What do you think?
Rate this book
A Tourist Trap Mystery #4.25
Rockets' Dead Glare
As sunny South Cove, California, gears up for their annual Fourth of July celebrations, a local murder threatens to kill the fireworks . . .
South Cove’s local businesses are up in arms after volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason threatens to shut down anyone who doesn’t comply with the fire code. But when Barry schedules a training burn in an old abandoned barn, he is the only one who doesn't come out alive. Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—smells murder in the ashes. She’ll have to work quickly to nab a killer with a short fuse—or else everyone’s holiday will end with a fizzle . . .
South Cove’s local businesses are up in arms after volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason threatens to shut down anyone who doesn’t comply with the fire code. But when Barry schedules a training burn in an old abandoned barn, he is the only one who doesn't come out alive. Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—smells murder in the ashes. She’ll have to work quickly to nab a killer with a short fuse—or else everyone’s holiday will end with a fizzle . . .
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
482 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
105 books2,370 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 7, 2025
Jill runs a book and coffee shop. She's also the liaison between the Town Council of South Cove, California and its local business community. When the new fire chief demands everyone get up to code before an Independence Day celebration, he sets himself up for murder. Not a very kind man, Gleason aggravated everyone with his excessive violation reports. That's the plot of the mini-novella, Rockets' Dead Glare from Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries. Jill, of course, must try to solve the case before her boyfriend, the local detective. For a short book, it packed a lot of backstory and potential murder angles. Cahoon does really well with these novellas, and I love the character depth for something so brief. The mystery was good, tho I figured it out quickly. Maybe I've read too many of them lately! That said, this was a great way for new readers to explore the series... good in-between tale, and now I'm back to the main part of the series.
April 27, 2018
Author Lynn Cahoon turns up the heat in this entertaining novella starring Jill Gregory, owner of Coffee, Books, and More. For fans of the Tourist Trap Cozy Series, there are multiple familiar and well-liked characters mentioned in this plot. The town business owners are incensed when the volunteer fire chief, Barry Gleason, inspects their establishments, lists numerous violations, and threatens to close them all down just before the Fourth of July Festivities. Then, he sets up a controlled burn with the rest of the volunteers, and someone dies. Jill, flanked by her police Officer boyfriend, Greg, and several close friends, manage to smoke out enough clues until it becomes clear what caused Barry’s irrational behavior. I’ve enjoyed every story in this series and highly recommend each one!
I reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical.
I reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical.
May 3, 2018
This was my first book by Lynn Cahoon. It was a short novella but I never felt as if there was anything missing in this very good cozy mystery. It works well as a stand alone.
The ending came with a little twist and really caught me by surprise.
I am looking forward to reading other books in this series as there are some interesting characters and the plot was great. I had a great time reading this book.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with an advance copy.
The ending came with a little twist and really caught me by surprise.
I am looking forward to reading other books in this series as there are some interesting characters and the plot was great. I had a great time reading this book.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with an advance copy.
April 28, 2018
This is a quick, fun novella set in South Cove and part of the Tourist Trap mysteries. It has appearances by all of the reader's favorite characters. The town fire chief, who has made the town's business owners angry with code violations ahead of the 4th of July Festival, is found dead after a controlled burn. Once again, Jill finds herself investigating the crime trying to find the guilty party. The mystery has a nice twist that I didn't expect and winds up nicely even though this book is shorter in length.
I thought the novella worked in this series because the characters are so well developed that the abbreviated story telling was not impacted and the mystery didn't feel rushed. This is a perfect read for the 4th of July Holiday and a nice visit with the characters of South Cover until we get a longer length book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I thought the novella worked in this series because the characters are so well developed that the abbreviated story telling was not impacted and the mystery didn't feel rushed. This is a perfect read for the 4th of July Holiday and a nice visit with the characters of South Cover until we get a longer length book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
June 7, 2018
It’s July 4th in South Cove, California and the town is busy preparing for the festivities. Unfortunately, there’s always someone out to spoil the fun. This time it’s the fire chief Barry Gleason.
The fire chief does inspections of many of the local businesses and finds they have fire code violations, including Jill Gardner’s Coffee, Books, and More. He threatens each business with closure if they don’t comply within the week. This would mean they would be closed during one of the biggest tourist times of the year. The business owners are determined to stop this from happening.
When Barry conducts a fire training in an abandoned barn, it all goes up in flames. Barry never comes out. The police are convinced this wasn’t an accident and Barry was murdered. Despite her detective boyfriend’s warnings, Jill takes matters into her own hands to find a killer.
I absolutely love this series. I’ve adored every one of the books in the Tourist Trap Mystery series and this is no exception. This is a novella so it’s shorter than the others, but it is filled with just as much drama, excitement and romance as the longer length books. I absolutely devoured this one and read it in just a couple of hours. It's the perfect book to read at this time of the year.
Lynn Cahoon knows how to keep readers guessing to the end. I don’t think you have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but it’s so much fun to get to know Jill and her friends. Starting with book #1 is a real treat. These books are fast-paced with the perfect cozy mystery setting - small town and a book store!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The fire chief does inspections of many of the local businesses and finds they have fire code violations, including Jill Gardner’s Coffee, Books, and More. He threatens each business with closure if they don’t comply within the week. This would mean they would be closed during one of the biggest tourist times of the year. The business owners are determined to stop this from happening.
When Barry conducts a fire training in an abandoned barn, it all goes up in flames. Barry never comes out. The police are convinced this wasn’t an accident and Barry was murdered. Despite her detective boyfriend’s warnings, Jill takes matters into her own hands to find a killer.
I absolutely love this series. I’ve adored every one of the books in the Tourist Trap Mystery series and this is no exception. This is a novella so it’s shorter than the others, but it is filled with just as much drama, excitement and romance as the longer length books. I absolutely devoured this one and read it in just a couple of hours. It's the perfect book to read at this time of the year.
Lynn Cahoon knows how to keep readers guessing to the end. I don’t think you have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but it’s so much fun to get to know Jill and her friends. Starting with book #1 is a real treat. These books are fast-paced with the perfect cozy mystery setting - small town and a book store!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2018
It is always fun to return to South Cove, California and visit Jill, local coffee shop/book store owner and her friends. She has the perfect job in my opinion. As the story opens, the local business shop owners are meeting for their monthly Business-to-Business meeting at Coffee, Books, and More. The volunteer fire chief, Barry Gleason, is the guest speaker and is dropping the bomb that he is stepping up the enforcement of violations of fire infractions. With the upcoming Fourth of July celebration coming up, he is threatening to shut down any business that is in violation. Needless to say, he is not very popular with the business owners but when he is found dead within a day or so, everyone is surprised. Jill kicks in her investigating skills to try to see who might have killed Barry. There are three main suspects, all volunteer firemen working a control burn with Barry, who had the opportunity. As usual, Greg King, police chief and Jill's boyfriend, tries to rein in Jill's investigation but she is hard to control. This mystery has a little twist at the end.
This is another fun cozy mystery where we get to see old friends and hold our breath that Jill stays out of too much trouble. I have read the whole series and this one fits time wise near the beginning of the series but it doesn't matter in the enjoyment of reading the book.
I received this ARC from Lyrical Undergound and Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions are mine only.
This is another fun cozy mystery where we get to see old friends and hold our breath that Jill stays out of too much trouble. I have read the whole series and this one fits time wise near the beginning of the series but it doesn't matter in the enjoyment of reading the book.
I received this ARC from Lyrical Undergound and Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions are mine only.
April 18, 2018
This is another great book by Lynn Cahoon! Rockets’ Dead Glare is a novella in the A Tourist Trap Mystery series, but it easily stands on its own. It is time for the Fourth of July celebrations in South Cove. The local businesses are busily planning for the Independence Day event when the fire chief declares a long list of violations that he wants fixed, annoying everyone and sending them into a scramble. The fire chief, however, is soon found in the ashes of one of his controlled burn exercises. Jill cannot resist the temptation to investigate, much to her detective boyfriend’s chagrin. This book is light, engaging and satisfying. I enjoy books with seasonal or holiday themes and I love novellas for those times you want to read something interesting without a substantial time commitment. I always enjoy A Tourist Trap Mysteries and this novella flows smoothly while adeptly capturing and keeping the reader’s attention.
May 16, 2018
An attractive cover entices you to read this novella set in the Tourist Trap series. South Cove is planning a festival and fireworks for the 4th of July. Recently, the governing board updated the fire code. The for his Barry Gleason has angered all the businesses by giving each a list for violations and threatened to do the stardom of correct by the Fourth. Next he set-up a training exercise and gave specific instructions to his 4 volunteers. He does not come out of the fire alive. Jill Gardner, over of Coffee, Books, and More becomes involved in the investigation. Was it murder?
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2018
This story baffles me because it’s presented as happening after book 9 in the series, but the characters and their relationships indicate it takes place much earlier. I don’t know why it was numbered as 9.25 but it’s incredibly confusing and needlessly frustrating.
July 1, 2018
A good, quick read, just in time for the 4th of July!
October 24, 2018
Cute little novella, I enjoy this series and this one was a fast read. Nice little mystery, with a full plot all wrapped up in a few pages.
April 30, 2018
The South Cove business district is upset when the volunteer fire chief threatens to shut down their businesses unless they comply with the fire code. But when the fire chief orders a scheduled blaze in an old barn, he’s the only one that gets burned…to death. Can Jill find out who and why someone would want the fire chief killed?
This was a great short cozy mystery. It had all the elements expected in a longer book, and it didn’t leave anything out. I loved the plot and the characters, and was sad when the book ended. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a great short cozy mystery. It had all the elements expected in a longer book, and it didn’t leave anything out. I loved the plot and the characters, and was sad when the book ended. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 27, 2018
Always a pleasure to get approved to read a Lynn Cahoon book. Netgalley gave me a sneak peak at Rockets Dead Glare and I loved it. Actually I think this might just be my new favorite. Lynn makes the Tourist Trap Mysteries fun and I felt like it was a weekend away visiting this California town of South Cove and catching up with old friends. Always drama going on in town and this particular mystery and town event made for a great setting and a complex mystery. Lynn did a great job with Rockets Dead Glare and I hope that you will love this Lyrical June 5th release as much as I did.
June 7, 2018
Rockets’ Dead Glare by Lynn Cahoon is A Tourist Trap Mystery novella. Jill Gardner is the owner of Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California. The town is getting ready for the annual Fourth of July Festival, but new volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason is putting a crimp in the plans. He has created a stir with his list of violations for each business along with the threat of closing them down for the holiday weekend. Barry has scheduled a controlled burn of an old barn on Beal Street. The volunteer fire fighters complete the training exercise but get a shock when they find Barry dead inside the barn. Jill, with her natural curiosity, cannot help but look into the case. Come along to South Cove for the Fourth of July and Jill’s latest case in Rockets’ Dead Glare.
Rockets’ Dead Glare is satisfying cozy mystery. It is a short novella (only 77 pages), but the author packed a lot into those pages. We get to catch up on our favorite characters as they plan for the town’s Fourth of July. The characters are well-developed and are relatable. South Cove is a charming small town with quaint shops and festivities for every holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed the cunning mystery. I believe some of you will be surprised with the solution. The mystery was not neglected in this short story (it was not rushed). I do wish that Greg King, Jill’s boyfriend, would get on board with her sleuthing. Jill’s inquisitiveness is a part of her and he needs to be more understanding. If he is worried about her being in danger, then he needs to teach her self-defense (I cannot see Jill carrying a gun). Rockets’ Dead Glare is well-written and has a nice, steady pace. I can relate to Aunt Jackie wanting to use walkie talkie’s for communicating with her off-site employees (they do come in handy when you have a technologically challenged person in your life). There are delightful cozy moments in the book with Emma (Jill’s dog), talking about books, food, time with friends, and walking on the beach. Rockets’ Dead Glare is a gratifying cozy mystery that will tide me over until the next A Tourist Trap Mystery (A Deadly Brew).
Rockets’ Dead Glare is satisfying cozy mystery. It is a short novella (only 77 pages), but the author packed a lot into those pages. We get to catch up on our favorite characters as they plan for the town’s Fourth of July. The characters are well-developed and are relatable. South Cove is a charming small town with quaint shops and festivities for every holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed the cunning mystery. I believe some of you will be surprised with the solution. The mystery was not neglected in this short story (it was not rushed). I do wish that Greg King, Jill’s boyfriend, would get on board with her sleuthing. Jill’s inquisitiveness is a part of her and he needs to be more understanding. If he is worried about her being in danger, then he needs to teach her self-defense (I cannot see Jill carrying a gun). Rockets’ Dead Glare is well-written and has a nice, steady pace. I can relate to Aunt Jackie wanting to use walkie talkie’s for communicating with her off-site employees (they do come in handy when you have a technologically challenged person in your life). There are delightful cozy moments in the book with Emma (Jill’s dog), talking about books, food, time with friends, and walking on the beach. Rockets’ Dead Glare is a gratifying cozy mystery that will tide me over until the next A Tourist Trap Mystery (A Deadly Brew).
June 25, 2020
#4.25 not 9.25
Loved it. Lots of mystery, hardly any Aunt Jackie!
Loved it. Lots of mystery, hardly any Aunt Jackie!
April 29, 2023
A quick novella that was actually quite sad as to the reason behind the death of the fire inspector.
December 23, 2024
This was an enjoyable novella. It told a complete mystery in a compact manner that I enjoyed. The ending was a surprise.
The characters are appealing and likable and I enjoyed the interactions among them.
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life.
The characters are appealing and likable and I enjoyed the interactions among them.
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life.
May 5, 2018
Rockets’ Dead Glare is the newest installment in Lynn Cahoon’s Tourist Trap Mysteries and can easily be read as a standalone. This novella is a quick and easy read. This is a well-written story, with well-developed and affable characters, that moves along at a steady pace. Ms. Cahoon’s writing style flows smoothly; the engaging characters and interesting plot drew me right into the story.
Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books, and More in the quaint small town of South Cove, California. As the town prepares for their annual fourth of July celebration, local fire chief, Barry Gleason, has managed to upset most, if not all, of South Cove’s business owners. Barry’s conducting inspections for fire code violations, citing multiple violations for each business, and is threatening to close down any business that doesn’t rectify the violations within seven days. Barry sets up a controlled burn in an old barn, with several volunteer firemen in attendance. Before entering the barn to set the fire, Barry instructs them to let the structure burn for thirty minutes, put the fire out, and then determine the cause. After the fire is extinguished, one of the volunteers discovers Barry’s body in the barn. Jill’s boyfriend, Greg King, is a detective for the police department and is constantly trying to stop her from getting involved in his investigations, but Jill has a bad habit of not being able to mind her own business and Greg is unsuccessful in his endeavors to change her.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books, and More in the quaint small town of South Cove, California. As the town prepares for their annual fourth of July celebration, local fire chief, Barry Gleason, has managed to upset most, if not all, of South Cove’s business owners. Barry’s conducting inspections for fire code violations, citing multiple violations for each business, and is threatening to close down any business that doesn’t rectify the violations within seven days. Barry sets up a controlled burn in an old barn, with several volunteer firemen in attendance. Before entering the barn to set the fire, Barry instructs them to let the structure burn for thirty minutes, put the fire out, and then determine the cause. After the fire is extinguished, one of the volunteers discovers Barry’s body in the barn. Jill’s boyfriend, Greg King, is a detective for the police department and is constantly trying to stop her from getting involved in his investigations, but Jill has a bad habit of not being able to mind her own business and Greg is unsuccessful in his endeavors to change her.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 6, 2018
It is a Tourist Trap Mystery! That is all I should have to say but of course, I always have more. I lvoe this series! Those characters we love in a mystery with a twist. Although Rockets' Dead Glare is a novella, I did not feel shorted at all and I was glad to get time with some of my favorite people in this space between novels.
First, I had read where each of the novellas fall in the sequence but had forgotten that they take place earlier than the last book I read. It only took a moment to adjust but that was a real Hey, wait a minute, moment. I know fans will love it and I believe that it could work as the first book read in the series but this is definitely one of the series that is best read in sequence because new characters are added and relationships shift. When the fire chief takes it upon himself to introduce new standards and inspects every business in town he manages to find pages worth of violations in every business. Allowing less that a week for remediation before business will be shut down for at least a week, he becomes the most hated man in town. In fact, everyone wants to wring his neck. BUT that isn't what does him in.
First, I had read where each of the novellas fall in the sequence but had forgotten that they take place earlier than the last book I read. It only took a moment to adjust but that was a real Hey, wait a minute, moment. I know fans will love it and I believe that it could work as the first book read in the series but this is definitely one of the series that is best read in sequence because new characters are added and relationships shift. When the fire chief takes it upon himself to introduce new standards and inspects every business in town he manages to find pages worth of violations in every business. Allowing less that a week for remediation before business will be shut down for at least a week, he becomes the most hated man in town. In fact, everyone wants to wring his neck. BUT that isn't what does him in.
March 2, 2020
A Tourist Trap novella.
Jill sees sparks fly in this 4th July mystery.
I do love the Tourist Trap mysteries. They are fun to read, with a good set of characters and interesting plots that will keep you guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley. Published by Lyrical/Kensington
If you like the review and would like to read my other reviews on books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
June 5, 2018
Thank you for this wonderful short story! I am really looking forward to the next Tourist Trap Mystery book in the fall. This one is a great quality short story. LOVE LOVE Tourist Trap series.
July 5, 2018
Rockets’ Dead Glare
A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #9.5
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As sunny South Cove, California, gears up for their annual Fourth of July celebrations, a local murder threatens to kill the fireworks . . .
South Cove’s local businesses are up in arms after volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason threatens to shut down anyone who doesn’t comply with the fire code. But when Barry schedules a training burn in an old abandoned barn, he is the only one who doesn't come out alive. Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—smells murder in the ashes. She’ll have to work quickly to nab a killer with a short fuse—or else everyone’s holiday will end with a fizzle . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Aunt jackie is a bit of a stickler but I think she is beginning to mellow a little bit. Amy and Jill have a special relationship and you can tell they are best friends. And Greg, Jill’s police detective boyfriend, seems like a great guy (even if he does not want Jill putting herself in danger). Anytime I get to spend time with Jill and her family, friends and coworkers is time well spent.
The writing style flows smoothly and this novella is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there inside Coffee, Books, and More, watching all the drama unfold. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. The ending really surprised me and I like when that happens when I am reading a mystery. Although this book was a novella, it did not seem like one and had everything I look for in a cozy.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, an engaging setting and captivating mysteries, you cannot go wrong reading this novella and series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #9.5
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As sunny South Cove, California, gears up for their annual Fourth of July celebrations, a local murder threatens to kill the fireworks . . .
South Cove’s local businesses are up in arms after volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason threatens to shut down anyone who doesn’t comply with the fire code. But when Barry schedules a training burn in an old abandoned barn, he is the only one who doesn't come out alive. Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—smells murder in the ashes. She’ll have to work quickly to nab a killer with a short fuse—or else everyone’s holiday will end with a fizzle . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Aunt jackie is a bit of a stickler but I think she is beginning to mellow a little bit. Amy and Jill have a special relationship and you can tell they are best friends. And Greg, Jill’s police detective boyfriend, seems like a great guy (even if he does not want Jill putting herself in danger). Anytime I get to spend time with Jill and her family, friends and coworkers is time well spent.
The writing style flows smoothly and this novella is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there inside Coffee, Books, and More, watching all the drama unfold. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. The ending really surprised me and I like when that happens when I am reading a mystery. Although this book was a novella, it did not seem like one and had everything I look for in a cozy.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, an engaging setting and captivating mysteries, you cannot go wrong reading this novella and series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
May 30, 2018
ROCKETS DEAD GLARE, the tenth book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon, is a fully fleshed out mystery packed into the length of a novella. It’s always a delight visiting the coastal town of South Cove and catching up with Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books and More. I love the residents of this town and despite the shortness of this story, the reader still gets a good sense of the characters. The town is preparing for the 4th of July festivities and picnic but the volunteer fire chief, Barry Gleason, is more intent on shutting down all the businesses under the guise of fire code violations. All of the shop owners are angry, to say the least, but before the mayor can reign in his unreasonable fire chief, Barry is found dead in his own burned down barn. Jill gets involved in solving the crime even though she might have wanted to kill the man herself. I liked that her boyfriend, Detective Greg King, isn’t so adamant about her not getting involved in the murder this time. I hope this means he is learning to respect her insight and opinions. The reveal provided a unique twist to the crime that I did not see coming and left me anxiously waiting for the next installment in this entertaining series!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2019
I am not sure why I put off reading this one so long. I think I thought it was a part of one of the two new series Lynn Cahoon was creating. I got thrown off by the image art on the cover, I think. When I finally realized it was a Tourist Trap book and I had somehow missed three entire books (two novellas and one novel) in the series I had to shake my head. This is one of my favorite series; how did I miss it?
This book had so much build up in the beginning. Butthead Barry and his controlling ways was a great murder victim. I wish this had been a full novel. It had the bones for it. Lots of suspects and the fact that Greg and the police force had figured it all so quickly kinda threw me off.
I definitely wanted more of this. It could have been a great full sized novel. Even as a novella it was good but everything happened so fast. And I guess that is a point of a novella truncated everything.
Even though it is small it is a good read. Check it out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This book had so much build up in the beginning. Butthead Barry and his controlling ways was a great murder victim. I wish this had been a full novel. It had the bones for it. Lots of suspects and the fact that Greg and the police force had figured it all so quickly kinda threw me off.
I definitely wanted more of this. It could have been a great full sized novel. Even as a novella it was good but everything happened so fast. And I guess that is a point of a novella truncated everything.
Even though it is small it is a good read. Check it out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 8, 2018
Rockets' Dead Glare is another excellent installment in Cahoon's Tourist Trap mystery series. This novella is a perfect summer read taking place during the Fourth of July. When preparations for the Fourth of July celebration takes a dark turn, Jill decides to try and find out who murdered Barry, the Fire Chief.
One of the reasons I love this series so much is the characters. This novella while short still brings my favorite characters to life once again while Jill and her friends are trying to solve this latest mystery. The main character is great, but I really love the secondary characters especially Aunt Jackie and Greg. I loved how this story still included these characters. The novella is still full of some twists and turns making for an engaging read, and it left me anxious to read another one of Jill's adventures. Overall Rockets' Dead Glare proved to be a great summer read that I would most definitely recommend.
Received a copy of Rockets' Dead Glare from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
One of the reasons I love this series so much is the characters. This novella while short still brings my favorite characters to life once again while Jill and her friends are trying to solve this latest mystery. The main character is great, but I really love the secondary characters especially Aunt Jackie and Greg. I loved how this story still included these characters. The novella is still full of some twists and turns making for an engaging read, and it left me anxious to read another one of Jill's adventures. Overall Rockets' Dead Glare proved to be a great summer read that I would most definitely recommend.
Received a copy of Rockets' Dead Glare from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
August 10, 2018
This is a short but sweet novella in the Tourist Trap Mystery Series. As the title hints, it takes place around the 4th of July and the businesses in South Cover are planning for Independence Day Celebrations. When the new fire chief is found dead in a house being used for a training exercise, there are only three suspects, the three volunteer firemen who are there for the exercise. There were a lot of people upset with him over his threats to shut down businesses for fire code violations, but none of them were in attendance. Once again, Jill Gardner sticks her nose in the investigation making sure that an innocent man is not railroaded. You get a brief look at the town of South Cove and glimpse the life of some of the main characters. If you have not read any books in this series, this could be a brief introduction to it, but do not make a hasty judgement, as the series is fun, interesting, has lots of local cultures, some quirky characters and great mysteries to solve. A short mystery that was a nice interlude before the next full story in this series.
May 4, 2018
The local fire chief has managed to upset pretty much every in South Cove by giving them a week to deal with a list of so called fire infractions (most of which are not necessary it must be added), so when he is found dead during a fire drill training exercise the list isn't so much who wanted him dead as a small list of who didn't! Jill wants to find out what happened and why, without stepping on her boyfriend Greg's police toes (too much - grin), that way the whole of South Cove can enjoy the Fourth of July without the death hanging over them.
NB - I was lucky enough to get an advance copy through NetGalley
NB - I was lucky enough to get an advance copy through NetGalley
September 21, 2020
I enjoyed this novella, as I do the whole series.
When Fire Chief Barry Gleason does inspections and threatens to shut down half the town before July 4th festivities, many shop owners are irate, including Jill. When Barry ends up dead, there are plenty of people who wanted him dead.
I love these characters and the mystery was good with a surprising twist. I will continue on with this series.
When Fire Chief Barry Gleason does inspections and threatens to shut down half the town before July 4th festivities, many shop owners are irate, including Jill. When Barry ends up dead, there are plenty of people who wanted him dead.
I love these characters and the mystery was good with a surprising twist. I will continue on with this series.
July 18, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants: Zip! It seemed that I had hardly started to read this story and it was over. I guess that is the advantage or disadvantage of a novella. If you are looking for something light and easy for a weekend getaway or the beach, this would be a good choice.
We still have the same characters we have come to love, in the same setting. This time the story takes place just before the 4th of July holiday. The volunteer local fire chief has been ruffling lots of feathers in town. He has decided to come down hard on local businesses for code violations threatening to shut them down just before the town festival. If they took a poll on who is the most despised individual in town, he would win hands down. He may be an obnoxious bully but is that any reason to murder him.
When his body is found in the ruins of a fire he set as a training exercise for his team, the three firefighters at the scene are the prime suspects. Jill believes all of them are innocent. So who killed Barry? There is a neat little twist to the story although I confess I suspected it. Still, it is a fun read and moves along the story lines of all the main characters.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
We still have the same characters we have come to love, in the same setting. This time the story takes place just before the 4th of July holiday. The volunteer local fire chief has been ruffling lots of feathers in town. He has decided to come down hard on local businesses for code violations threatening to shut them down just before the town festival. If they took a poll on who is the most despised individual in town, he would win hands down. He may be an obnoxious bully but is that any reason to murder him.
When his body is found in the ruins of a fire he set as a training exercise for his team, the three firefighters at the scene are the prime suspects. Jill believes all of them are innocent. So who killed Barry? There is a neat little twist to the story although I confess I suspected it. Still, it is a fun read and moves along the story lines of all the main characters.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
July 8, 2025
Good 4th of July mystery
This was a nice little 4th of July mystery. This novella had all your favorite characters and someone you wanted to be the victim (who tries to close down all the businesses right before a major tourist event). Glad to see how everything worked out.
This was a nice little 4th of July mystery. This novella had all your favorite characters and someone you wanted to be the victim (who tries to close down all the businesses right before a major tourist event). Glad to see how everything worked out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews