Izzy, her boyfriend, and her holiday-crashing neighbor, Etta, are off to the driest, flattest, and most infertile inhabited continent on earth—where even the cutest of creatures might try to kill you.
But that’s only the beginning of their problems…
A Taste Society courier goes missing.
And twenty-six hours after Izzy lands in Australia, a crocodile is found dead. With a human corpse inside.
Not quite the start to her relaxing holiday she’d been hoping for.
Etta, on the other hand, is ecstatic. Relaxing was never part of her itinerary.
Meanwhile, Izzy’s boyfriend, Connor, is developing a new sympathy for fish out of water. Between trying to win over Izzy’s country-folk parents, preventing Etta from shooting anything, and being enlisted to smuggle a goat into a posh hotel, his day job hunting down criminals has never seemed more appealing.
Then a series of accidents threatens to add Izzy to the body count. Is Australia really that dangerous? Or does someone want Izzy to swim with the fishes crocodiles?
Chelsea Field has lived an exciting life for an introvert.
She’s fallen off a galloping racehorse, faced down dozens of Australia’s most dangerous animals (including vicious roosters, for those of you who’ve read EAT, PRAY, DIE), and while she’s never sold buns or coffee for a living like her protagonist, she’s consumed plenty of both.
Yes, all of those points are about animals or food. I told you she’s an introvert.
After writing a romantic comedy (no, you can’t read it) where the hero was a photographer from Burnside and then meeting and marrying a photographer from Burnside a few years later, she’s a little worried her writing has weird prophetic fate-like powers. So she makes sure nothing too bad ever happens to her characters, just in case life decides to imitate fiction again.
You can get to know her better at http://chelseafieldauthor.com. As the middle child of five, she’s used to being ignored, though, so don’t sweat it.
I really wanted to like this book and had hoped the extra time taken by the author in developing it would revive some of the magic from books 1 & 2. It was not to be. When 66% though the book, I was bored and wanted to stop (I always finish books) but ground through. There is no chemistry between Connor and Izzy anymore and the rest of the storyline was boring.
I still enjoyed this book enough to read the next one, but I am disappointed that neither of the last two books involved any actual poison tasting. I found the Australia setting a little bit OTT in its charicature and points of Austalia-specific context / vocab etc over-explained. I don't know why Lily was even in the book, she didn't add anything. And finally I just had a more general sense that something was missing from the mystery plot-line, I was not 100% satisfied with the end result as explaining the suspects' behaviour (can't be more specific without spoiling)
After waiting a YEAR (I checked, it was January 2018) I finally got to dive into this, the next Eat, Pray, Die book! And it was worth the wait, people.
Izzy and Connor (and Etta, don't forget Etta, who invited herself along) travel to Australia, home of the crocodile, koala and every dangerous animal on earth it seems and of course.. Izzy! She hasn't been home in a year, so she can't wait to see her family.
I unclipped my seat belt and grinned at Connor and Etta in the backseat. 'Get ready to smell the fresh country air of the Adelaide Hills'. Then I opened the door and took a big sniff. It was more pungent than I remembered. Connor and Etta wrinkled their noses. Mum bit her lip. 'Sorry, I fertilized the garden with horse and chicken poo.'
Connor wants to make a good impression, but destroying the garden of your girlfriend's mother is maybe not such a good start. And then they get a call... from the Taste Society. In Australia??!! Alas, Izzy tags along while Connor (and half the family) to solve the murder of a young woman. All the while they are enjoying the beautiful scenery of South Australia.
I won't say anymore. Only that I really enjoyed this next chapter in this series. Izzy is in her element in Australia and Etta.. well, let's say she is in her element as well :-) I do wish we had some insight from Connor like in the last book as he is still the silent type, but I am sure the next book will ramp up the emotions because there is a twist near the end I did not see coming that will make the next book a must. Don't worry, there is no cliffy.
Let's hope the author will not make us wait so long this time, although: a good book needs time!
I was very excited to read another in this series, but was disappointed. Silliness is rarely truly humorous unless you're Carol Burnett & company. And since most of that is visual.... Also this book was only loosely based on the concept of The Taste Society, so that was disappointing. I guess I won't be as eager for the next installment.
I felt like the final twist at the end was an afterthought. The book was wrapped up and then, nope, here's the real ending. There were parts that were funny but this just did not feel like the rest of the books. I was very disappointed and I ALWAYS look forward to these books. Not sure I want to continue if all the rest of the books going forward are going to be about trying to catch one certain person.
I have loved and laughed through this series from the very beginning. However, after waiting an entire YEAR for a new book to come out, I am left feeling disappointed and surprised by how terribly boring and loosely put together it was. Izzy’s many “accidents” are laughable and completely overdone, which makes the reader scoff more than laugh. Every character in this book fell flat. Her best friend Lily served no purpose to the story, nor did her struggle with being pregnant. It also felt very short-sighted that Lily automatically decided she wouldn’t allow the father of her baby to be involved, without even considering how her child might ultimately feel about that choice. She made it seem like that was the obvious choice from the beginning. The plot itself was easy to see through and the plot twists lacked passion. While the facts about Australia were fun initially, the book began to read like a history book with facts we didn’t need to know that weren’t pertinent to the story. Why mention so many poisonous snakes and spiders and other animals when they never actually came into contact with any of them in a way that was threatening to them? This felt more like something the author used to fill up the pages. Izzy also came off as essentially hating Etta during this trip rather than just being inconvenienced by Etta’s self-focus and misadventures like she normally is. You could feel her resentment that Etta came on the trip at all, which Etta only briefly and insincerely addressed (at least it felt insincere and un-Ettalike to me). Even Connor was nothing more than a flat fixture who only served to protect Izzy. This was the most uninteresting, uninspiring, and disappointing book I’ve read by this author to date - with the exception about any scenes involving Herbert - who I love dearly. If the next book turns out to be this dull, it will be the last one I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Chelsea Field has done it again! The 6th book in the series is a homerun! We are not only treated to a cozy murder mystery, but we are treated to an extremely humorous group of quirky character in both the main characters and the subordinate characters in the series. While on a vacation to Australia to visit with Izzy's parents and introduce them to her fiance, Connor, they are faced with having to figure out why and where one of the Taste Society's couriers disappeared to. When they find she has been caught in flood waters and part of a crocodile dinner, the police rule it as an accident. But things don't sit right with Izzy or Connor and with their crazy neighbor, Etta who tagged along on the trip. She is an elderly, crazy, enigma to Izzy but has been a help in the past. Etta just wanted to visit Australia and see the "dangerous" sites and animals. We are also treated to Izzy's best friend since childhood's life problems along the way. So many twists and turns, so many laughs, crazy happenings and we are surprised with a great ending and a little bit of possible foreshadowing for the next book to come...I can't wait! This is one of the funniest and strangest series that you just must read! You will laugh out loud on almost every page, while trying to figure out the whodunit. I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Clever and Suspenseful! Set in Australia, Chelsea Field’s latest book is humorous, suspenseful and really worth your time. Lead characters, Izzy and Connor have been dating and it’s enjoyable to see their relationship grow. Connor meets Izzy’s family and tries to make a positive impression – which is harder than it sounds!
Even though Connor and Izzy are on vacation, their employer needs them to solve a critical new case. The heart of this novel is a unique mystery – what happened to the courier and who benefits from her absence? There were twists and turns in trying to find the villain and his/her motivation.
It was fun to ‘see’ Australia – from Izzy’s eyes and Etta’s explorations. Meeting Izzy’s endearing and eccentric parents added doses of humor throughout the book.
No spoilers, but the ending was – wow. It gives us a glimpse of the content of Izzy’s next adventure. I highly recommend this book and series. You can read this as a stand alone, but you won’t want to miss the rest of the Eat, Pray, Die books.
I love the authors characters of eat, pray, die mysteries. In this series, Izzy and connor who works undercover for the taste society, that involved tasting certain chemicals in food to see if any poison is involved, which you have to have a certain DNA profile to be able to do this so not to harm yourself. Izzy and connor, her boyfriend and Izzy ,neighbor, etta, an elderly friend who lives in same apt. As izzy, travel for a two week vacation to austrailia, to see Izzy parents. While there they are involved in taste society murder, to one of their own, which ends up in all kinds of calamity and Izzy life in danger. You need to start with first series to understand the dynamic of each characters to thoroughly enjoy this series. To me one of the best series I read so far , along with other favorites author of mine.
Only Izzy could have a holiday home loaded with so much trouble
Unlike movie sequels, this series just gets better as we learn more about the characters. The laughs keep coming with the dispersed goat, Herbert; a serial killer; the grey nomads: and a pregnant best friend who doesn't think she'll be a good mother. The Taste Society call on the unique talents of Izzy and Connor to recover a satchel of lost antidotes from a courier who died a perhaps unnatural death.
The story is an enchanting romp with the characters we've grown to love from the previous books. The author writes with authority and a great deal of humor. Just try not to laugh at Izzy's inappropriate father and Herbert the goat!
I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys wild adventure laced with humor and romance.
I just love this series, and this installment did not disappoint! The location change was fun, and I liked the Australian setting. Connor and Izzy are just my favorite. Their relationship is in a good place here, which is great to see! I hope the next book sees them having more conversations and maybe discussing some of those questions that Izzy thought of at the end.
My favorite part of that previous book were the snippets from Connor's point of view, and I missed those here. I hope we get some more in book 7!
The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing. I liked meeting Izzy's family as well! The subplot with Izzy's best friend felt a little less developed than expected, so I am guessing it will play out more in future books. Can't wait until the next release!!
Once again Chelsea Field has delivered an incredible story filled with action, romance, & a wild & wacky family! It was filled with twist after twist, especially at the end. Besides just being a great read, I learned a great deal about the Land Down Under. I never realized how different everything is about Australia from the flora to the fauna, to the weather & terrain. I also learned quite a few new terms. Now I have to visit Australia, especially Daintree Rainforest! (And I know what to definitely avoid!)
It isn't just the animals that are dangerous in Australia
I can't tell you how excited I was to see that a new Eat, Pray, Did book was available! I absolutely love this series. Although the Australian setting and the fact that Izzy, Connor , and Etty, yes Etty, have flown to Adalaide to spend time with Izzy's quirky family offers different challenges than they usually face at home, their work is always with them. Etty and Izzy's dad make a perfect pair but even they don't bring the only laugh.
Being a taster for a secret society that trains those with a gift to be able to resist poisons, and dating her dream man, who is an investigator for the same secret society; wasn't her little gel dream, but it was fulfilling. The characters in the book have a life all their own. With every description, the characters are fleshed out, and it's easy to see their response to each situation. The sarcasm, and the humor, add great spice to each mystery. This is a fun series to relax to, and let your mind go free.
This was a great story as Izzy, Conner and Etta travel to Australia and find themselves in the midst of yet another mystery, this time with Izzy’s family in tow. You just can’t help but get sucked into this storyline and fall in love with Izzy’s family. The details of Australia will surely have you wondering if a trip might be in your future as well! Now, I’m just left waiting for the next novel in this series!
Slow start with this mystery. Ended up a story within a story. Twists & turns, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was good to see Connor & Izzy with her family in Australia. Senior Etta invites herself along; a definite wildcard in the crazy train of characters in this story. If you haven't read any of this series, you'll be lost. For me, it was ok just not as good as the prior books.
Here's the thing, this book was decent and I liked the change in setting, but at 6 books into a series I want movement on the overarching plot and to actually believe the romance. Each book we get just a crumb of the overarching plot and it feels like 30 books will need to happen to tie everything up and I get annoyed at that. As for the romance, while I liked it at the beginning, at point it's not doing it for me as it's not believable and I don't see the chemistry.
I like this series a lot, but this book is the weakest so far. It felt like it was plotted by committee, with scenes added to appease various special interests, resulting in a less coherent story and very uneven pace. I did eventually finish it, and will read the next, but this was disappointing. Competent, because this author writes well, but I got the feeling neither author nor reader likes this one.
I've loved this series since the first book and get excited when I can open a new one! They're fun, well-written and have compassionate, smart characters. I must admit, Connor is better suited to city life but showing how the relationship is deepening by having him meet Izzy's family and be put in Australia's natural habitats made for a great adventure!
What a trip! It always is with Izzy and Etta but this time in Australia, it was hilarious. Things are so crazy and all twisted that it was hard for me to put down. Connor had some funny moments, the nails and Izzy’s dad were great comedic relief and that ending sets us up for the next one perfectly.
Izzy tales her boyfriend :home to meet the family and Etta tags along. Hopefully, the next story will explain why she had to get out of town. Izzy's family is quirky. Connor and Izzy beer involved in an investigation and Izzy is as physically involved, as always. It was nice to meet new characters and they added a lot of humor.
Chelsea Field delivered another fun ride in the Eat, Pray, Die Series. This time the gang travels to Australia for vacation which quickly turns into a working vacation. If you like a good mystery with twist and turns you never see coming, lovable and wacky sidekicks this is the series for you! I highly recommend this well written series. I am really looking forward to more in this series!
Where to start? From a batty old woman inviting herself on Izzy and Connor's Australian vacation, to a nappy-wearing goat eating an entire garden, to a group of hippie elders traveling the Outback. This book has it all! Murder, comedy (in spades), romance, and best of all, the knowledge that the story is "To Be Continued". By far the best of the series! Can't wait for the next read!!
Izzy is returning to Australia, with her boyfriend Connor, and her elderly neighbor Etta. Izzy is excited to have Connor meet her parents and enjoy her homeland. After a full night at her parents house, Conner's phone rings. The taste society needs their help. And they're off. Read and enjoy!
This is another good book by Chelsea that I thoroughly enjoyed. This series was so much fun. Trouble just seems to follow Izzy and evidently her father also. The characters are interesting, engaging and entertaining. I sit here feeling disappointed that there is not a another book in this series to read.
The characters are great. The storyline is interesting. In a couple of the books she made had Izzy missing a clue that no one would miss. I don't enjoy reading books about needy or stupid women. I find a lot of it with other writers. It was just once with izzy. Ms. Fields writes great books, so she is 99% wonderful.
You can now tell your brother he was soo wrong. You are a great author. I love the twists and turns, the characters every thing. Thanks for writing this super book.
I've read all the books and this one is my favorite by far. It has enough mystery, romance and comedy that leaves you with a nice feeling at the end. Can't wait for the next one to see what happens next.