotte rouses the residents, and then Bob and Mariska come home driving their own golf cart while decorated for Christmas and tied up to boot. Then we have Declan's employee Blade, who installs motion-activated cameras all around Charlotte's house to help keep her safe. Naturally, the precautions fail. This is an amazingly humorous book. I loved it, and I think you will too.
September 12, 2022
Uh oh
Faced with the challenge to get Stephanie out of jail or risk losing everyone she cares about, Charlotte has no choice. With the help of her friends, she begins to look for clues as she works for Stephanie's serial killer mother. All while fending off murder attempts on her life. Thank God for Abby!
This one got a bit hairy. I always knew there was something off with Blade. When assassination attempts on both Declan and Charlotte are made via a third party unknown, things start looking pretty difficult to overcome. Criminals all around her, undercover cops, and a few killers leaves Charlotte in a lot more danger.
Faced with the challenge to get Stephanie out of jail or risk losing everyone she cares about, Charlotte has no choice. With the help of her friends, she begins to look for clues as she works for Stephanie's serial killer mother. All while fending off murder attempts on her life. Thank God for Abby!
This one got a bit hairy. I always knew there was something off with Blade. When assassination attempts on both Declan and Charlotte are made via a third party unknown, things start looking pretty difficult to overcome. Criminals all around her, undercover cops, and a few killers leaves Charlotte in a lot more danger.
March 30, 2019
Stephanie is arrested for murder. Her mother, who is a serial killer, wants Charlotte to get Stephanie out of jail and threatens her loved ones if she doesn’t! Senior citzens who are reformed criminals in the Witness Protection Program help Charlotte. A swamp man assassin tries to kill Charlotte . His weapons are a snake, alligators, pufferfish & bugs. How crazy is that?! Do you think he'll succeed? Will Charlotte be able to clear Stephanie's name? Come along on this action filled ride with it's twists and turns. Well thought out plot and very well written. Great characters.
May 21, 2019
Pineapple jailbird/a. Vansant
T his series was good. A lot of action, then you have A serial killer and add in people who wants to kill you through the control of a serial killer, add serial killer daughter and of course charlotte p.i. And Declan , her ex ops boyfriend and the gang who lives in 55 olus community who took care of charlotte, and add in Declan long thought dead father. I was glued to the story. Loved vansant style of writing that keeps you entertain to the end of the story.
T his series was good. A lot of action, then you have A serial killer and add in people who wants to kill you through the control of a serial killer, add serial killer daughter and of course charlotte p.i. And Declan , her ex ops boyfriend and the gang who lives in 55 olus community who took care of charlotte, and add in Declan long thought dead father. I was glued to the story. Loved vansant style of writing that keeps you entertain to the end of the story.
June 19, 2020
Retired ex-cons help catch killer mastermind
Charlotte discovers the retirement community of Pineapple Port, where she has grown up, is the home of several people in the witness protection program. Many of them are still proficient in the skills that they used as criminals. Some of these come in handy in tracking and capturing the homicidal maniac who attempts to kill her own daughter, recently released from jail after being framed for murder. Charlotte and her boyfriend, Declan, manage to survive a few very weird murder attempts before the grand finale.
Charlotte discovers the retirement community of Pineapple Port, where she has grown up, is the home of several people in the witness protection program. Many of them are still proficient in the skills that they used as criminals. Some of these come in handy in tracking and capturing the homicidal maniac who attempts to kill her own daughter, recently released from jail after being framed for murder. Charlotte and her boyfriend, Declan, manage to survive a few very weird murder attempts before the grand finale.
April 30, 2023
Crooks and Critters Coming Out of the Woodwork
What a great episode! This is the 8th book in this cozy mystery series. The plot twists and surprises in this book are fantastic! As each story builds on the previous books, this series is best read in order. This episode has folks from the past as well as the surprise abilities of characters we have already seen. There is a nice bit of romance and a good bit of humor throughout the book. This book is not one to miss in this series as it ties up a lot of loose ends as well as leading to more questions.
