Resort, Two, Murder

Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #20

by Joanna Campbell Slan

A Florida vacation. A glittering fashion show. A chilling discovery that turns paradise upside down.

Kiki Lowenstein arrives on the Treasure Coast expecting sunshine and family fun—but when a young model is found floating in the resort pool after a dazzling Mermaidcore fashion show, her spring break becomes Kiki’s most thrilling adventure yet!
As her detective husband is pulled into the investigation, Kiki teams up with her best friend, Cara Mia Delgatto, to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes. Frightened young models, a suspicious agency, and whispers of a high-stakes party circuit point to dangers far beyond broken heels and catwalk drama.

A timely cozy mystery inspired by issues all over today’s headlines—handled with warmth, compassion, and Kiki’s trademark heart—this story weaves Florida sunshine, family bonds, gentle humor, and real-world relevance into a page-turner that stays firmly cozy.

Perfect for readers who
✓ Cozy mysteries
✓ Women sleuths
✓ Beach-read crime fiction
✓ Florida settings & resort mysteries
✓ Strong friendships & close-knit families
✓ The Kiki Lowenstein and Cara Mia Delgatto series

Join Kiki as she protects her family, supports young women who need a champion, and uncovers the truth hiding beneath the glitter and glamour.

Genres: Mystery

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”

Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.

RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.

Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.

Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.

As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.

Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Website: www.JoannaSlan.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...

Twitter: @JoannaSlan

Reviews

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Resort Two Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan

Resort Two Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan is the twentieth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series.

Kiki and her family planned a short vacation, expecting relaxation and warm weather. Unfortunately, their trip quickly turned sour with problems at the resort, followed by a murder the next day. Kiki’s husband, a detective, was drawn into the investigation, and since Kiki and her daughter had seen the victim the night before, they shared all the information they had. Soon, the situation became increasingly dangerous and complicated. Powerful people wanted them gone, but Kiki and her family were determined to solve the mystery.

This murder mystery is full of suspense, with a strong focus on family and friends working together. The investigation felt like a family business, as Kiki’s loved ones all contributed to solving the case. The pacing is steady and clear, making the story easy to follow, and the plot is engaging from start to finish. Even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a standalone novel. The characters are likable and realistic, and I especially loved how they cared for the young girl and rescued the others. The ending is truly heroic.

If you enjoy mysteries filled with suspense, family dynamics, and clever sleuthing, Resort Two Murder is a must-read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resort, Two, Murder is a well written and very timely story with respect to the current situation with the Epstein files and the US president being mentioned in them. I was happy to have another Kiki Lowenstein book to read. This one takes place in Florida when Kiki, her husband, children and Brawny go to visit Cara Mia Delgatto over their spring break. They immediately stumble into a suspicious death at the resort they are staying at. Kiki and Cara join forces with her husband to help solve the apparent murder of a young model who had been in a show earlier in the evening. We learn that it was part of a human trafficking operation of young women and sex crimes. References are made to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell who are in the headlines in 2025. I was expecting Donald Trump to also be mentioned as part of the criminal ring abducting and trafficking the underage girls. It is horrifying to read about the high number of girls being abducted in Florida alone. Joanna handled the story with compassion and empathy for this tragic subject. I will look forward to her next book.

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fantastic book in the Kiki Lowenstein series. I loved the pace of the story and enjoyed the darker side to the content. Trafficking of young, even underage, girls was something that was to the front of my mind before I read the book, as our newspapers have been full of “Andrew the man formerly known as Prince”, and this brought home to me how such a huge industry can happen, hidden from the public eye. I was horrified how many girls disappear in Florida in the course of a year. Who knows how many this would be worldwide?
  The seriousness of the theme was exposed bit by bit so I wasn’t impacted by the full force of it all in one go. I appreciated the lighter moments, the usual humour and, also, the inclusion of new characters. Brick is, obviously, going to be one for the future and I loved catching up with Cara Mia Delgatto. Anya, the Littles, and Detweiler bring great family vibes, and who could not like Brawny?
  The murder was important but also served as an introduction to the much darker theme of trafficking. I found myself holding my breath when Kiki put herself and others in danger as an attempt to expose the traffickers. The ending was so atmospheric, with the danger being accompanied by a tropical storm.
  I enjoyed every bit of this book and came out of it having been royally entertained but also educated; a perfect combination.
 

[Marilee Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love Kiki and all her family and friends.

This was a great read. I wait and wait for the next new book in the series. I couldn’t wait to grab my next free 10 minutes so I could devour a few more pages. The subject was well-suited for today’s news. It shone a bright light to chase evils from the shadows. From the author’s heart to God’s ears……please let eye the imprisoned innocents fly free.

[Jackie Bacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a treasure!

I eagerly look forward to books written by Joanna Campbell Slan. They offer incredibly well-crafted stories that spark my imagination and offer an escape from the everyday. Oh, how I wish I were friends with each of her amazing characters, and what I wouldn't do to take a class at Time in a Bottle. This book dealt with an intensely serious topic, but showed how courage, intelligence, and deep friendship can help in even the darkest situation. A must read!

[Marie Connolly]

I loved having Kiki and Cara team up. They really worked well together. I enjoyed seeing how Anya has grown up and is wise beyond her years at time. Brawny is truly a treasure and is critical to the story. Detweiler and Lou do an amazing job on a complicated case. The author’s handling of the issue of human trafficking is well done and appreciated. You don’t often think of human trafficking involving Americans, not immigrants. Thank you.

[Carol Filipow Pigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense book. Took me longer to read, as I had to take a few breaks, due to the subject matter. Frightening to know how much those evil persons with big bucks, or big titles to hide behind, can get away with sex trafficking of young girls, or people in general.
All in all,serves as a big warning we would want our loved ones to take awareness about.

[Beverly Seibenhener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Campbell Slan again gives us a great book. Interesting and well written. Love all her books. Joanna gives us insight into some of the evils we are facing today. She does give us positive aspects that can help solve these things.

[Dorothy Penkalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this one!

Joanna Campbell Slam has written another book in the alike Lowenstein mystery series and this one is a real page turner! A Florida vacation turns into an adventure you will never forget, full of surprises, danger and twists.

[Vicki Volkmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resort,two,murder

Another fantastic book in the Kiki Lowenstein series!! This storyline was so well written! I would recommend it for all young girls to read as help material in their young lives. Definitely an eye opener. Bravo Joanna.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading!

Characters you can love, writing that flows & hooks you in. Just enough suspense to keep it interesting & always something new to learn.

[Anne M. Waskiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

I love how all the various people work together. Again, the law enforcement hands are tied but Kiki Cara and Anya Get the job done.