Death Is In The Air

Secret Seal Isle Mysteries #5

by Lucy Quinn

It’s a cold crisp day at Secret Seal Isle’s outdoor skating rink, and Cookie is enjoying the time with her best friend Scarlett, even if they are trying to sort out Cookie’s relationship woes. But when an unlikely object lands in a mug of hot mulled wine, clear evidence of foul play steers Cookie toward another investigation.

When FBI agent Hunter O’Neil comes to Cookie’s aid, he discovers more than one body part is upsetting the sleepy coastal town. Cookie’s mother Rain intends to shake up the island’s residents with a holiday revue that unwraps more than a few naughty packages.

While her sexy handyman, Dylan Creed is uncovering more than either of them bargained for, Cookie is once again left to solve another murder—and the tangle of her love life.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Mystery, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2017

About the author

Lucy Quinn is the brainchild of New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase and USA Today bestselling author Violet Vaughn. Having met over a decade ago in a lampwork bead forum, the pair were first what they like to call “show wives” as they traveled the country together, selling their handmade glass beads. So when they both started writing fiction, it seemed only natural for the two friends to pair up with their hilarious, laugh-out-loud, cozy mysteries. At least they think so. Now they travel the country, meeting up in various cities to plan each new Lucy Quinn book while giggling madly at themselves and the ridiculous situations they force on their characters. They very much hope you enjoy them as much as they do.

Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, or making glass beads.

Violet Vaughn lives in coastal New Hampshire where she spends most mornings in the woods with her dogs, summer at the ocean, and winters skiing in the mountains of Maine.

Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank goodness that ridiculous love triangle nonsense is overrrrr! I really enjoy the the mystery part of the book though the authors insistence on having the main character, a purported experienced ex-FBI agent, engage in some TSTL moments can be so infuriating.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the series, and it seems that only one more story is left. I will be very sad to say goodbye to Cookie James as she is a fantastic character. It is needless to say that she solves the case, as she usually does, but this particular story is more focused on the underlying romance than any of the previous books. In this book, it almost seems that the case takes a side role, while the authors explore the romance in more detail. The usual side characters are mostly absent, save from Cookie's mother rain and her best friend Scarlet, who is still taking a break from her law firm.
Cookie spends time with Hunter and Dylan in turn and explores her feelings and speculates about future. This does not make this book in any way less interesting than the previous ones, quite the contrary, we get some highly anticipated answers and the peak into Cookie's past.
The writing is superb as usual, already developed characters get more depth and complexity, and the Secret Seal Isle is described in more detail.
The books are best read in order to understand the character development and the romantic evolution of the story. The reading order is: New Corpse in Town (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 1), Life in the Dead Lane (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 2), A Walk on the Dead Side (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 3), Any Way You Bury It (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 4), and two more books are coming Death is in the Air (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 5) and Signed, Sealed, Fatal, I'm Yours (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 6). This is my absolute favourite cozy mystery series, it is only getting better, and I highly recommend it.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

MYSTERY - MURDER - ROMANCE

Murder - Mystery and a Tangled Web of Hearts; humor, gripping suspense, chilling action, hot alpha men, and a few surprises lure you into this thrilling story.

Cookie again finds herself on the hunt for a murderer; seems she just doesn't get a break since she and her mischievous loveable mom moved to Secret Seal Isle. Hunter is back to help solve the mystery and he is trying his hardest to sway her to pick him as her one and only man. Dylan takes it easy with Cookie. His flirtatious innuendoes melt her heart but she still has not made the all-important decision of who she wants to be with.

Loved this fast-paced impressive story as it had me laughing, a bit on edge, and turning pages to find out what happens next. The characters are certainly praise-worthy and the vivid descriptions are dynamic. I must say I was full of happiness at the end of this book. If you enjoy stories of romance with a murder mystery twist this is definitely a fantastic book for your library. I enjoyed this story so much, (I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.) Without reservations, I recommend this book.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so darn happy about the ending of this book! But, I can't tell you why. You just have to read it.
Lucy Quinn did an excellent job of creating a triangle. One that would have to eliminate one or both men. If Cookie can't choose, will she have to give up both Hunter, her former FBI partner who is always ready to back her when the bad guys need a real badge, not just the skills from a former agent? How about Dylan, the island handyman with a talent for much and a casual competence for whatever is needed?
While Cookie is deciding there's a small thing like a body part landing in someone's spiked wine, a dead body, and a major theft ring. Oh, there is more going on. Cookie's mom has a whole ... better read about it. Besides I'd never want to spoil this one.
A great read. Fast-paced, humor, danger, old and new characters, and a mystery as well as romance. In other words, it has it all.
The best one yet! Don't miss it.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

[Miranda Beazley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ear in a cup, that's what starts this murder mystery investigation. But where did the ear come from, other than an obviously dead body. Another phone call in to her favourite FBI agent, Hunter, brings her smack bang in the middle of another investigation with her old partner. Cookie is still trying to figure out her emotions and her mother and best friend are right there with her.

I am loving this story, the murder mystery had me guessing the whole way through, and the relationship mystery had me cheering for my favourite builder and waiting anxiously to see if this would be the book where it all comes out. The romance triangle and the mystery of the who done it makes this book an exciting read. I couldn't help giggling, sighing, tensing and cursing the whole way through this story.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie James, never a dull moment, especially when there are murders involved. A cute cozy mystery, with partner to die for (Hunter) and a handyman to love (Dylan). Good a solving murders, terrible at choosing a man, Cookie's love triangle continues. Torn between the man that always seems to have her back and the charming local.

The series seems to be coming to an end, I will miss all of the quirkiness that is Cookie and Rain. Death is in the Air had a mix of old and new characters, each with a very unique personality. Slightly more on the romance than the previous books, but plenty of mystery with body parts, bodies and jewelry theft. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Death is in the Air from the author.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Cookie and Scarlett are on the outdoor skating rink. Rain and Winter are sitting on a bench watching them and enjoying themselves, when an unwanted item drops straight into one of their mugs of hot mulled wine.
Shortly afterwards, the local deputy Swan calls Hunter to tell him about a murder that was just reported, and the body happened to be missing the exact item that was found near the ice rink.
Once again, Hunter and Cookie are on the hunt for a murderer on the small island.

This is another fun story in this series. It has a good bit of humor, some nice intrigue, and a certain Cookie James on the hot seat to make a choice as to whom she wants to date, as it's really not fair to either Hunter or Dylan to keep stringing them both along.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death is in the Air by Lucy Quinn is the 5th Secret Seal Isle Mystery.

Cookie James is having a lovely time with her best friend ice skating on Secret Seal Isle when her mom's friend finds a human ear. Cookie immediately knows something is afoot, and calls her ex-partner, Hunter, to come assist.

Cookie has been trying to decide between her two beaus, Dylan and Hunter, and they aren't exactly making it easy. Both are willing to fight for Cookie. One of them represents her past, the other represents her possible future. Which will she pick?

As always, Cookie has some hilarious adventures while she solves the mystery.A truly enjoyable 5-star read.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Cookie and the crew are back!

Cookie is still torn between the 2 men in her life - Hunter and Dylan. And yet again, murder has made its way to Secret Seal Isle and landed just about at her feet!

Hunter is closing in for the hard sell on Cookie and Dylan...well he has his own way of making his interest known! With body parts falling from the sky, literally and Rain and Winter up to who knows what with the local males,Cookie really has a lot on her plate.

I'm not going to drop any spoilers but I will say that decisions get made, killers get caught and you will fall out your seat laughing at the "Revue" to end all revues!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this addition to the Secret Seal series! I had a hard time putting the book down it was just so good! I love the mischief Rain gets into, and how well Cookie’s character is developing! She started off tightly wound, finding annoyance in her mother’s actions and island life... and is now relaxing and finding happiness with her mother and her Island life. We finally have a resolution to the love triangle too!! *Fist pump* I recommend this book, and suggest reading from the series beginning!! I can’t wait for more!!!

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back on secret seal Isle, cookie is an ex FBI agent in hiding from the mod with her crazy and loveable mom Rain.
Her friend Scarlett has moved in and she still manages to fall into mystery needing the help of Hunter an FBI agent and her ex partner. Oh an then thier is the sexy handyman Dylan !
Oh ladies don't miss all the fun. Great characters, wild twists, incredible plots and the mystery is to die for! It's literally a killer.
This was awesome
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this book is the fifth book in the Secret Seal Isle Mystery series written by Lucy Quinn. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fifth in the series. This just had too much over the top Rain. I understand Cookie’s love for her mother but really it’s just too much in this story. I would be running for the hills or at least distancing myself from constant interactions with Rain.

I did like how the book ended. I think Cookie will be happy with the decision she made for herself.

I did not read/listen to these in order but the professional in me just couldn’t get past Rain. I applaud her attitudes but she was written as comic relief for this series and I think that was a disservice to her.

[Irma Lero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fast paced fun read that at times had me rolling. The author lured me from the beginning with Cookie, Scarlett, Dylan and Raine's quirky persona and wild lifestyle of living on the edge, another visit from Hunter to help Cookie with a case that local law enforcement doesn't want to get involved in. Loved these fun and witty characters. Loved the twists the author spun and had me guessing until the end.

Highly recommend this book and looking forward to Cookies next adventure

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my favorite in the series! I didn't put it down until I finished it. Cookie has another murder to solve and of course Hunter comes to help. Dylan, oh he is making his intentions known. Rain is up to her usual antics. So get ready for a good laugh. Swan is drunk, as usual. Oh and there is a twist at some point, snicker. I loved the way both Dylan and Hunter go after Cookie. Does this help her choose? Hmmmmmm

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you hear that??? well of course not that Ear in the cup can't hear anything anymore hahahaha, but you know what it means??? well of course it means Cookie has another mystery on her hands as well as her 2 yes 2 love interest just to keep her life interesting and then there is always her gorgeously funny Mom ready to help in her own unique way and give readers loads of laughs.

I really enjoy this series the characters are awesome the plot is always brilliantly written such a great read.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plop! Ewww, a bird just dropped something into Winter's (Rain's friend), drink. And it wasn't an ice cube! And the chase begins!
Delicious, laugh out loud cozy mystery antics; a delightful read! Cookie and friends again find themselves in the thick of it. Cookie is still torn between Hunter and Dylan, romantically. Looks like Jared has found his match, though! Voluntarily read ARC for honest review

[Peggy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Seal Isle books are fast and fun reads. I can't put them down once they come out. Cookie is a woman who can take care of herself. Is it her fault that murders tend to find her? Is it her fault that she has the smarts to solve these murders? Having moved to the island to avoid some nasty guys from her former job, Cookie and her mother (Rain) are running an Inn and living life as only they can. Could this be the book where Cookie gets her man? I won't spoil it for you.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series with quirky characters. Rain is a hoot and she and Winter together are a force of nature.

Cookie is once again trying to solve a murder with Hunters help while Rain is working on an all male holiday revue. Cookie is still trying to figure out who has her heart Hunter or Dylan but she knows the island is where she belongs.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review:
The narration was very good, easy to understand and had a pleasant voice. Used different voices for the characters keeping the story interesting.

Story review:
Cookie is a very likeable main character even if she can't decide on which man is best for her. Her mom is very quirky but loveable. The story moves along quickly and was entertaining.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this series, I’m left wanting more. The story is interesting with intriguing characters. I look forward to reading more from this author. In the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was amazing... oh man. i wanna move there.. can i be a part of this world.. i loved it so much.. its sweet.. its wonderful. and its sexy.. and so much fun to read.. so much fun. lol i am so glad i got to review it

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book there was moments that made me laugh.Secret Seal Isle sounds like just the place to visit minus the murder. I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series

I look forward to each new book in this series and I can’t put it down once I start. Cookie is sharp as always with solving the crimes and dealing with the bad guys. Rain is hilarious and Cookie finally makes a decision in her love life.

[Carla Eacret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Dylan

So glad Cookie chose Dylan, it's always better to have someone love who you are rather than who they think you should be 💜 As always another great mystery and hilarious fun with Rain and great support from her best friend.

[Eileen Gernet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Couldn't put it down. I am from Philly but the island just sounds perfect. This was exciting and romantic. All characters as crazy as ever Don't miss this one

[Cori Orum Erbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the entire cast of characters! I'm hooked!

Enjoyed the entire series. Rain is a hoot, love her spontaneity. Cookie has won me over & I just keep rooting for Dylan.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

She finally made her mate decision. Yay! Not sure how much more of that I could have taken. Liked the story and love the characters. Great, fun read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been the best one in this series. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely be continuing on.

[Maryjane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read with familiar characters.