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Rosalinda Alameda Mystery #1
The Preening Peacock
Rosalinda Alameda adores zoos. When Massachusetts's summertime "Free Fridays" promotion features the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Rosalinda grabs her camera and heads east. A full day amongst lions and tigers is about the best outing she can possibly imagine.
But something's wrong at the zoo, and it'll take a combination of her Puerto Rican common sense and her fifty years of wisdom to unravel the puzzle!
* * *
The Preening Peacock is the first book in the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series. These short stories are about 15 pages each and feature the zoos that Rosalinda loves with a passion. Author Lisa Shea goes to each zoo personally to write up its sights, sounds, and aromas. That way you, the reader, can take a virtual vacation to these zoos! Visit Lisa's webpages to see photos and write-ups of the zoos. All of the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series contain no violence, no swearing, and no intimacy, so they are suitable for teens and up.
You can read the books one-by-one as they are released, or you can wait for the boxed sets to be published once the series gets enough books in it. It's your choice!
A portion of all proceeds benefits battered women's shelters.
But something's wrong at the zoo, and it'll take a combination of her Puerto Rican common sense and her fifty years of wisdom to unravel the puzzle!
* * *
The Preening Peacock is the first book in the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series. These short stories are about 15 pages each and feature the zoos that Rosalinda loves with a passion. Author Lisa Shea goes to each zoo personally to write up its sights, sounds, and aromas. That way you, the reader, can take a virtual vacation to these zoos! Visit Lisa's webpages to see photos and write-ups of the zoos. All of the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series contain no violence, no swearing, and no intimacy, so they are suitable for teens and up.
You can read the books one-by-one as they are released, or you can wait for the boxed sets to be published once the series gets enough books in it. It's your choice!
A portion of all proceeds benefits battered women's shelters.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
56 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shea
515 books468 followersLisa Shea is a fervent fan of honor, loyalty, and chivalry. She brings to life worlds where men and women stand shoulder to shoulder, steady in their desire to make the world a better place for all. Most of her profits are donated to support battered women's shelters.
Lisa's works are all cleanly written with no explicit intimacy and little language. They are suitable for teens and up.
Lisa has written a wide range of fiction stories. She has medieval romances, modern murder mystery novels, sci-fi adventures, Scottish regency time travel romances, dystopian stories, 1800s-era black-Indian novellas, and Blackstone Valley mysteries.
In short stories, there's a thirty-one part story-a-day mini mystery series set in Salem, Massachusetts through the month of October 2014. There's a time travel series, a Biblical-era series, a zoo mystery series, an art museum mystery series, a diner mystery series with an Asperger's heroine, a romantic proposal series, three sci-fi and two contemporary shorts.
On the non-fiction side, Lisa has written nearly 100 books. There are low carb books, relationship books, green living, journaling, ASP programming, sleep and dreams, wine, wedding and courtship traditions, Melville poetry, and history. There is also a collection of books on self-help topics like working from home, reducing stress, yoga, meditation, using Twitter, running an author signing, and conquering a fear of spiders.
Lisa also writes poetry.
Lisa has thousands of pages online to help aspiring authors learn how to develop time management, write that book, lay it out, and get it published. Visit LisaShea.com for all the details, and free to email with questions!
Namaste.
Lisa's works are all cleanly written with no explicit intimacy and little language. They are suitable for teens and up.
Lisa has written a wide range of fiction stories. She has medieval romances, modern murder mystery novels, sci-fi adventures, Scottish regency time travel romances, dystopian stories, 1800s-era black-Indian novellas, and Blackstone Valley mysteries.
In short stories, there's a thirty-one part story-a-day mini mystery series set in Salem, Massachusetts through the month of October 2014. There's a time travel series, a Biblical-era series, a zoo mystery series, an art museum mystery series, a diner mystery series with an Asperger's heroine, a romantic proposal series, three sci-fi and two contemporary shorts.
On the non-fiction side, Lisa has written nearly 100 books. There are low carb books, relationship books, green living, journaling, ASP programming, sleep and dreams, wine, wedding and courtship traditions, Melville poetry, and history. There is also a collection of books on self-help topics like working from home, reducing stress, yoga, meditation, using Twitter, running an author signing, and conquering a fear of spiders.
Lisa also writes poetry.
Lisa has thousands of pages online to help aspiring authors learn how to develop time management, write that book, lay it out, and get it published. Visit LisaShea.com for all the details, and free to email with questions!
Namaste.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 14, 2020
"No bird soars to high
If he soars with his own wings.
_William Blake
The Preening Peacock
by Lisa Shea
My review:
Utterly enchanting. This is a short story, part of a series and this luscious book is the first installment. It is delightful.
Rosalinda, a soulful and lovely woman is our main character. No.I .take that back. She is ONE of our main characters. The other main characters are the animals in the zoo where this lovely little story takes place.
This story is for ANIMAL LOVERS! So calling all Animal people, Zoo people..this is your story! I am one of those people and when I saw this little book, I was taken by the title (I adore Peacocks) and the plot, which I am not going to share here. Suffice to say, it's short, whimsical and there is a mystery involved but it's not scary.
No animals die in this book but the mystery does involve Peacock feet and one or two nasty people working at the zoo. I do feel I must mention that.
I love how vividly the birds and all the animals are described, particularly the Peacocks. I love how at ease Rosalinda is with the animals and how at home she is there and how free spirited she is. She is a Peacock whisperer!
I love the Peacocks, these colorful visions of beauty. I think if you love animals and zoos this is a must read.
If he soars with his own wings.
_William Blake
The Preening Peacock
by Lisa Shea
My review:
Utterly enchanting. This is a short story, part of a series and this luscious book is the first installment. It is delightful.
Rosalinda, a soulful and lovely woman is our main character. No.I .take that back. She is ONE of our main characters. The other main characters are the animals in the zoo where this lovely little story takes place.
This story is for ANIMAL LOVERS! So calling all Animal people, Zoo people..this is your story! I am one of those people and when I saw this little book, I was taken by the title (I adore Peacocks) and the plot, which I am not going to share here. Suffice to say, it's short, whimsical and there is a mystery involved but it's not scary.
No animals die in this book but the mystery does involve Peacock feet and one or two nasty people working at the zoo. I do feel I must mention that.
I love how vividly the birds and all the animals are described, particularly the Peacocks. I love how at ease Rosalinda is with the animals and how at home she is there and how free spirited she is. She is a Peacock whisperer!
I love the Peacocks, these colorful visions of beauty. I think if you love animals and zoos this is a must read.
April 5, 2021
Cute story. A good family read, and could be used to explain zoos, animal diets, and following rules. Characters were relatable.
May 8, 2019
This is a short novella, and I like the location at a zoo and the respect for animals exhibited. Our crime solver is an ordinary visitor, a lady from Puerto Rico, and she does come across as knowing too much, but in a story of this length it would be hard to have her go out and read up on matters.
Enjoy! I downloaded a free ARC and chose to review. This is an unbiased review.
Enjoy! I downloaded a free ARC and chose to review. This is an unbiased review.
September 6, 2015
I had the pleasure of reading this book during a beta read session. First, thank you Lisa for allowing me to beta read this. I appreciate it.
I have to say, this was a very nice short story. I enjoyed the character of Rosalinda. She is fiery and passionate about animals which is apparent from the start. She has a unique way about her and it makes her even more likable. All the characters were likable in their own way except for the villain, of course.
The story was well paced and easy to read. It was like Lisa was telling the story to me as I was sitting in front of her which was a nice style to write in. The story flowed well and had not just a logical progression, but a nice voice to it as well. I have never ready cozy mysteries before so this was a nice intro to that genre of writing. I did think that the villain could have been fleshed out a bit more but that is my only critique about this short mystery.
Again, thank you for allowing me to beta read this, Lisa. Wonderful job!
I have to say, this was a very nice short story. I enjoyed the character of Rosalinda. She is fiery and passionate about animals which is apparent from the start. She has a unique way about her and it makes her even more likable. All the characters were likable in their own way except for the villain, of course.
The story was well paced and easy to read. It was like Lisa was telling the story to me as I was sitting in front of her which was a nice style to write in. The story flowed well and had not just a logical progression, but a nice voice to it as well. I have never ready cozy mysteries before so this was a nice intro to that genre of writing. I did think that the villain could have been fleshed out a bit more but that is my only critique about this short mystery.
Again, thank you for allowing me to beta read this, Lisa. Wonderful job!
February 22, 2024
Cozy zoo stories? Yes, please 😊 😊
We originally meet Rosalinda Alameda in the Aspie Girl Diner Series books, also by Lisa Shea.
She works at a veterinarian’s office in Shrewsbury. Originally planning on going to college to become a vet herself…then she met Luis.
Rosalinda, 50, is currently at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Massachusetts. Her good friend, Marie, collects giraffes. But the giraffes are missing…
As Rosalinda ascertains the giraffes’ whereabouts, she meets Kayla and Sarah in the process.
Christian is…appealing.
Once at the aviary, the peacocks lead to yet more discoveries—and then a bombshell trove.
The tone veers from very comfortable to slightly preachy, but does right its course well before the conclusion. Otherwise this is a cool and fun read.
We originally meet Rosalinda Alameda in the Aspie Girl Diner Series books, also by Lisa Shea.
She works at a veterinarian’s office in Shrewsbury. Originally planning on going to college to become a vet herself…then she met Luis.
Rosalinda, 50, is currently at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Massachusetts. Her good friend, Marie, collects giraffes. But the giraffes are missing…
As Rosalinda ascertains the giraffes’ whereabouts, she meets Kayla and Sarah in the process.
Christian is…appealing.
Once at the aviary, the peacocks lead to yet more discoveries—and then a bombshell trove.
The tone veers from very comfortable to slightly preachy, but does right its course well before the conclusion. Otherwise this is a cool and fun read.
November 24, 2017
Rosalinda Alameda is a Puerto Rican who moved to Massachusetts to attend college, and instead her life went sideways because of an ill-judged marriage. Now 50, working in a veterinarian's office, and living in Boston, she enjoys visiting the Franklin Park Zoo. This is a mystery short story set at the zoo. In this outing, she notices something odd about the peacocks, and meets some of the zoo staff and volunteers. For such a short story, it's hard to say much more without spoilers. However, I like Rosalinda, and I think some of those she meets along the way will be likable and/or interesting as the series continues.
Short, clever, and enjoyable.
I bought this audiobook.
Short, clever, and enjoyable.
I bought this audiobook.
December 26, 2017
Visiting her favorite place - the zoo. Vet receptionist Rosealinda finds herself right in the middle of a zoo mystery. Purple peacock nails leads to a trail of bad dealings and bad people that are meant to care for the very animals they are hurting.
This short story is wonderful. Fun and informative with a twist of doing the right thing.
This author donates money to cause from the books she publishes - what a wonderful way to give back! I will be buying some of her work for sure!
This short story is wonderful. Fun and informative with a twist of doing the right thing.
This author donates money to cause from the books she publishes - what a wonderful way to give back! I will be buying some of her work for sure!
June 11, 2019
Short and sweet.
If you love a short story to finish up the day with, then this is a pleasant distraction. The only disappointment is in the books listed at the close of the story for free. They may have been free at some point in time, but they aren't anymore. Someone should update information about the other books so that people don't get their hopes up; otherwise this would have been a five-star rating.
If you love a short story to finish up the day with, then this is a pleasant distraction. The only disappointment is in the books listed at the close of the story for free. They may have been free at some point in time, but they aren't anymore. Someone should update information about the other books so that people don't get their hopes up; otherwise this would have been a five-star rating.
April 16, 2019
Rosalinda’s Peacock
This was a cute short story & a first for me of Lisa Shea’s Cozy’s mysteries. Rosalinda Alameda worked as a receptionist in a veterinarian office & loved to visit different zoos. While there, she overheard there was a problem with one of the peacocks who might have been poisoned. Her persistence pays off on how the mystery is solved. It’s worth the read.
This was a cute short story & a first for me of Lisa Shea’s Cozy’s mysteries. Rosalinda Alameda worked as a receptionist in a veterinarian office & loved to visit different zoos. While there, she overheard there was a problem with one of the peacocks who might have been poisoned. Her persistence pays off on how the mystery is solved. It’s worth the read.
June 28, 2018
Feed me grapes
Terrific little coffee break read. A visit to the zoo leads to the discovery of underhand dealings. Great characters, nice analytical plot all wrapped up in just a few pages. A great little find.
Terrific little coffee break read. A visit to the zoo leads to the discovery of underhand dealings. Great characters, nice analytical plot all wrapped up in just a few pages. A great little find.
March 6, 2022
A good, solid, short mystery. Rosalinda is delightful as she pondered the peacocks' malady. Of course, the story ends well for the good guys.
Easy-to-read. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Easy-to-read. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
May 20, 2017
A very short mystery for a person who has little time for reading but wants to finish something. Very fun clues and ideas.
June 18, 2017
A very short story
This is more a children's story than anything for adults. On that level, it is cute and with a pointed moral. Took k
Just minutes to read.
This is more a children's story than anything for adults. On that level, it is cute and with a pointed moral. Took k
Just minutes to read.
June 29, 2017
Wonderful short story/mystery. I liked it.
March 29, 2019
I love zoos - love animals. This was a fun little read. I will continue reading this author's books. Enjoyed her sense of humor!
October 13, 2019
A sweet short story about a veterinarian’s receptionist who visits the zoo and solves a mystery. A well told, gentle story.
February 9, 2020
A one clue mystery that introduces us to a mature woman with an interest in animals and seeing justice upheld.
February 20, 2020
The preening peacock
This was a short light story that anyone would enjoy reading or to pass time with.
Thank you Lisa's Shea
This was a short light story that anyone would enjoy reading or to pass time with.
Thank you Lisa's Shea
April 22, 2025
Fun short story
A fun visit to the zoo and a great mystery. The author and characters' passion comes through. Would have liked more
A fun visit to the zoo and a great mystery. The author and characters' passion comes through. Would have liked more
August 17, 2025
What an awesome short story! I loved it! looking forward to the rest of the series!
May 31, 2022
Cute short story, with an interesting premise.
September 1, 2015
This is a charming and gentle little mystery. (There's no big violence or murder, for example.) Although I'm a person who tends to wait for sets of linked stories to become completed, or at least far along, before reading them, I had the opportunity to read this one in beta form, just before publication, and I enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to the next stories in the series.
In general, I'm enjoying how Ms Shea spins these connected sets of stories, as she did with her "Black Cat" set, and as she is (or will be) doing with the art/museum (dog foster) set.
OK, perhaps this is not a good analogy, but... A set of Lisa Shea mini-mysteries is kind of like a dessert cart upon which all of the elegantly presented choices are sure to be delicious, as well as healthy; and most of them come with a wise little fortune inside.
In general, I'm enjoying how Ms Shea spins these connected sets of stories, as she did with her "Black Cat" set, and as she is (or will be) doing with the art/museum (dog foster) set.
OK, perhaps this is not a good analogy, but... A set of Lisa Shea mini-mysteries is kind of like a dessert cart upon which all of the elegantly presented choices are sure to be delicious, as well as healthy; and most of them come with a wise little fortune inside.
February 19, 2016
The Preening Peacock was a feel-good short story about a zoo visitor (who also happens to be a receptionist for a veterinarian). She overhears part of a conversation from animal handlers at the zoo and inserts herself into the situation. A mystery is solved, and someone goes to jail. A well-written short story that held my attention through to the end.
September 15, 2015
Cute short story. An animal lover and activist obviously wrote it. I got it on kindle bc it was free, and did seem interesting. I enjoyed it for what it is.
August 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this short interesting mystery, look forward to reading more of this series!
August 25, 2016
A fascinating short story about a very interesting woman who knows a thing or two about peacocks and uses that knowledge to solve a mystery.
April 12, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, except first one which may be permafree, short stories are about 20 pages each and feature different zoos around the country, one even in key west, and portion of the proceeds benefits battered women's shelters in this case, some of her other books may benefit other charities.Was thinking there was a 6 book set but may be wrong about that, she usually does sets in 10's.Cute without being cutesy, informative without sounding like a lecture.
The Preening Peacock 1 - The Sparkling Sparrow 2 - The Clucking Chicken 3 - The Gargling Giraffe 4 - The Absent Anteater 5 - The Minuscule Mouse 6 - The Swimming Snake 7
The Preening Peacock 1 - The Sparkling Sparrow 2 - The Clucking Chicken 3 - The Gargling Giraffe 4 - The Absent Anteater 5 - The Minuscule Mouse 6 - The Swimming Snake 7
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews