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Angel Lake Mystery #2
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal
The only thing worse than a ship overrun with Elvis Impersonators is having to find the missing one. And the killer is out to find you.
When Elise Pepper decides to take a long overdue vacation, she discovers that her Caribbean cruise isn't going to be quite the relaxing trip she'd hoped for.
Instead of enjoying a quiet getaway, she finds herself in the middle of a theme party. Who knew there were so many Elvises and Marilyn Monroes in the world?
But when an Elvis goes missing and it turns out he was a wealthy philanthropist Elise is dragged into the mystery as the last person to see him.
As she tries to convince everybody of what she saw, her frustration turns to fear when she realizes that she's trapped on board with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence her.
So drop into the cozy cafe and have a doughnut and a sip of lemonade. See for yourself that living in the country isn't always about the quiet life but sometimes is filled with riveting suspense and deception with second guessing right to the end.
Instead of enjoying a quiet getaway, she finds herself in the middle of a theme party. Who knew there were so many Elvises and Marilyn Monroes in the world?
But when an Elvis goes missing and it turns out he was a wealthy philanthropist Elise is dragged into the mystery as the last person to see him.
As she tries to convince everybody of what she saw, her frustration turns to fear when she realizes that she's trapped on board with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence her.
So drop into the cozy cafe and have a doughnut and a sip of lemonade. See for yourself that living in the country isn't always about the quiet life but sometimes is filled with riveting suspense and deception with second guessing right to the end.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
1317 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 19, 2021
..
This cozy little mystery is the second in the series 'Walking Calamity'. It includes a handful of delightfully quirky characters which were amiable and each had their own distinct personalities.
The only thing worse than a ship overrun with Elvis Impersonators is having to find the missing one. And the killer is out to find you.
However, I did not enjoy the unusual names that often cause a reader to pause and get distracted from the experience.
When Elise Pepper decides to take a long-overdue vacation, she discovers that her Caribbean cruise isn’t going to be quite the relaxing trip she’d hoped for.
Instead of enjoying a quiet getaway, she finds herself in the middle of a theme party. Who knew there were so many Elvises and Marilyn Monroes in the world?
I found this book much more enjoyable than the first book of the series.
But when an Elvis goes missing and it turns out he was a wealthy philanthropist Elise is dragged into the mystery as the last person to see him.
The mystery was captivating, but not overly . . . clues scattered about for the reader to discover.
As she tries to convince everybody of what she saw, her frustration turns to fear when she realizes that she’s trapped on board with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence her.
This is a clean and wholesome book that is able to stand on its own and concludes with a H.E.A.
"5.0 out of 5 stars-A fun book with a cast of quirky characters and a great mystery"
"Easy to read hard to put down. There was an intriguing plotline with humor throughout, loveable characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery." "Must read!"--Amazon reviewers
..
This cozy little mystery is the second in the series 'Walking Calamity'. It includes a handful of delightfully quirky characters which were amiable and each had their own distinct personalities.
The only thing worse than a ship overrun with Elvis Impersonators is having to find the missing one. And the killer is out to find you.
However, I did not enjoy the unusual names that often cause a reader to pause and get distracted from the experience.
When Elise Pepper decides to take a long-overdue vacation, she discovers that her Caribbean cruise isn’t going to be quite the relaxing trip she’d hoped for.
Instead of enjoying a quiet getaway, she finds herself in the middle of a theme party. Who knew there were so many Elvises and Marilyn Monroes in the world?
I found this book much more enjoyable than the first book of the series.
But when an Elvis goes missing and it turns out he was a wealthy philanthropist Elise is dragged into the mystery as the last person to see him.
The mystery was captivating, but not overly . . . clues scattered about for the reader to discover.
As she tries to convince everybody of what she saw, her frustration turns to fear when she realizes that she’s trapped on board with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence her.
This is a clean and wholesome book that is able to stand on its own and concludes with a H.E.A.
"5.0 out of 5 stars-A fun book with a cast of quirky characters and a great mystery"
"Easy to read hard to put down. There was an intriguing plotline with humor throughout, loveable characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery." "Must read!"--Amazon reviewers
..
September 4, 2019
Elise and Lavinia are off on a cruise to the Bahamas. Poor Elise as it doesn't start off well when she's accosted by a stranger on the dock while waiting to board the ship. From there it only gets more odd. The plot moved quickly and there were so many twists that I never guessed who was behind it until the reveal. I'm definitely going to look for more books in this series.
December 19, 2018
When Elise Pepper decides to take a much-needed vacation, she discovers that her Caribbean cruise isn't quite as relaxing as she thought it was going to be. Instead of enjoying a quiet getaway, she finds herself in the middle of a theme party full of Elvises and Marilyn Monroes. When one of the Elvises goes missing, and it turns out to be a wealthy philanthropist, Elise finds herself dragged right into the center of the mystery since she was the last person to see him. She tries to convince everyone of what she saw but her frustration quickly turns to fear when she realizes she's trapped aboard with a killer who will not stop at anything to silence her.
I always enjoy CeeCee's books, especially her mysteries and this one was no exception. The story was well thought out and easy to read. And I could see Elise going through all of her adventures. I enjoyed getting to know the characters from the first Angel Lake Mystery a bit better and it was fun seeing all of the interesting characters they got to meet on their cruise. I'm definitely going to have to read more of this series as they're easy reads and very interesting.
I always enjoy CeeCee's books, especially her mysteries and this one was no exception. The story was well thought out and easy to read. And I could see Elise going through all of her adventures. I enjoyed getting to know the characters from the first Angel Lake Mystery a bit better and it was fun seeing all of the interesting characters they got to meet on their cruise. I'm definitely going to have to read more of this series as they're easy reads and very interesting.
April 6, 2017
Elise needs some healing (from the ex) and her best friend Lavina has just the solution - a relaxing cruise in the Caribbean. Only the cruise has a theme and isn't very quiet. Besides Elvis impersonators, there's the cabin steward and the deck hand, the Captain, and a general cast of questionable characters. When it looks like the wealthy Elvis who latched on to Elise maybe minutes before, has disappeared, Elise and Lavina try to sort out what's happening on this cruise.
This was a fun read and the cruise setting was played well. The Elvis/Marilyn Monroe theme added to the story. This is the second in the Angel Lake Mystery Series: Walking Calamity Mysteries. It can easily be read as a stand-alone, but you might as well enjoy them all.
This was a fun read and the cruise setting was played well. The Elvis/Marilyn Monroe theme added to the story. This is the second in the Angel Lake Mystery Series: Walking Calamity Mysteries. It can easily be read as a stand-alone, but you might as well enjoy them all.
February 20, 2020
I got this book from the author. I stumbled onto the AXP website from one of the newsletters I signed up for. AXP stands for Authors Cross Promotion where you read and review a book of your choice. I got this book two months back and was only able to read and review it now. Yes, I actually have a lot of books lined up in my TBR. I had to prioritize those I signed up for with blog tours but I will definitely make sure to read all those that I promised to review. I will eventually get to them within this year. Promise!
This story took place on a luxurious cruise ship. The main character, Elise Pepper, just had her divorce finalized and her best friend Lavina dragged her to relax on this cruise. What was supposed to be a relaxing and invigorating vacation turned into something else--very far from relaxing at all.
The characters in this story are very interesting to the point of being eccentric. Lavina, Elise's best friend has a boyfriend way older than her that she has not introduced to Elise. This guy also had very good connections. The sisters, the housekeeping maid and the cruise ship crew were all quaint personalities also. Lavina has an ability to befriend these people and appeal to them like a long-lost relative. All these characters make for a very enjoyable read. Not to mention, suspicious characters that you can't help but doubt their motives and thoughts. And to top it all, a flamingo in the center of it all.
Elise has the makings of a natural detective. The story hinted of how this skill of hers started. I think she should pursue this skill and make it into a lucrative source income now that she is no longer married to her hot-shot lawyer husband. Her instincts and good observation skills saved and bailed out a lot of helpless characters in this story who got thrown into this terrible, selfish and deadly mess. Yes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
I give the book 4/5 expensive necklaces in the world. This book made me curious as to what happened to Elise before this book. And I am also curious to know who Mr. G is.
My motto is to always expect the surprises. It's what makes life an adventure.
- CeeCee James, The Bitter Taste of Betrayal -
Thank you AXP and CeeCee James for the copy.
This story took place on a luxurious cruise ship. The main character, Elise Pepper, just had her divorce finalized and her best friend Lavina dragged her to relax on this cruise. What was supposed to be a relaxing and invigorating vacation turned into something else--very far from relaxing at all.
The characters in this story are very interesting to the point of being eccentric. Lavina, Elise's best friend has a boyfriend way older than her that she has not introduced to Elise. This guy also had very good connections. The sisters, the housekeeping maid and the cruise ship crew were all quaint personalities also. Lavina has an ability to befriend these people and appeal to them like a long-lost relative. All these characters make for a very enjoyable read. Not to mention, suspicious characters that you can't help but doubt their motives and thoughts. And to top it all, a flamingo in the center of it all.
Elise has the makings of a natural detective. The story hinted of how this skill of hers started. I think she should pursue this skill and make it into a lucrative source income now that she is no longer married to her hot-shot lawyer husband. Her instincts and good observation skills saved and bailed out a lot of helpless characters in this story who got thrown into this terrible, selfish and deadly mess. Yes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
I give the book 4/5 expensive necklaces in the world. This book made me curious as to what happened to Elise before this book. And I am also curious to know who Mr. G is.
My motto is to always expect the surprises. It's what makes life an adventure.
- CeeCee James, The Bitter Taste of Betrayal -
Thank you AXP and CeeCee James for the copy.
November 21, 2017
Elise and her lifelong best friend, Lavina, take a Caribbean cruise when all sorts of strange things take place in The Bitter Taste of Betrayal by CeeCee James. The first night in the dining room, some of the other ladies at her table point out a man to Elise as a childhood TV star who now is worth millions of dollars and is a true philanthropist, giving away 90% of his income. Lavina tries to set up Elise, who has just had her divorce finalized, with various men on the ship, even tricking Elise into dressing up for a Marilyn Monroe/ Elvis costume party. Trying to escape the chaos, Elise stumbles out of the room to the outside deck, where she encounters the philanthropist, who looks very sick. When he faints, Elise runs back into the ballroom to find a doctor, only to find the man missing when she returns. Worried about the man, Elise asks questions of her steward and those around to figure out what is going on. But each time she gets different answers. What has happened to the missing man? Is he safe? Or even alive?
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
November 19, 2016
Wow! I think I might even like this one more than the first book in the series, but I loved that one too, so I am not sure.
Really well written, suspenseful and filled with fun, quirky characters, many of whom I'd love to meet, a few of whom I definitely wouldn't.
I enjoyed every minute of this delightful cruise ship mystery and highly recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mystery with a little dash of romance.
Really well written, suspenseful and filled with fun, quirky characters, many of whom I'd love to meet, a few of whom I definitely wouldn't.
I enjoyed every minute of this delightful cruise ship mystery and highly recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mystery with a little dash of romance.
December 28, 2016
The Bitter Taste Of Betrayal is my first CeeCee James book, and i was hooked right from the first page. And the book just got better once it went back to where it all started.A fast paced mystery with well defined characters, and a plot which takes a twist at every turn as Elise stumbles from one situation into another, and a cruise trip so beautifully and vividly portrayed that you feel as though you are there. This is one author whose books i know i will enjoy!
March 30, 2021
This isn't a ghastly book. It's just not a good one.
First of all, the protagonist and her bestest friend ever are on a cruise. I have been on a fair number of cruises. The cruise described in the book sounds nothing like any cruise I've ever been on. The boarding process is far more complex and far less unpleasant than described. The cabins are rarely as huge and luxurious as described. The stewards and wait staff in this book were far too unprofessional, even for some of the cut-rate cruise lines. (To be fair, I have never sailed on the "party" cruise lines so maybe it's different there but it really bothered me how they behaved in this book.) The dining situation is not as dire as it's made to sound. And no passenger should be able to enter the part of the ship reserved for the crew. Those areas can only be accessed by crew members. Said crew members would never allow a passenger in for fear of summary termination. (The ship elevators on ships I've been on do not go to those levels and the staircases are locked tight, with the entrances at passenger levels under surveillance. Cruise ships are pretty serious about this.)
And then there's the matter of this "bestest friend ever." Man, if Lavina were my best friend I'd become a hermit. I have self-centered friends. And I recognize that Lavina was footing the bill for the entire cruise. But even my most self-centered friend would have recognized that there was something alarming me when I verbalized it right away, and she would have at least found a way to stay with me or at least keep in touch with me all the time. Lavina gets better towards the end, but by then I was ready to tell Elise she was better off with her ex than with this friend. (There is a point where Elise does something on her own that common sense should have told her to have a buddy for. I admit, I was relieved when she did it alone.)
The mystery is what almost could have saved this book. There is a disappearance, a TON of red herrings (while I don't think any of them are real herrings, in one case I can't be entirely sure), and some characters who showed promise of being really interesting. As is typical in most cozy mysteries, there are several coincidences that draw the protagonist into the mystery, and in this case the coincidences were fairly compelling. Sadly, the conclusion was convoluted and dumb. (Be aware, a possible resolution is telegraphed right at the beginning of the book. Spoiler alert: ignore that telegraph. It's someone else. And it's someone else that makes very little sense.)
It felt like the author got kind of tired of writing towards the end. The level of detail in the first part of the book suddenly falls off. The ending, as convoluted as it is, felt rushed and unsatisfactory.
Perhaps if I'd read the first book of the series I'd have enjoyed this more but I somehow don't think so. And that's sad, since I do like the premise and setting.
First of all, the protagonist and her bestest friend ever are on a cruise. I have been on a fair number of cruises. The cruise described in the book sounds nothing like any cruise I've ever been on. The boarding process is far more complex and far less unpleasant than described. The cabins are rarely as huge and luxurious as described. The stewards and wait staff in this book were far too unprofessional, even for some of the cut-rate cruise lines. (To be fair, I have never sailed on the "party" cruise lines so maybe it's different there but it really bothered me how they behaved in this book.) The dining situation is not as dire as it's made to sound. And no passenger should be able to enter the part of the ship reserved for the crew. Those areas can only be accessed by crew members. Said crew members would never allow a passenger in for fear of summary termination. (The ship elevators on ships I've been on do not go to those levels and the staircases are locked tight, with the entrances at passenger levels under surveillance. Cruise ships are pretty serious about this.)
And then there's the matter of this "bestest friend ever." Man, if Lavina were my best friend I'd become a hermit. I have self-centered friends. And I recognize that Lavina was footing the bill for the entire cruise. But even my most self-centered friend would have recognized that there was something alarming me when I verbalized it right away, and she would have at least found a way to stay with me or at least keep in touch with me all the time. Lavina gets better towards the end, but by then I was ready to tell Elise she was better off with her ex than with this friend. (There is a point where Elise does something on her own that common sense should have told her to have a buddy for. I admit, I was relieved when she did it alone.)
The mystery is what almost could have saved this book. There is a disappearance, a TON of red herrings (while I don't think any of them are real herrings, in one case I can't be entirely sure), and some characters who showed promise of being really interesting. As is typical in most cozy mysteries, there are several coincidences that draw the protagonist into the mystery, and in this case the coincidences were fairly compelling. Sadly, the conclusion was convoluted and dumb. (Be aware, a possible resolution is telegraphed right at the beginning of the book. Spoiler alert: ignore that telegraph. It's someone else. And it's someone else that makes very little sense.)
It felt like the author got kind of tired of writing towards the end. The level of detail in the first part of the book suddenly falls off. The ending, as convoluted as it is, felt rushed and unsatisfactory.
Perhaps if I'd read the first book of the series I'd have enjoyed this more but I somehow don't think so. And that's sad, since I do like the premise and setting.
June 6, 2017
Better than the first
After the first book I was ready to ignore the Lavina character completely.
This time she wasn't so bad.
The story takes place on a cruise ship and Elise has joined her bff Lavina on cruise to St. Croix.
While waiting to board the ship a strange man grabs Elise arm and makes a veiled threat.
On the ship Elise encounters a man who then disappears, strange things begin to happen.
I enjoyed the cruise story line. It seemed to bring out more of Elise's character and the idea that she is more of a stick in the mud in some aspects of her life. Mainly moving on from a bad marriage.
What I had a little trouble with was how easy it was for Elise to get information from the captain about the missing man. And how the cabin steward was so willing to share his personal problems with Lavina and Elise.
I know this is just a story but I would have had more fun if it was a little more challenging to get information.
The other thing I didn't get was the reference to the Elvis impersonators. That was only one night, and the women dressed as Marilyn Monroe. I was under the impression it was an Elvis cruise which would have made it funnier and more challenging to figure out who the bad guys were.
Had that figured out day one of the cruise.
But again I'm just being picky. Sorry.
At least Lavina didn't sound like a 90 year-old with her southern sayings. And much better than the first book.
After the first book I was ready to ignore the Lavina character completely.
This time she wasn't so bad.
The story takes place on a cruise ship and Elise has joined her bff Lavina on cruise to St. Croix.
While waiting to board the ship a strange man grabs Elise arm and makes a veiled threat.
On the ship Elise encounters a man who then disappears, strange things begin to happen.
I enjoyed the cruise story line. It seemed to bring out more of Elise's character and the idea that she is more of a stick in the mud in some aspects of her life. Mainly moving on from a bad marriage.
What I had a little trouble with was how easy it was for Elise to get information from the captain about the missing man. And how the cabin steward was so willing to share his personal problems with Lavina and Elise.
I know this is just a story but I would have had more fun if it was a little more challenging to get information.
The other thing I didn't get was the reference to the Elvis impersonators. That was only one night, and the women dressed as Marilyn Monroe. I was under the impression it was an Elvis cruise which would have made it funnier and more challenging to figure out who the bad guys were.
Had that figured out day one of the cruise.
But again I'm just being picky. Sorry.
At least Lavina didn't sound like a 90 year-old with her southern sayings. And much better than the first book.
August 13, 2022
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal is the second Instalment in the Angel Lake Mystery Series by CeeCee James.
Elise is on a cruise ship with her best friend Lavina in this one for a much needed vacation but she soon finds herself wrapped up in another missing person case. What's more is no one believes that Mr. Crosby is actually missing and assume that Elise might have been mistaken. But Elise's gut says different and everything points toward something being amiss.
I enjoyed Elise and Lavina's friendship in this one, it is not at all difficult to believe that they are best of firends by the interactions author wrote for them. Elise is single in this one and hasn'y it was all so very sweet! I wanna read more of their journey.
In terms of the mystery itself, I felt it was okay and not anything grand but still enjoyable. The suspect pool was very limited so it was quite easy to guess who's responsible but the writing flowed easily so it became a quick fun read.
Elise is on a cruise ship with her best friend Lavina in this one for a much needed vacation but she soon finds herself wrapped up in another missing person case. What's more is no one believes that Mr. Crosby is actually missing and assume that Elise might have been mistaken. But Elise's gut says different and everything points toward something being amiss.
I enjoyed Elise and Lavina's friendship in this one, it is not at all difficult to believe that they are best of firends by the interactions author wrote for them. Elise is single in this one and hasn'y it was all so very sweet! I wanna read more of their journey.
In terms of the mystery itself, I felt it was okay and not anything grand but still enjoyable. The suspect pool was very limited so it was quite easy to guess who's responsible but the writing flowed easily so it became a quick fun read.
December 31, 2016
How would you react if you woke up and didn't know where you were and couldn't remember how you got there?
Elise Pepper joins her best friend, Lavina for a vacation cruise in the Caribbean. As usual, Lavina's idea of relaxation does not quite match Elise's. Lavina wants everything laid out and formal - dinner at a scheduled time, room service in the morning, the whole shebang.
One thing Lavina did not mention was the "Costume" party where everybody dresses up as Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, one of the Elvis impersonators goes missing and Elise was the last person to see him. The missing "Elvis" turns out to be Richard Crosby, a very important and wealthy person. When he can't be found, the crew insists that he left the ship on tender, returning to his private yacht.
What really happened to Mr. Crosby? Is he alive and well? Was Elise's disorientation real or just a dream / nightmare?
I received a copy of this book from the author and elected to provide this review.
Elise Pepper joins her best friend, Lavina for a vacation cruise in the Caribbean. As usual, Lavina's idea of relaxation does not quite match Elise's. Lavina wants everything laid out and formal - dinner at a scheduled time, room service in the morning, the whole shebang.
One thing Lavina did not mention was the "Costume" party where everybody dresses up as Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, one of the Elvis impersonators goes missing and Elise was the last person to see him. The missing "Elvis" turns out to be Richard Crosby, a very important and wealthy person. When he can't be found, the crew insists that he left the ship on tender, returning to his private yacht.
What really happened to Mr. Crosby? Is he alive and well? Was Elise's disorientation real or just a dream / nightmare?
I received a copy of this book from the author and elected to provide this review.
January 15, 2018
When Elisa and Lavina take a luxury cruise through the Bahamas, Elise almost ends up swimming with the fishes! The ship offers everything for a wonderful vacation and plenty of relaxation, but poor Elise comes upon a beloved philanthropist who appears to be ill and possibly even near death. When she leaves him to get help, she and the authorities return to find him missing. Some in his entourage have good reasons to maintain the appearance that he is alive and well, and Elise becomes more and more suspicious as new clues arise. When Elise goes searching for him in the remote hallways of the crew's quarters, she finds not only the philanthropist but also his kidnappers, who have no qualms about getting ride of Elise, too. Who knows how she was able to survive a night in the ocean after being drugged and thrown overboard, but she regains consciousness, and with the help of kind islanders, is able to tell local authorities what has happened. The kidnappers are apprehended and Elise and Lavina make it safely back home!
January 18, 2018
The majority of this story is set on a cruise ship, so the setting is obviously very important to the plot. The descriptions of the ship, and what it feels like to be on the ship, are so vivid that I can imagine what it's like to be on a cruise liner, despite the fact I've never been near one.
The characters in the story are great, especially the two twin ladies that share the table with Elise and Lavina. They're so feisty and fun, and I can only hope to have so much spunk when I am their age! And the friendship between Elise and Lavina is so sweet, despite their differences.
The mystery itself definitely had me baffled. I had some thoughts about what might be going on, and amazingly enough, a couple of them were accurate. Still, I was no where near solving it, and Elise was not the only one surprised when the truth was revealed!
All in all, this one was a great page turner with awesome setting description and great characters. Highly recommended!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
The characters in the story are great, especially the two twin ladies that share the table with Elise and Lavina. They're so feisty and fun, and I can only hope to have so much spunk when I am their age! And the friendship between Elise and Lavina is so sweet, despite their differences.
The mystery itself definitely had me baffled. I had some thoughts about what might be going on, and amazingly enough, a couple of them were accurate. Still, I was no where near solving it, and Elise was not the only one surprised when the truth was revealed!
All in all, this one was a great page turner with awesome setting description and great characters. Highly recommended!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
November 12, 2017
While I very much enjoyed the first book of this series, this second book left me feeling "meh". Elise goes on a cruise with best friend Lavina, and while Lavina wasn't very over the top as a character in the first book; here she is too much too handle in a very snobbish way.
Elise finds herself trying to solve a mystery without too much cooperation from Lavina, nor anyone on the cruise ship. Mr. Crosby might have been thrown overboard, or actually departed for his yacht; so many people coming up with so many different stories.
I will say that the opening chapter certainly had me hooked to find out why Elise was waking up on a beach, all by herself. It then became sunning on the deck, eating, cruise ship party, eating, sleeping, eating, feeling guilty about eating, repeat until I was more happy the book was finally ended, then that Elise caught the...oh, no one was murdered, just missing. Her divorce did get finalized, and she and police officer Brad are madly in love.
Elise finds herself trying to solve a mystery without too much cooperation from Lavina, nor anyone on the cruise ship. Mr. Crosby might have been thrown overboard, or actually departed for his yacht; so many people coming up with so many different stories.
I will say that the opening chapter certainly had me hooked to find out why Elise was waking up on a beach, all by herself. It then became sunning on the deck, eating, cruise ship party, eating, sleeping, eating, feeling guilty about eating, repeat until I was more happy the book was finally ended, then that Elise caught the...oh, no one was murdered, just missing. Her divorce did get finalized, and she and police officer Brad are madly in love.
January 19, 2017
"A Fast Page Turner To Enjoy"
In this very entertaining cozy mystery, Elise Pepper and her friend, fun-loving Lavina, are on a cruise ship. While they were attending a nighttime 50s style party in costumes, Elise finds Mr. Crosby, a wealthy philanthropist, stumbling and helps him to a deck chair. He's either drunk or may have heart problems? She races inside and gets the First Officer to help, but when they arrive on the deck, Mr. Crosby is gone ... but where? He could barely walk! Could he have fallen overboard? Could someone have thrown him overboard? With all the Elvis impersonators and Marilyn Monroes, who was the possible killer? A fun read, full of suspense and it's a fast page turner. I loved it!
In this very entertaining cozy mystery, Elise Pepper and her friend, fun-loving Lavina, are on a cruise ship. While they were attending a nighttime 50s style party in costumes, Elise finds Mr. Crosby, a wealthy philanthropist, stumbling and helps him to a deck chair. He's either drunk or may have heart problems? She races inside and gets the First Officer to help, but when they arrive on the deck, Mr. Crosby is gone ... but where? He could barely walk! Could he have fallen overboard? Could someone have thrown him overboard? With all the Elvis impersonators and Marilyn Monroes, who was the possible killer? A fun read, full of suspense and it's a fast page turner. I loved it!
June 5, 2018
I have not read the first book in the series, so perhaps I would have a different opinion if I had read that ...
The story centres on two ladies, Elise & her friend Lavina, who are off on a cruise.
Elise is our "detective" in the story, Lavina seems to be a bit part player who doesn't even make a very good sidekick to her friend!
On the ship Elise observes a couple of strange incidents & then a man disappears - Elise persists in solving the mystery ...
Unfortunately everything was way too obvious from the beginning - there needed to be a twist, a challenge
Overall, it was ok for a quick read but there was no depth ... but I did like the flamingo ;)
The story centres on two ladies, Elise & her friend Lavina, who are off on a cruise.
Elise is our "detective" in the story, Lavina seems to be a bit part player who doesn't even make a very good sidekick to her friend!
On the ship Elise observes a couple of strange incidents & then a man disappears - Elise persists in solving the mystery ...
Unfortunately everything was way too obvious from the beginning - there needed to be a twist, a challenge
Overall, it was ok for a quick read but there was no depth ... but I did like the flamingo ;)
January 17, 2023
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal is a pleasant cozy mystery. The story is engaging. I’m not sure how she figured out where the (not) dead guy was being held. That was kind of sudden, but if you just go with it and don’t think too hard it’s fine. There are a lot of characters, some who are important but not mentioned for long periods of time so you have to try to remember who is meant when they pop back up. Overall, it’s a nice bit of brain candy. I recommend The Bitter Taste of Betrayal to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
October 4, 2024
Elise Pepper is talked into going on a cruise with best friend Lavina as her +1.
At a dance in one of the ballrooms, One of the wealthy passengers disappears after Elise helps him onto a lounger while she goes to get help.
With the crew instructed to tell anyone who ask that he left the ship, Elisee feeling that they are being lied to and sets out to find the truth.
This my just be the last thing Elise does.
There are developed characters, some humor and a few red herrings.
At a dance in one of the ballrooms, One of the wealthy passengers disappears after Elise helps him onto a lounger while she goes to get help.
With the crew instructed to tell anyone who ask that he left the ship, Elisee feeling that they are being lied to and sets out to find the truth.
This my just be the last thing Elise does.
There are developed characters, some humor and a few red herrings.
May 29, 2017
I love that I discovered this author!
This is the first time I have read this author and I'm so glad I did! A great summer read, this book has characters that pull you in, confuse and make you guess, and action involving Elvis and Marilyn and others. Thank you Ms James, for entertaining me!
This is the first time I have read this author and I'm so glad I did! A great summer read, this book has characters that pull you in, confuse and make you guess, and action involving Elvis and Marilyn and others. Thank you Ms James, for entertaining me!
March 13, 2018
Plot okay, just too many characters...
While the plot was somewhat weak, the main characters were entertaining. There were just too many characters in this story. I realized part of the plot would end up the way it did, but with all the twists, it was just too much to follow. Here is a theory: KISS
While the plot was somewhat weak, the main characters were entertaining. There were just too many characters in this story. I realized part of the plot would end up the way it did, but with all the twists, it was just too much to follow. Here is a theory: KISS
June 13, 2020
I read way more of this than I should have before dropping it. The mystery itself was interesting, which is why. The main character is so boring and bland. All she thinks about is the food and how it's going to affect her waistline, or how she shouldn't be doing the thing that she's about to do. Cut yourself some slack, you're on vacation! And please stop being so repetitive.
December 19, 2020
Perfect Escape Vehicle
This was a fun and fanciful read, exactly what doctor ordered as an escape from the insanity of life during a pandemic. Lavinia and Elise took me on an ocean cruise with a spa and a flamingo, and just enough intrigue to keep me engaged. I'm looking forward to meeting up with these two ladies again and following along on their adventures.
This was a fun and fanciful read, exactly what doctor ordered as an escape from the insanity of life during a pandemic. Lavinia and Elise took me on an ocean cruise with a spa and a flamingo, and just enough intrigue to keep me engaged. I'm looking forward to meeting up with these two ladies again and following along on their adventures.
December 19, 2020
This is the second book in this series, An Angel Lake Mystery. It is a great cozy mystery, with humor and suspense, there is danger and greedy villains, all in the luxurious setting of a Caribean cruise. There is even a flamingo! Yes a bird! Fun to read. I enjoyed it so much I just bought the rest of the series.
August 31, 2021
Oh no, Elvis and a vacation...really?
She needed a vacation after solving a murder, really! One of those cruise ship things where your stuck on board with the "Bad Guys" Can you believe finding a key can bring really bad luck? Come have a swim with ?fun book, fun people, enjoy the light hearted mystery.
She needed a vacation after solving a murder, really! One of those cruise ship things where your stuck on board with the "Bad Guys" Can you believe finding a key can bring really bad luck? Come have a swim with ?fun book, fun people, enjoy the light hearted mystery.
January 20, 2017
So Much for Relaxing on a Cruise
What should have been a relaxing and fun vacation for Elise and Lavina turns into a dangerous trip when a high powered philanthropist goes missing. The bad guys are hard to identify which makes the guessing even more fun.
What should have been a relaxing and fun vacation for Elise and Lavina turns into a dangerous trip when a high powered philanthropist goes missing. The bad guys are hard to identify which makes the guessing even more fun.
August 13, 2017
I have been on many cruises. But, none like this one!!! Elise really has her hands full. This is a fast moving story an I recommend it. As long as you realize that all cruises are not like this one!!!
November 27, 2017
Good story, editing needed
Interesting story which helped me finish the book despite a plethora of errors (like using an apostrophe to make a plural). A copy editor, or a decent proofreader, would have improved it immensely.
Interesting story which helped me finish the book despite a plethora of errors (like using an apostrophe to make a plural). A copy editor, or a decent proofreader, would have improved it immensely.
December 18, 2017
A great read
Elise and her bestie embark on a cruise but it’s more a nightmare than a vacation. The mystery was great, it kept me entertained the whole time. Lavina is such a comedic relief, I really enjoy her times in this book.
Elise and her bestie embark on a cruise but it’s more a nightmare than a vacation. The mystery was great, it kept me entertained the whole time. Lavina is such a comedic relief, I really enjoy her times in this book.
December 23, 2017
Great series
Elise and Go are ready for a nice, relaxing cruise vacation. Mystery abounds on their cruise and Elise keeps stumbling into clues. A fun series with warm and personable characters.
Elise and Go are ready for a nice, relaxing cruise vacation. Mystery abounds on their cruise and Elise keeps stumbling into clues. A fun series with warm and personable characters.
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