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Corsario Cove #1
Cowabunga Christmas
It’s a Cowabunga Christmas in Corsario Cove for newlyweds, Kim and Brien. Surf’s up at the exclusive resort they’ve chosen as their honeymoon destination. The Sanctuary Resort and Spa at Corsario Cove has everything: a spectacular location with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious accommodations, 5-star cuisine, spa services, and a staff that aims to anticipate and meet your every need. A romantic midnight swim in the Club Level terrace pool changes everything when an unexpected guest drops in wearing a Santa Suit with a couple bullet holes in it! Who killed Santa? Kim and Brien are soon swept up in murder and mayhem trying to unravel the mystery.
196 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2015
542 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Anna Celeste Burke
52 books1,168 followersAnna Celeste Burke is an awarding-winning, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author!
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!
Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.
On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.
A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.
Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.
So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!
Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.
The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!
Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.
On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.
A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.
Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.
So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!
Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.
The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
December 28, 2016
a fun cozy mystery, highly enjoyable. The leads are on their honeymoon. One they wanted to be memorable. They did. But not the way they expected. As is my custom, I read straight threw. If its a really good and interesting book I go back and read more slowly to savor the read. This is such a book. My sister surprised me with this read. This time I am glad she did. Plan to get more as soon as I can.
December 9, 2015
I love cozy mysteries. Some snow and a burning fire can make it perfect. In this case, we have Christmas Eve in California at a 5-star hotel. Swimming, surfing, sunshine, beaches. What can possibly go wrong? A bullet-riddled Santa found by newlyweds Kim and Brien. They don't even know which Santa is missing. How to find the murderer and still salvage the holiday? Kim and Brien work hard with the detective in charge to save Christmas and the Christmas spirit. Fun for all ages.
December 2, 2017
This is an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing until the final reveal. The characters are spunky, a bit sarcastic, and likable. I couldn’t help feel as though I was missing something in the story. I look forward to reading more from this author..
February 25, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/co...
Cowabunga Christmas!
Series: Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery, #1
By: Anna Celeste Burke
ISBN: 1517347785 (ISBN13: 9781517347789)
Author’s Website: http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
It’s a Cowabunga Christmas in Corsario Cove for newlyweds, Kim and Brien. Surf’s up at the exclusive resort they’ve chosen as their honeymoon destination. The Sanctuary Resort and Spa at Corsario Cove has everything: a spectacular location with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious accommodations, 5-star cuisine, spa services, and a staff that aims to anticipate and meet your every need. A romantic midnight swim in the Club Level terrace pool changes everything when an unexpected guest drops in wearing a Santa Suit with a couple bullet holes in it! Who killed Santa? Kim and Brien are soon swept up in murder and mayhem trying to unravel the mystery.
Review:
Cowabunga Christmas! is another fine book by Anna Celeste Burke!!! In addition, it is a wonderful start to the Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery series. I must admit I find the writing of Ms. Burke easy to get into and once I start one of her books, it is very difficult to put it down.
Brien and Kim are two characters from Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series by Ms. Burke. I have always chuckled when I read about Brien’s antics, so I did come in to this new series with some expectations. He was always a bit goofy (some would even say immature with a lack of smarts), but dumb he is not, he is a hard worker and he has the biggest heart. I found the tie in to the Jessica Huntington series well done, though I must admit if I had not read the other series first, the reference to Kim’s previous life with Mr. P might have been a tad confusing (though not really a big deal).
Kim and Brien are on their honeymoon in California during the Christmas holiday season. During a late night swim in the pool a Santa drops into the pool – a dead Santa! Now doesn’t that just put a damper on ones honeymoon! So what’s a honeymoon without a bit of detective work trying to help the local constabulary solve the mystery of the dead Santa? The evolution of the relationship that Kim and Brien had with Detective Mitchum was interesting to follow. In the beginning there was frustration on the part of the detective towards the Brien and Kim. But then, this was to be expected after all as Detective Mitchum had a murder to solve during this holiday season.
One of my favourite parts of the story was when Kim and Brien went surfing. I really loved how supportive Brien was of Kim’s novice attempts at surfing. To me it really showed his loving nature towards his wife as well as his love of the sport.
I found the numerous descriptions of the local terrain really made me visualize and feel like I was there – for example:
“The cove was awash in brilliant sunlight, mesmerizing as it played on waves that broke into frothy chaos when they hit the beach.”
There were many possible suspects and numerous twists and turns (and let’s not forget….MANY Santa’s), which definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. Happily, it took until the reveal at the end of the book for me to conclusively know “whodunit”. Just the way I like my mysteries. :)
Thank you Anna Celeste Burke for writing yet another engaging and entertaining cozy mystery! I will wait with baited breath for the next installment in this new series……or for any other story you wish to pen.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Cowabunga Christmas!
Series: Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery, #1
By: Anna Celeste Burke
ISBN: 1517347785 (ISBN13: 9781517347789)
Author’s Website: http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
It’s a Cowabunga Christmas in Corsario Cove for newlyweds, Kim and Brien. Surf’s up at the exclusive resort they’ve chosen as their honeymoon destination. The Sanctuary Resort and Spa at Corsario Cove has everything: a spectacular location with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious accommodations, 5-star cuisine, spa services, and a staff that aims to anticipate and meet your every need. A romantic midnight swim in the Club Level terrace pool changes everything when an unexpected guest drops in wearing a Santa Suit with a couple bullet holes in it! Who killed Santa? Kim and Brien are soon swept up in murder and mayhem trying to unravel the mystery.
Review:
Cowabunga Christmas! is another fine book by Anna Celeste Burke!!! In addition, it is a wonderful start to the Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery series. I must admit I find the writing of Ms. Burke easy to get into and once I start one of her books, it is very difficult to put it down.
Brien and Kim are two characters from Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series by Ms. Burke. I have always chuckled when I read about Brien’s antics, so I did come in to this new series with some expectations. He was always a bit goofy (some would even say immature with a lack of smarts), but dumb he is not, he is a hard worker and he has the biggest heart. I found the tie in to the Jessica Huntington series well done, though I must admit if I had not read the other series first, the reference to Kim’s previous life with Mr. P might have been a tad confusing (though not really a big deal).
Kim and Brien are on their honeymoon in California during the Christmas holiday season. During a late night swim in the pool a Santa drops into the pool – a dead Santa! Now doesn’t that just put a damper on ones honeymoon! So what’s a honeymoon without a bit of detective work trying to help the local constabulary solve the mystery of the dead Santa? The evolution of the relationship that Kim and Brien had with Detective Mitchum was interesting to follow. In the beginning there was frustration on the part of the detective towards the Brien and Kim. But then, this was to be expected after all as Detective Mitchum had a murder to solve during this holiday season.
One of my favourite parts of the story was when Kim and Brien went surfing. I really loved how supportive Brien was of Kim’s novice attempts at surfing. To me it really showed his loving nature towards his wife as well as his love of the sport.
I found the numerous descriptions of the local terrain really made me visualize and feel like I was there – for example:
“The cove was awash in brilliant sunlight, mesmerizing as it played on waves that broke into frothy chaos when they hit the beach.”
There were many possible suspects and numerous twists and turns (and let’s not forget….MANY Santa’s), which definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. Happily, it took until the reveal at the end of the book for me to conclusively know “whodunit”. Just the way I like my mysteries. :)
Thank you Anna Celeste Burke for writing yet another engaging and entertaining cozy mystery! I will wait with baited breath for the next installment in this new series……or for any other story you wish to pen.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
February 3, 2018
Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burker was a cute and easy to read cozy mystery. I believe that newlyweds are secondary characters in Ms. Burke's Jessica Huntington series which I haven't read. This left me feeling a little left out since I didn't know their backstory before their honeymoon. That being said, this is a quickly paced plot that kept me interested and I was surprised at the reveal as to who was involved in the murder and mayhem. I am looking forward to reading more about their adventures
November 1, 2015
Cowabunga, Baby--hope you enjoy this first adventure in Corsario Cove as Kim and Brien start their new lives as a married couple. A helluva honeymoon--one they're sure to remember! Happy Reading
February 5, 2017
I am having a hard time rating this one.I actually would give this a 3 1/2 star. I really enjoyed some parts of this book and there were parts that bothered me. Kim and Brien are on their honeymoon, we are introduced a little but I get the feeling that they are secondary characters from another series. Kim comes across as street smart and cautious with people, Brien we are told is a surfer dude and may not seem intelligent but actually is, there lies my problem because Kim seems to talk down to him at times and in actuality Brien comes across as a sweet, trusting kind of guy, I really liked him, it came across well but Kim reminding the reader that he's sweet but clueless sometimes got annoying. They also called each other by their given names a little too much for my taste. Maybe it's me but I rarely call people by their name when having a conversation with them, to get their attention at first but after that, no. Now this being said what I loved about it, as I mentioned Brien comes across as a sweet guy that would do anything for anyone that needs help. The mystery was good and kept me guessing, although it didn't quite finish and will continue into the next book but it gave enough of a conclusion that works. I liked reading about the surfing, something new for me and fun. On the whole I liked the characters and the things that bothered me may not bother most. It's a fun read and I will continue on with it to see how it develops.
February 7, 2017
Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burke has so much going for it…A gorgeous cover, hot surfer dudes and dudettes, Santa, a murder mystery and…
We begin our adventure by jumping the fence around the closed pool at this elite resort and taking a “midnight” swim. I have jumped a fence or two in my time, so I thought this was a good sign.
Daniela Ruah - Monte-Carlo Television Festival.jpgIt’s Christmas, Kim is on her honeymoon with her hot and hunky surfer dude hubby, Brien. Kim was going to learn to surf and she got her very own wettie for Christmas.
They are opposites – He is hard and fast, she is slow and soft. The picture of them, in my head, is my favorite two characters from NCIS Los Angeles, Kensi Blye, Daniela Ruah, and Marty Deeks, Eric Christian Olsen.Eric Christian Olsen - Monte-Carlo Television Festival (cropped).jpg
Shortly after their pool jumping adventure, a body is found floating in the pool…dead. Oh no, it’s Santa.
We have a double and a triple cross and is there a treasure?
Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burke with its easy reading and colorful characters has all the elements for a fun and humorous cozy mystery.
One mystery is solved…but, wait, there’s more on the horizon in Gnarly New Year.
“Cowabunga Christmas – it’s the most epic Christmas anyone could every have. We had one of the most awesome mornings surfing.” From Brien.
Read more at fundinmental
We begin our adventure by jumping the fence around the closed pool at this elite resort and taking a “midnight” swim. I have jumped a fence or two in my time, so I thought this was a good sign.
Daniela Ruah - Monte-Carlo Television Festival.jpgIt’s Christmas, Kim is on her honeymoon with her hot and hunky surfer dude hubby, Brien. Kim was going to learn to surf and she got her very own wettie for Christmas.
They are opposites – He is hard and fast, she is slow and soft. The picture of them, in my head, is my favorite two characters from NCIS Los Angeles, Kensi Blye, Daniela Ruah, and Marty Deeks, Eric Christian Olsen.Eric Christian Olsen - Monte-Carlo Television Festival (cropped).jpg
Shortly after their pool jumping adventure, a body is found floating in the pool…dead. Oh no, it’s Santa.
We have a double and a triple cross and is there a treasure?
Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burke with its easy reading and colorful characters has all the elements for a fun and humorous cozy mystery.
One mystery is solved…but, wait, there’s more on the horizon in Gnarly New Year.
“Cowabunga Christmas – it’s the most epic Christmas anyone could every have. We had one of the most awesome mornings surfing.” From Brien.
Read more at fundinmental
November 14, 2015
This is great introduction to author, Anna Celeste Burke’s, new Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series. We meet two characters from her best-selling Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, Brien and Kim, who are surf-side celebrating their recent marriage and Christmas at the same time.
Before newlywed Kim Reed-Williams has time to adjust to her married woman status, surf loving beach boy husband, and luxury honeymoon suite, the two find themselves immersed in a murder mystery on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus is dead but the challenge is to figure out which of the multitude of Santas hired by the hotel to make Christmas special for all the kiddie guests is missing.
The investigation and fun begin as Brien and Kim insist on helping Detective Mitchum, the real detective and not one of those security dudes (per Brien), solve the crime that threatens to ruin their honeymoon.
Fortunately, despite the investigation of a murder and their efforts to assist, Kim and Brien find enough down time for some cowabunga surfing, wining and dining and honeymoon suite escapades to make this a delightful holiday read. There's just enough intrigue and quirky twists and turns to keep you guessing as to who committed the murder, how and why.
I highly recommend this book to kick off your holiday season!
Before newlywed Kim Reed-Williams has time to adjust to her married woman status, surf loving beach boy husband, and luxury honeymoon suite, the two find themselves immersed in a murder mystery on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus is dead but the challenge is to figure out which of the multitude of Santas hired by the hotel to make Christmas special for all the kiddie guests is missing.
The investigation and fun begin as Brien and Kim insist on helping Detective Mitchum, the real detective and not one of those security dudes (per Brien), solve the crime that threatens to ruin their honeymoon.
Fortunately, despite the investigation of a murder and their efforts to assist, Kim and Brien find enough down time for some cowabunga surfing, wining and dining and honeymoon suite escapades to make this a delightful holiday read. There's just enough intrigue and quirky twists and turns to keep you guessing as to who committed the murder, how and why.
I highly recommend this book to kick off your holiday season!
November 13, 2015
Kim Reed, Jessica Huntington's legal assistant, is on honeymoon with Brien at Christmas-time on the Californian coast at Corsario Cove. Then a dead body wearing a Santa suit with a couple of bullet holes in it is found floating in the pool. And the crime was reported before it was even committed... Then there's the matter of missing video-footage... and an attempt on Brien and Kim's lives... From such intriguing and well-described premises and surroundings, Kim and Brien, in the classic role of married amateur sleuths, start investigating the crime, exploring the area and amassing clues...unearthing criminal activities and an array of suspects before the action-packed and suspenseful finale where all is revealed. Fast, pacy, racy, exciting. It's a great thriller-whodunnit, placed in a great scenic environment, and with married sleuths whose jaunty, jolly, sexy relationship sets everything off perfectly.
December 15, 2015
Cowabunga Christmas by Anna Celeste Burke is the first book of the Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series. Kim and Brien are on their honeymoon at The Sanctuary Resort and Spa in Corsario Cove, California. They are spending happy days wining, dining and planning for a perfect surf. While enjoying a romantic swim in the closed swimming pool, their party is crashed when a dead guy dressed in a Santa suit, falls into the water. The couple cannot be ruled out as suspects until the mystery is solved so they decide to help the detective. From the honeymoon suite in a glorious hotel to a surfer community, sporting its own Kahuna, the couple race to find the killer with help from the dudes and surfettes on the beach. A fast paced cozy mystery sporting white sandy beaches, beautiful blue water and surfboards aplenty. Take a break and get away to a great resort and catch a killer in the process.
December 18, 2015
COWABUNGA CHRISTMAS (CORSARIO COVE #1) CELESTE BURKE
Kim and Brien (from the desert series) are celebrating Christmas and their marriage. One thing can put a dent in one’s holiday and it comes in the shape of a dead Santa in the swimming pool at the resort. Brien and Kim quickly get involved and discovered the dead kringle was up to his eyeballs and Santa sack in illegal doings.
This is a really cute off shoot of the Jessica Huntington mysteries. Brien being an avid surfer gets to hang ten like Moon doggie and Kim nails the beach bunny look in a teeny weenie yellow bikini channeling Gidget. Celeste Burke has featured 2 really loveable characters and let them shine in their own right. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and humor in this offering. Any fans of Jessica Huntington will enjoy this series as well. I give it 2 thumbs up and 5 righteously tubular waves for a great read.
Kim and Brien (from the desert series) are celebrating Christmas and their marriage. One thing can put a dent in one’s holiday and it comes in the shape of a dead Santa in the swimming pool at the resort. Brien and Kim quickly get involved and discovered the dead kringle was up to his eyeballs and Santa sack in illegal doings.
This is a really cute off shoot of the Jessica Huntington mysteries. Brien being an avid surfer gets to hang ten like Moon doggie and Kim nails the beach bunny look in a teeny weenie yellow bikini channeling Gidget. Celeste Burke has featured 2 really loveable characters and let them shine in their own right. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and humor in this offering. Any fans of Jessica Huntington will enjoy this series as well. I give it 2 thumbs up and 5 righteously tubular waves for a great read.
November 15, 2015
Burke has done it again in her new cozy mystery series. A spin off from the Jessica Huntington series, this follows Kim, Jessica's BFF, and Kim's husband Brien onto their honeymoon.
What is meant to be a harmless nightly champagne feast in the closed pool turns into a nightmare when a dead body in a Santa outfit is found there the next morning.
The couple investigate since they are entangled in the investigation and soon they are tangling with some bad guys, too - all at Corsario's Cave, which adds the themes of pirates, treasures and a legendary Mad Monk.
This is a great read for the holiday season with the holiday setting but it is also well plotted and keeps going and stays interesting throughout.
There is a good flow and there certainly are good vibes. A promising new series.
What is meant to be a harmless nightly champagne feast in the closed pool turns into a nightmare when a dead body in a Santa outfit is found there the next morning.
The couple investigate since they are entangled in the investigation and soon they are tangling with some bad guys, too - all at Corsario's Cave, which adds the themes of pirates, treasures and a legendary Mad Monk.
This is a great read for the holiday season with the holiday setting but it is also well plotted and keeps going and stays interesting throughout.
There is a good flow and there certainly are good vibes. A promising new series.
November 16, 2015
"Cowabunga Christmas" by Anna Celeste Burke is a wonderful cosy mystery. I love that the new series is so distinctly different from the previous one, even though there are links to the old one via the characters. The new protagonists have a different approach to their hobby investigation that steps in where the detective falls short.
This has a wonderful exotic location - I would love to spend my honeymoon or xmas in a place like Corsario's Cave - only minus the criminals of course.
Burke's writing style is pleasant and easy with great one liners and sharp observations about human nature. Action, humour and suspense combine to a lovely and gripping novel. Must read for fans of the genre.
This has a wonderful exotic location - I would love to spend my honeymoon or xmas in a place like Corsario's Cave - only minus the criminals of course.
Burke's writing style is pleasant and easy with great one liners and sharp observations about human nature. Action, humour and suspense combine to a lovely and gripping novel. Must read for fans of the genre.
December 2, 2015
This was a great book to get me in the holiday mood--Ms. Burke continues to entertain with Kim and Brien, familiar characters from her Desert Mystery series, a newlywed couple that finds themselves in the middle of a murder investigation at a five-star resort hotel. I loved the mixture of lighthearted humor along with the dark mystery, and the constant string of Santas with questionable morals. Readers will love Burke's style and delight in the many twists and turns she creates in this hilarious mystery; the characters are alive and unforgettable, and I loved being able to luxuriate in Burke's glamorous setting, just in time for Christmas! I can't wait to read more from this impressive and vastly entertaining author.
March 18, 2016
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 12, 2015
Surf’s Up!
All newlyweds, Kim and Brien Williams, want is a relaxing honeymoon at their glamorous 5-star hotel, and to get in some great surfing But life has other plans for the young couple. They soon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when circumstantial evidence links them to a man, dressed as Santa. who is found dead in the hotel swimming pool.
Likable characters, fast-paced writing, and an interesting story make this book a delight to read. Well done Ms. Burke.
All newlyweds, Kim and Brien Williams, want is a relaxing honeymoon at their glamorous 5-star hotel, and to get in some great surfing But life has other plans for the young couple. They soon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when circumstantial evidence links them to a man, dressed as Santa. who is found dead in the hotel swimming pool.
Likable characters, fast-paced writing, and an interesting story make this book a delight to read. Well done Ms. Burke.
December 30, 2020
A Fun mystery with some humor mixed in
Not understanding surfer lingo makes me think I missed out a bit, but it doesn’t detract from the story. It will probably just make it better if one did get the lingo. This is a fun story with lots of twists and turns which keeps you guessing until the end. It is easy to relate to the characters who are easy-going and very well described. I loved the little bits of humor and the descriptions of them enjoying the food had me going to the fridge for something to eat. Although it is a murder mystery, this is a light hearted book perfect for the holidays.
Not understanding surfer lingo makes me think I missed out a bit, but it doesn’t detract from the story. It will probably just make it better if one did get the lingo. This is a fun story with lots of twists and turns which keeps you guessing until the end. It is easy to relate to the characters who are easy-going and very well described. I loved the little bits of humor and the descriptions of them enjoying the food had me going to the fridge for something to eat. Although it is a murder mystery, this is a light hearted book perfect for the holidays.
July 24, 2017
This is a wonderful story about a honeymoon at a fancy hotel in Corsario Cove. Kim and Brian barely miss being hit by a falling dead Santa, and that kicks off a great story with colorful characters, romance, surfing, and suspense. Based on how the story ends, there’s more to come. The writing is simple, clear and spiced with surfer speak and malapropisms as Brian enlarges his vocabulary. A fun and entertaining read for any time of the year.
November 28, 2017
I received a free copy of this book by the author.
First time reading this author. I think this is well written and I liked the characters. Brien I really liked. He was sweet and smart and honestly people take that for granted even his wife at a little if I am honest. He's a surfer dude and most think they are stupid and he's anything but dumb. Kim is pretty cool too but they are opposites in a lot of ways but that obviously attracts. Now, one issue I did have was that this seems to be part of something else. I felt really lost in the beginning because I havent read anything else of hers. This felt like a continuation of another series and I find out it was a little bit. Brien and Kim appear in another series before this one. So...I was slightly confused and most readers will who havent read her other stuff. An enjoyable Christmas romance/mystery. It was fun.
First time reading this author. I think this is well written and I liked the characters. Brien I really liked. He was sweet and smart and honestly people take that for granted even his wife at a little if I am honest. He's a surfer dude and most think they are stupid and he's anything but dumb. Kim is pretty cool too but they are opposites in a lot of ways but that obviously attracts. Now, one issue I did have was that this seems to be part of something else. I felt really lost in the beginning because I havent read anything else of hers. This felt like a continuation of another series and I find out it was a little bit. Brien and Kim appear in another series before this one. So...I was slightly confused and most readers will who havent read her other stuff. An enjoyable Christmas romance/mystery. It was fun.
November 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this read. It was a mystery with a light hearted feel to it. I enjoyed Kim and Brien's newlywed relationship they had. I just was lost with the surfer terms, and it sometimes took me a couple of times to understand what was being said. Of course I had to take in consideration that I am from Texas and we don't get to surf too much here. I would recommend the story, and I will read the rest in the series because it was a short read for me and I did actually like the story itself. So add this book to your holiday read you will enjoy it if not but for the sweetness of Brien and Kim
December 26, 2017
This is my first in the series. The main characters are Kim and her new husband Brien. They are on their honeymoon and end up in the middle of a murder. The Detective at first likes them for it but then with some help from them comes close to getting all involved. It was a different kind of story but I loved it.
December 28, 2017
Cowabunga Christmas was a fun, action packed cozy mystery. Kim and Brien are on their honeymoon at an exclusive seaside resort when they narrowly miss swimming with a dead Santa. If they want to enjoy their Christmas honeymoon, they need to figure out who killed Santa and why.
Other than a heavy-handed use of "surfer speak", Cowabunga Christmas was a satisfying story.
Other than a heavy-handed use of "surfer speak", Cowabunga Christmas was a satisfying story.
December 1, 2017
Cozy Mystery
Murder, mystery and an entertaining time. It was more of a light hearted mystery than a crime novel. There was a lot of back and forth jokes and such between the characters.
I don’t know why I just couldn’t get into this story though. I did like the mystery but I couldn’t really connect with the characters.
Murder, mystery and an entertaining time. It was more of a light hearted mystery than a crime novel. There was a lot of back and forth jokes and such between the characters.
I don’t know why I just couldn’t get into this story though. I did like the mystery but I couldn’t really connect with the characters.
December 3, 2017
Cute book - looking forward to reading more of her books.
December 20, 2017
A cozy mystery, I loved how it turn out, I highly recommend reading this.
March 23, 2018
Cowabunga Christmas review
Cowabunga Christmas is the first short story in the Corsario Cove Cosy Mystery series written by author Anna Celeste Burke.
Cowabunga Christmas is the first short story in the Corsario Cove Cosy Mystery series written by author Anna Celeste Burke.
December 28, 2019
Fun story
While this was the first book in the series I felt like I was jumping into the middle since it seems to be a spin off series. I enjoyed the story although it was bordering on too many characters to remember.
While this was the first book in the series I felt like I was jumping into the middle since it seems to be a spin off series. I enjoyed the story although it was bordering on too many characters to remember.
October 16, 2017
This seaside surfing escape of a honeymoon turns into a murder mystery with counterfeit booty, insider access to goods and movement of stolen items and drug product. A late night dip in the pool lands a body with our cowabunga couple, and the cops in their suite.
Vortex of heinousness!
A bichin' fun ride!
Proof that very different people can make great teams.
A fun surf cozy!
Vortex of heinousness!
A bichin' fun ride!
Proof that very different people can make great teams.
A fun surf cozy!
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