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Toxic Octopus
A popular marine biologist is dead. An octopus named Fred is accused of killing her. Can Xena interrogate Fred and solve the crime before more people die?
Xena Cali is a somewhat overzealous investigator with a passion for poetic justice. Her latest case takes her to the Biological and Aquatic Research Labs (BARL) in Galveston, where Dr. Jane Moore is found dead in a tank with a large octopus wrapped around her body. When Dr. Ari Pani (42 and very handsome) doesn't accept the police's conclusion of death by octopus, he hires Xena to find the truth before Fred is lethally injected in two weeks.
The investigation tests her mental and athletic prowess, her stash of spy shop gadgets and her assumptions about octopuses. She'll need all that and a commandeered Segway to stay alive.
Toxic Octopus is the first book in the Spy Shop mystery series. If you like fast-paced crime novels, clever satire and gritty beach towns, then you'll love this humorous mystery.
Xena Cali is a somewhat overzealous investigator with a passion for poetic justice. Her latest case takes her to the Biological and Aquatic Research Labs (BARL) in Galveston, where Dr. Jane Moore is found dead in a tank with a large octopus wrapped around her body. When Dr. Ari Pani (42 and very handsome) doesn't accept the police's conclusion of death by octopus, he hires Xena to find the truth before Fred is lethally injected in two weeks.
The investigation tests her mental and athletic prowess, her stash of spy shop gadgets and her assumptions about octopuses. She'll need all that and a commandeered Segway to stay alive.
Toxic Octopus is the first book in the Spy Shop mystery series. If you like fast-paced crime novels, clever satire and gritty beach towns, then you'll love this humorous mystery.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
About the author
Lisa Haneberg
41 books31 followersLisa Haneberg is the author the Spy Shop Mystery series and over a dozen nonfiction books covering human resources, leadership, and personal success. Available series books include Ghost Rat (prequel novella) Toxic Octopus (#1) and Dead Pelican (#2). All are set in Galveston. She lives with her husband and Hazel the dog in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 15, 2017
Great beach read
This was such a fun read. A clever mystery, an intriguing heroine and Hiassen-esque humor. Can't wait for more from the Spy Shop.
This was such a fun read. A clever mystery, an intriguing heroine and Hiassen-esque humor. Can't wait for more from the Spy Shop.
Read
December 31, 2020This was so fun! Memorable characters, including Xena the free-running investigator. The setting that has so much personality it is practically a character too. I loved getting to learn a little about the octopus and environmental impacts involved in the case but it never felt educational. You're just along for the ride with adventurous and curious people who spy, solve murders and love animals.
My reading so far in the mystery genre has mostly been British cozy mysteries and Nancy Drew. This has several elements that I like from those books including a strong female lead, suspense, and wit. But I enjoyed a modern mystery, especially the situational comedy involving Segways, and the addition of a potential romance. I look forward to reading more of the series.
My reading so far in the mystery genre has mostly been British cozy mysteries and Nancy Drew. This has several elements that I like from those books including a strong female lead, suspense, and wit. But I enjoyed a modern mystery, especially the situational comedy involving Segways, and the addition of a potential romance. I look forward to reading more of the series.
May 29, 2017
I received a free copy and was very excited when I saw the cover artwork. It is vibrant and fun and retro etc. I finished the book in about 2 days. The first quarter of the book was so slow going, the ideas were all over the place, the character descriptions were vague, that I had to put the book down. The next quarter of the book got right down to business and started coming together more cohesively and the last half of the book was downright fun.
This is a light read, great for beach or backyard downtime. I loved the eco / environment angle of the story line and I loved the octopus trivia and facts thrown in. The characters were likable, the story line moved well once the groove was found, and overall it was a pleasure . I would definitely read the next book in this series and I look forward to getting to know these new characters better.
This is a light read, great for beach or backyard downtime. I loved the eco / environment angle of the story line and I loved the octopus trivia and facts thrown in. The characters were likable, the story line moved well once the groove was found, and overall it was a pleasure . I would definitely read the next book in this series and I look forward to getting to know these new characters better.
June 15, 2021
What a fun and quirky mystery! With the Galveston setting, this was a perfect choice for my beach read. TOXIC OCTOPUS is the first full-length novel in Lisa Haneberg's Spy Shop Mystery series, but I read the prequel novella, GHOST RAT, first and was happy to have that little bit of backstory. Main character Xena is sharp and pragmatic and enterprising, and being in her head -- or in conversation with her since she directly addresses readers -- is a great place to be.
The mystery element is engaging and intelligent, but it's the people and the place and the vibe that kept me reading. I look forward to the next installment (already on the shelf), DEAD PELICAN.
The mystery element is engaging and intelligent, but it's the people and the place and the vibe that kept me reading. I look forward to the next installment (already on the shelf), DEAD PELICAN.
June 12, 2017
I won this book as a good reads first read. I wasn't sure about the title but read it and found it very enjoyable. It was a murder mystery but in addition it brought to attention the problem of pollution and also some information about Octupuses that was interesting to read.
August 14, 2019
Xena Cali is a private investigator. She also owns Paradise Lost Spy Shop on Galveston Island. Conveniently, she employs Sparky and Dora, the other members of her team. When a member of a local privately funded non-profit organization BARL is murdered Xena and her team are called in after the police determine Fred, a male octopus killed Dr. Jane Moore. Ari, the manager of the cephalopod lab, is sure Fred is not guilty and Xena agrees with him, especially after meeting Fred.
So begins the bizarre investigation including spy cams, Segway Personal Transporters and more danger than Xena could imagine when she agreed to take the case. Soon there is an additional murder that is linked to the case. She will have to use every trick in the book and several of the items she sells in her Spy Shop to catch the real killer and keep herself from being the third victim.
Toxic Octopus is an interestingly informative novel wrapped in fun. I learned more about octopuses than I could have imagined. Yes, the plural of octopus is really octopuses. I also found out that sadly, after mating, the male octopus dies and after laying her eggs the female octopus dies. I also learned all about freerunning, which is also called parkour. Xena practices this art of efficient movement adding ninja like fun to some very dangerous situations.
The plot moves along quickly, building tension until the killer is revealed. One of vehicles carrying the book is the characters’ quick wit and humor. Haneberg made me laugh out loud more than once, especially when Xena gives everyone she meets a different reason for the fashion choice she wears to a gala. There are times when Xena talks directly to the reader, much like the characters in the TV series Scrubs, and it absolutely works.
If you are a fan of Christopher Moore, you will love Toxic Octopus. Haneberg’s style is fun and informative – perfectly balanced with a solid plot and intriguing whodunit. This is the first book in the Spy Shop Mystery Series. The second book, Dead Pelican is available now. I cannot wait to read it.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
So begins the bizarre investigation including spy cams, Segway Personal Transporters and more danger than Xena could imagine when she agreed to take the case. Soon there is an additional murder that is linked to the case. She will have to use every trick in the book and several of the items she sells in her Spy Shop to catch the real killer and keep herself from being the third victim.
Toxic Octopus is an interestingly informative novel wrapped in fun. I learned more about octopuses than I could have imagined. Yes, the plural of octopus is really octopuses. I also found out that sadly, after mating, the male octopus dies and after laying her eggs the female octopus dies. I also learned all about freerunning, which is also called parkour. Xena practices this art of efficient movement adding ninja like fun to some very dangerous situations.
The plot moves along quickly, building tension until the killer is revealed. One of vehicles carrying the book is the characters’ quick wit and humor. Haneberg made me laugh out loud more than once, especially when Xena gives everyone she meets a different reason for the fashion choice she wears to a gala. There are times when Xena talks directly to the reader, much like the characters in the TV series Scrubs, and it absolutely works.
If you are a fan of Christopher Moore, you will love Toxic Octopus. Haneberg’s style is fun and informative – perfectly balanced with a solid plot and intriguing whodunit. This is the first book in the Spy Shop Mystery Series. The second book, Dead Pelican is available now. I cannot wait to read it.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
April 20, 2020
In my frustrating hunt for quality self-publishing and independently published authors, I was fortunate enough to stumble across this bright gem! Cephalopod and chowder enthusiasts alike will love Xena's 'Spy Shop Mystery.' The voice is consistent, and I really appreciate the way that Xena views every side of every argument. (Plus, of course, the way she kicks ass!) Every promise is fulfilled with a couple of great red herrings thrown in, and the light tone and humor kept me giggling aloud (until I accidentally woke up my husband and then told him all about Fred and why we need to revisit our dream of funding an octopus rescue and research center.) The book almost reads like non-fiction--it's so detailed. This is a definite recommend for a lighthearted, fast read!
In case you were wondering, hubby and I are now planning a roadtrip to Texas in a vintage VW Thing.
In case you were wondering, hubby and I are now planning a roadtrip to Texas in a vintage VW Thing.
March 18, 2025
This is a quirky murder mystery to be sure. Xena runs a spy shop, does parkour, and is a private eye. She's definitely one of those cool book characters that I want to get to know! I also really enjoyed the secondary characters. They are well-developed and entertaining. There are some very funny scenes in this book, including a Segway chase and the most hideous dress in the history of galas.! Xena is a bit more trustworthy that I'd be in her position. But she's really good at solving mysteries! And now I need a bunch of spy tools to carry around in my bag. 😉 But no creepy stuffed animals with eyes that follow you everywhere.
August 18, 2019
I love Fred
Fred has been framed for murder and it’s Xena Cali’s job to put the clues together to exonerate him. Fred is charming, smart, and he adored the murder victim- he’s also an octopus!!
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this mystery. The author put us into the vivid world of Galveston, Texas, with an investigator and spy shop owner who brings a little crazy to her crime solving.
I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers with a keen sense of humor and an open heart for a main character with tentacles!!
Fred has been framed for murder and it’s Xena Cali’s job to put the clues together to exonerate him. Fred is charming, smart, and he adored the murder victim- he’s also an octopus!!
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this mystery. The author put us into the vivid world of Galveston, Texas, with an investigator and spy shop owner who brings a little crazy to her crime solving.
I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers with a keen sense of humor and an open heart for a main character with tentacles!!
October 7, 2020
FRED! I never thought that my favorite character in a book would be an octopus named Fred, but he's quirky, sweet and I love him. Toxic Octopus was a little disjointed at first, but the second half of the book flows smoothly. Xena and her team make for an interesting adventure as they solve the murder of Dr. Jane Moore.
March 10, 2021
This book struck me as an adult version of a Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden book, except I didn't like it as well. The main character, Xena, is a person who is often involved in solving mysteries, and she is good at it. The problem for me was that I felt Xena spent more time telling us about why she was good at solving mysteries than she spent actually working to solve these case she was assigned. She dictated a great deal to the people working with her.
I picked this book up initially because I am fascinated by octopuses. I was impressed with the amount of research that Haneberg had clearly done in order to keep the book accurate, at the same time the way this information was shared was often preachy and took away from the story as a whole. Xena couldn't just learn about octopuses alongside the reader, she had to explain her knowledge to the reader as though they were less intelligent than her.
I picked this book up initially because I am fascinated by octopuses. I was impressed with the amount of research that Haneberg had clearly done in order to keep the book accurate, at the same time the way this information was shared was often preachy and took away from the story as a whole. Xena couldn't just learn about octopuses alongside the reader, she had to explain her knowledge to the reader as though they were less intelligent than her.
April 4, 2017
Spy Shop owner and Galveston, Texas P.I. Xena Cali has a problem. A local cephalopod expert and researcher has turned up dead. The good news? There is a prime suspect, and he was found with Dr. Jane Moore, lifeless, in his arms. The problem? The prime suspect, Fred, is an octopus.
Fred was rescued by the Biological and Aquatic Research Labs (BARL) when he was almost killed by toxic pollution. Now he's accused or murdering the very scientist who nursed him back to health. But her fellow researchers don't believe that Fred would do that, and they hire local investigator Xena to clear his name.
Xena is no stranger to unusual investigations, and this one is right up there. But with her quirky style, her spy shop gadgets, and a team of hard-working and talented investigators to help her out, she's sure to catch her . . . man?
Written with the fun and funkiness of Galveston at is heart, Toxic Octopus is a wild ride of a mystery filled with unusual characters, fresh ideas, and a strong sense of place.
Galleys for Toxic Octopus were supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fred was rescued by the Biological and Aquatic Research Labs (BARL) when he was almost killed by toxic pollution. Now he's accused or murdering the very scientist who nursed him back to health. But her fellow researchers don't believe that Fred would do that, and they hire local investigator Xena to clear his name.
Xena is no stranger to unusual investigations, and this one is right up there. But with her quirky style, her spy shop gadgets, and a team of hard-working and talented investigators to help her out, she's sure to catch her . . . man?
Written with the fun and funkiness of Galveston at is heart, Toxic Octopus is a wild ride of a mystery filled with unusual characters, fresh ideas, and a strong sense of place.
Galleys for Toxic Octopus were supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews