Margaritas and Murder

by Michele Pariza Wacek

Murder in paradise!

Charlie Kingsley escapes Wisconsin’s winter chill for sunny Cabo, Mexico, hoping for sandy beaches and endless margaritas. But her vacation takes a deadly turn when she stumbles upon a body on the beach, and worse, becomes the prime suspect!

Now Charlie must swap her flip-flops for detective shoes to clear her name and catch the killer before her getaway turns into a stay behind bars.

Perfect for readers of tropical cozy mysteries, beach vacation whodunits, and amateur sleuth adventures.

Meet Charlie. Also known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She’s back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.

While each book is a standalone, you may find it more enjoyable to read the books in order, which

The Murder Before Christmas
Ice Cold Murder
Murder Next Door
Murder Among Friends
The Murder of Sleepy Hollow
Red Hot Murder
A Cornucopia of Murder
Arson, Old Lace and Murder (coming 2026)
Masquerading as Murder (coming 2026)

Other books in the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series
A Grave Error (prequel)
Loch Ness Murder
A Wedding to Murder For
Three French Hens and a Murder
A Room For Murder
Margaritas and Murder (coming October 2025)
Secret Santa Murder (coming 2026)

Genres: Cozy

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2025

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Reviews

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I cannot express how much I love to revisit anyone from Redemption! This time our famed mystery solver and tea purveyor is in Cabo, Mexico and trouble seems to have followed her.

Charlie is trying to enjoy some time away when she stumbles upon a body on the beach. The man just happens to be someone she had had a run in with the day before. Unfortunately, the Mexican authorities now consider her the prime suspect! She decides to call Officer Wyle back in Redemption to come to her rescue and help clear her name. Can Charlie and Brandon clear her name and solve the murder before she's arrested?

This was another fantastic book by Michele PW! I absolutely love anything to do with this series. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

[Michele Wacek]

Sun, beaches, sand…and a dead body?

Even worse, Charlie become the prime suspect!

A Charlie Kingsley cozy mystery novella. Available on audio, ebook and paperback on all major retailers.

https://mpwnovels.com/book/margaritas...

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story. The plot thickens as you read through it. A must read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short novella that covers a lot of motives for murder. Charlie and Brandon are friends with a hint of romantic involvement. Mathias is murdered and there are conflicting stories. When the murderer is caught the story wrapped up so quickly, I needed to reread it to see what really happened. I would have liked a deeper explanation. I enjoy the series.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and fun read that I really enjoyed. Charlie Kingsley was a great lead character and the storyline grabbed me from the beginning, so much so that I was a little disappointed it ended so quickly! Although Michele Pariza Wacek has several books featuring Charlie, I was glad to know that they don't have to be read in order and with this as my first intro to Charlie and what I can assume is a regular cast of supporting characters who help her "sleuthing", I look forward to reading more. Definitely a cozy mystery - gripping storyline, but nothing too heavy and very well written. 4.5 stars ~ definitely recommend!
Thanks BookSirens for the free ARC ~ I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is in Cabo and it seems that trouble seems to find her no matter where she goes.

This was a quick and enjoyable read where Charlie, after finding the body of a man who she had berated the day before, is determined to find the killer and get her name off the suspect list. I enjoyed the setting and the sudden arrival of a friend to help her in her investigation. Maybe things might move forward here? Anyway, it's a perfect read for fans of the series to whet the appetite whilst we wait for more Charlie stories.

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

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute murder mystery.
It was short and sweet. I liked the protagonist Charlie and her friend Brandon. There is obviously some chemistry there!
I look forward to reading a full length novel with Charlie and Brandon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute story...

[Kair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaritas and Murder is a cozy novella in the Charlie Kingsley Murder series. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. In this novella, Charlie is on vacation in Mexico when she stumbles across a dead body on the beach. When Charlie realizes that the Mexican authorities consider her the prime suspect in the murder, she calls Officer Brandon Wyle for help. Officer Wyle drops everything and flies to Mexico to help Charlie solve the case and clear her name. I enjoyed how the author brought the characters out of Redemption, WI and into a new location to solve a murder. I also like seeing Wyle and Charlie's relationship developing in each book. If you enjoy light cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several things happened that ruined Charlie Kingsley's Cabo vacation. First, her friend and travel companion fell ill and was unable to join her in the Mexican sun. Secondly, she witnessed a man abusing a woman on the beach and intervened. Thirdly, Charlie found the man's dead body on the beach during an early morning walk. And, finally, perhaps most importantly, the responding detective has decided that she was the perpetrator. Alone and in a foreign country, can Charlie solve the murder before she is jailed for a crime she didn't commit?

What a wonderful way to spread murders around! I loved that this story took place in a location that wasn't Redemption, Wisconsin. Don't get me wrong, I love the Redemption setting, but it was "nice" to be in a different location with Charlie. And also, a sun-filled beach, south of the border - as we head into a rainy fall, my warmth-craving body said, "Yes, please!"

Charlie, true to herself, was empathetic yet open to seeing people as they honestly are. Her method of discerning the facts highlights what a great detective she is. And though I do feel a bit of sorrow that part of her holiday time went towards solving a murder, it was great to see her playing to her strengths, even in a strange location.

Margaritas and Murder is a delightful addition to the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series. The story is wholly self-contained and could be read as a stand-alone (but do yourself a favour and read all the books; they are fantastic!)

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

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful novella addition to the series and proved that even on vacation Charlie can't seem to stay out of trouble. Her ongoing developing relationship with Jordan was fun to watch. It was a nice, easy read that kept me engaged in the story as I journeyed along with her to see who would solve the murder first. The only reason I gave this a four instead of a five was because it was a novella which is on the short side and as a result the story arc was somewhat one dimensional since it was limited to the local resort. Despite that it was an enjoyable read and hope that Charlies adventures continue in future books!

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me to read these adventures. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute quick read.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast-paced, and delightfully twisty!

Margaritas and Murder is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I love to curl up with on a weekend. From the very first chapter, I was swept away to sunny Los Cabos, Mexico, where tea-maker-turned-amateur-sleuth Charlie Kingsley hopes for a relaxing getaway… only to find herself entangled in a murder investigation before she’s even unpacked her bags. What starts as a simple beach vacation—with flamingos, margaritas, and a little people-watching—quickly turns into a high-stakes whodunit when Charlie discovers a body on the shore and becomes a prime suspect.

The writing is crisp and inviting, with just the right balance of humor, suspense, and heart. Charlie is smart, likable, and brave (sometimes too brave for her own good), and her banter with Officer Gomez and the unexpected arrival of her friend Wyle kept me smiling even as the mystery deepened. The setting sparkles—between the vibrant resort life, the salty ocean breeze, and the ever-watchful flamingos, you can practically feel the Cabo sunshine on your skin.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong female leads, a touch of humor, and an exotic vacation vibe, Margaritas and Murder is a perfect escape. I devoured it in a single sitting—an effervescent blend of mystery and margaritas that left me eager for the next Charlie Kingsley adventure!

[BJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever experienced a winter in the northern Midwest, you can imagine the delight Charlie has when she is given the opportunity to go to a resort in Mexico for a week. Ah, sunshine, warm temperatures, beaches, margaritas -- and murder? That will put a bump in your vacation plans. But for Charlie Kingsley, it's kind of par for the course.

This time, however, she's miles away from home in a foreign country, and she's a suspect! Will Charlie have to figure this one out on her own? Or will she end up in a Mexican jail for a murder she didn't commit?

This book may be short, but it's got plenty of suspense and mystery. It's a great read - I highly recommend it!

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the prime suspect for a murder was not what Carlie Kinsley wanted when she went for a vacation to Cabo, Mexico. Lots of suspense to this captivating read which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers as it is unputdownable.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that I had read this book before. It was so much like one I had already read. It was a very good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novella where Charlie is supposed to be on vacation, but instead has to prove she is innocent of murder. Wyle has to join her to help. I love the connection and the joking nature between them. I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaritas and Murder is a new mystery by Michele Pariza Wacek. I enjoy reading the Charlie Kingsley seties. In this story, Charlie is on vacation in Cabo, Mexico. Unfortunately for Charlie, she finds a dead body on the beach! She must clear her name and her vacation becomes a sleuthing job to stay out of jail. Love Charlie and I think that this author wrote yes fantastic mysteries. Jump into an excellent book and solve this murder. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that is entertaining and packed with action as Charlie gets into trouble while vacationing in Cabo, Mexico. Never a dull moment. Recommended.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyle was a prince of a man. Charlie talked with him about about what's going on on her vacation- murder and being considered a suspect- and he shows up on her doorstep to help her without being asked. Now, that's

a good man. Charlie stumbles onto more than meets the eye and her prince charming

helps her investigate. This was a fun, entertaining, and charming cozy you'll love. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short mystery set in a resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. A trip for two ends up as a solo trip for Charlie. I would be plenty nervous going alone. It looks like it's a great place to avoid the snow and cold from her hometown. She inevitably gets involved when trying to stop a guy from hitting a woman on the beach. Things get very involved after that.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, quick read about a murder/mystery set in sunny Los Cabos, Mexico. I enjoyed the book very much & look forward to reading more from this author.

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

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! So entertaining.
I love this author's work. Brilliant writing.
Amazing story. Short and easy to read.
Exciting characters.
I loved the ending. Suspenseful and hard to put down.
You don't want to miss this one.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

All tied up in deception. So much so it was hard to figure it out. Too bad Charlie can't just enjoy a vacation. Makes me want to go to Cabo.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaritas and Muder

A very good book.

I didn’t see the ending coming

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cut down in Cabo.

Charlie Kinsley is in Los Cabos to enjoy the vacation she won at the police raffle. Her relaxing days are cut short when she discovers a body during her walk on the beach, and the local police target her as the prime suspect. If she doesn’t want to spend her retirement as an incarcerated ex-pat, she needs to solve this case and present the police with the real killer.

Charlie is a good sleuth, even if her main talent seems to be finding bodies! This is a fun series. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following the Charlie Kingsley series since the beginning and have fallen in love with the characters and all the shenanigans that just happen to take place in the small town of Redemption, Wisconsin. Here Charlie heads to Cabo for some fun and relaxation in the sun after winning a contest for a week's stay for two. Except the friend she chose to go with her got too sick to travel so rather than waste the trip, she's going to go it alone. Once there she's all set to soak up the local color when she finds herself in the middle of what looks like a domestic dispute that somehow leads to Charlie finding the man's body lying on the beach dead a day later. Once again Charlie is tasked with finding the truth herself when the Mexican police suggest she may have been involved.

Another super fun read from Michelle Pariza Wacek who always entertains me with her stories. I look forward to more Charlie Kingsley in the future. I highly recommend this one to any cozy reader. Happy Reading!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Kingsley wins a trip for two to Cabo, Mexico in the middle of a Wisconsin winter. This is set in the early 1990s. Her friend Pat was set to go but became ill 2 days before the trip. Charlie choses to go alone.

Charlie witnesses a woman being man handled and steps in to help her. The man that was manhandling turns up dead and Charlie is the prime suspect. The police confiscate her driver’s license so she calls her friend Detective Brendon Wyle for some advice. He tells her to sit tight while he researches the situation

Next morning, Det Wyle shows up at her doorstep to assist her in not being charged for murder.

A fast-paced read, twists I saw coming, and some not so much. I thought it was a good story. My only complaint is it was too short.

I was given an advanced copy by Booksiren and these are my opinions.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, super quick book to read. It's the first book I have read in the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries book series, and it won't be the last. I love Charlie, and the relationship she has with Wyle and the whole will they won't they thing they have going on. I loved finding out that this is part of a series, as there is so much potential for Charlie and her investigations.

The murder investigation itself kept me guessing right up to the end. I thought I knew where it was going and then it would turn to the right.

You don't need to have read the earlier books in the series to follow the story as the writer explains enough of the backstory for you to follow along nicely. Can't wait to read more from these characters, and this author.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I am in the process of reading through the Secrets of Redemption, the psychological suspense series written by this author, which I am thoroughly enjoying, but when offered the chance I couldn't resist going back in time in Redemption, Wisconsin, and reading about the mysterious Aunt Charlie of the Secrets series when she was young and had mystery adventures of her own. It apparently isn't necessary to read this series in order. In this one, Charlie has won a week's holiday in Cabo, Mexico in the middle of the cold redemption winter. Unfortunately, she gets herself mixed up in a murder mystery that turns out to be quite complicated - with a little bit of tantalising "Is this romance?" going on. It's a good Cozy read