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Organizing a conference for Professor Philip Putzel isn’t high on Nina Spark’s to-do list. All she wants is to enjoy the sun and sand at her new home on Pineapple Cay, hopefully with handsome fishing guide Ted Matthews by her side. But saying no to Philip isn’t easy, especially after a mysterious assailant tried to kill him following his delivery of a scathing keynote address.

Sure, her arrogant former boss has a history of run-ins with everyone—Nina included—but expecting to find a real suspect in a banquet hall full of dull, book-toting academics? They’re more likely to kill a good joke than a fellow colleague. When Nina is questioned, her curiosity about whodunit leads her to investigate on her own, despite her promise to police chief Blue Roker.

Now Nina and her friends Pansy and Danish are combing the beaches for clues. And they’d better act fast, because someone out there is still planning to make good on a killer grudge.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2017

260 people are currently reading
361 people want to read

About the author

Junie Coffey

2 books50 followers
Junie Coffey lives with Fisherman Fred and Hurricane Annie in a little town north of 45 degrees latitude which got two hundred inches of snow last winter. She has lived, worked and travelled throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and spends time in the islands every chance she gets.

Write to Junie at junie.coffey@gmail.com
or visit
www.pineapplecay.com

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5 stars
225 (41%)
4 stars
211 (38%)
3 stars
91 (16%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
836 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2017
Awesome!

I came upon this series while browsing Amazon. I decided to take a chance on the first book. I am so glad I did! And book 2 is better than the first! The characters are likable & interesting. I especially like oddball Danish & stoic Blue. I love that Nina just decided on the spur of the moment to buy her cottage on Pineapple Cay off the Internet. When she sits outside listening to the surf or watching the sunrise over turquoise waters I just want to buy my own cottage & move next door. Wonder if Les is willing to sell? Anyways, great mystery & can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Joel.
960 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2018
I received my copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, which in no way influenced my review.

If you read and enjoyed Sunbaked, you'll want to pick up the sequel which takes place just a few weeks later.

The slow-burn romance that started in the first book carries on in this one, but that's secondary to the hijinks that Nina Spark and her friends Pansy and Danish find themselves in. This time, Nina's pain-in-the-ass boss from NYC has roped her into performing a last-minute miracle and relocating a conference he (which means his female assistant) had organized and planned to be on another nearby island.

Nina is able to come through, but her boss manages to alienate and irritate a lot of heavy hitters during the conference's opening speech, and soon finds himself the victim of a murder attempt.

Nina and her pals attempt to come to the rescue, much to the dismay of the local police chief, and once again a comedic story reminiscent of Scooby-Doo unfolds.

Nothing earth-shattering in plot or character development, but it's a nice palate cleanser if you've read a lot of heavy material and just need a tropical light and fluffy mystery with a hint of romance.

3 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,672 reviews222 followers
November 30, 2017
This is a fast read involving the main character, Nina Sparks with her assistant Danish, who are amateur sleuths at best and nosy busybody at worst.
This being the second book in the series by Junie Coffey, Nina again finds herself in the middle of a crime when there was an attempt to murder on her colleague Philip, and she decides to investigate it herself.
Junie Coffey has written well, it makes a good read. And the characters are also pretty okay. But nobody whom I can root for.
The book made a good read, nothing interesting, nothing jarred too.
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,672 reviews222 followers
November 30, 2017
This is a fast read involving the main character, Nina Sparks with her assistant Danish, who are amateur sleuths at best and nosy busybody at worst.
This being the second book in the series by Junie Coffey, Nina again finds herself in the middle of a crime when there was an attempt to murder on her colleague Philip, and she decides to investigate it herself.
Junie Coffey has written well, it makes a good read. And the characters are also pretty okay. But nobody whom I can root for.
The book made a good read, nothing interesting, nothing jarred too.
Profile Image for Nancy.
23 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2017
If you are trying to create an interesting, delicious recipe you will be successful if you include all of the tasty ingredients that you love! In her novel Beachbound, Junie Coffey has succeeded in creating a perfect recipe for some serious fun, adventure, mystery, a little romance and, by the end, has packed some pretty hefty life's truths adding a dash of substance and making the entertainment even more worthwhile.

The second installment of Nina Sparks adventures on Pineapple Cay Island, just where the Atlantic mets the Caribbean, is just as fun as the first, though full of unpredictable new twists and turns. And her multi-dimensional sidekick Danish Jensen is always present with his life-loving, crime-intrigued sense of adventure that he manages to insert between his three jobs as mailman, yoga instructor and local bar/restaurant waiter. But he is never truly fulfilled until he has succeeded in inserting Nina into the middle of some new crime investigation, much to the chagrin of Blue, the strikingly handsome local enforcer of the law. Interestingly enough, the law of Pineapple Cay has not been that busy until Nina arrived there, only two months ago.

So if you would love to get away to some exotic island for an adventure but can't manage it at the moment, I would highly recommend boarding Junie Coffey's Beachbound where you will learn that the best revenge is living life well!!!

In a time where life can often be a little too intense, Coffey manages to put it into perspective with where she chooses to allow her imagination to go. I would have to say that Junie Coffey is my new favorite writer if you are looking for some light fun and escape . . and who isn't!!

Highly recommend!!!
543 reviews
September 6, 2017
A great light beachhead. This is the Sequel to Sunbaked.

It continues to be a little Nancy Drew, a little Miss Marple, and a lot of Jimmy Buffet. Fun, quirky characters and a mystery to be solved.

I enjoyed this one just as much as Sunbaked. Hoping it becomes a series.

Thank you to Good Reads for the GiveAway and opportunity to review.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
August 14, 2017
Pineapple Cay Island (Caribbean Sea). Deputy Superintendent John “Blue” Roker (Pineapple Cay PD, chief of police) & Officer Mandy came to speak with Nina Spark.
Professor Philip Putzel (Chair head) name came up.
Plantation Inn. Someone had tried to kill him last night at the banquet.
Much later; News flash: Deputy Superintendent Roker, & Professor Putzel were found unconscious at the Plantation Inn beach.

Bubba Delancy (Delancy’s Distillery), & Nancy Delancy (nee Weston) invited everyone aboard the Take-a-Chancy to come to their island paradise for some R&R.
Brad the Official Party Starter greeted everyone.
Bridget Neary (research asst.), Sylvia Putzel-Cross (Philip’s 1st. ex-wife), Nina, Gerry, Mike, Brad, Danish Jensen, Dr. Philip Putzel (Professor), Victor Ross, & Dr. Raymond “Razor” Hudson (Carmichael Institute), were having the time of their life.

What were Nina & Ted Matthews (neighbor, Matthews Bonefish Fishing Lodge owner, guide), discussing?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written whodunit attempted murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romantic mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Lake Union Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Profile Image for Katie B.
1,742 reviews3,174 followers
August 8, 2017
Wanting a fresh start, Nina Spark has recently moved to Pineapple Cay. She's made some friends already and even has her eye on the charming fishing guide, Ted Matthews. When a former colleague, Phillip Putzel, asks for her help in organizing a conference , Nina agrees even though Phillip isn't her most favorite person in the world. To say he isn't well-liked is putting it mildly because someone tries to kill him and there are quite a few suspects, including Nina. Despite being given a warning to stay out of it by the police chief, Blue Roker, Nina sets out to find the killer.

I think the biggest problem I had with this book was I just didn't really care for the main character. I have to agree with the police chief and her naked, Duran Duran loving neighbor, she is kinda a busybody. She isn't horrible just slightly annoying. That being said, I did like her interactions with her neighbor, probably because he drove her nuts. I also enjoyed the scenes with her and Ted.

The mystery itself is ok but it's not exactly a thrilling page turner. The big reveal is unexpected but it starts to get a little ridiculous at the end. All in all though, it's certainly not the worst mystery I have ever read. I think the worst thing you could say about it is it just isn't very exciting or memorable.

I received a free ebook but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinions.




Profile Image for DayZee.
33 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2018
I received a kindle copy of this book through a giveaway and am giving an honest review of the item in return.

The Pros: the setting. Good GOD in Heaven! I want to live in Pineapple Cay! I want a house right by the beach and sunny days and peace and quiet! Some supporting characters: I want to have a friend that farms and makes all her food from things she grows on her land! How do I make this happen?? The crime: The actual culprit was someone I didn't see coming which was a positive mark (in my book).

The Cons: just about everything else. The main character is irritating. I never read the first book but when I put in for this giveaway it seemed as if I didn't have to as it was an entirely separate mystery after the first story. I had also told myself that if I enjoyed this book that I would go back and read the first and then follow this author to other stories she had written or would write in the future. I honestly have no desire to keep up with Nina. She was especially irritating when it came to her new neighbor. I understand getting irked by someone playing music early in the morning and hanging out (on his own property!!) in the nude but she was just downright rude to him and straight up aggressive in one part. I think we were supposed to find her hijinks to be humorous but if she had done to me what she had done to that guy, I would've had her thrown in jail (and that's me being nice). She came off as nosy and arrogant in most parts that I almost wanted to side with her neighbor. Was that the author's intention? Who knows but I definitely wasn't on Nina's side there. Probably because I liked all of the music selections that her neighbor was blaring in the early morning. *shrug*

I will not be reading more by this author unless I feel the need to return to Pineapple Cay for a mental vacation. Who doesn't love beach and sun?
673 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2017
I received Beachbound as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

The last thing Nina Spark wants to do from her new home and life on Pineapple Cay is to coordinate a conference for host her arrogant, disliked former boss Philip. When Philip is attacked following a dinner event, Nina and all of Philip's other colleagues fall under suspicion. When the attacks spread, Nina sets out on an amateur quest with her new friends Pansy and Danish to find out whether the grudge against Philip is professional or personal.

This one didn't grab me. None of the characters interested me, and neither the crime nor its resolution particularly interesting. It seemed like it was banking pretty hard on the exotic setting and colorful characters, but something about it didn't ring true. Not a series I'll be running back to.

Profile Image for Stephanie Leon.
63 reviews11 followers
September 8, 2017
A slow, meandering tropical vacation.

Life on an small island, like Pineapple Cay, is slow. No one is in a hurry, and neither is this storyline. The mystery is there, but it didn't hook me in from the beginning. I read half of this story, and listened to the other half. I enjoy the narrator's voices for the different characters, and her calming voice. Listening to this book is like floating on your back in the water. You don't get very far, but you're comfortable, and relaxed. I like listening to this book when I'm doing other things, like housework. It makes me feel happy, like I'm on that beach, instead of in my kitchen in Oklahoma, doing dishes. Haha!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
1,453 reviews45 followers
July 30, 2018
I absolutely adore Nina Spark. I think I want to be her when I grow up. Well, mostly I want to live on a tropical island, only work sporadically, and solve easy mysteries. Only I want my husband to go with me. The tropical location was very much my favorite thing about this book. I have already expressed my fondness for Nina, but once again all of the characters were fun and unique. Including Nina's new neighbor who has a fondness for classic rock and walking in the nude. Of course, the end is not all that surprising but was still an exciting conclusion.

http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
226 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2019
Beachbound

Can't deny it! When our Book Club assignment for February was to report on a mystery of your choice, I couldn't help but literally choose a book by its cover that would take me away from the snow and ice of the Midwest promising a great mystery set in a tropical island. The book is a quick read set in one those little Carribean cays that make everyone happy with the climate, unique people and quiet easy way of life. The book brought back memories of St. Thomas, Tortola, Aruba and Guadaloupe and a very interesting plot that twists and turns. Loved the characters, most of the plot and the setting. Great read for anytime.
Profile Image for Ugne.
268 reviews
October 30, 2024
Fun and easy “beach read”

I got this book on Amazon deals for free and didn’t realize that it was book #2 in the series Pineapple Cay Stories but honestly did not need to read the first one at all. Nina is recent divorced woman who decided to buy a house on an island. Her old boss is looking for somewhere to host a conference and she gets elected to put it together for him. Once all the attendees arrive, her boss Philip is found the next morning unconscious in the beach after someone tried to murder him. It was a fun mystery with some sprinkle romance and friendship and laughter. Really enjoyed this quick read. Might even check out some of the other ones in the series!
Profile Image for Laura.
172 reviews14 followers
September 20, 2017
A happy, engaging beach mystery. This is a fun mystery (same vein as the first in the series "Sunbaked") set in the beautiful Caribbean. Nina has something of a skill for getting caught up in local mysteries and can't seem to help herself when it comes to playing detective. With Ted - the cute neighbor - her difficult boss-ish and more run-ins with Blue, this is a fun continuation of the Pineapple Cay series.

Definitely a great escape, well worth reading!

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. My opinions are my own!
11.4k reviews196 followers
August 10, 2017
A beach book set at the beach! Nina's impulse buy of a house on the internet has been a good one for those of us who are reading this series (although you can read this as a standalone.). Yes Nina is nosy but she's the classic cozy (but now set at the beach) amateur detective. AND, she's got a fun sidekick in Danish. This is funny (but not over the top) and light. THe mystery isn't too convoluted and the solution is satisfying. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
9 reviews
August 28, 2017
Sitting my the Sea for peace and quiet

The story opens with Nina moving to Pineapple Cay. She is suppose to write for a travel magazine. Meets
some locals and learns about the Island in the process several adventures present themselves.
Most are "dangerous" and the police would like her and friends to avoid these situations.
Fast paced reading. A page turner, to see what happens next.
11 reviews
December 28, 2017
I was hoping there would be a second "Nina" story set in the islands. Something for a day when you want to be transported away from the cold, sleet, ice, snow, grey of winter. The author has done a great job of creating an island community like you might find on one of the outer islands in the Bahamas. Beautiful, not too touristy, laid back, friendly people. Light mystery, light romance, great setting, enjoyable read. I do hope we get to read more about Nina and her friends.
Profile Image for Tena.
262 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2018
Now I want to move

I gave this book a 5 star rating because that's as many as I could use. What a great story. I love Nina, Danish and Pansy. I want to look into Blue Roker's eyes. And I want to move from my beautiful mountains to Pineapple Cat! The way the words paint a picture is mesmerizing. And the story is clean. No smut, bad language or violence. Do yourself a favor and escape to Pineapple Camy. I'm sure there us a room available at the Inn.
Profile Image for Annie Miller.
Author 31 books43 followers
August 20, 2017
Great Sequel

I really hope that Junie keeps writing this series. It is funny, romantic and fun to read. I love all the characters and now the introduction of Les. I loved how Blue responded to the paint ball incident and I love the relationship with Nina and Ted. I hope it continues to develop. Please keep writing these series.
36 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2017
Life on an Island

I read both books and the characters were fun with vivid descriptions. I could picture the water and beaches, wishing I was there. The story could continue if the author chooses to work a marriage or another crime in progress with the three hysterical wanna bees detectives helping to solve the problem
31 reviews
May 24, 2018
A fun read

After several stories of lawyers , gun play, murders and mayhem this story was a pleasure. To read about people having a life without explicit sex scenes was nice. There was enough intrigue that kept me reading more. Second book by Junie Coffey was as delightful as the first. I hope I can find more by this author.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,034 reviews15 followers
May 5, 2019
Pineapple Cay...the place to be

2nd book in the series was good. But character, Danish, was getting on my nerves. So inconsiderate and it is time for him to lose his frat boy outlook though he is no fraternity member.

Great locale with a mystery or two. What more could a girl want?

Quick read to lose yourself in the Caribbean!
300 reviews
September 23, 2021
Enjoyable

I totally enjoyed this book, read the first book in series and them moved on to this one the second book in series, it's a who done it mystery with a little romance too. I especially enjoyed the why the scenery was described, it made me feel like I was there in Pineapple Cay.
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2017
Great story....

The author has done a great job of first, selecting her story, and second selecting her characters. I believe she gets a pat on the back for doing a wonderful job at both.
Profile Image for Beverly J. Harris.
76 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2017
Attempted murder, sand ,sun ex's what to expect.?

Nina moved to get away from her cheating ex husband and find solitude. A conference offers an ideal place for murder. Will Nina survive and solve the attempted murder case and find love?
4 reviews
May 22, 2018
Great book!

I love this author! Her story is a fun, witty, light hearted, humorous, refreshing mystery! The characters in her books are engaging. Her storyline and characters keep you captivated and wanting to read to the end, anticipating her next next book!
41 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2018
I laughed out loud!!

I love these books and only
Hope there will be more. I’m kinda bummed out because it doesn’t seem as if there are more but I am hoping!!!!! Please!! I needed this laugh!!!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
217 reviews12 followers
November 7, 2019
Both books in this series have been solid 4/5 for me. Easy to read with likeable characters, a fun whodunnit story line but with some of the ridiculousness that we can't help but love chick lit for. I really enjoyed the entire thing.
Profile Image for Mab in the wild.
32 reviews
February 24, 2020
Enjoyable

Light and a bit fluffy. That can be just what you need sometimes. A good, fun cast of characters. May have enjoyed a bit more of the romance but the intrigue is good and not predicable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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