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Althea Rose Mystery #5
A Fifth of Tequila
Librarian Note: This is the original cover edition of ASIN: B0796G37GY. The alternate cover edition is here.
Fame is a tricky business, as Althea Rose learns firsthand when the spotlight-seekers sweep into Tequila Key after rumors of a psychic reality show hit the headlines. Even more annoying are the tabloid photographers who insist on taking photos of Althea in the most unflattering positions – like bending over to take off her wetsuit. Who wants their bum plastered across the cover of a magazine?
Understandably miffed, Althea grows even more frustrated when she learns a famous TV producer wants to sign her and Miss Elva on to co-star in the reality show. To make matters worse, a competing psychic with an over-inflated ego has arrived in town to sniff out his chance for the spotlight. He and his ruthless assistant make Althea’s life hell as they vie for the coveted leading role in the show.
Althea tries to ignore the bedlam and carry on with her life, but to her surprise she finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder, again. And this time all fingers are pointed at her.
Fame is a tricky business, as Althea Rose learns firsthand when the spotlight-seekers sweep into Tequila Key after rumors of a psychic reality show hit the headlines. Even more annoying are the tabloid photographers who insist on taking photos of Althea in the most unflattering positions – like bending over to take off her wetsuit. Who wants their bum plastered across the cover of a magazine?
Understandably miffed, Althea grows even more frustrated when she learns a famous TV producer wants to sign her and Miss Elva on to co-star in the reality show. To make matters worse, a competing psychic with an over-inflated ego has arrived in town to sniff out his chance for the spotlight. He and his ruthless assistant make Althea’s life hell as they vie for the coveted leading role in the show.
Althea tries to ignore the bedlam and carry on with her life, but to her surprise she finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder, again. And this time all fingers are pointed at her.
197 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2018
2940 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Tricia O'Malley
78 books2,490 followersAs an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 7, 2020
The fifth book in this series was my least favourite so far. It was an OK story but slow going. This time Miss Elva is the one that needs to "bailed out"... almost literally.
It is a stand alone novel but I would still recommend reading the series in order since there are always some tidbits strewn in that give away important things of one or several previous installments. A very fun series over all.
It is a stand alone novel but I would still recommend reading the series in order since there are always some tidbits strewn in that give away important things of one or several previous installments. A very fun series over all.
June 25, 2021
I really enjoyed the fifth installment of this series. I love that we see new spells each book, and I’m excited to witness Althea coming into her power—both magically and personally. The tension between characters felt natural instead of forced. I think—hope—the triangle is over. I’m not holding my breath like I did in the epilogue when I knew “That Guy” would make an appearance. Rosalita was a fun surprise and Miss Elva is a hoot as always.
April 19, 2019
Wonderful series. Magic, romance and mystery with a quirky set of characters. Althea is starting to figure out her boyfriend situation, is working on being more 'adult' and as always, smack dab in the middle of the murder mystery. Magic plays a bigger role in this book. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
May 29, 2020
The paranormal craze has hit Tequila Keys and is dragging Althea and crew into the limelight whether they like it or not! Things take a hard turn into definitely not when a dead body is left in Althea's business! The crew must hurry and solve the mystery before one of them goes down for the count! Another delightfully entertaining visit with Althea and her fun band of misfits! I am enjoying this series quite a bit! I can't wait to see what happens next!
October 26, 2024
So good!!
This book was really interesting and fun to read!! Each book just gets better and better! I especially love Althea and Trace!! Such a treat getting to see their relationship grow .
This book was really interesting and fun to read!! Each book just gets better and better! I especially love Althea and Trace!! Such a treat getting to see their relationship grow .
January 6, 2023
At 47% - 48% of the book there is a conversation about CRAZY WOMEN that starts with Althea and then Luna responds:
“Well, so are some men. But what I mean is that in general, the media and the all-encompassing ‘they’ use the term ‘crazy’ anytime a woman has emotions, or speaks up for herself, or is rightfully angry about something. Like, for example, when a woman loses it when her man cheats – then the guy is just all, ‘well, you know, bitches be crazy’ or whatever, and it totally dismisses the fact that she has a right to be angry. It’s a way of minimizing women. I don’t think women should be considered crazy for allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions instead of forcing ourselves to logic our way through them.”
“You’re right, actually, though your timing for this conversation is a bit odd. I agree that the term ‘crazy’ is used to keep women down,” Luna said. “And, frankly, if more men in our society were taught to process their emotions and not just shove them down, we’d have fewer mass shootings. It seems like every day there’s another shooting by some man who’s fed up with something and has never been taught to deal with frustration or anger in his life. And yet women are the crazy ones for articulating their emotions? What’s so wrong with expressing that you’re angry about something? I’d rather people do it with their words than with guns. Now that’s crazy to me.”
I don’t normally add such a long excerpt of a book in my review, but this particular conversation made a lot of sense to me. And how about a man (or woman) that makes you feel like you’re crazy by changing the focus of their wrong onto you being the one in the wrong? Anyway…
At the end of this tale, there actually was someone who was crazy, so there’s that. Lol.
Next is book 6 - A Sixer of Tequila. I’m sure in this one Althea will mature even more in her magickal powers and maybe even create her own spell.
“Well, so are some men. But what I mean is that in general, the media and the all-encompassing ‘they’ use the term ‘crazy’ anytime a woman has emotions, or speaks up for herself, or is rightfully angry about something. Like, for example, when a woman loses it when her man cheats – then the guy is just all, ‘well, you know, bitches be crazy’ or whatever, and it totally dismisses the fact that she has a right to be angry. It’s a way of minimizing women. I don’t think women should be considered crazy for allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions instead of forcing ourselves to logic our way through them.”
“You’re right, actually, though your timing for this conversation is a bit odd. I agree that the term ‘crazy’ is used to keep women down,” Luna said. “And, frankly, if more men in our society were taught to process their emotions and not just shove them down, we’d have fewer mass shootings. It seems like every day there’s another shooting by some man who’s fed up with something and has never been taught to deal with frustration or anger in his life. And yet women are the crazy ones for articulating their emotions? What’s so wrong with expressing that you’re angry about something? I’d rather people do it with their words than with guns. Now that’s crazy to me.”
I don’t normally add such a long excerpt of a book in my review, but this particular conversation made a lot of sense to me. And how about a man (or woman) that makes you feel like you’re crazy by changing the focus of their wrong onto you being the one in the wrong? Anyway…
At the end of this tale, there actually was someone who was crazy, so there’s that. Lol.
Next is book 6 - A Sixer of Tequila. I’m sure in this one Althea will mature even more in her magickal powers and maybe even create her own spell.
August 26, 2020
I’m going to say first that I did not love Miss Elva this book. Had a friend of mine gotten a bunch of reporters landed on my front porch for leaking information I don’t tell everyone about, I’d be hard pressed to forgive them. Whether or not they had good intentions. That being said, hopefully her later apology is the end of her very out of character self comportment.
As for the rest of the people and the story, it was great. Beau’s restaurant finally opens at the end, and I can’t wait to see how much time we can spend there and what he may cook up for people. Luna and Thea got further into Thea’s magickal ability. And the murder and solving of it was a good story. A little twist at the end made it perfect. Add in a new friend of Rafe’s and it was funny also. I am looking forward to the next book.
As for the rest of the people and the story, it was great. Beau’s restaurant finally opens at the end, and I can’t wait to see how much time we can spend there and what he may cook up for people. Luna and Thea got further into Thea’s magickal ability. And the murder and solving of it was a good story. A little twist at the end made it perfect. Add in a new friend of Rafe’s and it was funny also. I am looking forward to the next book.
January 4, 2021
And entertaining paranormal women’s fiction story
Entertaining paranormal women’s fashion mystery story. Althea young young woman who thought she was only psychic but actually has more power than she thought. Is partners with a white witch and a little shop that sells items to make you feel better stay healthy etc. on one side and is a psychic reading Parlor on the other. As Althea learns magic from her partner at the shop and her best friend Luna. As well as bye her other friend a local voodoo priestess. She keeps stumbling upon murders and mysteries. Toss in a couple of ghosts epic skeleton another friend who owns the local bar and pub and her boyfriend who owns a dive service. Entertaining quirky and fun check it out.
Entertaining paranormal women’s fashion mystery story. Althea young young woman who thought she was only psychic but actually has more power than she thought. Is partners with a white witch and a little shop that sells items to make you feel better stay healthy etc. on one side and is a psychic reading Parlor on the other. As Althea learns magic from her partner at the shop and her best friend Luna. As well as bye her other friend a local voodoo priestess. She keeps stumbling upon murders and mysteries. Toss in a couple of ghosts epic skeleton another friend who owns the local bar and pub and her boyfriend who owns a dive service. Entertaining quirky and fun check it out.
January 23, 2018
Better Than a Basket of Crispy Fried Pickles!
Psychic/witch Althea Rose is back in another intriguing, yet laugh filled adventure with her BFF white witch Luna. Althea has to face being involved in another murder & has no choice but to investigate to save another of her friends. Even though Althea is trying to behave in an adult way, she can’t help letting her snarkiness out. Readers are treated to an unexpected coupling, a new ghost to enjoy, & some real growth in Althea’s ability to control her majick. My attention was captured from the very beginning to the very satisfying conclusion!
Psychic/witch Althea Rose is back in another intriguing, yet laugh filled adventure with her BFF white witch Luna. Althea has to face being involved in another murder & has no choice but to investigate to save another of her friends. Even though Althea is trying to behave in an adult way, she can’t help letting her snarkiness out. Readers are treated to an unexpected coupling, a new ghost to enjoy, & some real growth in Althea’s ability to control her majick. My attention was captured from the very beginning to the very satisfying conclusion!
November 17, 2020
The Althea Rose series of books are witty and fun mysteries throwing some magic in the mix as well. This one was about a reality show wanting Althea and Miss Alva to star. Althea is not the least bit interested but Miss Elva gets a little caught up in the spotlight. Miss Elva finds herself in trouble as a suspect in a murder investigation. This book, so far, was a little slower going for me. I still enjoyed it. I love the characters in the series. This is a stand alone book, but I would recommend reading them as a series in order. I think there are little things to know in each one that would help the flow if read in order.
July 21, 2025
While I have enjoyed previous books in this series, this one just didn't hit for me as much. It felt like Thea constantly talked down about herself - not good enough, smart enough, too klutzy, too messy. A lot of the storyline seemed repetitious and just not that interesting. Truthfully, I'm tired of Cash and would be more than ok for him just to go away - why keep bringing him back? Overall, the books are usually a fun and quick read with a decent twist to the norm. A touch of paranormal to keep it a bit interesting too. I'll try book 6 but it might be time to let this one rest a bit.
May 22, 2020
Five times tequila!
I honestly LOVE to read Tricia O'Malley books! Her wit and fantastical imagination makes them such a pleasure to read. And this one is especially so.
Tequila Key is a small town along the highway to all the Florida Keys. It's not really a tourist draw, but who could resist a town that boasts a white witch, a physic, and a voodoo priestess, to say nothing of a pirate ghost! These make for some outlandish adventures that could only come from the amazing imagination of a highly talented Arthur!
I honestly LOVE to read Tricia O'Malley books! Her wit and fantastical imagination makes them such a pleasure to read. And this one is especially so.
Tequila Key is a small town along the highway to all the Florida Keys. It's not really a tourist draw, but who could resist a town that boasts a white witch, a physic, and a voodoo priestess, to say nothing of a pirate ghost! These make for some outlandish adventures that could only come from the amazing imagination of a highly talented Arthur!
January 22, 2018
Althea sees her friends, Miss Elva and Luna, along with herself in a gossip magazine. The next thing you know there are pesky reporters all over town and a producer that wants them for a psychic showdown type program. Of course there's a murder and Althea and friends solve it in a way that only they can. I love the laughs I get while reading and the characters, plot and setting are all great. I'm ready to read whatever Tricia O'Malley writes next!
January 22, 2018
I received an advanced reader copy that in no way influences my reviews.
Althea and her friends are back. Reports and tv stations are flooding the area to get the scoop on psychics. Althea and Luna are not interested of course, wanting to stay in the background and work at their store. Murder, mystery, and magic all mix up in this. I did miss Trace and Beau, they usually have bigger parts of the story and I missed what they bring to the story.
Althea and her friends are back. Reports and tv stations are flooding the area to get the scoop on psychics. Althea and Luna are not interested of course, wanting to stay in the background and work at their store. Murder, mystery, and magic all mix up in this. I did miss Trace and Beau, they usually have bigger parts of the story and I missed what they bring to the story.
January 23, 2018
Wonderful Read!
Althea Rose and her friends find themselves embroiled in yet another "fine mess". With the bombastic Miss Elva, pompous ghost pirate, Rafe, steadying influence and best friend Luna, Althea solves another murder as she really just wants a stress free life! Thoroughly enjoyable and with the murderer being someone you never suspected, this is a fantastic and satisfying read.
Althea Rose and her friends find themselves embroiled in yet another "fine mess". With the bombastic Miss Elva, pompous ghost pirate, Rafe, steadying influence and best friend Luna, Althea solves another murder as she really just wants a stress free life! Thoroughly enjoyable and with the murderer being someone you never suspected, this is a fantastic and satisfying read.
May 23, 2020
Intrigue!
Fascinating characters, scenery and story that makes you feel like you are experiencing this wonderful Bahamian island paradise! I recommend the entire series! As soon as I finished one book, I immediately bought the next book in the series! This is the third series I've read from this author! Tricia O'Malley has a flair for writing that puts the reader right in the story.
Fascinating characters, scenery and story that makes you feel like you are experiencing this wonderful Bahamian island paradise! I recommend the entire series! As soon as I finished one book, I immediately bought the next book in the series! This is the third series I've read from this author! Tricia O'Malley has a flair for writing that puts the reader right in the story.
April 6, 2021
These books are such a joy to read! It took me a while to figure out who’d done it but I did! And no it didn’t spoil my reading pleasure at all. On the contrary, I just wanted to keep on reading to see if I’d guessed right. Althea and co. get themselves mixed in another murder this one too close for comfort for Althea. I’m not giving any of the plot away but I do recommend this book. It has a bit of everything from magick to murder and it’s written really well and flows beautifully.
May 2, 2023
Meeting dom
I did feel this storyline went on a little to long.also did cash really love her? He sure moved on very fast.I was hoping she would end up with trace but no one likes thickal guys cash lead her on and knew their is sparks with trace and messed with her heart then rush back out of town holding her in a long distance relationship when he knew the way she looks don't fit with his life
I did feel this storyline went on a little to long.also did cash really love her? He sure moved on very fast.I was hoping she would end up with trace but no one likes thickal guys cash lead her on and knew their is sparks with trace and messed with her heart then rush back out of town holding her in a long distance relationship when he knew the way she looks don't fit with his life
February 12, 2024
The Tequila Series
I'm about to start book #6! When I started reading this series I was like oh no physics and witches! This no for me! I was so wrong! I have thoroughly enjoyed each adventure! Now we have 2 ghosts added to the mix and I can't forget Hank Alt he's beloved dog. It has mystery, hi jinks and sex all rolled together. Personally I think this series would make a delightful mystery TV show. Kinda like the old "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir".
I'm about to start book #6! When I started reading this series I was like oh no physics and witches! This no for me! I was so wrong! I have thoroughly enjoyed each adventure! Now we have 2 ghosts added to the mix and I can't forget Hank Alt he's beloved dog. It has mystery, hi jinks and sex all rolled together. Personally I think this series would make a delightful mystery TV show. Kinda like the old "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir".
April 5, 2024
That Guy
Trouble finds Althea regardless of what she is doing… even if she is just sitting in her own shop, minding her business.
The crazies have certainly come to town in book five. Whew. But Tricia O’Malley sure knows how to weave a mystery while introducing new characters and continuing to develop the ones we already know.
Trace is - amazing. Yet Cash just won’t disappear!!! That guy…
Looking forward to book 6.
Trouble finds Althea regardless of what she is doing… even if she is just sitting in her own shop, minding her business.
The crazies have certainly come to town in book five. Whew. But Tricia O’Malley sure knows how to weave a mystery while introducing new characters and continuing to develop the ones we already know.
Trace is - amazing. Yet Cash just won’t disappear!!! That guy…
Looking forward to book 6.
January 25, 2018
I love these books and can't wait to see what happens next with Althea Rose. Can't wait to see her embrace her powers and her relationship with Trace, and what about this new ghost Rosita. Looking forward to reading the next book. I have enjoyed reading The Mystic Cove series and have read the first book in the Isle of Destiny. Keep it coming Tricia I'm loving your books. Thank you.
February 6, 2018
I really liked this book. I read the first one in the series. And, although it can be a stand alone, I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the three books between. There were some references to stories that had happened that I knew would have made much more sense if I had the background. But all in all I enjoyed the book very much. I really like the main characters and the storyline.
January 14, 2019
The Althea Rose series is a great little series of books. Light, Quirky and fun with a big dash of magic, romance and mystery. Each book is a stand alone book, but I recommend reading from the start as well as reading the two novellas between books 2&3 and 3&4. I started reading Tricia O’Malley last year with her Mystic Cove Series and Isle of Destiny series . I just love her books!
September 18, 2020
Althea
I adore the main character and her special somones relationship! So happy that it's who Althea ended up with. The murder mystery was another good one. I like that it's always someone in the book, so you can guess who the bad guy is. It's not just some random person that wasn't previously mentioned. Great book.
I adore the main character and her special somones relationship! So happy that it's who Althea ended up with. The murder mystery was another good one. I like that it's always someone in the book, so you can guess who the bad guy is. It's not just some random person that wasn't previously mentioned. Great book.
Read
October 11, 2020Another amazing story!
I'm having so much fun reading this series! Althea feels so real to me. She's quirky, a bit clumsy and lazy, but also a small business owner with great friends and family. Add in interesting storylines and exceptional storytelling for a series you'll want to binge through!
I'm having so much fun reading this series! Althea feels so real to me. She's quirky, a bit clumsy and lazy, but also a small business owner with great friends and family. Add in interesting storylines and exceptional storytelling for a series you'll want to binge through!
July 14, 2021
Intriguing
More mystical with the mystery. And, screw Cash and the horse he rode in on. Trace is the best fit, and I really like him. But, I had hope Cash would learn the importance of being true to yourself. Well, apparently not. Trace, on the other hand, respects Althea and her friends.
More mystical with the mystery. And, screw Cash and the horse he rode in on. Trace is the best fit, and I really like him. But, I had hope Cash would learn the importance of being true to yourself. Well, apparently not. Trace, on the other hand, respects Althea and her friends.
July 16, 2022
Spirits, liquid and otherwise
Althea's life has taken a decided twist toward crazy when a producer starts pushing her to do a reality psychic show. Just when she was settling into a relationship with Trace, another murder drops into her life and One of her friends is accused of the crime.
Althea's life has taken a decided twist toward crazy when a producer starts pushing her to do a reality psychic show. Just when she was settling into a relationship with Trace, another murder drops into her life and One of her friends is accused of the crime.
Read
August 12, 2022Hit another one out of the ballpark
I love the characters and the fact that they can disagree and still remain friends and help each other when things go wrong. I would recommend this book and the first four in the series to readers of paranormal fiction who like to relax and snicker once in a while
I love the characters and the fact that they can disagree and still remain friends and help each other when things go wrong. I would recommend this book and the first four in the series to readers of paranormal fiction who like to relax and snicker once in a while
April 19, 2023
Okay
I struggled with the repition of the same adjectives being used in the same paragraph. It was distracting. Have you the opportunity to use a thesaurus? Have you considered taking additional creative writing classes. The formula of these books is appealing or I wouldn't have read as many of the books that I have, why not tweak it some more so readers are kept on their toes?
I struggled with the repition of the same adjectives being used in the same paragraph. It was distracting. Have you the opportunity to use a thesaurus? Have you considered taking additional creative writing classes. The formula of these books is appealing or I wouldn't have read as many of the books that I have, why not tweak it some more so readers are kept on their toes?
July 3, 2023
One less psychic
I love this series. Its a funny, tender, mystical, thrilling, romatic, murder mystery. Finally Beau opens his new restaurant. Even though I never did catch the name of it. It leaves me wondering about Rafe and Roslita. Miss Elva, Luna Lavelle, and Althea Ross once again save the day using white magic, voodoo, and psychic abilities.
I love this series. Its a funny, tender, mystical, thrilling, romatic, murder mystery. Finally Beau opens his new restaurant. Even though I never did catch the name of it. It leaves me wondering about Rafe and Roslita. Miss Elva, Luna Lavelle, and Althea Ross once again save the day using white magic, voodoo, and psychic abilities.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews