Deadly Bubbles in the Wine

Aloha Lagoon #4

by Mary Jo Burke

From USA Today bestselling author Mary Jo Burke comes the next deliciously deadly episode in the bestselling Aloha Lagoon Mysteries...


After Simone Ryan is stood up at the altar by her fiancé, Elliott, she decides to enjoy her would-be honeymoon in paradise alone. She checks into the Aloha Lagoon Resort's bridal suite and promptly begins to drown her sorrows in champagne. But when Simone steps out onto the balcony to take in the glorious Hawaiian scenery, she gets an even better view. Hot local baker, Liam Bentley, is out for a stroll on the beach. Maybe being single isn't so bad after all.


But when Elliott makes a surprise appearance at the resort—with a younger woman in tow—things turn deadly, and suddenly Simone finds herself not in the role of newlywed but prime murder suspect! Fighting for her life—not to mention her dignity—Simone must uncover secrets from her ex-fiancé's past which may just have killer consequences for her own future. With the help of the ever-so-tempting Liam, his feisty grandmother, and the quirky Aloha Lagoon staff, Simone finds herself tracking down a murderer who may just be closer to home than she thinks...


The Aloha Lagoon
Ukulele Murder (book #1)
Murder on the Aloha Express (book #2) coming in Aug!
Deadly Wipeout (book #3) coming in Sept!
Deadly Bubbles in the Wine (book #4) coming in Oct!
Mele Kalikimaka Murder (book #5) coming in Nov!
Death of the Big Kahuna (book #6) coming in Jan 2017!
Photo Finished (book #7) coming soon!


About Aloha
There's trouble in paradise...
Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2016

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ms. Burke’s writing. Her style is fun, light and breezy, with a touch of humor and romance. She found the right balance between romance and mystery. The mystery moves along at a consistent pace and the romance aspect is lighthearted and entertaining.

On a side note, the title of this book, while it fits within the series, does not fit this book. Wine has absolutely nothing to do with the murder. The title has fittingly tied into all of the books in this series that I have read so far so it was noticeable that this one did not. Nonetheless, that was a minor distraction in an otherwise great read.

[Gary Sundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is a nice twist on the old Don Ho song about tiny Bubbles. So you would think poisoned wine, right? No. So aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. Simone Ryan is stood up by her groom at their wedding. As the honeymoon is already paid for, off she goes to Aloha Lagoon.
Then the guy who stood her up appears with the underage daughter of her employer. An argument ensues. You know the ex is going to end up dead and Simone is the main suspect. Along the way we meet Liam and his grandmother, Ellen. Ellen is a hoot. Liam runs a bakery making scones for the Aloha Lagoon Resort. Series regular Detective Ray is on hand as well. Plenty of humor and an engaging mystery.
I am looking forward to the further adventures of Simone and company.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Aloha Lagoon series with a very good and solid mystery. Likable main characters and a smooth, easy read added to the pleasure. I instantly appreciated the play on the title of an old Don Ho hit song (Tiny Bubbles); however, I didn't quite get the relation of the title to the story. No other complaints, and l Iook forward to more from this author.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book although it started a little slow for me and if it does so for you, don’t give up. The dialog is witty and fun and the book grabs your interest as you read about the main character, Simone Ryan. Simone is left at the altar and decides to go on her Hawaiian honeymoon by herself. There she meets Liam Bentley and his grandmother Ellen. Ellen is a “hoot” as she makes the most outrageous comments - some are laugh out loud funny! Simone’s fiancé, Elliott, ends up in Hawaii and things don’t go well for him. Simone, Liam, and Ellen investigate Elliott’s death helping Detective Ray who doesn’t want their help. A fun and engaging read as you follow along to solve the mystery. I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Sarka B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fourth book in Aloha Lagoon Mysteries and I was looking forward to read it. It is interesting, also the mystery is good but in my opinion previous three books were better and I liked them more. I hope 5th book will be again great because I really like this serie set in exotic and distant (for me) Hawaii where I can be vicariously thanks to it. Each book is written by another author or two authors.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start off and say I'd probably give this 3 1/2 stars.

I'm not sure where the title came from because there isn't really any wine in the story....but that aside, the story was engaging and enjoyable. Simone is the jilted bride that takes her honeymoon anyway (nothing wrong with that in my book!) and who shows up, but the groom...who ends up dead and of course Simone is a suspect.

There are many interesting characters and the killer was a huge surprise! I never suspected this person and the story that unfolded never would have crossed my mind!

I don't know if Simone & Liam will be back in future stories, but there could be more to that budding relationship.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone was literally left at the altar but she decides to bury her chagrin and go on her honeymoon in any case! When she arrives she discovers that her fiancé has emptied her bank account and maxed out her credit card ... buying two tickets to the same resort for himself and Simone's bosses daughter! After a stand up row where she really lets rip into Elliott she has a problem the next morning when alongside a huge hangover she also finds out that she is the prime suspect in Elliott's killing! Oh and the resort no longer wants her staying there - luckily a hunky baker is prepared to be her Knight in Shining Armour and takes her under his wing - and is prepared to help track down who DID kill the rat who stood Simone up.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick but very good mystery set in Hawaii. When the main character's fiancé leaves her at the wedding venue waiting to get married, she never suspects that he was involved in much more than a clandestine affair with another woman, especially massive criminal activities. She goes to Hawaii to the honeymoon suite anyway, determined to at least get her money's worth from what she paid for, and finds much more than she ever expected.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Simone is left at the alter, she decides to go on her honeymoon to Aloha Lagoon on her own. Little did she know that her ex-fiance would show up there,with a young female,and that would change her life forever ! So many things are revealed about him that Simone realizes that She never really knew the man she almost married. She becomes friends with a wonderful elderly woman with a zest for life and adventure. After the ex ends up being murdered , Simone becomes the number 1 suspect. There is a sexy man Liam, who ends up helping Simone to prove her innocence, but he has secrets of his own...is he really just a good scone baker??? Or another man in her life of which she never really knows. I really love this series,even though it is written by many different authors, there are character references in each book as well as businesses on the island that you would think it was all written by 1 author ! As you get to learn more of Liams secrets, you will fall in love with him. My favorite part is where Simone describes him as he is putting on and tying his shoes,"Liam has become more professional and precise in his movements. The military man had been awakened, let the hunt begin". I highly recommend you come join the adventure on the Island.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone Ryan is heartbroken. Her fiance stood her up at the altar, or at least at the courthouse. He didn't even bother to return any of her calls or texts asking where he was. Instead when she gets home she finds a his key to her apartment and note that just says "sorry". Emotionally bruised and battered, Siomone decides after all this she deserves a vacation so she is going on her honeymoon to Hawaii alone. Hawaii is beautiful but she feels a bit out of place when she realizes almost everyone else around her is a happy couple. Her first night in the hotel she ends up meeting Liam and Ellen Bentley, a very attractive Englishman and his eccentric grandmother. Ellen decides Simone needs someone to talk to and some comforting. While having dinner with them she sees her now ex-fiance at the bar with a young woman. Turns out the young woman is her bosses underage daughter. Simone has now had most of a bottle of champagne and several MiaTai's and feels the need to confront Elliot. After the very public fight she goes back to her room to sleep off the drinks. She wakes up in the morning to the police knocking on her door. Elliot's body has washed ashore and the police would like to ask her some questions. Ellen steps in and makes sure Simone has legal counsel while she is questioned. Then decides she is going to be Sherlock Holmes and that Simone is going to be Dr. Watson while they solve this murder and clear Simone's good name. As they dig into this mystery they discover it covers many years and goes back to the mainland. Sparks also begin to fly between Simone and Liam, who is not only amazing looking but can also bake. Will Simone unravel the mystery and clear her name? Will Elliot's killer be brought to justice before they can strike again?

I received this audio-book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Danielle Eisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest voluntarily review.

I'm not really sure where the title comes in...There wasn't any mention of wine in the book really. Is it a saying or metaphor that I'm not getting? I don't know but I still enjoyed the book anyway.
I liked Simone. I felt for her being stood up and then finding her fiancé at their honeymoon spot with a younger woman. But I really liked Liam. I think I need to find me one of him lol he was sweet and mysterious and sexy, the whole package. He came to her rescue and took charge, plus he can cook. I want one lol

The mystery was good. They didn't really hone in on any one suspect until the end and so it left me guessing along the way. This book is short and sweet. If you are in the mood for a quick cozy mystery then this is a good book for you. It’s part of a series, but they can all be read as stand alones. I’ve read 2 out of the 4 that are out and I don’t feel like I missed anything having only ready those 2. I was able to breeze through this read in less than a day.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot from page 1. The introduction to the book (which actually takes place far from Aloha Lagoon) really got me emotionally in sync with the main character of the book-- that's something I haven't really felt with the other books. The author set up a solid mystery. I think this is now my favorite of the series (taking over book #2's slot as my favorite).

One thing I am wondering while I read through this series is how much communicating are the different authors doing when it comes to shared characters, like Detective Ray. He specifically is coming off as a different character each book with really his penchant for wearing bright aloha shirts the only thing that carries through. Right now it doesn't bug me too much, but it may become an issue as more and more authors enter the series.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a young woman is left standing at the altar, she decides she might as well take advantage of the honeymoon trip to Hawaii, even if she does have to go solo. Life takes some funny turns though and before she knows it, she's anything but alone when her husband-to-be on the beach near her hotel and her boss and her bosses daughter end up in Hawaii too. Murder, mayhem, a determined police detective, a handsome scone baker and a naughty grandmother help to flesh out the cast of this zany who dun it.
A thoroughly entertaining romp in one of the world's most romantic places.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second favorite in this series.

Ukulele murder was my favorite so far in this series but this one is a close second. The story was so engaging. I was drawn in right from the start. I am excited to see what book 5 brings. I would like to see what the future holds for a Simone and Liam as well. I really like their dynamic.

[Julie Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say I enjoy this book because I have listened to a few of the other books in the series but it got to confusing with everybody having alias and for a woman who hated men she sure got over that quickly. I listened to this book a while ago and when I noticed I hadn't reviewed it, I 're listened and to be honest I still don't know how I feel about it. There was some interesting characters especially Liam's grandma but the mystery was very slow to get going because she was falling in love. Then everything gets flipped on it head with everybody not being who they said. I had guessed the killer but I think that was more because I didn't like the character. I will visit Aloha Lagoon again but not sure if will be with Simone and Liam.
When Simone gets left at the alta, she decided to go on the honeymoon she paid for a lone. Being single with so many happy couples doesn't help her mood and neither does the man who dumped her turning up with her boss's much younger daughter on his arm. It only gets worse when his body is discovered and she becomes the prime suspect. The hotel don't want a possible murderer upsetting there guest and ask her to leave and with the police telling her she can't leave the island, she has no choice but stay with the local hunks feisty and colourful grandmother. With no money, no job and no husband, Simone's only choice is to find the killer herself and try not to lose her heart to the yummy baker.
The narrator was okay but she didn't have a huge range of voices and to be honest I am not sure that helped the story.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE visiting the Aloha Lagoon Resort in Hawaii !! And with the Aloha Lagoon Resort Mystery series you get to travel all over the island with a lot of interesting people.

In Deadly Bubbles in the Wine by Mary Jo Burke you meet Simone Ryan before she gets to the island. Simone is stood up at the alter at the courthouse and when she returrns to her apartment, she finds out her fiance, Elliott, not only stood her up at the courthouse but took his belongings from her apartment while she was out. Seeing as she wasn't thinking straight, she decides to go on the honeymoon alone. So off to the Aloha Lagoon Resort and the bridal suite she goes.....

Unfortunately she isn't even there 24 hours and she ends up in the middle of a murder investigation.....her fiance's to be exact. Simone finds out her fiance was on the island with her bosses very young step-daughter and shortly after she has a confrontation with Elliott he is washed up on the beach dead !!

Luckily for Simone she is befriended by Ellen Bentley and her adorable grandson Liam. With their help she uncovers a lot that she didn't know about her fiance and her life......

Aloha Lagoon Resort is the place to be !! All of the books in this series will take the reader away....you will feel like you are vacationing on the island and you will also be pulled into whatever trouble the main character is in and you will want to help them and Detective Ray solve the case so that everyone can relax and enjoy mai tais poolside......

[Bikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.

What I liked about the book -
This book was very easy to get into. The language used is flowy and not long-winding. You won't have to intently listen to it. Sit back n relax while enjoying this book. It will be a perfect book for summer / beach read. This is mainly a cozy mystery book, which builds a slight intrigue and takes you on a short mystery journey, which is entertaining throughout. Both the plot and characters are fun and you'll enjoy the read.

What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.

Narration -
Narration by Susan Marlowe was a good match for the content. Her delivery was perfect and all different voices were well done.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Simone Ryan gets left at the alter, (J.P. at the courthouse) she decides to take her honeymoon time in Hawaii as a vacation any way. Her former fiance comes into the bar of the hotel with another woman (under-aged), and Simone get very confrontational with him. When his body turns up shortly later, guess who the prime suspect is. Now Simone gets to dig into as much of her ex's past as possible to find out who else had a reason to want Elliott dead.

This is a medium paced story with well defined characters and plenty of laughs.

[Suzan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.

This book was okay it just really was not my style. A little to much romance/sex and not enough mystery for my taste. I had not read or listened to any other books in this series or by this author. The book was fine as a stand alone I had not problem with that. Susan Marlowe does a very nice job of narrating this book. If you like romance/sex mysteries I am sure you will enjoy this book.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like intrigue? Steamy scenes with little actually revealed? This is a solid beach-read.

Enjoyable light reading type book. Some intense parts and a few solid twists packed into a “never in a million years” type romance.

Not for under 18 due to suggestion. Language would be ranked as moderate.

The narrator has pretty good character differentiation and fits the characters well!


—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jilted bride on the honeymoon she paid for, the elusive groom along with her employer's daughter showing up at her hotel for dinner and so the fireworks begin. With more twists and turns than any James Bond thriller and so many shocking reveals that you head is constantly spinning not only does Simone and her new friends Liam and Ellen take down a major criminal group, but she finds the murderer also. Fast paced action thriller any mystery lover would love to read.

[Patty McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

wedding gone wrong

Another great story with many different twists. Simone goes to Hawaii all alone and ends up in the middle of her fiancés murder. She finds out she didn’t really know the man she was going to marry, and all the characters he was involved with. Simone meets a good looking man that she falls for and helps her find out who the murderer is. Interesting with a lot of different people and plenty of deception.

[Sanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant change

For once, Detective Ray is portrayed as a competent detective, on the ball and after the right suspect. Usually this series paints him as a bumbling fool, which is always a disappointment.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t actually end. Sure we caught the bad guys, but who ARE these people? It’s like there is half a book missing.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is " Elliot " -will she find the answer?

Awesome! Being jilted at the alter is no joke but when you find the "groom's" body on your honeymoon things get even worse. Broke and homeless, she has to unravel the mystery of who he actually was to find the killer. This has a great twist to it. A great read.

[Susan Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites!

Great characters, the main people other than the bad ones, are ones I'd like to know. lots of unexpected turns in the plotline. Simone, Liam, Ellen and Simone's mom would be a great team for more books. Hint hint. Ray is cool as well, one of the not so minor characters that are throughout the series.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author and narrator to me and first that I have read, so much fun. It really isnt series and it was just lovely but it had enough twists to keep me interested. Am really going to explore more.

[Rebecca Reed Reihman · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun read!

This is very funny, entertaining with the requisite murder. Simone is delightful and lands the gorgeous hunk while busily solving a murder. All of the characters jump out of the book and you feel like you know them. Definitely worth the read.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading, but not as good as the others in the series. It also doesn't let you know if they wind up staying in Kauai in the end.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Some authors I am already familiar with, but I have not read any of Mary Jo Burke's work. This is a great storyline and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent