Monkey Mind

by J. Elliott

Some folks with mid-life crises purchase cars, boats or fantasy trips. Haint Blue bought an old fish camp. Sexy, huh? She spent the rest of her inheritance fixing it up. The opening weekend arrives with odd guests, wildlife, bad weather and murder. Haint assists the local sheriff while side-stepping his advances. It seems the focus of the weekend, "Finding Inner Peace" is as elusive as the killer. She will have to use her Buddhist tenets to keep it cool despite the crisis, hot flashes and Florida heat.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

440 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2017

About the author

J. Elliott has written three novels in a funny, Buddhist-theme-dusted, cozy series set in Florida (Monkey Mind, Monkey Heart, and It's a Haint Blue Christmas). The next installment is due out by May 2026.
A huge fan of the classic ghost story tradition, Elliott grew up watching The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She loves creepy, uncanny stories especially when funny and unease collide. She's published four collections of spooky short stories (Ghost Lite, Tales from Kensington & Other Macabre & Unsettling Offerings, Uncanny Stout and The Odds.) If you seek true horror, these will be way too light for you.
In 2024 she published her first ghost story novel, Jiko Bukken set in Japan in 1993.
She has made a few videos of some her stories that can be seen on her YouTube channel, Hedonistic Hound Press. She is a regular illustrator for two online horror magazines, Black Petals and Yellow Mama.
She resides on six acres of overgrown Florida hammock with her indulgent boyfriend, and sweet basset hound.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmigosh - such a fun book! Loved the characters and felt as if I knew them. Certainly each had characteristics I could either relate to in myself or someone I knew well. Looking forward to the next Haint Blue Adventure which I will read as soon as I can

[Cynthia Bertelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These days, it’s not often that a novelist mixes humor with murder, mayhem, and meditation. Those topics usually mean serious business. But it all works in Jess Elliott’s capable hands. The first in a so-far three-book series called Haint Blue Adventure Along the Way, Monkey Mind scores big on all three counts. Elliott’s descriptive skills capture the essence of North Central Florida’s peculiarities. Over and over, I found myself almost rolling on the floor laughing or yelling out loud, “Yes, yes, that’s how it is there!” Haint Blue, the albino owner of a yoga retreat center, stars in this unique portrayal of what could be true. And that’s it: all this could be real. The myriad characters—each painted as big as life through dialogue, personality quirks, and hidden agendas—reflect Elliott’s keen sense of irony and razor-sharp ability to ferret out the foibles of human nature. Sections on meditation teach as well as entertain. Then there’s Naughty Britches, Haint’s lovable if not exasperating Bassett hound with a mind (and nose) of her own. Ghosts and spirits make an appearance, too, in this big, delicious romp of a book. And did I mention food? Lots of it, all sounding scrumptious. Don’t miss it.

[Karen Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is meant for people who like spiritual adventure stories, and love comedy that emerges out of a situation. I find Haint Blue the main character to be lovable and true to her name. As a person who has tried to take a leadership role in educational and spiritual endeavors, I cherished the way the author depicts roadblocks to one's vision. I enjoyed seeing Haint give her dream of opening a yoga meditation center her all. The author paints a picture of what it is like to go to a yoga retreat, what you might eat, where you might stay, and then... things don't go as planned and it becomes a murder mystery. If you are one who struggles with your monkey mind as you practice meditation and mindfulness this novel will tickle your funny bone.
The descriptions of setting and place take you there. They are not only accurate, but detailed in how the North Central Florida landscape behaves right down to air potatoes, alligators, humidity, neighbors practicing shooting, and power outages

[Stormy McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun adventure! I loved the character driven story, with its many unexpected turns. The murder mystery aspect, while an important element, comes later in the story. For the greater part of the book, we are treated to the unexpected (and often zany) twists and turns life throws at the main character in her quest to open a yoga retreat in North Florida. I laughed out loud so often, my teenagers demanded I either read to everyone, or laugh a little more quietly.

Another wonderful aspect Ms Elliott's story is the language. I've always viewed reading not only as entertainment, but as a way to stretch my mind. I picked up some great new vocab and multi-lingual phrases! There if very little swearing (in English), and what there is would be considered extremely mild by today's standards.

All in all, I highly recommend spending some time with Haint Blue at her Lotus Lodge. Goodness knows, I'd love for it to be a real place where I could spend a long weekend!

[Sam Berretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly funny story of what all can happen when one opens a yoga camp in the wilds of north Florida. Haint Blue relies on friends, associates, scant savings, and dogged determination to kick-start her dream at an old renovated fish camp. Her first group arrives for a weekend retreat of supposed relaxation and meditation. What could possibly go wrong? Everything from wild confrontations to creepy happenings to murder. As people try to learn how to calm their monkey minds and find inner peace, events smother them in an unfolding hair-raising suspense. The author introduces a wide array of peculiar characters and lovable animals against a backdrop of Southern life and peeks into the actual practice and philosophy of yoga. This is a great read, a fun read.

[Jennifer Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshing kind of whodunit set at a meditation retreat. The first-person protagonist has never led a retreat before, so we witness (and share) all her expectations and nervousness as she prepares...only to have crime intrude in a shocking way. (No spoilers!) As a person who meditates, I appreciated the way Elliott weaves practices into the narrative.

My only criticism: it's a long book. I think some editing might have helped, especially in the early pages before the real story begins. I'm not sure how much background we need about the retreat camp, the narrator's prior life, etc.

[Sarah Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I had just finished reading another series where a Buddhist solved murder mysteries, and I didn’t think I could find another book with such a niche plot line, so when I discovered this book online, I had such high hopes and I was not disappointed! It was so fun to read, the story was so engaging and unique, and I loved that there was a learning aspect about Buddhism that didn’t feel forced, it just naturally flowed within the plot line. This is a book I will 100% be reading again, I wish it was in audiobook form because I would listen to it on repeat!

[Peggy Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice now....and pulling off my bookshelf to read again. I loved the storytelling by J.Elliott. Reading Monkey Mind is like having your favorite candy bar. You eat a little piece here and there because you don't want it to end because it is so delightful. This is a wonderful read that will take you away to the retreat where at times you feel you are part of Haint's yoga class. I highly recommend this entertaining novel. Peggy Cogar

[Melissa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I try to do these reviews without spoilers so I will just say, there was so much going on that I hated putting it down, I needed to know what was going to happen next. Living in Florida there were several times I laughed out loud at how she described things here so accurately but yet so funny! If you like funny, cute , but stay on your toes type mysteries this is your book!

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the main characters and the setting. It was quite humorous and I looked forward to picking it up to read. Haunt Blue is full of life and true to herself. It’s a mystery novel with a spiritual twist, which is a novel idea in and of itself. I also couldn’t help loving her brother. We’d all love to have his disposition!

[Susie Honsinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging murder mystery, with some great meditation tips along the way

Loved the characters and interplay among them. Lots of humor as well. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Jo Lordahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rare indeed finding a genuinely funny author (Jess Elliott) who also writes deeply meaningful books. What fun to follow the adventures of Haint Blue as Haint navigates opening a meditation retreat, next door gunfire, and murder. I can’t wait to read the next in this most promising series!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book has it all... murder, humor and main characters that you really like! I also found myself getting wrapped up in the meditation sessions! J Elliott is a wonderful writer and I can't wait to read more!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on a Buddhist fiction list and had really enjoyed some of the other books listed so I gave this one a go. This one just didn't do anything for me. It is a murder mystery with some quirky characters...maybe a pseudo-Buddhist cozy mystery? I won't read the next one.

[International Cat Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s actually set in the part of Florida where I live, which was quite fun, being able to recognize real landmarks from my daily life as part of the book, but it would have been a fun mystery even without that connection.

[Sammi Sanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun mystery which takes place in a setting familiar to anyone from north central Florida. You will love Haint and be wondering what she’s up to next when you finish the book.

[Judy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, fast moving fun read! Wonderful summer reading- not too heavy but with a Buddhist friendly message. Check it out!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An offbeat mystery with lots of local references. The heroines character is well developed and unique.

[Elaine D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I wanted to read- something with humor, good characters, a touch of suspense and positive energy. Monkey Mind was refreshing and fun. I can't wait to see what happens to Haint Blue next!

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this Adventure. Easy to read, and the characters stay with you as engaging

[Jenny Byers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoying this! I set this aside to read some other books, and recently came back to it. The creepy bad guy was really bothering me, but now that he's gone, I am enjoying the story again.

[Nancy Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun frolic through the heart of Florida! Read about Haint Blue, and her adventures in mystery and mahem, while trying to start a meditation retreat!