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Lemon Layne Mystery #1
Prawn of the Dead
Fig Harbor, Washington home to amateur sleuth Lemon Layne, the best Sherlock Holmes wannabe west of the Mississippi!
USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up conspiracy, suspects, bedlam, and murder in Prawn of the Dead, Book 1 in A Lemon Layne Mystery series.
Prawn of the Dead is sure to keep you guessing from start to finish as you and Lemon follow the trail of a murderer.
"My name is Lemon Layne, and if asked to describe myself, like maybe on a dating site (which is never gonna happen), I'd have to go with best convenience store/barbecue joint owner in the Pacific Northwest. I live in the tiny tourist town of Fig Harbor, Washington with my adorably neurotic best friend, Coco Bellinski, my a-little-left- of-center (read totally out there) mom, May, and my troublemaking pet monkey, Jessica Fletcher.
Oh, and last but certainly not least, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool amateur sleuth. Yep. I'm literally incapable of resisting a good mystery. No matter how great or small, I love to stick my nose into...er, help solve a crime. From the mysterious disappearance of Ho Hos in my store, to a lost piece of jewelry, I'm always ready to put on my Sherlock Holmes cap (I really do have one. Got it when I was eight).
When I find my mother's ex-boyfriend murdered in our convenience store bathroom with a piece of his skull missing, and my mom's a suspect in a murder investigation, my mystery solving goes from zero to a hundred. To really make matters worse, the town's local conspiracy theorist and official doomsday prepper, Cappie somehow finds out the victim isn't just missing a piece of his skull--he's missing a piece of his brain!
And that's when off the wall Cappie starts spreading word the zombie apocalypse has officially arrived in our tiny burg. Total chaos ensues and I have to pick my way through everything from weekend warrior zombie hunters to medical mysteries in order to catch a killer!"
This contemporary cozy mystery has it all, from the local doomsday prepper to an out of control pet monkey, a mother who would drive a saint to drink, and of course a dead body in the bathroom. Prawn of the Dead is a laugh-out-loud thrill ride that will keep you guessing from start to finish.
USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up conspiracy, suspects, bedlam, and murder in Prawn of the Dead, Book 1 in A Lemon Layne Mystery series.
Prawn of the Dead is sure to keep you guessing from start to finish as you and Lemon follow the trail of a murderer.
"My name is Lemon Layne, and if asked to describe myself, like maybe on a dating site (which is never gonna happen), I'd have to go with best convenience store/barbecue joint owner in the Pacific Northwest. I live in the tiny tourist town of Fig Harbor, Washington with my adorably neurotic best friend, Coco Bellinski, my a-little-left- of-center (read totally out there) mom, May, and my troublemaking pet monkey, Jessica Fletcher.
Oh, and last but certainly not least, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool amateur sleuth. Yep. I'm literally incapable of resisting a good mystery. No matter how great or small, I love to stick my nose into...er, help solve a crime. From the mysterious disappearance of Ho Hos in my store, to a lost piece of jewelry, I'm always ready to put on my Sherlock Holmes cap (I really do have one. Got it when I was eight).
When I find my mother's ex-boyfriend murdered in our convenience store bathroom with a piece of his skull missing, and my mom's a suspect in a murder investigation, my mystery solving goes from zero to a hundred. To really make matters worse, the town's local conspiracy theorist and official doomsday prepper, Cappie somehow finds out the victim isn't just missing a piece of his skull--he's missing a piece of his brain!
And that's when off the wall Cappie starts spreading word the zombie apocalypse has officially arrived in our tiny burg. Total chaos ensues and I have to pick my way through everything from weekend warrior zombie hunters to medical mysteries in order to catch a killer!"
This contemporary cozy mystery has it all, from the local doomsday prepper to an out of control pet monkey, a mother who would drive a saint to drink, and of course a dead body in the bathroom. Prawn of the Dead is a laugh-out-loud thrill ride that will keep you guessing from start to finish.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2017
168 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Cassidy
167 books1,943 followersDakota Cassidy is a national bestselling author with over thirty books. She writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, grab-some-ice erotic romance, hot and sexy alpha males, paranormal shifters, contemporary kick-ass women, and more.
Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.
Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!
Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...
Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join
Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.
Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!
Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...
Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 13, 2017
Lemon Layne and her mom run a gas station/convenience store/BBQ pitstop and one morning Lemon starts off the day by finding a dead fellow in one of the bathrooms! It appears he’s been shot and later it’s revealed that a piece of his brain is missing and that he was the ex-boyfriend of her mother. Her mother had told everyone who would listen that she wanted him dead after she discovered he had been cheating. Uh oh!
So Lemon, with the help of her pet monkey and her best friend, starts a-snooping and uncovering the dirt. To find out more about the plot you will have to read the book.
This book is zany and light-hearted and will not hurt your brain or make you sad. I did not figure out the mystery but I suck at sleuthing so no surprise there. It takes place in an idyllic small coastal town in Washington and the cast is filled with eccentrics and out of all of them I loved Lemon’s mom the best. She’s feisty and just made me smile. We also have a hoard of zombie hunters, a monkey, a bossy best friend (she was not my favorite), a hunky policeman and quite a few others who come to vivid life in the audio. This is book #1 in a new series and even though I’m not a fan of following a series around until the end of time, I’d definitely read another of these to see what other wacky things are bound to happen in this little town. More murders, perhaps?!
I’d recommend the audio read by Hollie Jackson. She brings these nutty people to life and does a killer accent (I don’t know if it was accurate but I liked it anyway). She keeps the story moving and deftly moves from manly man to pissed off old lady without a hitch.
*I received a copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media.
So Lemon, with the help of her pet monkey and her best friend, starts a-snooping and uncovering the dirt. To find out more about the plot you will have to read the book.
This book is zany and light-hearted and will not hurt your brain or make you sad. I did not figure out the mystery but I suck at sleuthing so no surprise there. It takes place in an idyllic small coastal town in Washington and the cast is filled with eccentrics and out of all of them I loved Lemon’s mom the best. She’s feisty and just made me smile. We also have a hoard of zombie hunters, a monkey, a bossy best friend (she was not my favorite), a hunky policeman and quite a few others who come to vivid life in the audio. This is book #1 in a new series and even though I’m not a fan of following a series around until the end of time, I’d definitely read another of these to see what other wacky things are bound to happen in this little town. More murders, perhaps?!
I’d recommend the audio read by Hollie Jackson. She brings these nutty people to life and does a killer accent (I don’t know if it was accurate but I liked it anyway). She keeps the story moving and deftly moves from manly man to pissed off old lady without a hitch.
*I received a copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media.
July 17, 2017
4+ stars
A very fun start to a new mystery series. The beginning of the book made me worry it might be an over the top crazy book but it definitely wasn't. Awesome quirky and fun characters and a great mystery made this a fantastic read with some laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended - I will read more of this author!
A very fun start to a new mystery series. The beginning of the book made me worry it might be an over the top crazy book but it definitely wasn't. Awesome quirky and fun characters and a great mystery made this a fantastic read with some laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended - I will read more of this author!
June 3, 2025
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
June 28, 2017
This is the first book in the new Lemon Layne Mysteries, it's terrific! I was instantly hooked on this story and couldn't put it down. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I adore the characters, they're fun, interesting, and very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed the antics of Jessica Fletcher, the monkey, I couldn't help but laugh. I can't wait to read more in this series!
I received a copy f this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy f this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
July 6, 2017
I must give Dakota Cassidy credit for coming up with some of the zaniest characters and laugh out loud moments. :) She is one of my favorite authors and this one was just a lot of fun.
Lemon Layne is a convenience/barbecue store owner who really fancies herself as a amateur sleuth. So when she goes to open her store and finds a dead body she is very keen to investigate. Her friend and cop Justice tells her to stay out of things and so does her best friend Coco, but does she listen, no.
The victim was based in the head and a chunk of his brain was missing so this brings in the conspiracy guy Cabbie who thinks it's the zombie apocalypse and before you know there are a lot of other nut jobs in the little tourist town.
This was just such a fun book, I mean with a monkey named Jessica Fletcher and a bunch of zombie apocalypse crazies running around it had to be a hoot. It also has a really good mystery as I didn't guess who it was, though I did figure out the reason it happened. Lemon is a fun character but it's the whole cast of characters that makes this a fun read.
Lemon Layne is a convenience/barbecue store owner who really fancies herself as a amateur sleuth. So when she goes to open her store and finds a dead body she is very keen to investigate. Her friend and cop Justice tells her to stay out of things and so does her best friend Coco, but does she listen, no.
The victim was based in the head and a chunk of his brain was missing so this brings in the conspiracy guy Cabbie who thinks it's the zombie apocalypse and before you know there are a lot of other nut jobs in the little tourist town.
This was just such a fun book, I mean with a monkey named Jessica Fletcher and a bunch of zombie apocalypse crazies running around it had to be a hoot. It also has a really good mystery as I didn't guess who it was, though I did figure out the reason it happened. Lemon is a fun character but it's the whole cast of characters that makes this a fun read.
August 30, 2017
AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4
From the title alone, you know that you are into a story with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, but Cassidy doesn’t skimp on the twists, turns or misdirection on the way to find the solution. Lemon Layne lives in Washington state and runs a convenience store / barbeque joint, but really (yes really really) fancies herself a detective. She’s got a pet monkey named Jessica Fletcher, a best friend who is, if possible, even more outrageous than Lemon in Coco, and she’s got a mystery on her hands. See, her mother’s ex-boyfriend is dead, found in the store’s bathroom after a bash on the head, and not only is her mother a suspect, but Cabbie (a conspiracy theorist) is convinced this is the start of the zombie apocalypse. Confused yet? Oh there is more, and the story just adds barely-there plausibility to fantastical fantasy options, even as Lemon is slowly digging through the questions to find the murderer.
Oh she has plenty of missteps, and she doesn’t always ask the right questions and often jumps ahead of the actual clues by several steps, but the balance of crazy funny with actual clues, the frustration (and attraction) with the town cop Justice (also Lemon’s friend) and a small town overrun with Zombie hunters, a mail-order bride, several suspects and plenty of intrigue all around (including a secret that Lemon is desperate to hide) the story is a fun and funny romp, sure to please readers who like lighter cozies and those who appreciate a collection of quirky and often hilarious characters.
Narration for this story is provided by Hollie Jackson, and I have to say that her voice and the youthful lightness of her tone is near perfect for this story. Her voice is particularly well-suited to characters in their mid-20’s, who have a bit of ‘different’ to them, and Lemon fits that bill perfectly. Jackson presents the story cleanly. Distinction between characters is evident yet subtle, her narration style focuses on presenting a story that is smooth to follow, gives readers moments for a laugh, and never overplays any of the roles. A listen that is perfect during a commute or just for relaxing, I’m ready for the next.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4
From the title alone, you know that you are into a story with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, but Cassidy doesn’t skimp on the twists, turns or misdirection on the way to find the solution. Lemon Layne lives in Washington state and runs a convenience store / barbeque joint, but really (yes really really) fancies herself a detective. She’s got a pet monkey named Jessica Fletcher, a best friend who is, if possible, even more outrageous than Lemon in Coco, and she’s got a mystery on her hands. See, her mother’s ex-boyfriend is dead, found in the store’s bathroom after a bash on the head, and not only is her mother a suspect, but Cabbie (a conspiracy theorist) is convinced this is the start of the zombie apocalypse. Confused yet? Oh there is more, and the story just adds barely-there plausibility to fantastical fantasy options, even as Lemon is slowly digging through the questions to find the murderer.
Oh she has plenty of missteps, and she doesn’t always ask the right questions and often jumps ahead of the actual clues by several steps, but the balance of crazy funny with actual clues, the frustration (and attraction) with the town cop Justice (also Lemon’s friend) and a small town overrun with Zombie hunters, a mail-order bride, several suspects and plenty of intrigue all around (including a secret that Lemon is desperate to hide) the story is a fun and funny romp, sure to please readers who like lighter cozies and those who appreciate a collection of quirky and often hilarious characters.
Narration for this story is provided by Hollie Jackson, and I have to say that her voice and the youthful lightness of her tone is near perfect for this story. Her voice is particularly well-suited to characters in their mid-20’s, who have a bit of ‘different’ to them, and Lemon fits that bill perfectly. Jackson presents the story cleanly. Distinction between characters is evident yet subtle, her narration style focuses on presenting a story that is smooth to follow, gives readers moments for a laugh, and never overplays any of the roles. A listen that is perfect during a commute or just for relaxing, I’m ready for the next.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
July 9, 2022
I have to say I really liked this book. I wasn’t sure what I would think of the book but found it funny, witty, humorous, with a fun quirky main character. Lemon Layne is flawed, nosy, and constantly getting into trouble. Lemon and her kooky mom run a convenience store/bbq restaurant but what she really likes to do is investigate crimes or anything. When her mothers ex-boyfriend is found dead in the bathroom of the store’s bathroom, we’ll Lemon has no choice but to stick her nose in the investigation to save her mom. Lemon, along with her spider monkey, Jessica Fletcher, and her best friend Coco, l(who tries to discourage her at every turn) try to get information from Justice ( the other best friend) a cop, while trying to corral Cabbie, the local Conspiracy theorist, the zombie hunters, a mail order bride and her cousin (or is he)???
The book has so many hilarious twists and turns, and ups and downs, that I just couldn’t help but love it
The book has so many hilarious twists and turns, and ups and downs, that I just couldn’t help but love it
April 8, 2018
A cute cozy. Interesting characters if a bit formulaic. The mystery has good clues that lead you through the story. I enjoyed it.
June 16, 2017
it was funny and quite witty
July 11, 2017
Lemon is now my favorite quirky mystery hunter. Move over Agatha, there's a new duo in town – Lemon and her spider monkey JF. All of the characters were a hoot. Lemon with her bestest friend in the world who always dramatically overreacts. Mrs. Lane, Lemon's mom, she's like a little kid. Getting into trouble but saying her mind. And everyone loves her. And JF is just terrific side kick. The town is quaint where everyone knows everyone and gossip travels faster than a prairie fire. At the same time, it is big enough to be a larger town with all of its secrets. Now Lemon only needs to uncover some of those secrets if she's going to keep her mom out of the klinker.
June 27, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
I have to say that this book just crack me up.
Lemon is an amateur detective.
( Even her spider monkey pet is named Jessica Fletcher! )
When a mystery is afoot, she cannot stay away.
When her mother ex-boyfriend is murdered, Lemon is right there to solve the case.
Because part of the brain was missing, the rumor of a zombie attack spread like fire.
Soon enough, Fig Harbor was invaded by zombie hunters.
As the clues add up, Lemon is very close in solving this case.
I have to give kudos to the author.
You don't find out who did until close to the end.
This was a very intriguing mystery.
I cannot wait to read book 2.
When will Justice + Lemon be a couple ? ( Imagine the possibilities LOL )
I have to say that this book just crack me up.
Lemon is an amateur detective.
( Even her spider monkey pet is named Jessica Fletcher! )
When a mystery is afoot, she cannot stay away.
When her mother ex-boyfriend is murdered, Lemon is right there to solve the case.
Because part of the brain was missing, the rumor of a zombie attack spread like fire.
Soon enough, Fig Harbor was invaded by zombie hunters.
As the clues add up, Lemon is very close in solving this case.
I have to give kudos to the author.
You don't find out who did until close to the end.
This was a very intriguing mystery.
I cannot wait to read book 2.
When will Justice + Lemon be a couple ? ( Imagine the possibilities LOL )
June 13, 2017
This is a fun new beginning for Dakota Cassidy's new cozy series, Lemon Layne Mysteries. Lemon goes out to open the Convenience store/Gas station/BBQ joint she and her mother, May, own and run, she finds the bathroom door ajar and assumes her spider monkey, Jessica Fletcher, must have unlocked it. But what she finds is her mom's ex-boyfriend, Myron, spread out dead on the floor. Automatically, her mom becomes a suspect - because he was murdered! Now Lemon, with the help of her bff, Coco, must find the real killer before her other good friend, Justice, a cop, arrests her mom for something she didn't do. Is it his Latvian mail-order-bride? Her "cousin"? Or, like the town conspiracy theorist, Cappie, says, ZOMBIES?! Of course, that brings all the crazy zombie hunters to town, adding to the craziness that has overcome the town. Will Lemon figure it out or get her and Coco killed first? You're just gonna have to read it!!
March 15, 2017
Dakota's new mystery friends are my kind of friends. Lemon, Coco, Mama Layne, and the to cute Jessica (the spider monkey) are the team you want to get picked to be on. I like Lemon's relaxed dynamic with a flare of ode to Jessica Fletcher. If you love a good who dunnit, funny, and girl power, this is for you.
May 28, 2018
4 Stars for Prawn of the Dead.
I was drawn to this book because of the title and cover, and this turned out to be a fun cozy mystery. Fig Harbor, Washington is a small coastal community, perfect for a quick getaway from Seattle. Lemon Layne lives in Fig Harbor with her mother and runs the local gas station/convenience store/barbecue joint. Thanks to her father, Lemon has always had an interest in solving crimes, which is evident with her pet monkey Jessica Fletcher (named after the beloved TV character from Murder She Wrote). When Lemon discovers her mother’s ex-boyfriend dead in the gas station restroom, her mother becomes a prime suspect. To clear her mother’s name Lemon goes into detective mode. And true to cozy mysteries formula Lemon buries her nose where she’s not wanted and uncovers clues in the unlikely (and illegal) ways. Along for the ride is Lemon’s best friends Coco, who happens to work at the coroner’s office, and Justice, a Fig Harbor cop. With friends in the right places, it is no wonder Lemon gets drawn to solving the mystery. Thanks to Cappy, the local conspiracy theorist and doomsday prepper, the murder becomes a social media hit and the town is filled with his followers. With zombie hunters lurking the town there are hilarious scenes that I thought were creative and entertaining. Lemon has her hands full in solving the mystery and clearing her mother’s name.
Prawn of the Dead was a fun read. I loved the author’s sense of humor and I was laughing a long with the story. Fig Harbor is filled with quirky townspeople and I thought it was a great mix of suspects. It was just enough suspects to make it easy to keep track and keep guessing on who the murderer was. Hollie Jackson narrates the audiobook and I thought her performance was good. But I did feel the voice of Coco was irritating, it came across too snobby. Despite this one voice I thought Ms. Jackson narrated the story well and brought excitement to the story.
Prawn of the Dead is a great start to a new series. This was a quick read and a great way to add a little fun and mystery to your day.
I was drawn to this book because of the title and cover, and this turned out to be a fun cozy mystery. Fig Harbor, Washington is a small coastal community, perfect for a quick getaway from Seattle. Lemon Layne lives in Fig Harbor with her mother and runs the local gas station/convenience store/barbecue joint. Thanks to her father, Lemon has always had an interest in solving crimes, which is evident with her pet monkey Jessica Fletcher (named after the beloved TV character from Murder She Wrote). When Lemon discovers her mother’s ex-boyfriend dead in the gas station restroom, her mother becomes a prime suspect. To clear her mother’s name Lemon goes into detective mode. And true to cozy mysteries formula Lemon buries her nose where she’s not wanted and uncovers clues in the unlikely (and illegal) ways. Along for the ride is Lemon’s best friends Coco, who happens to work at the coroner’s office, and Justice, a Fig Harbor cop. With friends in the right places, it is no wonder Lemon gets drawn to solving the mystery. Thanks to Cappy, the local conspiracy theorist and doomsday prepper, the murder becomes a social media hit and the town is filled with his followers. With zombie hunters lurking the town there are hilarious scenes that I thought were creative and entertaining. Lemon has her hands full in solving the mystery and clearing her mother’s name.
Prawn of the Dead was a fun read. I loved the author’s sense of humor and I was laughing a long with the story. Fig Harbor is filled with quirky townspeople and I thought it was a great mix of suspects. It was just enough suspects to make it easy to keep track and keep guessing on who the murderer was. Hollie Jackson narrates the audiobook and I thought her performance was good. But I did feel the voice of Coco was irritating, it came across too snobby. Despite this one voice I thought Ms. Jackson narrated the story well and brought excitement to the story.
Prawn of the Dead is a great start to a new series. This was a quick read and a great way to add a little fun and mystery to your day.
July 28, 2025
This one had all the right ingredients for a quirky, offbeat cozy mystery—an eye-catching title, a chaotic small-town setting, and a heroine who storms into scenes with the subtlety of a wrecking ball. Lemon Layne was loud, opinionated, and constantly trying to be the wittiest person in the room. While that kind of energy can be fun in small doses, the over-the-top snark quickly lost its charm. Instead of feeling like a clever character, she often came across as forced and exhausting, which made it hard to connect with her or root for her to succeed.
The town was packed with eccentric personalities clearly meant to add flavor, but they all blended into one loud blur of chaos. There wasn’t enough depth or development to make anyone feel real, and the mystery took a backseat to the nonstop chatter and antics. I found myself trying to hold on to the plot, but it kept getting drowned out by the noise. There were attempts at twists and turns, but nothing truly gripping or clever enough to hook me.
The humor and quirkiness could have worked if there had been more substance beneath them. Instead, it felt like the story was constantly trying to entertain me rather than draw me in. The writing leaned so heavily into being witty that it lost its grounding. In the end, the only thing that really stood out was the title—and while it promised a wild time, the execution just didn’t deliver enough to make me want to continue with the series.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The town was packed with eccentric personalities clearly meant to add flavor, but they all blended into one loud blur of chaos. There wasn’t enough depth or development to make anyone feel real, and the mystery took a backseat to the nonstop chatter and antics. I found myself trying to hold on to the plot, but it kept getting drowned out by the noise. There were attempts at twists and turns, but nothing truly gripping or clever enough to hook me.
The humor and quirkiness could have worked if there had been more substance beneath them. Instead, it felt like the story was constantly trying to entertain me rather than draw me in. The writing leaned so heavily into being witty that it lost its grounding. In the end, the only thing that really stood out was the title—and while it promised a wild time, the execution just didn’t deliver enough to make me want to continue with the series.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
November 6, 2018
Lemon lives in Fig Harbor, WA, where she helps her rambunctious mother, May, run the Smoke and Petrol shop. They sell gas, souvenirs, and the best smoked meat in the area. Lemon fancies herself a sleuth, investigating such things as missing Ho-Hos in the store to lost jewelry. However, when Lemon stumbles across the dead body of her mom's ex-boyfriend, she finds herself at the epicenter of not only a murder investigation, but a horde of zombie hunters who are convinced that Myron was killed by a zombie. Worse, her mother is suspect number one, since she threatened to kill Myron after he dumped her for a foreign internet bride.
Now it's up to Lemon to find the real killer, avoid the zombie hunters, bicker with policeman Justice, keep her pet monkey out of trouble, and convince her friend Coco to help her. All in a day's work for Lemon!
The story was lite and funny. It was a bit "out there", but it never pretended to be anything else, and that really just added to the charm and humor. Lemon is a likable heroine, Coco is more calm and a foil to Lemon's zany personality. I loved May, who was a hoot. Had a little trouble warming up to Lemon's pet monkey, but that can be attributed to my pathological fear of monkeys, instilled in me when I was five years old. Ugh.
Now it's up to Lemon to find the real killer, avoid the zombie hunters, bicker with policeman Justice, keep her pet monkey out of trouble, and convince her friend Coco to help her. All in a day's work for Lemon!
The story was lite and funny. It was a bit "out there", but it never pretended to be anything else, and that really just added to the charm and humor. Lemon is a likable heroine, Coco is more calm and a foil to Lemon's zany personality. I loved May, who was a hoot. Had a little trouble warming up to Lemon's pet monkey, but that can be attributed to my pathological fear of monkeys, instilled in me when I was five years old. Ugh.
July 24, 2025
A great listen! - I listened to Play That Funky Music White Koi first (head smack) so now I get some of the references in that book. This story was absolutely fabulous! The characters are a hoot, from Lemon's immature, loving, well-meaning mom to Lemon's bestie Coco, who can throw herself into a tizzy like no one else. When Lemon finds her mom's ex in her store's bathroom, with a gaping head wound, suspects are lined up, including her betrayed mom. All but the zombies kooky Cappie is sure the government set loose. A fun listen, even though Myron had to pass to give me a thrill. The narrator did a great job, her performance only marred by the bad grammar I heard every so often. It would have been great to get more from this series, especially since there seems to be more to Lemon's fiance's demise. That mysterious phone call near the end....
June 13, 2017
What an excellent story! You have characters with unusual names such as Lemon, Justice, Coco to name a few. The story takes places in a small town but still you have interesting characters to meet. I like the whole spider monkey , Jessica Fletcher, who is very protective. The characters are like a small family because of the small town. But you have the modern internet and some unusual side stories. Read and enjoy as Lemon is a very different and unusual person/ detective!
June 26, 2017
Prawn of the Dead by Dakota Cassidy
A cute cozy mystery on the light side.
Small town girl asks question after question until she finds the answers. A good twist and then a lead for the next book.
Delightful.
Excerpt:
"All my instincts said I should keep my nose out of this. But my nose begged me to stick it where I knew it didn’t belong.
I thought my nose might win this war."
Excerpt from Prawn of the Dead by Dakota Cassidy
A cute cozy mystery on the light side.
Small town girl asks question after question until she finds the answers. A good twist and then a lead for the next book.
Delightful.
Excerpt:
"All my instincts said I should keep my nose out of this. But my nose begged me to stick it where I knew it didn’t belong.
I thought my nose might win this war."
Excerpt from Prawn of the Dead by Dakota Cassidy
June 28, 2017
Even though I enjoyed this book. It's was interesting and entertaining but their were some things I didn't like. Lemon has this huge secret about something that happened in Seattle, but we didn't get no backstory about the incident at all. I wonder why?? Also I didn't see the reason for the pet monkey I mean she didn't make or break the story. Overall enjoyable read. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 19, 2018
Very funny!
I stumbled on this book on Amazon and am really glad I read it! I loved this book! The characters are great and really make the book along with a well written story. It's funny and exciting. It's one of those books that I felt like I couldn't put down. I also really liked tbat there is another mystery, personal to Lemon, that we as readers don't know much about but feel like there is much more to come.
I stumbled on this book on Amazon and am really glad I read it! I loved this book! The characters are great and really make the book along with a well written story. It's funny and exciting. It's one of those books that I felt like I couldn't put down. I also really liked tbat there is another mystery, personal to Lemon, that we as readers don't know much about but feel like there is much more to come.
March 21, 2018
Zombies, Bullets, Brides from Latvia and Dead bodies in the Restroom
Lemon and her friend Coco with sidekick, Jessica Fletcher have a dead body with a hole in his brain in the family gas station men's room. Lemon loves playing detective so she starts out to solve the case when her mother is suspect number one. This book is full of funny parts along with a huge influx of Zombie hunters. By the way, did I mention that Jessica is a miniature monkey?
Lemon and her friend Coco with sidekick, Jessica Fletcher have a dead body with a hole in his brain in the family gas station men's room. Lemon loves playing detective so she starts out to solve the case when her mother is suspect number one. This book is full of funny parts along with a huge influx of Zombie hunters. By the way, did I mention that Jessica is a miniature monkey?
November 28, 2018
A Strange Hole of Consequences
A boid writer with a flair for the strange .Lemon started her morning of as usual ,but it didn't finish that way, you see she owns a small gas station with your usual small grosser as well. Cleaning is part of the morning chores, finding dead bodies is not to part that. You will find zany caracters and strange twists to the mystery making you LOL.
A boid writer with a flair for the strange .Lemon started her morning of as usual ,but it didn't finish that way, you see she owns a small gas station with your usual small grosser as well. Cleaning is part of the morning chores, finding dead bodies is not to part that. You will find zany caracters and strange twists to the mystery making you LOL.
May 15, 2018
Snoops
Took me a good few chapters to love these new characters. I thought Coco hysterics would continually annoy me. Adult Bratz. But I warmed to plot.
“He’s been all over the interweb highway like some stray dog in need of a bone, Lemon. I’m going to kill him, and then I’m going to hire a voodoo priestess to raise him from the dead and kill him again!”
Took me a good few chapters to love these new characters. I thought Coco hysterics would continually annoy me. Adult Bratz. But I warmed to plot.
“He’s been all over the interweb highway like some stray dog in need of a bone, Lemon. I’m going to kill him, and then I’m going to hire a voodoo priestess to raise him from the dead and kill him again!”
January 9, 2019
I enjoy Dakota Cassidy's work and this one didn't let me down.
Just fun entertainment.
How can you lose with a protagonist named Lemon Layne?
Lemon's mother is accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend. Mostly because he ended up in the restroom of their gas and smoke house (no not cigarettes - they smoke fish).
Lemon 'helps" the police solve the crime!
Just fun entertainment.
How can you lose with a protagonist named Lemon Layne?
Lemon's mother is accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend. Mostly because he ended up in the restroom of their gas and smoke house (no not cigarettes - they smoke fish).
Lemon 'helps" the police solve the crime!
May 11, 2024
I am a Dakota Cassidy fan which is why I started this book. Unsure how I feel about this amateur sleuth and her merry band of supporters. Story had some twists and turns and surprising villain that was not expected. Will need to read second book to completely form an opinion as to continuing with future books or not.
June 13, 2017
Great Book!
This is the first book in a new series. Cute mystery with some funny characters. Lemon,Coco,May,Justice,, and Lemon's monkey,Jessica Fletcher. A fun mystery to solve pulls this all together. I look forward go the next book and highly recommend this one!
This is the first book in a new series. Cute mystery with some funny characters. Lemon,Coco,May,Justice,, and Lemon's monkey,Jessica Fletcher. A fun mystery to solve pulls this all together. I look forward go the next book and highly recommend this one!
April 12, 2018
Wit, mystery and quirkiness. Lemon is as subtle as a wrecking ball. Because of the quirkiness of the story it is tolerable. There are better mysteries but this has crazy characters to make it interesting.
January 5, 2020
Funny and quirky
In a town full of eccentrics the towns amateur detective first name is Lemon, she is still in the learning stages and bounces theories off her pet monkey. I did say eccentric, but is anything but boring. Did I mention the Zombies?
In a town full of eccentrics the towns amateur detective first name is Lemon, she is still in the learning stages and bounces theories off her pet monkey. I did say eccentric, but is anything but boring. Did I mention the Zombies?
March 23, 2017
So PUNNY.
Dakota keeps to her humour and sense of pun in this new series. That is to say, it's a wonderful romp through the nonsensical life of one Lemon Layne, her bff Coco, Mamma May and Jessica Fletcher through in a cute cop, a murder and zombies and we have another winner from Dakota.
Dakota keeps to her humour and sense of pun in this new series. That is to say, it's a wonderful romp through the nonsensical life of one Lemon Layne, her bff Coco, Mamma May and Jessica Fletcher through in a cute cop, a murder and zombies and we have another winner from Dakota.
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