"D" Is for Drunk

Malibu Mystery #4

by Rebecca Cantrell, Sean Black

Step into a world of swirling hilarity and unexpected twists as Rebecca Cantrell and Sean Black uncork their uproarious fourth installment in the beloved Malibu mystery series, aptly titled "D" is for Drunk. Get ready to kick off your shoes, roll up those pant legs, and immerse yourself in a grape-stomping extravaganza like no other!Maloney Investigation, ever-ready for a new adventure, receives a peculiar client—a whimsical vineyard owner convinced that his even quirkier neighbor is pilfering his water supply. These Merlot messiahs aren't just tending to their vines-they're also stirring up a storm of chaos, plowing more than fields and sowing more than just grapes along the way.Hold onto your wine glasses, for when the opposing vintner is discovered in a compromising state—naked and facedown in a trough overflowing with sour grapes—the cork is popped on this intoxicating mystery. Can Sofia and Aidan, armed with wit and determination, clear their bewildered client's name and unveil the true identity of the killer? Or will they, too, perish in the pinot noir?Prepare to be swept away on a riveting journey where laughter intertwines with suspense, and eccentricity dances hand in hand with danger. With Cantrell and Black at the helm, every page brims with effervescence and surprises, leaving you yearning for just one more sip. Don't miss your chance to indulge in this tantalizing blend of wit, mystery, and grape-fueled mayhem. D is for Drunk promises an intoxicating experience you won't soon forget.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2016

About the author

A few years ago Rebecca Cantrell quit her job, sold her house, and moved to Hawaii to write a novel because, at seven, she decided that she would be a writer. Now she writes the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set in Berlin in the 1930s. “A Trace of Smoke,” "A Night of Long Knives," "A Game of Lies," and "A City of Broken Glass." She also co-writes the Order of Sanguines series with James Rollins, starting with the upcoming book 1: "The Blood Gospel." And she writes the iMonster series as Bekka Black, including "iDrakula" and "iFrankenstein."

A faded pink triangle pasted on the wall of Dachau Concentration Camp and time in Berlin, Germany in the 1980s inspired “A Trace of Smoke.” Fluent in German, she received her high school diploma from the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin and studied at the Freie Universität in Berlin and the Georg August Universität in Göttingen.

When she visited Berlin in the summer of 2006, she was astounded to discover that many locations in her novel have been rebuilt and reopened in the last few years, including the gay bar El Dorado and the Mosse House publishing house.

Her short story “Coffee” will appear in the “Missing” anthology in February 2009.

Her screenplay “The Humanitarian” was a finalist at Shriekfest 2008: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival. Her screenplay “A Taste For Blood” was a finalist at the Shriekfest 2007: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival.

As of this writing, she lives in Berlin with her Ironman husband and son.

Reviews

[itchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

brief synopsis:
maloney investigations checks out a neighbor feud that involves water, wine, women, keys, and a horse.

setting:
california

named personalities:
sofia 'miss bianca' salgado - the half-pint detective
fred - sofia's sorta pet seagull
jaxon 'action jaxon' ford - a brown-eyed surfer who turned out to be a cowboy
pamela anderson lee - a baywatch character
tony - a lifeguard
pearl 'tex' chang - sofia's neighbor; a retired texas wildcatter
brendan maloney - a former los angeles police detective
aidan 'mr sperm donor', 'maloney junior' - a former los angeles police officer
felipe rose - a village people member who was a bartender
narek grigoryan - an armenian winery owner; maloney investigations' client
milena grigoryan - narek's wife
marcel befort - narek french neighbor who also owns a winery
rick pankhurst - narek's other neighbor
wonder woman - the owner of a plane called the wonder dome
stephen king - the author of a novel with a car called christine
emily - sofoa's' sister
van - sofia's nephew
violet - a blond seven-year-old with a cherubic face
shirley temple - a celebrity
ray - emily's husband
gray cole - sofia's movie star neighbor
waylon jennings - a singer
kathleen turner - an actress with a gravelly voice
ginger - aidan's source in the water company
bobbo - a chimpanzee
magnifying glass guy - some overweight guy
bridget - mgg's daughter
taylor - a marmalade waitress
mrs thanjan - a client of maloney investigations who lost a cat
lakshmi - mrs thanjan's cat
mrs eden - a client of maloney investigations who had her husband investigated
jesus christ - the messiah
herodotus - a wine-praiser of old
strabo - another wine-praiser of old
janet - sofia's mother
tim - sofia's step-dad
annabelle befort - marcel's horse-loving wife
mindy - a police officer's daughter
cindy - mindy's sister
drogo - a khal from game of thrones
sage - jaxon's dark-haired assistant
jake - van's schoolmate who watches game of thrones
inky - jaxon's large, black, american quarter horse
clyde - jaxon's second american quarter horse
blinky - jaxon's red dun
pinky - jaxon's gray horse
percy - annabelle's delicate black mare
jeffrey - a man who still acted like sofia's agent even though she'd fired him
angelina jolie - an actress who has a winery
belinda - rick's late wife
bambi - a woman in a fawn-brown dress
john stark - brendan's lawyer friend
bowie - a tall and thin officer
wu - a female officer
cher - a celebrity who wanted to be referred to as a single name
beyoncé - another celebrity who wanted to be referred to as a single name
brandi basher - a french-speaking rock star
madeline mrozek - brandi's manager
tricia - a helicopter pilot
melissa fairbroad - a particularly annoying client charged with murdering her husband
veda - a nails and whimsy therapist who must really love lavender

typo:
p13: "i could leave you tickets at will call."

p34: ginger was right though, aida should appreciate brendan more.

p77: "parkhurst, the third neighbor...."

p119: "maybe i'll take up you up next time," brendan said.

p146: brand dashed that hope.

p158: but her neither emily nor mother answered their phones, which might have been just as well because sofia would have to explain that she wasn't dating aidan, they were on a case, and the internet was wrong (again).

p162: "lavender has been used as to promote relaxation for hundreds of years."

p180: jaxon and rick caught her as she feel and carted her off to the sofa.

p186: "you thought you can brought me down."

p187: "he said that he would tell that that on the night marcel died i went out on the balcony at the hotel, that i made a call, and that i took his whistle with me."

label:
p76: "with a go pro."

this one kept me on my toes as there is an unusually large amount of typos.
i wonder what the editors where up to.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab Your Reins and Hold On!

It seems only fitting that I’m typing my review for D IS FOR DRUNK the morning after attending a painting class for Vino Amore in Red (red wine pouring into a glass in the shape of a heart). Wish I could have gotten a little tipsy sampling wine for inspiration!

With a love of horses, “D” may be my favorite Malibu Mystery yet. Even when totally tipsy herself, Sophia and Aidan make quite the detective team and will give the suspects a run for their money. It is ever so much fun following them around and watching their escape from scrapes and silly antics. Oh, and the Riders of Randorin show, they need to come to my hometown! If you enjoy horses, mysteries, a little wine tasting and lots of giggles, pick up a copy of D IS FOR DRUNK! Hands down, Sean Black and Rebecca Cantrell have written a winner in this latest Malibu Mystery.

[Imjussayin · Rating 2 out of 5]

"D" is for Drunk : Malibu Mystery 4
Chronological order recommended.

In A Nutshell: Maloney Investigators are asked to investigate a neighbour dispute. Which neighbour is responsible for the small amount of water that is going missing? Then one of the neighbour's of is a suspect dies. Are the two incidents related? A fun read that is not so soon forgotten because it's a little 🌶. 👍🏽

The Protagonists: Sofia Salgado was the child star of a hit series called The Half Pint Detective. But fame and fortune was not her dream but that of her sister. A frustrated Sofia, age 22, wants something more meaningful. And she may have found it in detecting. Sofia is amusing and is becoming determined and focused.

The Plot:Maloney investigations is hired to investigate an allegation of water theft by a neighbour. Then the neighbour dies.

The book begins with an opening scene that will hold your attention. And from there Sofia finds herself in a number of compromising situations. That said, that is how the series began.

At last, there is a love interest for Sofia, Jackson, the man she rescues. From an artist point of view, Jackson is colourful otherwise he is every day. But that's good because the book is full of personalities and with Aiden, Sofia's co-worker, being quirky, Jackson is a refreshing break. It would also be refreshing if somebody picked up on the grammatical errors. They seem to be a feature of the series.

I recommend this book to those who like a light mystery that is cosy but not twee.

Enjoyable.

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Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book but didn't like it not fulfilled
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**

D is for Drunk by Rebecca Cantrell & Sean Black, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is Book 4 in the Malibu Mystery series. Like the others in the series, this audiobook is so much fun! It's filled with hilarious moments that will keep you laughing and listening without a break. I love the back and forth banter between Sofia and Aiden...it's the best!!!

The performance by Madeline Mrozek is again outstanding. She is so skilled when it comes to dialogue that I forget I am listening to an audiobook! Her ability to bring a story and its characters to life is unmatched. I love listening to her, and I can easily see why she is a fan favorite! :-)

Without hesitation, I give 5 out of 5 stars to D is for Drunk: Malibu Mystery, Book 4 by Rebecca Cantrell & Sean Black, narrated by Madeline Mrozek. The engaging storyline, realistic characters, and funny interactions make this a highly entertaining and enjoyable listen. I definitely give this audiobook (and the entire series) my official stamp of recommendation!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth in this series about a former child actress rebooting herself as a private investigator. They are entertaining stories, and the characters are developing nicely as the series continues. The relationship between Sofia and Aiden continues to be fun, although eventually something is going to have to give here if it's going to develop. The gag of his checklist for the perfect woman which he is using to make internet dating "scientific" can only go on so long. Still the mystery here is nice and complicated, and there were some pretty funny scenes. I might have given it a 4 star rating, but there were some annoying typos. (Yes, I'm a tough rater.) This could be a stand alone novel, but you might as well start at the beginning and get to know the characters.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun must read

Mysteries have always held a fascination for many fiction readers. I think one of the main reasons is that we all perhaps want to be like Sherlock Holmes.. out smart the bad guys and become the hero! Well this series gives you a ex-actress who leaves the spotlight for something more worthwhile. Who of us, would not agree with that.

[Linda Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really like this series

The lead character reminds me of Stephanie Plum but I like her much better. I enjoyed the story and didn't figure it out until nearly the end. Hope there is more in the series.

[cmrios2cox.net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I have read the series and loved each one. Couldn't put it down. I can not wait for the next one.

[Shiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this and Sofia and Aidan's slightly wierd flirtation. Fascinating characters - can't wait for more

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Witty, funny, always twisting and turning. This was another great one. Great narrator and plot. I can't wait for the next one.

[doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cantrell/D is for dunk

In This fourth series , Maloney investigate two wine vineyard disputes between each other and their shenigans between each other until one turns up dead.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am totally enjoying this series. A bit Stephanie Plum-like, but with a Hollywood twist. Another good addition to this series

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining

[Matthew Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I love your characters,humor and the most interesting mysteries of this series and I enjoyed reading and trying to figure out the ending.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

D is for Drunk is another amusing laugh out loud story by Sean Black and Rebecca Cantrell centering around Sofia Salgado and Aiden Maloney. She is a former child TV star who is recognized almost everywhere she goes, which sometimes hinders her new job as a Private Investigator at Maloney Investigations. Aiden is her PI partner/instructor and son of the owner of the PI business.

In this particular episode, Maloney Investigations is hired to investigate the alleged misuse of water by a neighbor. I realize it sounds ridiculous, but having lived in LA for 12 years, I can attest to the craziness and high cost surrounding water out there. Soon after they are hired, our stars are thrown together at a "key swap" party, where you are expected to swap partners for the evening, and one of the neighbors ends up dead. Like in the last book, the banter between Sofia and Aiden is what makes these books so enjoyable to listen to - it reminds me of the early Moonlighting days.

Madeline Mrozek was excellent in narrating the Audible version of this book. She brought the characters to life, using a variety of voices and giving each character their own distinct voice. Her smooth overtones and subtle character nuances made for a very enjoyable experience. I received a copy of this audiobook from the narrator via Audiobook Blast at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia and Aidan are tracking down water rustlers. This case should be a piece of cake. Right? No way. Things are not what they seem. Their client and all his neighbors are an unusual mix. There emotions and desires are in control. Everyone has a hidden agenda which results in mayhem and murder. Our detectives are struggling to find what is really going on. Aidan is his usual insufferable self. He enjoys tormenting Sofia, but she has a bright spot in her life. She's found a sexy cowboy named Jaxon to date. Their case goes downhill when their client, Narek, is suspected of murdering his detested neighbor. I enjoy Sofia. She's an intriguing mix of smart and sassy. She gave up her career as an successful actress to become a P.I. Aidan is her nemesis. He enjoys keeping her on her toes. He's a former policeman. He has the training and the instincts, but Sofia can translate peoples' mannerisms. These two work well together. I laughed at how protective Aidan is of his Porsche Lemon Drop. I must say that the surprising twist at the end caught me completely by surprise. I'm enjoying this series! The characters are well-written and the setting is perfect. I love the glitz and glamour.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

[Su Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "D" is for Drunk (Malibu Mystery Book 4) by New York Times and International bestselling authors Rebecca Cantrell and Sean Black. These are such refreshing and funny little mystery detective stories! Rebecca and Sean are consistently putting out engaging and enjoyable books. I'm glad there are still 22 letters of the alphabet left! Sofia, Aidan and Brendon are starting to become fixtures in our lives. I think of them as friends instead of characters in a book now. Their friends and relatives have become an extended part of my family.
We're headed into the vineyards of Southern California for this fourth installment in the Malibu Mystery series. Maloney Investigations have been hired to investigate a case of missing water. Two vineyard owners are accusing each other of stealing precious water. What appears to be a simple, cut and dry case soon turns into a full blown murder mystery. Durning the course of the investigation, Sofia gets blindsided by a handsome horseback rider. Our two characters get involved with saving someone's life, rescuing rock stars and getting caught up in playful sex games. Come along with Sofia and Aidan as they try to solve this case and keep their heads above water.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the humor and banter between Sofia and Aidan although I started getting a bit tired of the glib comebacks. The story was interesting and the activities of the characters possible. The story worked and Fred the seagull was a hoot as usual. I was glad to see Sofia getting more involved and being able to work with Aidan and even cover for his lost drone. They make an interesting team of investigators BUT I keep hoping that it will turn into more between them but still it would cause a total reboot of the story since the searching of the perfect woman is what makes Aidan so cute. Anyway, I like these stories and will be waiting for the next episode. Malibu is a beautiful place and nirvana cove is somewhere I'd enjoy living.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pacific Ocean is cold even in the summertime. Sofia was very brave (or insane) to decide to swim every morning before work. You would think that the half-pint detective would have known better. On the other hand, she would never have met Jaxon. Especially since her next experiences included neighbors stealing water, a cheese party that had nothing to do with cheese, getting more than tipsy at a wine tasting, a dead man, and being corralled by a horse on the beach. In the end she did much better at surfing than I did!!! I enjoyed the story and could relate to many (NOT all) of Sofia’s experiences and I highly recommend this book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun, entertaining and enjoyable short mystery story. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Even though this is the 4th book in the series it is a stand alone.

Hired to investigate a claim of water gone missing, the case turns into a murder mystery whodunit. While a murder mystery it's still a light, humorous and fun story.

Madeline Mrozek's narration was great. She has a voice that is easy on the ears.

I enjoyed this story so much that I will be reading the rest of the series soon.

This audiobook was provided by author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.com

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”



Book four in the series. I've read the previous books, and wanted to continue with the next. These books just keep getting better and better. The characters are like old friends moving into new adventures. The detectives work their magic with some unorthodox measures. I wanted to keep listening to find out what would happen next. I can't wait for "E" book........whatever it will be.

The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.

[Cathy Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I get farther into this series of books, I like the characters even more. Wishing that a new one was coming out soon, but I don't see anything in the works just yet. This one kept me guessing on who the culprit was, which is odd, because I can usually figure it out way before the big reveal. Love the relationship between the two main characters Sophia and Aiden. Hoping to see them get together in future books. Love the writing style because there is a lot of humor. Definitely recommend this series!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

D is for Delightfully Clever!

This book is a captivating read! It is fast paced & full of wonderful surprises. I dare anyone not to laugh out loud at the happenings at the key party! I love the banter between Sofia & Aiden, & Emily's kids Van & Violet are awesomely adorable. I couldn't help getting drawn in & found it impossible to put down! Now E is for Eagerly Awaiting the Next Adventure!

[Deborah Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboys and wine

I get a real kick out of the Half Pint Detective. Sofia reminds me of a mix of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Rockford Files, probably because Laura was called Halfpint and Rockford lived in Malibu. I know, not very complicated comparisons. These mysteries are funny, current, and just good escapes.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and games with Sofia and Aidan (two very clueless people) saving surfers, getting tipsy at wine tastings and solving mysteries
Good ,solid , fun story with interesting characters. Even though this is part of a series, it's a definite stand alone and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Love these characters.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick easy read. I'm enjoying this series. A little like Stephanie Plum but not quite as goofy.

[Lynn W Stubenrauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read

I so enjoyed book 4 of the Malibu Series. I sure hope there are more in the future. I love these characters. The plots are always interesting with good humor.

[Sue]

Lighthearted Read

Always enjoy light mystery stories. It's a quick read & the characters are fun. Aiden may be hot but is waayy too self involved. Sophia is fun and her friends much more interesting than her