What do you think?
Rate this book
A Murder in Milburn #5
Death at the Zoo
Recently engaged and with a new diner to run, Nora Newberry has plenty to do in her hometown of Milburn, Wyoming. But when you’re given the chance to spend a weekend in Hawaii with friends…you take it!
And, while it was tough to leave her fiancé and business behind, that’s just what she did!
Of course, she’ll miss both. But she can’t wait to soak up the sun, fun and…murder?!
When an employee at the local zoo is found dead, the victim of an apparent snake bite, at first it seems like an accident. But something doesn’t feel right to Nora, who’d previously met both the dead man and the snake. So, before long, the ladies’ relaxing weekend away on a tropical island is plagued by a murder mystery.
A murder mystery that Nora insists on solving…
Find out what happens in Death At The Zoo, the 5th book in Nancy McGovern’s popular culinary cozy mystery series, “A Murder In Milburn”! Includes a delicious RECIPE and an offer to join Nancy’s mailing list where you’ll receive a FREE novella-length prequel to this series!
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2016
105 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McGovern
83 books173 followersI'm a mother, wife, homemaker, pet lover, teacher, student, reader, writer, drinker of tea & wine (depending on the time of day) and sleep-deprived dreamer. I live in Syracuse, NY, with my husband, Doug (also a writer with books available on Amazon), our three children and too many furred & feathered friends to list!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 3, 2019
This cover is freaking adorable.
First off, I would love to be back in Hawaii! Oh lord, I loved my two week vacation there and will get on a plane in a heartbeat just to got back to that wonderful island. Plus, the whole no allergy thing there was freaking awesome!
NoraThornberry Newberry just got engaged. So what do all normal people who just got a new pretty ring do? They go on a freaking vacation - yeehaw! Her and her gal pals are heading to the oh so wonderful island called Hawaii! While enjoying the beaches, food, and just the overall views of this beautiful place - there's a murder!
Now you're probably thinking like one of her friends instantly dies or something. You'd be so freaking wrong. A bird was murdered - well, a parrot. It was rare and named Tutti Frutti. So these three are off on a wild goose chase to find the murderer!
If you are intrigued by this bird murderer, please go read this book. Or ya know, continue on with my review.
Continuing on with this murder investigation. AT some point they run into a multi-billionaire and he's into all kinds of shit. Drugs, vandalism - you name it, he's done it (probably). That's not the cherry on top folks, nope - THERE'S ANOTHER MURDER!
Say it isn't so guys! Say it isn't so! Hot damn, this book was so freaking entertaining. I laughed so much that I started to cry. I can't believe that this is book #5 in this series because now I want to know what the heck happened in books 1-4. I loved this book so much, that I'm definitely interested in finishing this series off.
First off, I would love to be back in Hawaii! Oh lord, I loved my two week vacation there and will get on a plane in a heartbeat just to got back to that wonderful island. Plus, the whole no allergy thing there was freaking awesome!
Nora
Now you're probably thinking like one of her friends instantly dies or something. You'd be so freaking wrong. A bird was murdered - well, a parrot. It was rare and named Tutti Frutti. So these three are off on a wild goose chase to find the murderer!
If you are intrigued by this bird murderer, please go read this book. Or ya know, continue on with my review.
Continuing on with this murder investigation. AT some point they run into a multi-billionaire and he's into all kinds of shit. Drugs, vandalism - you name it, he's done it (probably). That's not the cherry on top folks, nope - THERE'S ANOTHER MURDER!
Say it isn't so guys! Say it isn't so! Hot damn, this book was so freaking entertaining. I laughed so much that I started to cry. I can't believe that this is book #5 in this series because now I want to know what the heck happened in books 1-4. I loved this book so much, that I'm definitely interested in finishing this series off.
July 6, 2021
Death at the Zoo by Nancy McGovern is book 5 in the Murder in Milburn Mystery series. Nora, Tina and Simone are holidaying in Hawaii when an employee at a soon to be openned zoo is murdered. I enjoyed this book more than the previous ones, probably because it does not take place in Milburn. Nora is as nosy as ever and the mystery itself was rather obvious although the police are again portrayed as rather stupid. Otherwise an enjoyable quick and easy read.
February 23, 2017
First things first...I will take a gallon of the Kahlua Ice Cream. (Message for Author.)
We are on vacation in Hawaii. Oh yeah. There are beautiful beaches, shells, and delicious foods. There is also murder. A rare Parrot named, Tutti Frutti is murdered...and off goes, Nora Newberry of Milburn, Wyoming, and her pals, Simone and Tina on the trail of a killer...what a bird?
Ah, but that is just the beginning. You see there is a multi-billionaire, his childhood friends, drugs, vandalism, and more...oh, yes, another murder!
The girls end up staying at the mansion and a newly built zoo, while trying to figure out what on Earth is going on. Why are they targeted? Who cares about three tourists? And, isn't this wealthy man a little to friendly?
This book has action from the beginning to the solution at the ending. I did not guess the culprit and was misled all through the tale.
One of the most fun and clever series out here in Cozy land. Try the series and know that each novel is better than the last.
We are on vacation in Hawaii. Oh yeah. There are beautiful beaches, shells, and delicious foods. There is also murder. A rare Parrot named, Tutti Frutti is murdered...and off goes, Nora Newberry of Milburn, Wyoming, and her pals, Simone and Tina on the trail of a killer...what a bird?
Ah, but that is just the beginning. You see there is a multi-billionaire, his childhood friends, drugs, vandalism, and more...oh, yes, another murder!
The girls end up staying at the mansion and a newly built zoo, while trying to figure out what on Earth is going on. Why are they targeted? Who cares about three tourists? And, isn't this wealthy man a little to friendly?
This book has action from the beginning to the solution at the ending. I did not guess the culprit and was misled all through the tale.
One of the most fun and clever series out here in Cozy land. Try the series and know that each novel is better than the last.
September 25, 2021
If you're looking for a quick and fun cozy mystery, Death at the Zoo would be a solid choice for you.
I think the strength of this book lies in the friendships between protagonist Nora and her two friends. They had great relationships with one another, looking out for each other's wellbeing, but they were also distinct individuals with their own personalities and quirks.
This mystery is quite fast-paced with multiple twist and turns, so it was interesting to hear different perspectives from the three friends. I liked hearing about their different thoughts on the mystery, which itself was different than many cozies as it began with the death of an animal.
However, some aspects of the plot were a little too ridiculous for my liking. There were times when I really had to work hard to suspend my disbelief. Readers who are looking for a very realistic mystery may not enjoy this one.
Do be aware that while while the premise of the book revolves around Nora and her friends taking a vacation, this is not a travel cozy. They eat some Hawaiian foods, meet Hawaiian characters, and stay on an unnamed Hawaiian island, but the setting of Hawaii itself wasn't all that fleshed out.
This book works as a standalone cozy and is clean, though as mentioned earlier, the death of an animal is mentioned (though not graphic or violent).
For more of my reviews, please visit:
I think the strength of this book lies in the friendships between protagonist Nora and her two friends. They had great relationships with one another, looking out for each other's wellbeing, but they were also distinct individuals with their own personalities and quirks.
This mystery is quite fast-paced with multiple twist and turns, so it was interesting to hear different perspectives from the three friends. I liked hearing about their different thoughts on the mystery, which itself was different than many cozies as it began with the death of an animal.
However, some aspects of the plot were a little too ridiculous for my liking. There were times when I really had to work hard to suspend my disbelief. Readers who are looking for a very realistic mystery may not enjoy this one.
Do be aware that while while the premise of the book revolves around Nora and her friends taking a vacation, this is not a travel cozy. They eat some Hawaiian foods, meet Hawaiian characters, and stay on an unnamed Hawaiian island, but the setting of Hawaii itself wasn't all that fleshed out.
This book works as a standalone cozy and is clean, though as mentioned earlier, the death of an animal is mentioned (though not graphic or violent).
For more of my reviews, please visit:
July 4, 2017
The book was a good mystery but I was not as impressed about the characters as I have been in some of the other books and it really didn't have that same drawing to the characters as some of her other books, but still a very good read and as it gets closer to the end boy does the pot thicken and Nancy Mcgovern is still a great writer and her books are very entertaining and I love her books and I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 7, 2019
A girl’s trip in Hawaii and a midnight party at a new zoo leads to finding a murdered parrot.
This one’s almost kind of silly—how everyone, especially the rich tycoon, was shocked and baffled over the dead bird.
The reading was okay, but the mystery wasn’t that exciting.
This one’s almost kind of silly—how everyone, especially the rich tycoon, was shocked and baffled over the dead bird.
The reading was okay, but the mystery wasn’t that exciting.
August 21, 2021
Feeling much better this book. Mystery again well written and solid. Characters were actually more than tolerable. Glad to see Simone getting out and socializing and Tina and Nora including her in their friendship. Especially glad to not have to have seen Sean in this book!
October 22, 2022
Death at the zoo
I liked all the characters in this cozy mystery book 6 and the fact that it had me guessing all the way to the end to find out who the murderer was . I would recommend this book to anyone
Thank you Nancy McGovern
I liked all the characters in this cozy mystery book 6 and the fact that it had me guessing all the way to the end to find out who the murderer was . I would recommend this book to anyone
Thank you Nancy McGovern
March 19, 2023
Double murder twice the puzzle
Good little mystery. This book needs a good freelance editor, but still deserves 5 stars. I totally was surprised at the end, but would have liked to hear how Akamai turned out.
Good little mystery. This book needs a good freelance editor, but still deserves 5 stars. I totally was surprised at the end, but would have liked to hear how Akamai turned out.
December 4, 2017
I think this is the best one I read in this series! While I look forward to the next in the series, I still hope that Nora breaks up with Harvey. He's a jerk!
April 3, 2018
Good read. Overall a great series
June 23, 2018
Good mystery
A tragic death with an intriguing mystery and lots of suspects. Get a taste for the tropics in this rocky paradise!
A tragic death with an intriguing mystery and lots of suspects. Get a taste for the tropics in this rocky paradise!
September 16, 2018
Who killed the rare parrot?
This mystery has so many parts it becomes a maze. How does the bird relate to the rest of the story? Read it & see!
This mystery has so many parts it becomes a maze. How does the bird relate to the rest of the story? Read it & see!
September 16, 2019
A nice light read, perfect for the gym or beach
February 2, 2020
Silly drivel
Oh what a lot of silly drivel, it’s a shame I spent time reading this book to 8 chapters. What a waste of time.
Oh what a lot of silly drivel, it’s a shame I spent time reading this book to 8 chapters. What a waste of time.
October 26, 2020
Love the series. The years are weird....not really in line with the story..imo but a great series.
February 26, 2025
Off to Hawaii!
August 3, 2021
Nora and her friends have a trip to Hawaii and a murder occurs to dampen their fun time.
October 30, 2016
Simone, Nora, and Tina are taking a weekend retreat in Hawaii. This is the first chance Tina and Nora have had to get away since they opened for business and they miss their diner already. Simone arranged the trip. She needed time away to adjust to after her husband was convicted of murder and she had filed for divorce. She does, however miss her young son, Will.
Their first morning in Hawaii, the ladies meet their nearest neighbor, Degas Christiansen and his assistant, Haku. Their first encounter with the men is when they are in the back yard of their rented cottage, chasing an escaped poisonous snake. To the ladies, Degas is very entertaining and fun. He even invites them to a party at his home and then takes them to see his private zoo. Degas plans to eventually open the zoo to the public.
When they get to the zoo with Degas and Haku, they find one of the parrot cages has been broken into and Degas’ prized parrot, Tutti Frutti, is found murdered.
When Degas invites the ladies to join him in his mansion, they gladly accept. The next morning, Haku is found dead at his desk, apparently killed by snake venom. As a result, Nora and her friends end up putting their weekend getaway on hold. Nora is suspicious of the verdict and feels compelled to uncover the truth.
Can Nora discover who killed the parrot, and why? Can she determine how and why Haku died? Will anything develop between Degas and Simone? How does Simone feel about his attention?
A wonderful quick read, with lots of information shared about an exotic location. This book contains wonderful characters with realistic emotions and situations. I look forward to the next installation in this series.
Their first morning in Hawaii, the ladies meet their nearest neighbor, Degas Christiansen and his assistant, Haku. Their first encounter with the men is when they are in the back yard of their rented cottage, chasing an escaped poisonous snake. To the ladies, Degas is very entertaining and fun. He even invites them to a party at his home and then takes them to see his private zoo. Degas plans to eventually open the zoo to the public.
When they get to the zoo with Degas and Haku, they find one of the parrot cages has been broken into and Degas’ prized parrot, Tutti Frutti, is found murdered.
When Degas invites the ladies to join him in his mansion, they gladly accept. The next morning, Haku is found dead at his desk, apparently killed by snake venom. As a result, Nora and her friends end up putting their weekend getaway on hold. Nora is suspicious of the verdict and feels compelled to uncover the truth.
Can Nora discover who killed the parrot, and why? Can she determine how and why Haku died? Will anything develop between Degas and Simone? How does Simone feel about his attention?
A wonderful quick read, with lots of information shared about an exotic location. This book contains wonderful characters with realistic emotions and situations. I look forward to the next installation in this series.
November 10, 2016
This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Murder In Milburn series written by Nancy McGovern. Recently engaged and with a new diner to run, Nora Newberry has plenty to do in her hometown of Milburn, Wyoming. But when you’re given the chance to spend a weekend in Hawaii with friends you take it. When an employee at the local zoo is found dead, the victim of an apparent snake bite, at first it seems like an accident. But something doesn’t feel right to Nora, who’d previously met both the dead man and the snake. So, before long, the ladies’ relaxing weekend away on a tropical island is plagued by a murder mystery. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 24, 2016
Just the girls
In book four Simone's husband was the murderer and left her shaken. Her friends Nora and Tina were for her so as a thank you she takes the girls to a small island off of Maui for a little get away.
In this book Nancy McGovern has again shown her ability to take the characters out of Milburn, WY and place them in a setting that makes you feel like you are there.
The characters of Degas, Haku, Elly and the rest all had their own personalities and I felt like I reading about real people with backgrounds even though lightly touched upon explained so much.
While I didn't think there were many twists and turns, the murderer and motive came as a surprise, especially since I made a very good case against someone else. I'm waiting for the next book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review, but I had purchased a copy before I received this one. I guess that just shows how much I enjoy this series.
In book four Simone's husband was the murderer and left her shaken. Her friends Nora and Tina were for her so as a thank you she takes the girls to a small island off of Maui for a little get away.
In this book Nancy McGovern has again shown her ability to take the characters out of Milburn, WY and place them in a setting that makes you feel like you are there.
The characters of Degas, Haku, Elly and the rest all had their own personalities and I felt like I reading about real people with backgrounds even though lightly touched upon explained so much.
While I didn't think there were many twists and turns, the murderer and motive came as a surprise, especially since I made a very good case against someone else. I'm waiting for the next book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review, but I had purchased a copy before I received this one. I guess that just shows how much I enjoy this series.
April 11, 2017
First a dead parrot and then a dead man, is there any connection? Of course there is, or this wouldn’t be a mystery, would it??? Anyway, Nora is up to her neck in trying to find out what really happened. Even the grandfather, Mr. Kahane Senior, told her that life is like a tapestry. You can’t tell what the threads mean till you see them all at once. Once she did see all the threads, things quickly came together. I enjoyed this book very much.
apuntados
July 14, 2017Amazon - 11/07/2017
February 23, 2019
Fun read....I enjoyed the away from home escapades. It could only happen to the gang from Milburn.....
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews