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Murder, She Wrote #24
Margaritas and Murder
Now in paperback Ms. Fletcher finds murder south of the border...in the USA Today bestselling series.
Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher visits Mexico for a little R&R in San Miguel de Allende-the perfect place for her to soak up the sun, bask in Mexican culture, and spend time with her good friends Vaughan and Olga Buckley. But when Vaughan is kidnapped for a large ransom, Jessica must put her life on the line to find him.
Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher visits Mexico for a little R&R in San Miguel de Allende-the perfect place for her to soak up the sun, bask in Mexican culture, and spend time with her good friends Vaughan and Olga Buckley. But when Vaughan is kidnapped for a large ransom, Jessica must put her life on the line to find him.
266 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2005
81 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
107 books1,064 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 3, 2022
Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher decides to take some time out for rest and relaxation while visiting her publisher, Vaughan, and his wife, Olga, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a town that attracts artists and retirees. While she’s there Vaughan is kidnapped, so of course Jessica is on the case to find her dear friend. This was another enjoyable Murder She Wrote mystery. It’s always fun to see Jessica seeking out clues in her determination to solve the crime. I really enjoyed the Mexican setting in the town of San Miguel de Allende. The interesting cast of characters made for a wide pool of suspects. It kept me guessing throughout, and I was surprised when all was revealed.
February 19, 2017
Oh Jessica!
I was extremely concerned about the lack of margaritas in this book. Thank god there was a murder, other wise I'd have had to send it back to the bookshop and demand a refund.
Also, everyone seems to have been tactfully ignoring the fact Jessica has no neck.
I was extremely concerned about the lack of margaritas in this book. Thank god there was a murder, other wise I'd have had to send it back to the bookshop and demand a refund.
Also, everyone seems to have been tactfully ignoring the fact Jessica has no neck.
Read
June 9, 2024Jessica Fletcher only took one sip of a margarita this entire book.
October 27, 2017
So I haven't ever read a Murder, She Wrote book but I loved the show. So I thought I would try one since I had it but it's so far down the series that I think it took away from my enjoyment. Though from some of the other reviews I think this was not the best one to pick up and try for my first one.
It was still a good read but I really want to get book one! It drives me crazy starting from so far in in the first place as I am one that wants to start from the beginning.
In this one Jessica has been invited to visit friends in Mexico and she is thinking it will be a nice relaxing holiday but it's far from that as her friend Vaughn is kidnapped and they want money or they will kill him. So Jessica's fun in the sun turns out to be a hunt for those involved.
It had a lot different feel to it than the show, but I still liked the character Jessica Fletcher and can't wait to read one set in her home town though it seems a lot of the settings are her on the road doing a book thing. Still I was curious about this series and I want to try some more in the near future. :)
Decent cozies for any cozy fan.
It was still a good read but I really want to get book one! It drives me crazy starting from so far in in the first place as I am one that wants to start from the beginning.
In this one Jessica has been invited to visit friends in Mexico and she is thinking it will be a nice relaxing holiday but it's far from that as her friend Vaughn is kidnapped and they want money or they will kill him. So Jessica's fun in the sun turns out to be a hunt for those involved.
It had a lot different feel to it than the show, but I still liked the character Jessica Fletcher and can't wait to read one set in her home town though it seems a lot of the settings are her on the road doing a book thing. Still I was curious about this series and I want to try some more in the near future. :)
Decent cozies for any cozy fan.
April 6, 2016
Fun read!
May 31, 2022
I've grown up watching Murder she wrote and still enjoy watching. When I spotted this on Audible I couldn't resist.
The narrator got the voice right and I enjoyed this. Didn't realise there has been so many stories ... I forsee more in my future.
The narrator got the voice right and I enjoyed this. Didn't realise there has been so many stories ... I forsee more in my future.
May 19, 2022
1.5 stars, beyond disappointed.
February 6, 2021
Plot
You know, for my first Murder, She Wrote, I anticipated more of a Who-Dun-It murder mystery. Or at least a murder mystery. Don't get me wrong. There was a murder and a mystery, but the murder seemed to take a backseat to the kidnapping. Of course, the wife was there and the kidnapped was Jessica's publisher. But still no one really seemed to care at all about the murdered man. Oh well.
Characters
My girl, Jessica. I love her so much. Sure, she's working on a kidnapping/murder mystery in her spare time from lecturing at a college and writing murder mysteries, but she still squeezes in time to see the sights in Mexico. Haha. And she was surprisingly humorous doing so. I love how sassy she was with her uninvited dinner guest wanting margaritas, and even finishing her own. lol I love it.
And dear Sarah when you murder and ransom people, don't use your cause's public name as your signature on the ransom letter. And don't use such distinctive ink then have it all over you. Amateurs! Sigh.
You know, for my first Murder, She Wrote, I anticipated more of a Who-Dun-It murder mystery. Or at least a murder mystery. Don't get me wrong. There was a murder and a mystery, but the murder seemed to take a backseat to the kidnapping. Of course, the wife was there and the kidnapped was Jessica's publisher. But still no one really seemed to care at all about the murdered man. Oh well.
Characters
My girl, Jessica. I love her so much. Sure, she's working on a kidnapping/murder mystery in her spare time from lecturing at a college and writing murder mysteries, but she still squeezes in time to see the sights in Mexico. Haha. And she was surprisingly humorous doing so. I love how sassy she was with her uninvited dinner guest wanting margaritas, and even finishing her own. lol I love it.
And dear Sarah when you murder and ransom people, don't use your cause's public name as your signature on the ransom letter. And don't use such distinctive ink then have it all over you. Amateurs! Sigh.
April 6, 2022
Don’t read the summary. It takes a 100 pages for the mystery to appear, but the summary spills it right out. I thought this was going to be a solid three stars because those first hundred pages felt like filler. But once we got to the mystery part, I was hooked.
I find this is often the case for media tie-in books, there’s a good 50 to 100 pages where it’s boring then BAM!
I’m not sure if it’s because it’s hard to write a story that feels like a movie/TV show that’s over 180 pages or if part of the reason we love these TV books is it’s a chance to leisurely spend time with our favorite characters.
I’m not even a fan of Murder, She Wrote and I enjoyed this. Jessica Fletcher is a strong character and her voice really pops out on the page (I say this having never really seen an episode). There were a few parts where I couldn’t put it down.
I found this in the paperback swap rack at the public library in Seward, Alaska.
I find this is often the case for media tie-in books, there’s a good 50 to 100 pages where it’s boring then BAM!
I’m not sure if it’s because it’s hard to write a story that feels like a movie/TV show that’s over 180 pages or if part of the reason we love these TV books is it’s a chance to leisurely spend time with our favorite characters.
I’m not even a fan of Murder, She Wrote and I enjoyed this. Jessica Fletcher is a strong character and her voice really pops out on the page (I say this having never really seen an episode). There were a few parts where I couldn’t put it down.
I found this in the paperback swap rack at the public library in Seward, Alaska.
November 10, 2019
Jessica is in New York visiting with her publisher and his wife and promoting her newest book. They tell her about the place in Mexico that they have bought to use for vacationing and for when they are retired. When she finally arrives in Mexico, she is waiting at the airport and no one from their home is there to pick her up. When she finally starts up to the town with the son of a man working at the airport, they are stopped and robbed. When they get up to the place finally, she learns many things about Mexico and the people of Mexico.
This book is of two minds, the people who live in Mexico are very poor people who are also very good and loving people. But they are also people that have been doing things to bring immense amounts of harm to others for money.
I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to reading more of the books, as I miss the tv show.
This book is of two minds, the people who live in Mexico are very poor people who are also very good and loving people. But they are also people that have been doing things to bring immense amounts of harm to others for money.
I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to reading more of the books, as I miss the tv show.
October 17, 2020
Jessica Fletcher è in Messico, ospite del suo editore che chiaramente è un suo amicone. Anche perché se non sei suo amico, le probabilità che la morte venga a farti un'inaspettata e violenta visita sono paurosamente alte.
Insomma, uno dei primi incontri che la nostra Signora in Giallo fa è con un bandito su cui avrà la meglio (ooopsie, non metto lo spoiler perché tanto noi fan già lo sapevamo che Lei l'avrebbe messo in riga).
E niente il suo amico viene rapito, qualcuno muore e parte il coro di suppliche affinché la Jess prenda in mano la situazione. All'inizio fa un po' la timida ma poi cede.
Do due stelle a questa episodio perché il finale è stato troppo prevedibile. E paradossalmente Jessica è giunta alla conclusione facendo osservazioni tenute insieme con lo sputo del tipo "È STATO IL COLONELLO MUSTARD NELLA CUCINA CON LA RIVOLTELLA PERCHÈ STAMATTINA MI SONO SVEGLIATA CON IL CALLO CHE MI DOLEVA". 'Na botta di culo, Jess.
Insomma, uno dei primi incontri che la nostra Signora in Giallo fa è con un bandito su cui avrà la meglio (ooopsie, non metto lo spoiler perché tanto noi fan già lo sapevamo che Lei l'avrebbe messo in riga).
E niente il suo amico viene rapito, qualcuno muore e parte il coro di suppliche affinché la Jess prenda in mano la situazione. All'inizio fa un po' la timida ma poi cede.
Do due stelle a questa episodio perché il finale è stato troppo prevedibile. E paradossalmente Jessica è giunta alla conclusione facendo osservazioni tenute insieme con lo sputo del tipo "È STATO IL COLONELLO MUSTARD NELLA CUCINA CON LA RIVOLTELLA PERCHÈ STAMATTINA MI SONO SVEGLIATA CON IL CALLO CHE MI DOLEVA". 'Na botta di culo, Jess.
June 24, 2023
International intrigue! This was a very entertaining mystery that takes place mostly in Mexico. There’s a kidnapping and the local police interacting with Jessica is unique and new for the series. I found it as entertaining as the tv show.
Reading as part of the Murder, She Wrote readathon by Spencer - Intentionally Bookish on Instagram
Reading as part of the Murder, She Wrote readathon by Spencer - Intentionally Bookish on Instagram
January 26, 2024
I enjoyed this story. In Margaritas and Murder Jessica goes to visit friends in Mexico and is then drawn into a mystery when one friend is kidnapped, and another killed. I liked this one better than the last one I read so that is a relief. I thought the mystery was intriguing. Some moments weren't great but for the most part, I enjoyed it.
April 16, 2023
I was not expecting this installment in the series to be this great of a story, adventure or to keep me so hooked. It is definitely a departure plot-wise from others in the series, but I really really enjoyed every bit of it.
June 23, 2023
Really solid murder she wrote mystery. Loved the Mexico vibes.
July 19, 2024
I'm going to rate all of these 5 stars I'm sure because I love Murder She Wrote! Good, "clean" murder always!
February 26, 2022
The best part of this book to me was that it was read by Angela Landsbury. I've always admired her on screen and now in this series of books. Well done!
October 9, 2023
Stars: 2 / 5
Recommendation: All in all a less than favoring book for me considering how careless the Buckleys were with Jessica's safety, and how callous people were about the murdered person; and above all the title has less to do with the plot and more to do with the setting of the plot.
Margaritas & Murder is the 24th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Donald Bain & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on September of 2006. Jessica heads to Mexico for a much needed R&R with her favorite publisher Vaughn Buckley & his wife Olga. However when Vaughn gets kidnapped and a murder takes place in the process, Jessica puts her life on the line to find Vaughn despite many friends of Buckleys who don’t appreciate her curiosity.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of 2023, 56 books have been written in this series. They are all written in first person narration.
The book put me off at the beginning itself. While heading to San Miguel de Allende (SMA), Jessica and her driver get mugged by a road-side bandit. In the first place her driver doesn’t arrive at Leon as promised by the Buckleys. And when she tries to reach them they are not at home but at a party. Knowing how dangerous it was to travel in the night from Leon to SMA shouldn’t the Buckleys have taken extra precaution to get Jessica home safely. Instead they don’t bother to come home until it is too late when she gets mugged.
On top of it, Olga pushes Jessica into the path of a couple whom Olga doesn’t like either. And she presses Jessica to entertain them and humor her. Not to discount the lengths Jessica goes to find Vaughn. I found it very forgiving of Jessica to help her friends when they didn’t bother for her safety in the first place.
Because of these reasons the rest of plot was not enjoyable for me although the murder mystery was intriguing combining rebels and revolutionaries with poverty in Mexico and the constant muggings by the bandits.
Jessica and Olga use again about the technology and its evolvement, the onset of DVD raze and other improvements. Little would she or the author guess that in almost 18 years the craze for DVDs would reduce as streaming options increase.
Somewhere in the middle of the book I could guess at least one of the participants in the kidnapping and murder. But when the truth came out it was indeed a surprise. Biggest missing factor was the Margaritas. Only a couple scenes show them and even in those Jessica declines to have them. I wonder why the author titled this book as "Margaritas & Murder". Perhaps the setting was Mexico, so he used Margaritas in the title!
Then there was less caring for the murdered person. No one really spoke much about them except for Jessica who tries to help that person's son to an extent. The saving grace for this book for me to complete as the sassiness of Jessica, and her penchant to play tourist despite her attempt to solve the murder and rescue her friend.
All in all a less than favoring book for me considering how careless the Buckleys were with Jessica's safety, and how callous people were about the murdered person; and above all the title has less to do with the plot and more to do with the setting of the plot.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Friends of Buckleys in SMA: Jim Sullivan & Deb Gerrity, own a gallery, and their daughter Emilie; Lea Barette, yoga instructor; Woodrow "Woody" Manheim & his son Philip; Cathie Harrison & Eric Gewirtz, their son Robbie and daughter Jena; Dino & Roberto Fisher; Sarah Christopher, artist; Guy Kovach & his wife Nancy, stockbroker; Donna & Alfred Hoffmannm, caterers.
b. Other Characters: Maria Elena, Buckleys housekeeper; Hector, Maria's brother; Javier Rivera, Chief of Police; Captain Igancio Guttierrez; Raphael Sampaio, mayor; Guillermo Sylva, editor of the local weekly newspaper; Father Alfredo.
2. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt, long-time friend in Cabot Cove, Maine; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his wife Adele / Maureen?; Eve Simpson, realtor friend working at Cabot Cove Realty; Sam Booth, mayor of Cabot Cove; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder;
b. Literary contacts and friends: her publisher Vaughan Buckley of Buckley House, his fashion model wife Olga Buckley and their dogs Sadie and Rose; Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant;
c. Other Characters appear frequently: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, only bush pilot for Cabot Cove and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia; Mara, restaurant owner of Mara’s Luncheonette; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Charlene Sassi, a baker; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim who is the Mayor of Cabot Cove; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of flower shop Old Tyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, also an investment advisor; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Gloria Watson, Wendell's mother; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent;
d. Sheriff Metzger’s office staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher;
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank;
f. We continue to see Mort Metzger's wife being called as Maureen. But she was named Adele in the TV show…and also in the 50th book, A Time for Murder, she was back to Adele. Not sure when Bain changed it back to Adele since I have a few more books to go before I reach the 50th book, but perhaps the readers made him change it back.
g. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
h. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
i. In the 50th book, A Time for Murder, Jessica is shown at Hill House, Cabot Cove’s very own Inn due to a fire at her Victorian home at 698 Candlewood Lame. I wonder if the 49th book, Murder in Red, has anything to do with her house getting caught fire which almost killed her.
j. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
3. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg.54, Line 13, an extra "in" is in the line.
b. On Pg. 58, Line 7, there is an extra "the" in the line.
Recommendation: All in all a less than favoring book for me considering how careless the Buckleys were with Jessica's safety, and how callous people were about the murdered person; and above all the title has less to do with the plot and more to do with the setting of the plot.
Margaritas & Murder is the 24th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Donald Bain & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on September of 2006. Jessica heads to Mexico for a much needed R&R with her favorite publisher Vaughn Buckley & his wife Olga. However when Vaughn gets kidnapped and a murder takes place in the process, Jessica puts her life on the line to find Vaughn despite many friends of Buckleys who don’t appreciate her curiosity.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of 2023, 56 books have been written in this series. They are all written in first person narration.
The book put me off at the beginning itself. While heading to San Miguel de Allende (SMA), Jessica and her driver get mugged by a road-side bandit. In the first place her driver doesn’t arrive at Leon as promised by the Buckleys. And when she tries to reach them they are not at home but at a party. Knowing how dangerous it was to travel in the night from Leon to SMA shouldn’t the Buckleys have taken extra precaution to get Jessica home safely. Instead they don’t bother to come home until it is too late when she gets mugged.
On top of it, Olga pushes Jessica into the path of a couple whom Olga doesn’t like either. And she presses Jessica to entertain them and humor her. Not to discount the lengths Jessica goes to find Vaughn. I found it very forgiving of Jessica to help her friends when they didn’t bother for her safety in the first place.
Because of these reasons the rest of plot was not enjoyable for me although the murder mystery was intriguing combining rebels and revolutionaries with poverty in Mexico and the constant muggings by the bandits.
Jessica and Olga use again about the technology and its evolvement, the onset of DVD raze and other improvements. Little would she or the author guess that in almost 18 years the craze for DVDs would reduce as streaming options increase.
Somewhere in the middle of the book I could guess at least one of the participants in the kidnapping and murder. But when the truth came out it was indeed a surprise. Biggest missing factor was the Margaritas. Only a couple scenes show them and even in those Jessica declines to have them. I wonder why the author titled this book as "Margaritas & Murder". Perhaps the setting was Mexico, so he used Margaritas in the title!
Then there was less caring for the murdered person. No one really spoke much about them except for Jessica who tries to help that person's son to an extent. The saving grace for this book for me to complete as the sassiness of Jessica, and her penchant to play tourist despite her attempt to solve the murder and rescue her friend.
All in all a less than favoring book for me considering how careless the Buckleys were with Jessica's safety, and how callous people were about the murdered person; and above all the title has less to do with the plot and more to do with the setting of the plot.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Friends of Buckleys in SMA: Jim Sullivan & Deb Gerrity, own a gallery, and their daughter Emilie; Lea Barette, yoga instructor; Woodrow "Woody" Manheim & his son Philip; Cathie Harrison & Eric Gewirtz, their son Robbie and daughter Jena; Dino & Roberto Fisher; Sarah Christopher, artist; Guy Kovach & his wife Nancy, stockbroker; Donna & Alfred Hoffmannm, caterers.
b. Other Characters: Maria Elena, Buckleys housekeeper; Hector, Maria's brother; Javier Rivera, Chief of Police; Captain Igancio Guttierrez; Raphael Sampaio, mayor; Guillermo Sylva, editor of the local weekly newspaper; Father Alfredo.
2. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt, long-time friend in Cabot Cove, Maine; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his wife Adele / Maureen?; Eve Simpson, realtor friend working at Cabot Cove Realty; Sam Booth, mayor of Cabot Cove; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder;
b. Literary contacts and friends: her publisher Vaughan Buckley of Buckley House, his fashion model wife Olga Buckley and their dogs Sadie and Rose; Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant;
c. Other Characters appear frequently: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, only bush pilot for Cabot Cove and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia; Mara, restaurant owner of Mara’s Luncheonette; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Charlene Sassi, a baker; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim who is the Mayor of Cabot Cove; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of flower shop Old Tyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, also an investment advisor; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Gloria Watson, Wendell's mother; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent;
d. Sheriff Metzger’s office staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher;
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank;
f. We continue to see Mort Metzger's wife being called as Maureen. But she was named Adele in the TV show…and also in the 50th book, A Time for Murder, she was back to Adele. Not sure when Bain changed it back to Adele since I have a few more books to go before I reach the 50th book, but perhaps the readers made him change it back.
g. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
h. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
i. In the 50th book, A Time for Murder, Jessica is shown at Hill House, Cabot Cove’s very own Inn due to a fire at her Victorian home at 698 Candlewood Lame. I wonder if the 49th book, Murder in Red, has anything to do with her house getting caught fire which almost killed her.
j. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
3. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg.54, Line 13, an extra "in" is in the line.
b. On Pg. 58, Line 7, there is an extra "the" in the line.
March 7, 2018
It's been more than a year since I had read book of this series. Being a huge fan of the original TV series these books are pure pleasure for me. I like Jessica's character, she always remains true to her beliefs and always manages to look classy. I adore the adventures described in these books, especially when Jessica travels in different places. Donald Bain really manages to throw you in the local culture and making you feel as if you were already there. After visiting some wonderful places with Mrs. Fletcher, such as Paris, Moscow, Ireland, is now coming turn to go to Mexico, which is a great place to plot a murder mystery.
August 26, 2020
I have watched about 4 1/2 seasons of the show and have enjoyed it. Not much of a mystery fan, I find myself either growing tired of some of the like, but Murder, She Wrote has always been one that I could never grow tired of. At most, I fall out of the mystery hunger.
About a year and a half ago, I picked up this book at a resale store where they had a deal going on. As many books as one can fit in a grocery bag for $3.00. Being a fan of the telly programme, I put it in the bag. took me till yesterday to finally pick it up and read it because I fell out of the reading phase. Back into it again, I have to say that I'm pretty glad I did.
I will say however that it didn't really feel like this book belonged with the series of the character of Jessica Fletcher, though. When Jessica spoke, obviously throughout the entire novel, her answers seemed like they'd be more prudent for a psychiatrist that fancied themselves as one that would simply tell the patient what they wanted to hear. Or what they thought the patient wanted to hear. The other characters were far more lively than Mrs. Fletcher.
For the first 100 pages, as I said in my only status update about this book, there was much ado about something, but nothing, really. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting, but tedious, simultaneously. Lots of character development, yes, but less is more. I find myself wondering if Donald Bain should have opted for that.
One thing that did surprise me was that this 'adventure' in Mrs. Fletcher's life didn't really seem to revolve around finding out who the murderer was. Understandable since it revolved around the kidnapping of her publisher, but still I found myself wonder why she was only fixating on the kidnapping. The character of Jessica Fletcher is famous for being a nosey busybody. I would think she would focus on both the kidnapping and the murder. Admittedly, it is somewhat explained at the end why she only fixated on the kidnapping.
It takes place mostly in Mexico, so my only real complaint about this book is that I have such a craving for beefy enchiladas rancheros and cheesy beef enchiladas and pretty much most things you could find on a Mexican restaurants menu. Unfortunately; well not exactly 'unfortunately', except for my stomach; it is Passover and I have to wait till this coming Tuesday night to satisfy my pallet. I can't have wheat, gluten, yeast, just name a few. That doesn't really have anything to do with this book so I digress.
I'll just end by saying that I did like the book enough to give it 3 stars. I followed the evidence and paid mind to the things that Jessica noticed and managed to figure some things out before the eventual revelation. It was also interesting that since this was released in 2005, there was use of the internet. Never thought I'd read of, or see the day when Jessica Fletcher would have an email address.
Reagan was President when that show in the running, and, I believe, ended while the first Bush was still President. It aired for 12 seasons. Anyway, I'll just end by saying that it is kinda neat that even though, to my knowledge, Dame Angela Landsbury doesn't portray the character anymore, they have the character still doing what she does best. Being a nosey busybody who won't let the killer get away with it.
My note:
April 20, 2014 – Page 117/43.98%: "well, I'm not gonna say that these 116 pages were boring, but I can't help but wonder if the author should have opted for the idea that less is more. now this book isn't long but it takes 10 chapters before we actually get somewhere. Till page 100, there's a bunch of sight seeing and conversation. Not really boring but...too much of it?"
About a year and a half ago, I picked up this book at a resale store where they had a deal going on. As many books as one can fit in a grocery bag for $3.00. Being a fan of the telly programme, I put it in the bag. took me till yesterday to finally pick it up and read it because I fell out of the reading phase. Back into it again, I have to say that I'm pretty glad I did.
I will say however that it didn't really feel like this book belonged with the series of the character of Jessica Fletcher, though. When Jessica spoke, obviously throughout the entire novel, her answers seemed like they'd be more prudent for a psychiatrist that fancied themselves as one that would simply tell the patient what they wanted to hear. Or what they thought the patient wanted to hear. The other characters were far more lively than Mrs. Fletcher.
For the first 100 pages, as I said in my only status update about this book, there was much ado about something, but nothing, really. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting, but tedious, simultaneously. Lots of character development, yes, but less is more. I find myself wondering if Donald Bain should have opted for that.
One thing that did surprise me was that this 'adventure' in Mrs. Fletcher's life didn't really seem to revolve around finding out who the murderer was. Understandable since it revolved around the kidnapping of her publisher, but still I found myself wonder why she was only fixating on the kidnapping. The character of Jessica Fletcher is famous for being a nosey busybody. I would think she would focus on both the kidnapping and the murder. Admittedly, it is somewhat explained at the end why she only fixated on the kidnapping.
It takes place mostly in Mexico, so my only real complaint about this book is that I have such a craving for beefy enchiladas rancheros and cheesy beef enchiladas and pretty much most things you could find on a Mexican restaurants menu. Unfortunately; well not exactly 'unfortunately', except for my stomach; it is Passover and I have to wait till this coming Tuesday night to satisfy my pallet. I can't have wheat, gluten, yeast, just name a few. That doesn't really have anything to do with this book so I digress.
I'll just end by saying that I did like the book enough to give it 3 stars. I followed the evidence and paid mind to the things that Jessica noticed and managed to figure some things out before the eventual revelation. It was also interesting that since this was released in 2005, there was use of the internet. Never thought I'd read of, or see the day when Jessica Fletcher would have an email address.
Reagan was President when that show in the running, and, I believe, ended while the first Bush was still President. It aired for 12 seasons. Anyway, I'll just end by saying that it is kinda neat that even though, to my knowledge, Dame Angela Landsbury doesn't portray the character anymore, they have the character still doing what she does best. Being a nosey busybody who won't let the killer get away with it.
My note:
April 20, 2014 – Page 117/43.98%: "well, I'm not gonna say that these 116 pages were boring, but I can't help but wonder if the author should have opted for the idea that less is more. now this book isn't long but it takes 10 chapters before we actually get somewhere. Till page 100, there's a bunch of sight seeing and conversation. Not really boring but...too much of it?"
March 27, 2025
In Margaritas and Murder, Jessica Fletcher heads to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — which sounds like it should be sun-soaked, artsy, and possibly full of midlife romance. But nope. The second she sets foot in paradise, someone gets kidnapped, someone else gets murdered, and Jessica’s vacation turns into a full-on international crime scene faster than you can say “extra salt on the rim.”
She’s visiting her old friends Vaughan and Olga Buckley — and Vaughan, bless his publishing-world soul, promptly gets snatched up for ransom like it’s an episode of Dateline: Expat Edition. The locals are whispering, the ransom note is sketchy, and Jessica is having none of it. She jumps straight from sipping margaritas to conducting off-the-books rescue ops, like Liam Neeson but with better manners and orthopedic shoes.
The setting is gorgeous — cobblestone streets, historic churches, rooftops with sweeping views, and oh yes, a suspiciously tight-knit community of ex-pats and artists who all have secrets thicker than a beachside piña colada. It’s giving White Lotus for boomers, with a murder mystery baked right in.
Now let’s talk about tone because this one is spicy. There’s political intrigue, ransom money drama, radical groups, and a cast of characters who would rather paint watercolors or drink tequila than deal with law enforcement. And through it all, Jessica is cool, calm, and silently judging everyone while collecting receipts and solving the case before the Federales can finish their lunch.
But let’s be honest: there is shockingly little actual margarita action in this book. Like, Jessica drinks maybe one and it’s barely a plot point. A little rude, considering the title promises cocktails and corpses. Luckily, the fast-paced story and juicy secrets mostly make up for it.
3.5 stars — breezy and fun, but don’t come expecting full tropical escapism. Jessica may be in Mexico, but murder still booked a room next door.
She’s visiting her old friends Vaughan and Olga Buckley — and Vaughan, bless his publishing-world soul, promptly gets snatched up for ransom like it’s an episode of Dateline: Expat Edition. The locals are whispering, the ransom note is sketchy, and Jessica is having none of it. She jumps straight from sipping margaritas to conducting off-the-books rescue ops, like Liam Neeson but with better manners and orthopedic shoes.
The setting is gorgeous — cobblestone streets, historic churches, rooftops with sweeping views, and oh yes, a suspiciously tight-knit community of ex-pats and artists who all have secrets thicker than a beachside piña colada. It’s giving White Lotus for boomers, with a murder mystery baked right in.
Now let’s talk about tone because this one is spicy. There’s political intrigue, ransom money drama, radical groups, and a cast of characters who would rather paint watercolors or drink tequila than deal with law enforcement. And through it all, Jessica is cool, calm, and silently judging everyone while collecting receipts and solving the case before the Federales can finish their lunch.
But let’s be honest: there is shockingly little actual margarita action in this book. Like, Jessica drinks maybe one and it’s barely a plot point. A little rude, considering the title promises cocktails and corpses. Luckily, the fast-paced story and juicy secrets mostly make up for it.
3.5 stars — breezy and fun, but don’t come expecting full tropical escapism. Jessica may be in Mexico, but murder still booked a room next door.
March 21, 2025
"Margaritas and Murder" by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain delivers a solid entry in the "Murder, She Wrote" series, transporting Jessica Fletcher to the vibrant setting of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. What begins as a relaxing vacation quickly turns into a high-stakes investigation when her friend Vaughan Buckley is kidnapped.
Bain effectively captures the essence of Jessica's character, her resourcefulness, and her unwavering determination to solve a mystery. The Mexican setting adds a refreshing and colorful backdrop to the familiar "Murder, She Wrote" formula, and the exploration of Mexican culture and local customs adds depth to the narrative.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with a well-constructed mystery that keeps the reader engaged. The supporting characters, including Jessica's friends and the various residents of San Miguel de Allende, are well-developed and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story. The tension builds as Jessica navigates the complexities of the kidnapping, and the stakes are raised as she puts herself in harm's way.
While the story follows a familiar pattern, it's executed with a level of skill and charm that makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Margaritas and Murder" offers a delightful blend of cozy mystery and Mexican atmosphere, making it a welcome addition to the "Murder, She Wrote" series.
★★★★☆
#MargaritasAndMurder #JessicaFletcher #DonaldBain #MurderSheWrote #CozyMystery #BookReview #Mystery #Bookstagram #BookLover #BookWorm #Reading #Books #Bookish #BookRecommendation #CozyReads #Whodunnit #MysteryBooks #Mexico #SanMiguelDeAllende #AmateurSleuth #KidnappingMystery
Bain effectively captures the essence of Jessica's character, her resourcefulness, and her unwavering determination to solve a mystery. The Mexican setting adds a refreshing and colorful backdrop to the familiar "Murder, She Wrote" formula, and the exploration of Mexican culture and local customs adds depth to the narrative.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with a well-constructed mystery that keeps the reader engaged. The supporting characters, including Jessica's friends and the various residents of San Miguel de Allende, are well-developed and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story. The tension builds as Jessica navigates the complexities of the kidnapping, and the stakes are raised as she puts herself in harm's way.
While the story follows a familiar pattern, it's executed with a level of skill and charm that makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Margaritas and Murder" offers a delightful blend of cozy mystery and Mexican atmosphere, making it a welcome addition to the "Murder, She Wrote" series.
★★★★☆
#MargaritasAndMurder #JessicaFletcher #DonaldBain #MurderSheWrote #CozyMystery #BookReview #Mystery #Bookstagram #BookLover #BookWorm #Reading #Books #Bookish #BookRecommendation #CozyReads #Whodunnit #MysteryBooks #Mexico #SanMiguelDeAllende #AmateurSleuth #KidnappingMystery
December 8, 2021
I grow up watching Angela Lansbury playing Jessica Fletcher, so when I saw there was an audio book of one of her stories I jumped at the chance to relive my childhood. Although the narrator didn't sound like Jessica and the other Cabot Cove residents that I know so well were not present I did enjoy it. Mainly I think because it was an interesting mystery and I don't think you need to have watched the tv show to enjoy. The story is fairly slow to start but I think that works well because it is setting up the scene and setting for the mystery. There is a number of suspects to keep you guessing and like a Jessica show other than the murder there is no violence. I think I would join Jessica on another audio book adventure.
After a busy schedule Jessica Fletcher accepts an invitation to join her publisher and his wife at there holiday home in Mexico for rest and relaxation. The journey there is eventful with delays, missing drivers and even a hold up at gun point. When she finally arrived Jessica hopes the fun and games have finished and she can sit back with some Margaritas. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and when her host goes on a trip to collect the expats mail he and his friend gets kidnapped. They receive a ransom note by the local newspaper and then a body is discover. Can Jessica find the kidnappers before another body is dropped?
I think I was expecting to hear Jessica speaking, so was slight disappointed that the narrator gave her more of an accent than I was expecting but I did get use to her voice and enjoyed her interpretation.
After a busy schedule Jessica Fletcher accepts an invitation to join her publisher and his wife at there holiday home in Mexico for rest and relaxation. The journey there is eventful with delays, missing drivers and even a hold up at gun point. When she finally arrived Jessica hopes the fun and games have finished and she can sit back with some Margaritas. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and when her host goes on a trip to collect the expats mail he and his friend gets kidnapped. They receive a ransom note by the local newspaper and then a body is discover. Can Jessica find the kidnappers before another body is dropped?
I think I was expecting to hear Jessica speaking, so was slight disappointed that the narrator gave her more of an accent than I was expecting but I did get use to her voice and enjoyed her interpretation.
March 10, 2022
Margaritas and Murder is the twenty-fourth book in the Murder, She Wrote series. Based on the TV show, of the same name, we follow crime writer, Jessica Fletcher, on holiday in Mexico when her friend and host goes missing. It falls comfortably into the category of cosy contemporary mystery, which is just what I am in the mood for at the moment. In fact, it's all I'm currently in the mood for I listened to the audiobook since it is included in my Audible membership. I can't complain too much, since it was free, but I did not like the narrator very much at all. However, it wasn't bad enough to make me stop listening, especially since I finished this in two days. I am much more partial to a straightforward murder plotline, so this wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but aside from that, it is a decent mystery. I was guessing till the end, and I liked that it seemed that every character was hiding something. I'm not nostalgic for this series, as I only saw the TV show for the first time last year, and yet there is something so nostalgic about it regardless. I can't tell you that it will be the best-written mystery you'll read, but it's short and fun and is just what I want right now.
January 30, 2021
Margaritas and Murder took one a different tone to many others in the series. It had an unsettlingly dark edge to it throughout, with a deep malaise hovering over the action as Jessica tried to track down her dear friend Vaughan. The threat of danger was highly pronounced here, with the passionate human drama at the centre being similar to later books such as Domestic Malice and Killer in the Kitchen. There’s a lot to like here - the Mexican scenery, which is described so vividly that you can picture it in your head; the characters, who are biting and filled with angst and vitriol; the heights of danger that Jessica encounters, right from Chapter 3 (a bonus point for this); the fidelity to Jessica’s character making it feel like a two-part episode of the series; and the shocking twist ending that I can guarantee nobody will see coming.
Is it the best in the series? No, but it’s on its way there. The subplot involving the artist Sarah could have been fleshed out more, but that’s a minor quibble if I’m honest. I loved it and I would happily read it again.
9/10 👌🏻
Is it the best in the series? No, but it’s on its way there. The subplot involving the artist Sarah could have been fleshed out more, but that’s a minor quibble if I’m honest. I loved it and I would happily read it again.
9/10 👌🏻
January 28, 2022
This was a very solid mystery, and Jessica was up to form. I did have some concerns with it being set in Mexico that we might get some stereotypes of both people and culture, and I can’t say that wasn’t the case. I think, at times, the book went a bit overboard with trying to depict people as against stereotype, to the point that it kept drawing attention to the very stereotypes it seemed to be trying to avoid. It was just a bit heavy handed at times, but that’s the only real issue I had with the novel. It was very enjoyable, though I have to admit I did cringe a bit in places.
July 25, 2022
Jess goes to Mexico to have a little rest as a guest of her publisher and his wife. That is NOT what happened. 😣 Vaughan (Jess's publisher) is kidnapped and the suspects are plentiful. (Like everyone they know in Mexico.😉) Jess has the kidnapper figured out long before me 😕 and hey I'm glad. 🙂 (I had NO clue 🤔) Vaughan comes home, the kidnapper is arrested and they all live happy ever after. 😁 (Roll credits😏)The books written by Donald Bain are so much like the tv series that they are definitely my favs. 😍
November 29, 2024
Being a longtime fan of the TV show I thought I'd give this audiobook a go as a light holiday read. After I'd reconciled myself to a Jessica Fletcher without Angela Lansbury's voice I really quite enjoyed it. OK its a very lightweight read but had enough intrigue and red herrings to keep me guessing who the real culprit was right to the end. On occasion the level of detail in the description of clothes food and other ephemera did feel a little like padding, but in the main the characterisation, setting and plot devices were very reminiscent of the TV show.
November 4, 2018
Jessica Fletcher is visiting friends in the central mountains of Mexico. Her problems began when her flight from Mexico City was delayed and she had to find a late night ride from the small airport to her friends house. Her car was stopped by bandits and she lost money and jewelry. Finally meeting her friends and the other American Ex-Pats she began to relax only to be caught up when one of her friends was kidnapped and held for ransom. His friend was murdered in the kidnapping.
March 28, 2021
this is the second Murder She Wrote Mystery I've read. Love the T.V. Series and love Jessica's charm and deductive ability. Combine that with Mexico, and that Old World charm and grace and it is a rich book to read Jess finds herself staying with friends in a small town when kidnapping and murder happens. Hoping to help return her friend and publisher Vaughn Buckley to his wife whole and healthy Jessica determines to sniff out what happened and why.
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