What a great episode! This is the 8th book in this cozy mystery series. The plot twists and surprises in this book are fantastic! As each story builds on the previous books, this series is best read in order. This episode has folks from the past as well as the surprise abilities of characters we have already seen. There is a nice bit of romance and a good bit of humor throughout the book. This book is not one to miss in this series as it ties up a lot of loose ends as well as leading to more questions.
July 1, 2026
Wonderful story, narration by Rosemary Benson and characters. I love this ongoing series with Charlotte waking up to find Mariska and Bob gone, kidnapped from their home. Their disappearance and a message from a familiar Help me or your friends will disappear.
Charlotte gets involved in trying to clear her boyfriend's crazy ex of a killing. This woman has committed many crimes but this may be the only crime the woman didn't commit.
Charlotte gets in the middle of a madman with a distinctive "tattoo" and unusual gang of deadly pets to stop her.
Charlotte gets involved in trying to clear her boyfriend's crazy ex of a killing. This woman has committed many crimes but this may be the only crime the woman didn't commit.
Charlotte gets in the middle of a madman with a distinctive "tattoo" and unusual gang of deadly pets to stop her.
August 11, 2026
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story as much as the others in the series. I appreciated how this story revealed even more of the families' secrets, and how words can be misconstrued in spite of one's intentions. I thought the characters were as delightful as ever. I was entertained by the mystery which was as tangled as a ball of yarn can get. I liked Rosemary Benson's narration as her performance kept my attention engaged. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
March 25, 2019
Another crazy adventure for Charlotte ,Declan and the usual gang! When Stephanie is in jail for killing the DA , her mother and infamous serial killer, threatens Charlottes loves ones if she doesn’t get her daughter out of jail! When someone tries to kill Declan and Charlotte the adventures really start. It’s nonstop action and plenty of shocking secrets and twist get revealed! I really enjoyed this book and love this series and author. I can’t wait for the next book!
April 1, 2019
The mind of Ms VanSant is absolutely hysterical - this is such a great series, I started at the beginning and have read each one as they came out - its just the CUTEST premise, and, having had a grandmother who lived in a mobile home park in Florida, these stories just tickle me.
She has concocted characters you can love as well as characters you love to hate - plus a little dog.
Author gifted me this book, as I'm on her reading team, thank you Amy - it was truly enjoyable!
She has concocted characters you can love as well as characters you love to hate - plus a little dog.
Author gifted me this book, as I'm on her reading team, thank you Amy - it was truly enjoyable!
April 8, 2019
Another great book from Amy Vansant. Declan's crazy ex, Stephanie is accused of murder. Stephanie's mother, Jamie, is a serial killer. Jamie has threatened to kill all Charlotte's family and friends if she doesn't get Stephanie acquitted. Meanwhile, someone thinks that Charlotte is on Jamie's side and has sent a complete nutter and keeper of unusual pets to get rid of her. She has her hands full trying not to get killed and to prove Stephanie's innocence (of this particular crime).
June 11, 2019
Charlotte and the crinkly crew are back causing mayhem wherever they go!
There are family secrets, double-dealing, FBI stings and more on the go. If PETA ever gets a hold of this bad guy they are going to kill him!
I also have a giggle at the dynamic duo and how Frank puts up being married to one of them I'll never understand. Some of the attempts of Charlotte and co are creative, to say the least!
There are family secrets, double-dealing, FBI stings and more on the go. If PETA ever gets a hold of this bad guy they are going to kill him!
I also have a giggle at the dynamic duo and how Frank puts up being married to one of them I'll never understand. Some of the attempts of Charlotte and co are creative, to say the least!
August 12, 2022
Lovely series
A little romance, a lot of humor, a smidge of murder, FBI entanglements, serial killers, missing, presumed dead relatives, setting in Florida in a retirement community so various wildlife, and over fifty-five shenanigans all equal an excellent read. Already read the first couple of chapters in the next installment. Ready to investigate the other two series by Ms Vansant.
A little romance, a lot of humor, a smidge of murder, FBI entanglements, serial killers, missing, presumed dead relatives, setting in Florida in a retirement community so various wildlife, and over fifty-five shenanigans all equal an excellent read. Already read the first couple of chapters in the next installment. Ready to investigate the other two series by Ms Vansant.
August 25, 2024
Crazy Criminals on the Loose
Funny and suspenseful, this is the best in the series so far. New characters with deep connections to our heroes are introduced and the action never seems to stop. Everyone’s story is propelled forward by the life-changing events which leave the reader looking forward to where the author is taking us next.
NOTE: To fully enjoy the stories and the character growth, the books really should be read in order.
Funny and suspenseful, this is the best in the series so far. New characters with deep connections to our heroes are introduced and the action never seems to stop. Everyone’s story is propelled forward by the life-changing events which leave the reader looking forward to where the author is taking us next.
NOTE: To fully enjoy the stories and the character growth, the books really should be read in order.
March 30, 2019
Of you like humor, strange though it may be
Very humorous if you are into puns and just plain funny dialogue and characters. The residents of Pineapple Port are as zany as heck, but somehow they seem to resemble some part of my family in a weird sort of way. Can't wait for next installment. What can top murder by wild creatures?
Very humorous if you are into puns and just plain funny dialogue and characters. The residents of Pineapple Port are as zany as heck, but somehow they seem to resemble some part of my family in a weird sort of way. Can't wait for next installment. What can top murder by wild creatures?
March 31, 2019
Pineapple Jailbird: A Pineapple Port Mystery by Amy Vansant
I just love all of these fun, cozy mysteries. There are just layers of story lines, a virtual onion of angst and intrigue. I never get enough. I really enjoy how the backstories are gradually unfolding. Add a clean love story and I am all in.
I just love all of these fun, cozy mysteries. There are just layers of story lines, a virtual onion of angst and intrigue. I never get enough. I really enjoy how the backstories are gradually unfolding. Add a clean love story and I am all in.
April 10, 2019
It's all set, I'm moving in the house 3 doors down from Charlotte!
I'll bake cookies and pies every day and have a big pot of coffee on at all times. I've already made my cutsie welcome Sign for my door, and will have a glorious assortment of cute tables and chairs on my big front deck. I'm so excited to become one of the "girls"
I'll bake cookies and pies every day and have a big pot of coffee on at all times. I've already made my cutsie welcome Sign for my door, and will have a glorious assortment of cute tables and chairs on my big front deck. I'm so excited to become one of the "girls"
June 17, 2020
In the Pineapple Port series so far this was my favorite. The characters were so well developed and the plot line progressed with multiple twists I was held captive to the last line. So fun seeing Charlotte and Declan growing together, and the introduction of Cormac added to the depth of the population. Of course Blade became my favorite reprobate!
February 18, 2022
Interesting story. A long involved story with a female who is bound and determined to clear the lawyer daughter of a serial killer. Many attempts are made on her life as well as her male friend. This is a crazy mixed up little town. The insane women sent all of her prisoners to hid here and uses them for her own ends. Strang family members show up and become part of the plot. Enjoy.
January 21, 2023
Setting the trap
Catching a wanted serial killer was going to be tough but Charlotte had to do it. After all she had been threatened and all those she loved as well. Having to prove her nemesis innocent was also tough but she was tougher and she’d get it done. The comedy of errors and the characters involved made this a quick and enjoyable read. I can’t wait for more.
Catching a wanted serial killer was going to be tough but Charlotte had to do it. After all she had been threatened and all those she loved as well. Having to prove her nemesis innocent was also tough but she was tougher and she’d get it done. The comedy of errors and the characters involved made this a quick and enjoyable read. I can’t wait for more.
January 25, 2023
Fun series
A fun series full of great characters. Humor, mysteries, a little romance. Charlotte has grown up in a retirement community. She has learned old doesn't mean boring. Her neighbors are quirky, snarky and fun. Start with the first book where her dog digs up a body in her back yard. Everything builds from there. Love this series!
A fun series full of great characters. Humor, mysteries, a little romance. Charlotte has grown up in a retirement community. She has learned old doesn't mean boring. Her neighbors are quirky, snarky and fun. Start with the first book where her dog digs up a body in her back yard. Everything builds from there. Love this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews