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Madigan Amos Zoo Mystery #1
Penguins and Mortal Peril
When the penguin keeper is found dead at the bottom of the penguin pool, zookeeper Madigan Amos is determined to find out what happened to him… even if it means apprehending armed intruders, getting caught in the middle of a terrorist attack, and sparring with a machete wielding murderer.
The police struggle to conclude whether or not the death was accidental, but it’s not the only recent, unexplained happening at Avery Zoo. Since the tragic, avoidable death of a serval, animal rights activists have plagued the zoo. Activists with a reputation for extremism. Do they have something to do with the penguin keeper’s demise?
Madi also has her suspicions about two new zoo employees, but what exactly do they have to do with the goings on? Are they activist spies, or do they have their own scores to settle?
By the time Madi figures out things are not as they seem, she’s already in too deep. Someone has a hidden agenda, and they’re willing to kill to keep it a secret.
*No cliffhangers, this novel can be read as a standalone.*
Please note, this book is written in British English and contains British spellings.
This is a clean read: No strong language, graphic violence, behind closed doors romance only.
Genre: humorous mystery, zoo mystery, animal cozy mystery, cat cozy mystery, craft and hobby cozy mystery, small town mystery, British detective mystery, woman amateur sleuth.
MADIGAN AMOS ZOO MYSTERIES SERIES:
Penguins and Mortal Peril (Book 1)
The Silence of the Snakes (Book 2 - August Release)
The police struggle to conclude whether or not the death was accidental, but it’s not the only recent, unexplained happening at Avery Zoo. Since the tragic, avoidable death of a serval, animal rights activists have plagued the zoo. Activists with a reputation for extremism. Do they have something to do with the penguin keeper’s demise?
Madi also has her suspicions about two new zoo employees, but what exactly do they have to do with the goings on? Are they activist spies, or do they have their own scores to settle?
By the time Madi figures out things are not as they seem, she’s already in too deep. Someone has a hidden agenda, and they’re willing to kill to keep it a secret.
*No cliffhangers, this novel can be read as a standalone.*
Please note, this book is written in British English and contains British spellings.
This is a clean read: No strong language, graphic violence, behind closed doors romance only.
Genre: humorous mystery, zoo mystery, animal cozy mystery, cat cozy mystery, craft and hobby cozy mystery, small town mystery, British detective mystery, woman amateur sleuth.
MADIGAN AMOS ZOO MYSTERIES SERIES:
Penguins and Mortal Peril (Book 1)
The Silence of the Snakes (Book 2 - August Release)
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2017
353 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Loren
78 books125 followersRuby Loren was born and raised in East Sussex, England. She writes cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and stories about rockstars. Her books are designed to take you away to a little slice of a different world, often set in a rural corner of South East England. Full of ideas, she is always busy writing her next bestseller!
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 8, 2019
The zoo makes an interesting setting
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: July 12, 2017
Language: English
ASIN: B073X1YZ3H
206 pages
I was attracted to this book because I have some small knowledge of and interest in zoos. After a couple of false starts over a few months, I finished the book today. If you have an interest in mysteries, animals and zoos, this book may be worth reading. I found the parts about the zoo and the animals better than the mystery though I'm not sure how an echidna had triplets as they lay only one egg a year according to Palomar.edu. Worth finishing but not interesting enough for me to seek out other books by this author.
Currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: July 12, 2017
Language: English
ASIN: B073X1YZ3H
206 pages
I was attracted to this book because I have some small knowledge of and interest in zoos. After a couple of false starts over a few months, I finished the book today. If you have an interest in mysteries, animals and zoos, this book may be worth reading. I found the parts about the zoo and the animals better than the mystery though I'm not sure how an echidna had triplets as they lay only one egg a year according to Palomar.edu. Worth finishing but not interesting enough for me to seek out other books by this author.
Currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
July 1, 2019
I'm really impressed with author Ruby Loren; I've now read from four of her different series and I've loved every book I have read. This first of the Madigan Amos series was no exception.
With a plot involving a small zoo, it's aim of conservation and an on going protest by animal rights activists, the murder of the zookeeper of penguins certainly muddies (or should that be bloodies) the water. You can really tell through her prose that Ruby Loren is an animal lover through and through and I love how she weaves humorous moments throughout the story. Spider monkeys - not so cute - in fact they're little shites and a drunk fruit bat, all in a days work for the very perceptive Madigan.
A series of incidents at the zoo quickly escalates leading to more murders and animals being put in serious danger with a bevy of human nasties that could possibly be the culprit. A murder mystery with a moral and not driven by romance this is one cozy series I highly recommend.
With a plot involving a small zoo, it's aim of conservation and an on going protest by animal rights activists, the murder of the zookeeper of penguins certainly muddies (or should that be bloodies) the water. You can really tell through her prose that Ruby Loren is an animal lover through and through and I love how she weaves humorous moments throughout the story. Spider monkeys - not so cute - in fact they're little shites and a drunk fruit bat, all in a days work for the very perceptive Madigan.
A series of incidents at the zoo quickly escalates leading to more murders and animals being put in serious danger with a bevy of human nasties that could possibly be the culprit. A murder mystery with a moral and not driven by romance this is one cozy series I highly recommend.
January 28, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was one of the most unique cozies I’ve read, which all comes down to the setting, a zoo in England. The action starts off right away, which is good because the one weakness of the book is it’s length. It’s so short just little over 200 pages, that we never really get to know any of the characters except for Madigan “Madi” Amos the main character. That’s ok though because Madi easily carries the book not only as a strong animal advocate but also as a budding webcomic artist. The way that Madi
This was as much fun as the authors Witch series while being a lot more realistic as we..
Cozies Reading Challenge
This was one of the most unique cozies I’ve read, which all comes down to the setting, a zoo in England. The action starts off right away, which is good because the one weakness of the book is it’s length. It’s so short just little over 200 pages, that we never really get to know any of the characters except for Madigan “Madi” Amos the main character. That’s ok though because Madi easily carries the book not only as a strong animal advocate but also as a budding webcomic artist. The way that Madi
This was as much fun as the authors Witch series while being a lot more realistic as we..
Cozies Reading Challenge
Read
January 27, 2019I liked the zoo setting, and that the story wasn't cutesy as so many cozy mysteries are these days, but the story and characterization were meh. I probably won't read more in the series.
May 31, 2018
Loved the setting of a small zoo (located in England), with the bits of insight into what a zookeeper goes through. Liked the mc; she really loved animals and did what needed to be done to keep them safe and healthy. There were a couple instances in the book, though, where she did the tstl thing by blabbing info that should have been kept back.
Really loved mc's side 'career' as an online comic author/artist. Would have loved to see some of her comics strips included in the story, much the same way recipes are in other books.
The drawbacks to the book besides the blabbing included misplaced or missing commas. Threw off the rhythm. The repetition of basic info almost bordered on annoying. These collectively might have pushed my rating to 3.5*; I've rounded to 4 for all the good stuff in the story.
Really loved mc's side 'career' as an online comic author/artist. Would have loved to see some of her comics strips included in the story, much the same way recipes are in other books.
The drawbacks to the book besides the blabbing included misplaced or missing commas. Threw off the rhythm. The repetition of basic info almost bordered on annoying. These collectively might have pushed my rating to 3.5*; I've rounded to 4 for all the good stuff in the story.
October 28, 2019
I read this book to fill the Amateur Sleuth square of my 2019 Halloween Bingo Card.
I couldn’t resist buying this book--it had too many things that were irresistible. Penguins, my favourite birds. A zoo setting, when I volunteered in the education department of my local zoo for 17 years. A mystery, and me a fan of that genre. I wasn’t expecting wondrous things, which is good, because this was a serviceable little cozy mystery, but nothing exceptional.
I lent it to a zoo friend, for whom it was a “meh” experience. He is a retired penguin keeper, so maybe he didn’t appreciate that this book’s penguin keeper ended up at the bottom of the pool during the first few pages of the novel. I thought that the author did a pretty fair job of showing the kind of politics and personal interactions that complicate the zoo workplace. She was probably a little kind though. It’s the people who are the vicious ones in the zoo world (but don’t go in with the bears or big cats anyway). The things she was realistic about? The people who put their children right into harm’s way, seemingly not realizing the dangers.
One thing I give full marks for is the beautiful cover. I love it.
I couldn’t resist buying this book--it had too many things that were irresistible. Penguins, my favourite birds. A zoo setting, when I volunteered in the education department of my local zoo for 17 years. A mystery, and me a fan of that genre. I wasn’t expecting wondrous things, which is good, because this was a serviceable little cozy mystery, but nothing exceptional.
I lent it to a zoo friend, for whom it was a “meh” experience. He is a retired penguin keeper, so maybe he didn’t appreciate that this book’s penguin keeper ended up at the bottom of the pool during the first few pages of the novel. I thought that the author did a pretty fair job of showing the kind of politics and personal interactions that complicate the zoo workplace. She was probably a little kind though. It’s the people who are the vicious ones in the zoo world (but don’t go in with the bears or big cats anyway). The things she was realistic about? The people who put their children right into harm’s way, seemingly not realizing the dangers.
One thing I give full marks for is the beautiful cover. I love it.
July 15, 2017
Review: PENGUINS AND MORTAL PERIL by Ruby Loren (Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries Book 1)
Zookeeper Madigan Amos loves her position at the Avery Zoo, no matter long hours, heat, dirt, and parents who don't supervise their children. Madi frequently comes up with creative ideas to benefit the animals, but other zookeepers sometimes don't see the point. She also draws a zoo comic she publishes online.
Zoo life isn't always smooth. Animal rights protesters march and complain. A zookeeper working late was assaulted. Now the aquatic animals keeper is found dead, likely murdered. The elderly zoo owner may be in cahoots with a mysterious new construction worker. And Madi' s curiosity and determination to protect the zoo's population may be leading this devoted zookeeper straight into danger all her own. First in a series from prolific author Ruby Loren.
Zookeeper Madigan Amos loves her position at the Avery Zoo, no matter long hours, heat, dirt, and parents who don't supervise their children. Madi frequently comes up with creative ideas to benefit the animals, but other zookeepers sometimes don't see the point. She also draws a zoo comic she publishes online.
Zoo life isn't always smooth. Animal rights protesters march and complain. A zookeeper working late was assaulted. Now the aquatic animals keeper is found dead, likely murdered. The elderly zoo owner may be in cahoots with a mysterious new construction worker. And Madi' s curiosity and determination to protect the zoo's population may be leading this devoted zookeeper straight into danger all her own. First in a series from prolific author Ruby Loren.
February 25, 2018
So different from the usual cozy mystery. This one takes place in a zoo and the romance is not the driver for the plot. Excellent first book in a series.
July 22, 2017
We are going to visit the Avery Zoo!!!
This is where Madigan Amos works as
a Zookeeper. She is a dedicated, hard
working, problem solving, very realistic
and well created character.
Madigan will take the reader with her
into the zoo workings. She will introduce
various animals, their environment,
eating habits plus share incidents that
happen inside the Avery Zoo.
I enjoyed learning about the uniqueness
of the various jobs involved while
working a zoo.
Madigan finds the penguin zookeeper
dead in the bottom of the penguin's pool
along with a sledgehammer.
Was it an accident or murder?
Madigan sets out to uncover the truth.
The story presents a tangled web of clues
with uncovered lies and secrets revealed.
There is an animal activist protest, strange
volunteers, a suspicious construction worker,
animals escaping their habitat adding humor
and a touch of romance to the mystery.
The characters were well developed, realistic,
and very interesting adding flavor to the story.
The tension was thick with plenty of suspense,
chills and thrills with unexpected twists.
A very entertaining read.
This is where Madigan Amos works as
a Zookeeper. She is a dedicated, hard
working, problem solving, very realistic
and well created character.
Madigan will take the reader with her
into the zoo workings. She will introduce
various animals, their environment,
eating habits plus share incidents that
happen inside the Avery Zoo.
I enjoyed learning about the uniqueness
of the various jobs involved while
working a zoo.
Madigan finds the penguin zookeeper
dead in the bottom of the penguin's pool
along with a sledgehammer.
Was it an accident or murder?
Madigan sets out to uncover the truth.
The story presents a tangled web of clues
with uncovered lies and secrets revealed.
There is an animal activist protest, strange
volunteers, a suspicious construction worker,
animals escaping their habitat adding humor
and a touch of romance to the mystery.
The characters were well developed, realistic,
and very interesting adding flavor to the story.
The tension was thick with plenty of suspense,
chills and thrills with unexpected twists.
A very entertaining read.
March 25, 2018
This is definitely a book for animal lovers as you learn about life at the zoo including animals, animal habitats, animal mating, animal feeding, etc. It's a lot of fun and informative...if you love animals. If you don't, you probably should skip this series.
I really liked Madigan and you could tell she puts animals first. I loved seeing the inner workings of a zoo and enjoyed learning about various animals that I never new existed.
All around a fun book where you will actually learn something.
I really liked Madigan and you could tell she puts animals first. I loved seeing the inner workings of a zoo and enjoyed learning about various animals that I never new existed.
All around a fun book where you will actually learn something.
April 6, 2019
Good start
Madi has had some bad luck when it comes to running into trouble at the zoo. Not like she looking for it but she does get through it. She does get a bit of a nice boost to her position when she's finally noticed. This was a good start to the Madi fun.
Madi has had some bad luck when it comes to running into trouble at the zoo. Not like she looking for it but she does get through it. She does get a bit of a nice boost to her position when she's finally noticed. This was a good start to the Madi fun.
July 14, 2017
A fun and fast paced mystery with twists and turns and red-herrings that take you all over!
If you love animals, cozy mysteries and lots of twists and turns that keep you turning pages, you will really like this book by Ruby Loren! We have the protagonist, Madigan Amos, the zookeeper who loves her animals and job. When she goes to feed the penguins and finds the penguin keeper dead Ray Myers at the bottom of the penguin pool, she is thrown into needing to solve the mystery of his death. I loved her strength of character especially when faced with dealing with animal activists that resort to vandalism, a construction crew who may not be who the purport to be, a couple of very strange volunteers and zoo staffers while taking care of the animals. There is a lot of humor too, especially with the animals. So much fun. But the mystery of who killed Ray Myers takes Madigan through false leads and danger. There are a great many twists and turns and red-herrings. This is a great first book in this series and I look forward to many more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
If you love animals, cozy mysteries and lots of twists and turns that keep you turning pages, you will really like this book by Ruby Loren! We have the protagonist, Madigan Amos, the zookeeper who loves her animals and job. When she goes to feed the penguins and finds the penguin keeper dead Ray Myers at the bottom of the penguin pool, she is thrown into needing to solve the mystery of his death. I loved her strength of character especially when faced with dealing with animal activists that resort to vandalism, a construction crew who may not be who the purport to be, a couple of very strange volunteers and zoo staffers while taking care of the animals. There is a lot of humor too, especially with the animals. So much fun. But the mystery of who killed Ray Myers takes Madigan through false leads and danger. There are a great many twists and turns and red-herrings. This is a great first book in this series and I look forward to many more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
July 14, 2017
A terrific cozy mystery unlike anything I have ever read! I loved the fact that the story was set in the zoo and various animals were discussed throughout the book. It was fun learning about habitats and behaviors of different animals. The author even had the animals interact with the bad guys for an exciting change of pace.
Another thing I really liked about the book was the main character, Madigan. She was a very take-charge person. When threatened with danger she did not simper or hide. Instead she used a very clear headed approach to the problem and took care of herself instead of expecting to be rescued by someone. She kept her cool no matter what was happening!
The characters were good, the setting was fantastic, and the storyline was believable and had enough twists that you had plenty of surprises along the way. A good mystery for all ages and especially someone who loves zoos and animals!
Another thing I really liked about the book was the main character, Madigan. She was a very take-charge person. When threatened with danger she did not simper or hide. Instead she used a very clear headed approach to the problem and took care of herself instead of expecting to be rescued by someone. She kept her cool no matter what was happening!
The characters were good, the setting was fantastic, and the storyline was believable and had enough twists that you had plenty of surprises along the way. A good mystery for all ages and especially someone who loves zoos and animals!
July 22, 2017
Sono così abituata a leggere libri di autrici/autori americani che quando ne leggo qualcuno scritto nell'inglese "originale" mi trovo in difficoltà. Detto questo, il libro mi è piaciuto, soprattutto per i retroscena della vita in uno zoo. Bella la storia gialla, anche se avevo capito quasi subito, "a pelle", chi era il capo dei cattivi e, più o meno, il loro motivo; la protagonista non indaga molto, più che altro "inciampa" nei cattivi, ma in generale, come ho detto, la storia mi è piaciuta. Leggerò anche i quattro libri successivi (questo è il numero previsto finora, non so se ce ne saranno altri).
July 21, 2017
Action filled murder mysterie set in a zoo. Lots of interesting characters and exotic animals, from echidnas to squirrel monkeys to cats. And of course penguins. When you like a good cozy mysterie and you like animals, this is just the book for you.
I can't wait to read about 'clinical depressed meerkats' and more...
I received a copy and chose to review it.
I can't wait to read about 'clinical depressed meerkats' and more...
I received a copy and chose to review it.
October 27, 2019
an easy undemanding read
July 19, 2017
Madigan is a strong, take charge main character.
I enjoyed the book taking place in a zoo and and hearing about all the animals.
Fast pace with twist and turns.
I received my copy free from author for a review.
I enjoyed the book taking place in a zoo and and hearing about all the animals.
Fast pace with twist and turns.
I received my copy free from author for a review.
July 15, 2018
Parrots and Payback (a prequel) - A cute, little prequel about another day at the zoo with some of our favorite characters. A quick read where readers familiar with Mad's zoo will know what's going on. I personally would read this after The Peacock's Poison, but that's how I did it. LOL. 5*
Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 - A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There's interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There's also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you'll like this book, too. 5*
The Silence of the Snakes #2 - Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn't let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don't let this series pass you by, they're must reads. 5*
Murder is a Monkey's Game #3 - Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There's an interesting plot that holds the reader's attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi's story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*
Lions and the Living Dead #4 - Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*
The Peacock's Poison #5 - Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn't disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don't miss out on Silence and Monkey's Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it's not necessary, they're all standalones. 5*
A Memory for Murder #6 - Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the "betterest". The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there's no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything - just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I'm looking forward to #7. I'm happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*
Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*
Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 - I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi's present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 - A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There's interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There's also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you'll like this book, too. 5*
The Silence of the Snakes #2 - Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn't let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don't let this series pass you by, they're must reads. 5*
Murder is a Monkey's Game #3 - Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There's an interesting plot that holds the reader's attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi's story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*
Lions and the Living Dead #4 - Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*
The Peacock's Poison #5 - Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn't disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don't miss out on Silence and Monkey's Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it's not necessary, they're all standalones. 5*
A Memory for Murder #6 - Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the "betterest". The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there's no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything - just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I'm looking forward to #7. I'm happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*
Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*
Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 - I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi's present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
July 15, 2018
Parrots and Payback (a prequel) - A cute, little prequel about another day at the zoo with some of our favorite characters. A quick read where readers familiar with Mad's zoo will know what's going on. I personally would read this after The Peacock's Poison, but that's how I did it. LOL. 5*
Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 - A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There's interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There's also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you'll like this book, too. 5*
The Silence of the Snakes #2 - Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn't let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don't let this series pass you by, they're must reads. 5*
Murder is a Monkey's Game #3 - Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There's an interesting plot that holds the reader's attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi's story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*
Lions and the Living Dead #4 - Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*
The Peacock's Poison #5 - Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn't disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don't miss out on Silence and Monkey's Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it's not necessary, they're all standalones. 5*
A Memory for Murder #6 - Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the "betterest". The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there's no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything - just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I'm looking forward to #7. I'm happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*
Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*
Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 - I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi's present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 - A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There's interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There's also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you'll like this book, too. 5*
The Silence of the Snakes #2 - Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn't let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don't let this series pass you by, they're must reads. 5*
Murder is a Monkey's Game #3 - Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There's an interesting plot that holds the reader's attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi's story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*
Lions and the Living Dead #4 - Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*
The Peacock's Poison #5 - Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn't disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don't miss out on Silence and Monkey's Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it's not necessary, they're all standalones. 5*
A Memory for Murder #6 - Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the "betterest". The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there's no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything - just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I'm looking forward to #7. I'm happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*
Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*
Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 - I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi's present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
August 21, 2018
I really liked learning about the animals and how a zoo works, but I was really annoyed in some of the characters responses and input. He seemed one dimensional and not adding much to the story. This is the first book and I am really hoping it develops the supporting cast more!!!
October 12, 2018
It was sort of interesting. The bad guy was telegraphed too early. Writing is decent, not wonderful.
I finished the book and even enjoyed it. Far better than most of the heavily discounted books one sees.
I finished the book and even enjoyed it. Far better than most of the heavily discounted books one sees.
January 16, 2018
Nice snack of a story. Enough plot and character development to stay interesting. All in all a nice book for a lazy evening after work
September 23, 2018
A nice easy read set in a zoo, so lots of animals, yay!
February 13, 2018
This is a very interesting beginning to a new series featuring zookeeper Madigan Amos. It is set at a small commercial zoo in the south-east of England. The sense of place isn't very strong though – really it could be a small zoo anywhere. Here she is an odds-and-ends zookeeper, looking after all the animals that don't fall into any of the other keepers' areas of expertise – that's quite delightful as we see her with capybaras, wallabies, porcupines and so on, along with the murdered keeper's aquatic animals including beavers and the penguins of the title. It makes a change from the cozy staples of cats and dogs – though for cat lovers there is also a barn full of feral cats. All the behind-the-scenes information about the zoo was really fascinating.
It is a little awkward that (aside from the first chapter) the story is told from the rather solitary Madigan's point of view, and her background knowledge – the essential exposition – comes out as her woolgathering when she should be conversing or working! This is where dumb sidekicks come in so handy – or for that matter, inquisitive detectives or reporters. Members of the press were particularly notable for their absence in this story.
I am no fan of romance in mystery stories, but those who are may like to know that after a promising (to me) beginning, by the end our sensible heroine has had three men romantically interested in her, despite her best friend being so much lovelier!
I do like Madigan, and the story surprised me several times and made me smile a lot, so I look forward to seeing where the series goes, especially as an intriguing development at the end makes it probable that she will be visiting other zoos in the future.
Oh, and isn't that a great cover? I love that the penguins are swimming.
It is a little awkward that (aside from the first chapter) the story is told from the rather solitary Madigan's point of view, and her background knowledge – the essential exposition – comes out as her woolgathering when she should be conversing or working! This is where dumb sidekicks come in so handy – or for that matter, inquisitive detectives or reporters. Members of the press were particularly notable for their absence in this story.
I am no fan of romance in mystery stories, but those who are may like to know that after a promising (to me) beginning, by the end our sensible heroine has had three men romantically interested in her, despite her best friend being so much lovelier!
I do like Madigan, and the story surprised me several times and made me smile a lot, so I look forward to seeing where the series goes, especially as an intriguing development at the end makes it probable that she will be visiting other zoos in the future.
Oh, and isn't that a great cover? I love that the penguins are swimming.
July 20, 2017
What a great job Ruby Loren did with this story. The first thing I liked was the prologue... There is some debate among readers whether a prologue is necessary; my opinion is yes, especially in a book like this. Ms. Loren writes Madi Amos in the first person throughout the story and I found it easy to follow along through the daily chores required of the young zookeeper. I don't know how much research was done about zoo life and animal care but I felt that there was enough information for me to imagine the realistic nature of the story. The twists in the story were easily plausible and were introduced as if you expected them. Not an easy feat for some writers. I did find some passages a bit wordy and did find a few minor grammatical and sentence errors, but nothing that I felt detracted from the story. This was the kind of book that I couldn't wait to finish and I mean that in a good way! I love it when an author can make you feel that you are a part of the story. I look forward to this series to see how Ms Loren takes her young zookeeper further in her career. I must humbly apologize that my review is a bit late as I was part of an ARC and received the story for free.
July 14, 2017
This is a classic cosy with an unusual slant, it is set in a zoo, and has some great characters: a mysterious builder and an even more mysterious temp; some animal rights protesters; one or 2 rather eccentric zoo keepers; lots of cute, and not so cute, animals and of course the central character, who is great, a Zoo Keeper who empathises with the animals in her care, and who, of course gets involved in trying to solve the murder of one of her work colleagues, who gets himself killed whilst trying to repair the penguins' pool.
Th plot takes lots of twists and turns, and Madigan has to cope with taking on extra work, hand rearing a new kitten, trying to solve the murder, and getting very confused over whether or not she wants a love life, and if so, who with?
I really enjoyed reading this book and I sincerely hope that there will be more in the series.
I did receive a complimentary copy of the book and have voluntarily written this review from it. By the way, don't get put off by the 4 stars, I have decided that I was giving out too many 5 star reviews, so I have set the bar to get 5 stars very high indeed, this is still a very good book.
Th plot takes lots of twists and turns, and Madigan has to cope with taking on extra work, hand rearing a new kitten, trying to solve the murder, and getting very confused over whether or not she wants a love life, and if so, who with?
I really enjoyed reading this book and I sincerely hope that there will be more in the series.
I did receive a complimentary copy of the book and have voluntarily written this review from it. By the way, don't get put off by the 4 stars, I have decided that I was giving out too many 5 star reviews, so I have set the bar to get 5 stars very high indeed, this is still a very good book.
August 4, 2018
Madigan (Madi) is a zoo keeper at a private zoo in England. She also creates cartoons on the internet and her number of viewers is increasing. She cares for various animals and loves the work.
She is so devoted to her animals and studies them so carefully that she often sees their special needs before others. She has convinced the zoo to change habitats in order to make animals happier. Her changes have been so successful that the birth rate among many animals has increased the population.
Then a series of terrible events begin happening at the zoo. A keeper is killed, a car is damaged, someone breaks in to poison feed and a bomb goes off and kills and injures many people.
This is a very British cozy mystery.
Madi is an interesting character who is focused on animals. She is also an observer of her fellow employees. She has an opinion about everyone and every thing.
If you are a fan of British cozies, you will enjoy this book. There are puzzles to be solved and danger. The plot moves along at a good rate. The action holds the reader's interest. The solution is satisfying.
She is so devoted to her animals and studies them so carefully that she often sees their special needs before others. She has convinced the zoo to change habitats in order to make animals happier. Her changes have been so successful that the birth rate among many animals has increased the population.
Then a series of terrible events begin happening at the zoo. A keeper is killed, a car is damaged, someone breaks in to poison feed and a bomb goes off and kills and injures many people.
This is a very British cozy mystery.
Madi is an interesting character who is focused on animals. She is also an observer of her fellow employees. She has an opinion about everyone and every thing.
If you are a fan of British cozies, you will enjoy this book. There are puzzles to be solved and danger. The plot moves along at a good rate. The action holds the reader's interest. The solution is satisfying.
July 14, 2017
Penguins And Mortal Peril is the first book in Ruby Loren's Madigan Amos cozy mystery series.
The story, which moves at a much slower pace than I am use to, keeps to the definition of the "cozy mystery" genre - mysteries having little or no profanity, graphic violence or explicit sex. If you are looking to test your sleuthing skills and prefer the gentler approach to crime associated with the cozy mystery genre then Penguins And Mortal Peril is a good choice amongst the many cozy mysteries available. Loren has delivered an enjoyable mystery!
The characters were likeable and easy to connect with as they reflected average real life people we come across on a daily basis.
The descriptive element of the authors writing conjured up suitable images befitting that which you would expect to see at a zoo. Some authors go on and on with flowery descriptions but happily Loren keeps her story moving forward by not saturating page after page in the book with an overabundance descriptive writing.
Looking forward to reading more of Loren's books!
The story, which moves at a much slower pace than I am use to, keeps to the definition of the "cozy mystery" genre - mysteries having little or no profanity, graphic violence or explicit sex. If you are looking to test your sleuthing skills and prefer the gentler approach to crime associated with the cozy mystery genre then Penguins And Mortal Peril is a good choice amongst the many cozy mysteries available. Loren has delivered an enjoyable mystery!
The characters were likeable and easy to connect with as they reflected average real life people we come across on a daily basis.
The descriptive element of the authors writing conjured up suitable images befitting that which you would expect to see at a zoo. Some authors go on and on with flowery descriptions but happily Loren keeps her story moving forward by not saturating page after page in the book with an overabundance descriptive writing.
Looking forward to reading more of Loren's books!
July 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. That it took place it a zoo was totally different and appealed to the animal lover in me. Madigan Amos is a floater zookeeper at the Avery Zoo. She is asked to fill in for aquatic animal keeper Ray Meyers who is running late but she finds him floating dead in the penguin pool. And then things get interesting. The zoo has several mysterious things happening, including a bomb, an attempted poisoning of animal feed and several suspicious new zoo employees. Madi's main concern is the well-being of the animals, but she's not sure who she can trust within the zoo. The plot is eventually solved but not before several comic scenes with some monkeys. Great book and great read. Can't wait for the next Ruby Loren read.
July 15, 2017
Since this is my first book ever read from this author, I wasn't sure how she writes. I believe the author is from the UK so I at first I thought she was spelling a lot of things wrong. And yes, since this was an ARC, there were some times when Ruby Loren really was spelling things wrong. But grammar has nothing to do with how I feel about this book, so let's get on with this review.
I loved how Madigan didn't scream or faint like I know I would've when she stumbled upon the body. I also loved how even though she was told time and again to stay out of the case, she refused to listen. It takes great courage to do something like knowingly putting ones life on the line. I was a HUGE fan of the cats Madi took care of and I especially liked Lucky. Ruby Loren built herself a great book here!
(This book is actually at a 3.5 star rating)
I loved how Madigan didn't scream or faint like I know I would've when she stumbled upon the body. I also loved how even though she was told time and again to stay out of the case, she refused to listen. It takes great courage to do something like knowingly putting ones life on the line. I was a HUGE fan of the cats Madi took care of and I especially liked Lucky. Ruby Loren built herself a great book here!
(This book is actually at a 3.5 star rating)
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