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A Lobster Shack Mystery #3
Drawn and Buttered
The Lazy Mermaid's business has slowed to a snail's pace--until a monster lobster claws his way onto the scene . . . With high season behind them, ballerina on-the-mend Allie Larkin and Aunt Gully are finally lying low. But then an unexpected guest arrives at the lobster shack: a crustacean so huge he's dubbed Lobzilla around Mystic Bay and on social media. Soon, with everyone showing up for a peek in their tank, Allie and Aunt Gully have more on their plate than they can handle. Meanwhile, another local establishment finds itself in hot water. In exclusive Rabb's Point, a strange burglary breaches the elegant home of Royal Parrish. Allie takes it upon herself to help with the investigation but, before she can get to the bottom of the case, another alarm sounds: the Lazy Mermaid's Lobzilla has gone missing and is on the loose! And bodies are beginning to pile up . . .
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 26, 2019
34 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Shari Randall
15 books149 followersA native New Englander, Shari loves hanging out with the gang at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack in fictional Mystic Bay, Connecticut, where the lobster rolls are delicious, the company’s good, and murder’s always on the menu.
When she’s not committing murder (on the page, of course), Shari enjoys walking the beach near her house, traveling, reading, visiting her globe-trotting children, and dancing. She’s currently trying to talk her husband into a tango class.
When she’s not committing murder (on the page, of course), Shari enjoys walking the beach near her house, traveling, reading, visiting her globe-trotting children, and dancing. She’s currently trying to talk her husband into a tango class.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 18, 2019
Lots of excitement keeps the pace moving steadily along in the third book of the Lobster Shack Mysteries. Protagonist Allie Larkin’s ankle has mended and she’s ready to dance ballet once more. It’s Halloween in Mystic Bay, CT where Allie’s Aunt Gully’s popular lobster shack is located. It appears some local fraternity pranks are behind the suspicious vandalism going on in town, however; a gruesome murder takes place on Halloween in a spooky graveyard which spikes a local legend that one of the dead has risen and taken a sacrifice.
Author Shari Randall weaves a splendid web of deceit that cozy Readers are sure to enjoy. I like this cast of characters—both the regulars who I met at the start of the series, to the ones created for this particular book. I recommend this story and the previous two stories to cozy fans.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you.
Author Shari Randall weaves a splendid web of deceit that cozy Readers are sure to enjoy. I like this cast of characters—both the regulars who I met at the start of the series, to the ones created for this particular book. I recommend this story and the previous two stories to cozy fans.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you.
March 13, 2019
I loved this latest addition to the Lobster Shack series! It definitely made a great Halloween tale with the spooky scene in the cemetery where one of the local college students was found murdered--along with a stolen lobster--and all the talk of the ancestors of the founding family being ghosts or vampires. There were a lot of secrets and no shortage of suspects either. I wasn't sure who did it, so it was just a fun ride to see how it all played out.
Aunt Gully was at top speed in this book. She's such a character, and I know that I would get along with her really great. The side story of her being sweet-talked by a guy who wanted to franchise her chowder ended up in the usual hilarity. She milked the attention and gifts for all it was worth, but finally gave him her answer. Allie got Verity to go with her on a couple of sleuthing missions, and those always ended up being crazy.
Another side story was Allie getting a specialized role in The Nutcracker from her choreographer, since she was still being told by her doctor that her ankle wasn't strong enough for dancing en pointe. Everyone had the usual happy ending, and I'm really anxious now for the next book.
Aunt Gully was at top speed in this book. She's such a character, and I know that I would get along with her really great. The side story of her being sweet-talked by a guy who wanted to franchise her chowder ended up in the usual hilarity. She milked the attention and gifts for all it was worth, but finally gave him her answer. Allie got Verity to go with her on a couple of sleuthing missions, and those always ended up being crazy.
Another side story was Allie getting a specialized role in The Nutcracker from her choreographer, since she was still being told by her doctor that her ankle wasn't strong enough for dancing en pointe. Everyone had the usual happy ending, and I'm really anxious now for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
Drawn and Buttered is a great addition to the Lobster Shack mystery series. Allie, a ballerina, is on leave while her ankle is healing from two breaks, is helping her Aunt Gully at her restaurant, the Lazy Mermaid, in Mystic Bay. She is also pretty good at solving murder mysteries with help from her best friend, Verity. Verity owns a vintage clothing store but loves to help her sleuthing friend. This mystery involves a missing giant, three foot size lobster, better known as Lobzilla and the death of a college student. Max was a student who was with Marine Biology Professor Fred Nickerson when he visited the Lazy Mermaid to see the giant when the lobster was brought in by lobster woman Bertha. Bertha had taken out a group of school kids on her boat when she pulled in the lobster. But Lobzilla was stolen out of the tank at the shack before the professor could transport it to the college.
On Halloween night, there was a big party at the estate of local patriarch Royal Parish where there was a large group of students, including those in the fraternity that Max was in. Local folklore passed down through the generations involve a Parish ancestor buried in the family cemetery walking around. When the group of party attendants went to the cemetery, the body of Max in found next to the ancestor's grave and Lobzilla was with him. When Allie's first ballet teacher is suspected of the crime because her cape is bloody, Allie is determined to prove her innocence.
This is a great mystery to solve with lots of local history and folklore background to decipher. Someone is just as determined to keep the crime unsolved and Allie gets in their way along with others. Ms. Randall does a great job with character development and bringing the setting to life. I hope that are more mysteries ahead in this series.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for a complimentary ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
On Halloween night, there was a big party at the estate of local patriarch Royal Parish where there was a large group of students, including those in the fraternity that Max was in. Local folklore passed down through the generations involve a Parish ancestor buried in the family cemetery walking around. When the group of party attendants went to the cemetery, the body of Max in found next to the ancestor's grave and Lobzilla was with him. When Allie's first ballet teacher is suspected of the crime because her cape is bloody, Allie is determined to prove her innocence.
This is a great mystery to solve with lots of local history and folklore background to decipher. Someone is just as determined to keep the crime unsolved and Allie gets in their way along with others. Ms. Randall does a great job with character development and bringing the setting to life. I hope that are more mysteries ahead in this series.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for a complimentary ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
February 13, 2019
This cozy mystery was a fun read. Although I hadn't read the prior two books in the series, it was easy to jump right into the story and get to know the characters. It was well-paced and never a dull moment. There were a lot of surprising connections between the various characters--the patriarch of the town's founding family with a woman known to practice witchcraft, for example. Add in an almost record-breaking size lobster known as Lobzilla found at a murder scene and you have a very intriguing mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance digital review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance digital review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
January 17, 2019
DRAWN AND BUTTERED is the third book in the Lobster Shack Mystery Series featuring Allie, who narrates the story and supporting cast including Aunt Gully, Lobster Shack owner and a host of friends and shack employees who populate the book. The characters are all well drawn, and range from the eccentric and lovable Aunt Gully to Lorel, short for Lorelei, Allie’s sister who is a hard charging business woman intent on making more money for Aunt Gully and family. Allie and Lorel are almost polar opposites, with Allie being the artistic sister, a ballerina who is currently on medical leave while a broken ankle heals and Lorel owning her own advertising firm.
While Allie’s ankle is healing she has returned to Mystic Cove to live with Aunt Gully who had a hand in raising the girls. Lorel makes a few visits in this book, primarily to try and push her agenda for Aunt Gully to sell her chowder recipe to a nationwide conglomerate. This side story provides some interesting contrast between the sisters and serves to highlight Aunt Gully’s love for what she does which results in rounding out the story to be more than just a murder mystery.
The mystery itself centers around the murder of a college student whose body is found in a family cemetery, known for their own version of ghosts and vampire stories. They are the family that founded Mystic Cove and, as such, have a vested interest in protecting the family name and legacy. That legacy is highlighted in a grant competition that sees the winner taking home the prize because his proposal will advance the history and legacy of the family.
The story has similarities to other tales of hauntings, witches, etc. which give add to the atmosphere of halloween leading up to the murder. There are a local witch and a local fortune teller who flesh out the other-world portion of the book. While the book is in no way supernatural, the atmosphere is still well defined.
While this book is part of a continuing series, the mystery is complete within itself. There are some relationships that may have developed over the previous books, and Ms. Randall does a good job of filling in details that may be carried over from previous books. This is true, also, of the ongoing storyline of Allie’s recovery which serves to explain her presence in Mystic Cove.
The mystery is well plotted and even though there are several potential suspects, it was easy to determine the guilty person. The clues were well placed, and perhaps a bit obvious in spots, which led to an easier solution but did not hamper the enjoyment of the story. The continuing storyline of Allie’s broken ankle is brought to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving the reader to wonder if and how the series may continue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. It has all the elements of a good mystery, interesting characters, and a limited amount of blood, guts and gore. It is easy to accept Allie’s determination to solve the mystery, and there is an even amount of tension that has you reading at a steady pace. At the same time, you can put it down to attend to other things and pick it up again without losing the strings of the story.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
While Allie’s ankle is healing she has returned to Mystic Cove to live with Aunt Gully who had a hand in raising the girls. Lorel makes a few visits in this book, primarily to try and push her agenda for Aunt Gully to sell her chowder recipe to a nationwide conglomerate. This side story provides some interesting contrast between the sisters and serves to highlight Aunt Gully’s love for what she does which results in rounding out the story to be more than just a murder mystery.
The mystery itself centers around the murder of a college student whose body is found in a family cemetery, known for their own version of ghosts and vampire stories. They are the family that founded Mystic Cove and, as such, have a vested interest in protecting the family name and legacy. That legacy is highlighted in a grant competition that sees the winner taking home the prize because his proposal will advance the history and legacy of the family.
The story has similarities to other tales of hauntings, witches, etc. which give add to the atmosphere of halloween leading up to the murder. There are a local witch and a local fortune teller who flesh out the other-world portion of the book. While the book is in no way supernatural, the atmosphere is still well defined.
While this book is part of a continuing series, the mystery is complete within itself. There are some relationships that may have developed over the previous books, and Ms. Randall does a good job of filling in details that may be carried over from previous books. This is true, also, of the ongoing storyline of Allie’s recovery which serves to explain her presence in Mystic Cove.
The mystery is well plotted and even though there are several potential suspects, it was easy to determine the guilty person. The clues were well placed, and perhaps a bit obvious in spots, which led to an easier solution but did not hamper the enjoyment of the story. The continuing storyline of Allie’s broken ankle is brought to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving the reader to wonder if and how the series may continue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. It has all the elements of a good mystery, interesting characters, and a limited amount of blood, guts and gore. It is easy to accept Allie’s determination to solve the mystery, and there is an even amount of tension that has you reading at a steady pace. At the same time, you can put it down to attend to other things and pick it up again without losing the strings of the story.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 25, 2019
It’s a couple of days before Halloween, and things have slowed down some at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack. The summer tourist families are long gone, but some tourists are still in the area looking at the fall colors. However, there’s still plenty of excite going on, like the discovery of a giant lobster. Quickly dubbed Lobzilla by the community, he’s almost big enough to beat the world record. However, the morning after he’s found, he’s vanished.
If that were all Allie Larkin had on her mind, it would be one thing, but other odd things are happening in town, including a local witch who is doing everything possible to get Aunt Gully to join her coven. Then, on Halloween night, Lobzilla shows up again, only he’s next to a dead body. Can Allie figure out what is going on?
While the body doesn’t show up right away, we still have plenty of plot happening, including some sub-plots and time spent setting up suspects and motives. Everything continues to be blended together well after the murder takes place. The climax is creative and everything is explained by the time we turn the final page. I thought the sub-plot involving the witch might make the book darker than I would enjoy, but I thought it was handled perfectly. It gave the book a touch more Halloween atmosphere, but the characters treated it much like I would like to think I would. The characters have gotten sharper as the series has progressed, and that was true here again. The suspects are well drawn, Allie is a great lead, but my favorite continues to be Aunt Gully. Everything came together for a book I couldn’t put down and the strongest in the series to date.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
If that were all Allie Larkin had on her mind, it would be one thing, but other odd things are happening in town, including a local witch who is doing everything possible to get Aunt Gully to join her coven. Then, on Halloween night, Lobzilla shows up again, only he’s next to a dead body. Can Allie figure out what is going on?
While the body doesn’t show up right away, we still have plenty of plot happening, including some sub-plots and time spent setting up suspects and motives. Everything continues to be blended together well after the murder takes place. The climax is creative and everything is explained by the time we turn the final page. I thought the sub-plot involving the witch might make the book darker than I would enjoy, but I thought it was handled perfectly. It gave the book a touch more Halloween atmosphere, but the characters treated it much like I would like to think I would. The characters have gotten sharper as the series has progressed, and that was true here again. The suspects are well drawn, Allie is a great lead, but my favorite continues to be Aunt Gully. Everything came together for a book I couldn’t put down and the strongest in the series to date.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 19, 2019
Author Shari Randall delights again in this third installment of her Lobster Shack Mysteries.
I just put down my copy of DRAWN AND BUTTERED with a contented sigh. Spending time at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack is always a pleasure. This trip was no exception. With more than one mystery to solve, series lead Allie has her hands full, and for us readers, that means an exciting tale of mystery filled enjoyment.
DRAWN AND BUTTERED was a fast moving, well plotted story with as many red herrings as there are lobsters sold at the Lobster Shack. I truly had no idea who the bad guy/gal was until I read the reveal. The ending has me questioning if this may be the end of the series, or just another layer of depth as the series goes on.
Whatever you do, get your claws on a copy DRAWN AND BUTTERED!
I just put down my copy of DRAWN AND BUTTERED with a contented sigh. Spending time at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack is always a pleasure. This trip was no exception. With more than one mystery to solve, series lead Allie has her hands full, and for us readers, that means an exciting tale of mystery filled enjoyment.
DRAWN AND BUTTERED was a fast moving, well plotted story with as many red herrings as there are lobsters sold at the Lobster Shack. I truly had no idea who the bad guy/gal was until I read the reveal. The ending has me questioning if this may be the end of the series, or just another layer of depth as the series goes on.
Whatever you do, get your claws on a copy DRAWN AND BUTTERED!
February 16, 2019
Drawn and Buttered by Shari Randall is the 3rd book in A Lobster Shack Mystery, and it is great. Allie Larkin is a ballerina who is recovering from a foot injury by working at her Aunt Gully's lobster shack, Lazy Mermaid. One day a fisher-women catches a large lobster that the town names Lobzilla. When Lobzilla is stolen from the Lazy Mermaid, where they were keeping it safe until the college could collect it, the mystery begins. That is only one story line in this book, Allie can return to dancing, on a limited basis. I loved this book, it kept me interested from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 2, 2019
This is a fun and engaging story with enough twists to keep it interesting. Fans of cozy mystery reads won't be disappointed.
October 5, 2019
Fun cozy mystery series set in Mystic River. I loved the giant lobster they found named Lobzilla, and didn't figure out who stole him and why until the very end. I felt for the ballerina that couldn't go on pointe, and how she really wanted to get back in shape. I will definitely read more by this author and this series.
January 13, 2019
Drawn and Buttered is the third installment in the A Lobster Shack Mystery series set in the seaside community of Mystic Bay and featuring ballet dancer, Allie Larkin. Allie still hasn't been given the all clear to return to dancing full time after breaking her ankle so she's passing the time helping out at her Aunt Gully's Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack, being a teaching assistant to her dance mentor Madame Monachova, and practicing for a small role designed just for her in her dance troupe's upcoming The Nutcracker.
It's Fall in Mystic Bay, the Leaf Peppers are keeping the Lobster Shack busy, Halloween is right around the corner and local lobsterwoman Bertha Betancourt has pulled in a giant crustacean one half inch shy of the world record. Press coverage around the impressive, Lobzilla as he's affectionately dubbed, is bringing in crowds, but when someone steals him from his tank, fingers point to the nearby fraternity at Graystone College.
Over at the Parish estate on Rabb's Point, the annual $25,000 Parish Historical Society grant is being awarded to a local history or art project and three finalists include Madame who is hoping to start a ballet troupe, Professor Fred Nickerson who is in charge of the Marine Biology Department at the College and Lyman Smith, chair of the History Department. The Halloween party following the grant presentation is interrupted when a body is found stabbed in the Parish family cemetery and Lobzilla is lying atop the body.
Allie and her friends Verity and Bronwyn find themselves drawn into the investigation when the police suspect Madame of the killing. Determined to find the real killer Allie soon uncovers a family history shrouded in tales of witches and vampires and a desperate attempt to keep the truth hidden.
A fast paced plot with a lovable cast of returning characters. The vampire theme is not one of my favorites but it didn't take away from the story. I almost felt as though the ending was rushed and while some questions were answered there were some scenes that played a pivotal part of the plot that were not. For instance, what happens to the fraternity members? A great addition to the series and I am looking forward to more adventures with Allie, Aunt Gully and the people of Mystic Bay.
I received an advanced copy of Drawn and Buttered from NetGalley via St. Martin's Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
It's Fall in Mystic Bay, the Leaf Peppers are keeping the Lobster Shack busy, Halloween is right around the corner and local lobsterwoman Bertha Betancourt has pulled in a giant crustacean one half inch shy of the world record. Press coverage around the impressive, Lobzilla as he's affectionately dubbed, is bringing in crowds, but when someone steals him from his tank, fingers point to the nearby fraternity at Graystone College.
Over at the Parish estate on Rabb's Point, the annual $25,000 Parish Historical Society grant is being awarded to a local history or art project and three finalists include Madame who is hoping to start a ballet troupe, Professor Fred Nickerson who is in charge of the Marine Biology Department at the College and Lyman Smith, chair of the History Department. The Halloween party following the grant presentation is interrupted when a body is found stabbed in the Parish family cemetery and Lobzilla is lying atop the body.
Allie and her friends Verity and Bronwyn find themselves drawn into the investigation when the police suspect Madame of the killing. Determined to find the real killer Allie soon uncovers a family history shrouded in tales of witches and vampires and a desperate attempt to keep the truth hidden.
A fast paced plot with a lovable cast of returning characters. The vampire theme is not one of my favorites but it didn't take away from the story. I almost felt as though the ending was rushed and while some questions were answered there were some scenes that played a pivotal part of the plot that were not. For instance, what happens to the fraternity members? A great addition to the series and I am looking forward to more adventures with Allie, Aunt Gully and the people of Mystic Bay.
I received an advanced copy of Drawn and Buttered from NetGalley via St. Martin's Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 19, 2019
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 2.5 Story: 3
I missed the celebrations of the 4th of July in this cozy series, but have returned for the next book, now October and approaching Halloween, Allie is still in Mystic Cove, not having been given the ‘all clear’ on her ankle, allowing her to return to the stage. After several months of being up to their eyeballs in work, Allie and her Aunt Gully are taking the time to breathe and finding that, until they end up with Lobzilla (a giant lobster) in their tanks – it’s been a good break. And things were quiet until some random pranks around town seem to indicate a bunch of fraternity boys without a chaperone have been loosed on the town on the way to Halloween. Far from simple vandalism though – another business (far more ‘upscale’ ) has been attacked, the owner’s home has been burgled, and there is a body turning up – a local college girl is found in the ‘spooky and ghosty’ cemetery, tying in Halloween legend and feel to the story.
Add to this Allie’s sister appearing to again try and push Aunt Gully to ‘share’ her chowder recipe with a national producer – Lorelei and Allie are polar opposites – Allie having taken the ‘artistic’ path as a ballerina and her sister being far more business minded – owning her own advertising agency. Aunt Gully was an important figure to them both as they grew up, and it’s when they are together in Mystic Bay you see their similarities and their differences, and the influence that Gully had on them both. But, those moments only serve to flush out the sense of ‘being’ in the story, as Allie is again enmeshed in sorting out the who did it and just how the competition for a grant plays into the crime.
Narration for this story is again provided by Tiffany Morgan: and while I found my first introduction to her work to be rather unremarkable and more average than I hoped for, my hopes going in is that the experience with both narration and the familiarity of characters and story would serve to aid in an improvement in the performance. Still a bit too attached to enunciating every single word, the odd and self-installed pauses were fewer, while the opportunity to insert tone and volume changes that would add auditory interest and infer ‘important moments’ or emotion were all still missed, and I didn’t hear the improvements or growth that I had hoped for. Not bad, but sadly unremarkable, serving only to ‘present’ the story, rather than perform it.
I received an AudioBook from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 2.5 Story: 3
I missed the celebrations of the 4th of July in this cozy series, but have returned for the next book, now October and approaching Halloween, Allie is still in Mystic Cove, not having been given the ‘all clear’ on her ankle, allowing her to return to the stage. After several months of being up to their eyeballs in work, Allie and her Aunt Gully are taking the time to breathe and finding that, until they end up with Lobzilla (a giant lobster) in their tanks – it’s been a good break. And things were quiet until some random pranks around town seem to indicate a bunch of fraternity boys without a chaperone have been loosed on the town on the way to Halloween. Far from simple vandalism though – another business (far more ‘upscale’ ) has been attacked, the owner’s home has been burgled, and there is a body turning up – a local college girl is found in the ‘spooky and ghosty’ cemetery, tying in Halloween legend and feel to the story.
Add to this Allie’s sister appearing to again try and push Aunt Gully to ‘share’ her chowder recipe with a national producer – Lorelei and Allie are polar opposites – Allie having taken the ‘artistic’ path as a ballerina and her sister being far more business minded – owning her own advertising agency. Aunt Gully was an important figure to them both as they grew up, and it’s when they are together in Mystic Bay you see their similarities and their differences, and the influence that Gully had on them both. But, those moments only serve to flush out the sense of ‘being’ in the story, as Allie is again enmeshed in sorting out the who did it and just how the competition for a grant plays into the crime.
Narration for this story is again provided by Tiffany Morgan: and while I found my first introduction to her work to be rather unremarkable and more average than I hoped for, my hopes going in is that the experience with both narration and the familiarity of characters and story would serve to aid in an improvement in the performance. Still a bit too attached to enunciating every single word, the odd and self-installed pauses were fewer, while the opportunity to insert tone and volume changes that would add auditory interest and infer ‘important moments’ or emotion were all still missed, and I didn’t hear the improvements or growth that I had hoped for. Not bad, but sadly unremarkable, serving only to ‘present’ the story, rather than perform it.
I received an AudioBook from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
April 11, 2019
What a poser!
Drawn and Buttered by Shari Randall is a total twist on the traditional/cozy mystery.
The characters keep getting developed. I really like Aunt Gully’s humor and attitude. I’m happy Lorel isn’t in the story too often, because I can’t seem to warm to her. I am hoping more Bronwyn in the future, because I like her (whether she becomes a cop or not!). I feel like these characters will continue to grow, and we will love them or hate them. And I like the feelings that are portrayed by all the characters. You know what they are feeling. Again, there didn’t seem to be too much showing of the police force, and I’m on the fence whether I like that concept or not.
I felt like there were too many minor characters for me to keep track of. I understand that this involved festivals, which of course would call for more bit parts and more suspects, but I had a bit of trouble keeping them straight. Maybe there should have been a “cast of characters” for me. Except for Lobzilla of course. He was out-f*ing-standing!
The dialogue was snappy and chuckle-worthy. Not lots of monologues, which kept the pace going. You could tell who was talking without excessive tags. Even the annoying Leo.
I love the way Shari describes her settings. There’s no way you can’t know where you are in this story, unless you flat out are not reading it. I’m not saying there’s oodles of description, but the way the setting is described is superb. Even the ‘baby settings’, like at the college, were well thought out.
Clues and red herrings? Check. Plenty. Even if I didn’t tag them, they were there!
Plot was very good, as was the pace. The story didn’t drag. There were plenty of surprises placed throughout. Although the amount of characters definitely added confusion to the surprises. And the subplots were fun as all get out!
Needless to say I had no clue who the killer was at any point. Maybe kind of thought about the killer at one point, but there were so many possibilities I threw that person out the window rather quickly. That is the only reason I took one star off this review, was because of me being confused by the large cast of characters. But it will not keep me from picking up the next story!
Drawn and Buttered by Shari Randall is a total twist on the traditional/cozy mystery.
The characters keep getting developed. I really like Aunt Gully’s humor and attitude. I’m happy Lorel isn’t in the story too often, because I can’t seem to warm to her. I am hoping more Bronwyn in the future, because I like her (whether she becomes a cop or not!). I feel like these characters will continue to grow, and we will love them or hate them. And I like the feelings that are portrayed by all the characters. You know what they are feeling. Again, there didn’t seem to be too much showing of the police force, and I’m on the fence whether I like that concept or not.
I felt like there were too many minor characters for me to keep track of. I understand that this involved festivals, which of course would call for more bit parts and more suspects, but I had a bit of trouble keeping them straight. Maybe there should have been a “cast of characters” for me. Except for Lobzilla of course. He was out-f*ing-standing!
The dialogue was snappy and chuckle-worthy. Not lots of monologues, which kept the pace going. You could tell who was talking without excessive tags. Even the annoying Leo.
I love the way Shari describes her settings. There’s no way you can’t know where you are in this story, unless you flat out are not reading it. I’m not saying there’s oodles of description, but the way the setting is described is superb. Even the ‘baby settings’, like at the college, were well thought out.
Clues and red herrings? Check. Plenty. Even if I didn’t tag them, they were there!
Plot was very good, as was the pace. The story didn’t drag. There were plenty of surprises placed throughout. Although the amount of characters definitely added confusion to the surprises. And the subplots were fun as all get out!
Needless to say I had no clue who the killer was at any point. Maybe kind of thought about the killer at one point, but there were so many possibilities I threw that person out the window rather quickly. That is the only reason I took one star off this review, was because of me being confused by the large cast of characters. But it will not keep me from picking up the next story!
May 11, 2019
Overall quite charming and engrossing book, the 3rd in the lobster shack series -- rounding up from 4 and one half stars. While this was my first one, I was captivated from the beginning and did not feel at all adrift at missing the first two books. Allegra (Allie) Larkin, a promising ballerina, is home with her Aunt Gully helping out at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack while recuperating from a devastating broken ankle. As Halloween is only a couple of days away, the tourist season and business at the lobster shack is winding down. That is until, a giant lobster is discovered and brought there for safekeeping until more appropriate digs are readied at the local college. Seems that everyone wants to see Lobzilla. But someone breaks in and steals Lobzilla. Then at a Halloween party a dead body is found in a private cemetery with Lobzilla on top. Allie investigates how the two are tied together while rehearsing her return to the dance stage. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It was funny, entertaining, and unique. The characters are multi-dimensional and you just can’t help but root for Allie and Aunt Gully to succeed in whatever they put their mind to. Many times in cozy mysteries the protagonist is returning home after some part of their life has come to a close. I like that Allie is home because of an injury (she is a ballerina and cannot dance at the moment), but that part of her life is still a part of the book and that she can still pursuit that dream while finding new ones at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack.
February 8, 2019
A new author for me and the third book of the Lazy Mermaid Shack is a light fun read. I had trouble making friends with characters. It is probably best to read in order. I will read this author again. Allie Larkin is a well-known ballerina who fell and broke her leg and has come to Aunt Gully to help her until her broken leg heals. Her sister is an editor of a social media company who plans to be the best media company. Allie's leg is almost healed will she be able to dance again?
There a paranormal slant to the story. A giant lobster is found by Bertha in Mystic Bay The lobster is given the name Lobzilla. The next day Lobzilla is stolen from his tank at Lazy Mermaid. Who has the Lobzilla? What do they plan to do with him? I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to St. Martin's Press for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
There a paranormal slant to the story. A giant lobster is found by Bertha in Mystic Bay The lobster is given the name Lobzilla. The next day Lobzilla is stolen from his tank at Lazy Mermaid. Who has the Lobzilla? What do they plan to do with him? I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to St. Martin's Press for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2019
Drawn and Buttered is Book 3 in the Lobster Shack Mystery Series. While this is part of a series, it does stand alone and one would not be confused if you haven't read the first two books in this fantastic series.
I love this book that is set in New England. As someone who has spent her life in New England, the author does a fantastic job of describing everything from the scenery to the local food. This was a great mystery with lots of twits. The characters are fun and relatable. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
I love this book that is set in New England. As someone who has spent her life in New England, the author does a fantastic job of describing everything from the scenery to the local food. This was a great mystery with lots of twits. The characters are fun and relatable. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 21, 2020
Cute but frustrating. The heroine has learned nothing over the course of the series. This time she finds & keeps something integral to finding the murderer. Several times she thinks/utters, "I should take this to the police," & then does the exact opposite. The characters continue to be amusing & the story entertaining. But I don't know if I'd read anymore due to the frustrations I have with the main character.
January 14, 2019
Drawn and Buttered is the third book in Shari Randall’s Lobster Shack Mystery series. The mystery is well plotted, and the characters are well developed. This quick read is steadily paced with lots of twists in the creative plot to keep readers engaged.
Allegra “Allie” Larkin, a ballerina who is recovering from a broken ankle, is staying with her aunt and helping at her lobster shack, The Lazy Mermaid, in Mystic Bay, Connecticut. Even though Allie loves helping at the Lazy Mermaid, she’s anxious for her doctor to clear her to return to her job dancing with the New England Ballet Theater. Hector Viera, and his wife, Hilda, help Aunt Gully run the shack, and she has a group of friends, Gully’s Gals, who volunteer to help. Gina Fontana, Allie’s aunt, lovingly called Aunt Gully, is being “courted” by Don O’Neill, the president of Chowdaheads, who wants to buy her chowder recipe. Allie has an older sister, Lorelei, who prefers to be called Lorel; her best friend, Verity Brooks, owns a vintage clothing shop; and her other friend, Bronwyn, is an intern at the police department and is studying criminal justice. Bertha Betancourt offers a “Learn to Lobster” tour on her boat, Queenie; and what a surprise the participants received ... an almost record-breaking lobster someone decided to name Lobzilla! Aunt Gully agrees to keep Lobzilla until Professor Fred Nickerson, who’s in charge of the Marine Biology Department of Graystone College, can arrange for a large tank to be delivered to the college. Unfortunately, Lobzilla is stolen; Max Hempstead, Fred’s TA, is murdered in the Parish family’s cemetery on Halloween’ and when his body is found, Lobzilla is at the scene. Allie finds herself drawn into the investigation when the police suspect her elderly dance mentor, Madame Svetlana Monachova, of the murder and is determined to find the real killer.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Allegra “Allie” Larkin, a ballerina who is recovering from a broken ankle, is staying with her aunt and helping at her lobster shack, The Lazy Mermaid, in Mystic Bay, Connecticut. Even though Allie loves helping at the Lazy Mermaid, she’s anxious for her doctor to clear her to return to her job dancing with the New England Ballet Theater. Hector Viera, and his wife, Hilda, help Aunt Gully run the shack, and she has a group of friends, Gully’s Gals, who volunteer to help. Gina Fontana, Allie’s aunt, lovingly called Aunt Gully, is being “courted” by Don O’Neill, the president of Chowdaheads, who wants to buy her chowder recipe. Allie has an older sister, Lorelei, who prefers to be called Lorel; her best friend, Verity Brooks, owns a vintage clothing shop; and her other friend, Bronwyn, is an intern at the police department and is studying criminal justice. Bertha Betancourt offers a “Learn to Lobster” tour on her boat, Queenie; and what a surprise the participants received ... an almost record-breaking lobster someone decided to name Lobzilla! Aunt Gully agrees to keep Lobzilla until Professor Fred Nickerson, who’s in charge of the Marine Biology Department of Graystone College, can arrange for a large tank to be delivered to the college. Unfortunately, Lobzilla is stolen; Max Hempstead, Fred’s TA, is murdered in the Parish family’s cemetery on Halloween’ and when his body is found, Lobzilla is at the scene. Allie finds herself drawn into the investigation when the police suspect her elderly dance mentor, Madame Svetlana Monachova, of the murder and is determined to find the real killer.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 23, 2019
NetGalley:
The Lazy Mermaid’s business has slowed to a snail’s pace—until a monster lobster claws his way onto the scene…
With the high season behind them, ballerina on-the-mend Allie Larkin and Aunt Gully are finally lying low. But then an unexpected guest arrives at the lobster shack: a crustacean so huge he’s dubbed Lobzilla around Mystic Bay and on social media. Soon, with everyone showing up for a peek in their tank, Allie and Aunt Gully have more on their plate than they can handle.
Meanwhile, another local establishment finds itself in hot water. In exclusive Rabb’s Point, a strange burglary breaches the elegant home of Royal Parrish. Allie takes it upon herself to help with the investigation but, before she can get to the bottom of the case, another alarm sounds: the Lazy Mermaid’s Lobzilla has gone missing and is on the loose! And bodies are beginning to pile up. . .
My Review:
A delightful read that is full of quirkiness and laughter that you will not want to put down. Aunt Gully is the aunt we all wished we had in our lives. She is supportive, loving and ready to jump into the fray with you.
Drawn and Buttered is the third book in the Lobster Shack Mystery series but you can jump into the series at any time. Beware, once you take the plunge you will never want to leave. The series is your typical cozy mystery series with clean language, no gory detailed violence, and no offense sex scenes.
The vivid descriptions of Aunt Gully's lobster rolls and chowder will have your mouth watering and your mind convincing you that you need to drive to the Connecticut coast immediately. Pretty soon I think my phone is going to automatically book me a plane ticket.
One of my favorite characters is Bronwyn and I keep hoping she makes more of an appearance that an occasional one. She is a great balance to Allie and Verity.
I hope you take a chance and visit my friends in Mystic Bay, Connecticut. I really think you would enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
The Lazy Mermaid’s business has slowed to a snail’s pace—until a monster lobster claws his way onto the scene…
With the high season behind them, ballerina on-the-mend Allie Larkin and Aunt Gully are finally lying low. But then an unexpected guest arrives at the lobster shack: a crustacean so huge he’s dubbed Lobzilla around Mystic Bay and on social media. Soon, with everyone showing up for a peek in their tank, Allie and Aunt Gully have more on their plate than they can handle.
Meanwhile, another local establishment finds itself in hot water. In exclusive Rabb’s Point, a strange burglary breaches the elegant home of Royal Parrish. Allie takes it upon herself to help with the investigation but, before she can get to the bottom of the case, another alarm sounds: the Lazy Mermaid’s Lobzilla has gone missing and is on the loose! And bodies are beginning to pile up. . .
My Review:
A delightful read that is full of quirkiness and laughter that you will not want to put down. Aunt Gully is the aunt we all wished we had in our lives. She is supportive, loving and ready to jump into the fray with you.
Drawn and Buttered is the third book in the Lobster Shack Mystery series but you can jump into the series at any time. Beware, once you take the plunge you will never want to leave. The series is your typical cozy mystery series with clean language, no gory detailed violence, and no offense sex scenes.
The vivid descriptions of Aunt Gully's lobster rolls and chowder will have your mouth watering and your mind convincing you that you need to drive to the Connecticut coast immediately. Pretty soon I think my phone is going to automatically book me a plane ticket.
One of my favorite characters is Bronwyn and I keep hoping she makes more of an appearance that an occasional one. She is a great balance to Allie and Verity.
I hope you take a chance and visit my friends in Mystic Bay, Connecticut. I really think you would enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
March 4, 2019
AMAZING!! Shari Randall, you did it again, and better!! I love this series. I feel like I am part of community of Mystic Bay when I read these books. The core characters are amazing and every new character introduced is developed extremely well.
Here in book 3, its Halloween. Its Halloween in New England. Old traditions and superstitions are brought to light in reenactments. I was actually familiar with the superstition or folk lore surrounding the Parish Family ancestry. So when a body is found in the old Parish Cemetery, on Halloween night, it makes you questions if there were supernatural beings at work or a murderer.
Its up to Allie, Verity, and a others to crack the case. The shenanigans they get into are mostly comical, yet someone is now actively seeking Allie out. Can Allie crack another case?
Oh and don't forget Lobzilla!! I am also glad we didn't have to deal with Lorel much in this story.
What is so great about Ms. Randall's books, you definitely feel like you are part of the story. Allie is the protagonist/sleuth. She is very likable and relatable. She isn't pushy and while she does find herself in some compromising positions, her behavior isn't as reckless as in some cozies. She lives with her whimsical Aunt Gully, who is quirky for sure but not obnoxious. Also, the "law" is now used to her involvement and actually trust her instincts. They aren't over the top jerks.
Here in book 3, its Halloween. Its Halloween in New England. Old traditions and superstitions are brought to light in reenactments. I was actually familiar with the superstition or folk lore surrounding the Parish Family ancestry. So when a body is found in the old Parish Cemetery, on Halloween night, it makes you questions if there were supernatural beings at work or a murderer.
Its up to Allie, Verity, and a others to crack the case. The shenanigans they get into are mostly comical, yet someone is now actively seeking Allie out. Can Allie crack another case?
Oh and don't forget Lobzilla!! I am also glad we didn't have to deal with Lorel much in this story.
What is so great about Ms. Randall's books, you definitely feel like you are part of the story. Allie is the protagonist/sleuth. She is very likable and relatable. She isn't pushy and while she does find herself in some compromising positions, her behavior isn't as reckless as in some cozies. She lives with her whimsical Aunt Gully, who is quirky for sure but not obnoxious. Also, the "law" is now used to her involvement and actually trust her instincts. They aren't over the top jerks.
April 8, 2019
I am so happy that I found this series! I love the lobster theme and Aunt Gully is one of my favorite cozy characters.
This book begins with a huge lobster found in the sea (almost a record-breaker); dubbed Lobzilla, he is safely stored, then stolen. The hunt begins for Lobzilla and when he is found, he is not found alone - he is found next to a dead college student.
Allie is on the case, unofficially of course, to find out what happened to the college student since her beloved dance teacher is accused of the crime. While looking, secrets are revealed about the town's founding family and Allie begins to wonder how far they will go to keep their secrets buried.
**SPOILER** Allie is getting back on her dancing feet at the end of the book, so I really hope this is not the last we see of her and the gang at the Mermaid Lobster Shack.
This was fun to read and well-written. I would love it if Lobzilla became the "pet" in this series and it would be nice to see a little romance take shape, perhaps to develop the characters out even more.
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley. 4.8 stars
#netgalley #drawnandbuttered
This book begins with a huge lobster found in the sea (almost a record-breaker); dubbed Lobzilla, he is safely stored, then stolen. The hunt begins for Lobzilla and when he is found, he is not found alone - he is found next to a dead college student.
Allie is on the case, unofficially of course, to find out what happened to the college student since her beloved dance teacher is accused of the crime. While looking, secrets are revealed about the town's founding family and Allie begins to wonder how far they will go to keep their secrets buried.
**SPOILER** Allie is getting back on her dancing feet at the end of the book, so I really hope this is not the last we see of her and the gang at the Mermaid Lobster Shack.
This was fun to read and well-written. I would love it if Lobzilla became the "pet" in this series and it would be nice to see a little romance take shape, perhaps to develop the characters out even more.
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley. 4.8 stars
#netgalley #drawnandbuttered
February 18, 2019
What pulled me into this story in the beginning was the enticing descriptions but what kept me reading was a plot that had numerous angles. From a kidnapped lobster and twisted history to stolen research and a despicable dancer there is a lot to keep a person guessing.
This is the third book in A Lobster Shack Mystery series but I had not read the first two and had no trouble following the story. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is the third book in A Lobster Shack Mystery series but I had not read the first two and had no trouble following the story. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 4, 2019
Hmm. I have a review that should be posting from netgalley.com.
September 10, 2019
I like a few of the characters but the side plots are really predictable like the stolen recipes and the stolen backpack. Allie is kind of ridiculous with the backpack thing. I did not like the fact that she just kept evidence in a world with cameras on phones. She could have had access to the evidence and then it would not have been as obvious. I'll read the next book as long as its available in my local library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2019
DRAWN AND BUTTERED – Shari Randall
A Lobster Shack Mystery
Mystic Bay, CT – Present Day
Allie Larkin is a professional ballerina, a part-time helper at the Lazy Mermaid lobster Shack (owned by Allie’s Aunt Gully), and an amateur sleuth. After injuring her ankle in a fall, Allie is bunking with Aunt Gully while taking some dance classes at the local college. As Halloween approaches, there is excitement at the Lazy Mermaid when Bertha Betancourt shows up at the dock with her customers from her Learn to Lobster tour. They carry a large bucket up to the shack and inside is the biggest lobster any of them had ever seen. Summoning a professor from the marine biology program at the college, everyone nicknames the big crustacean Lobzilla. Fred Nickerson, the professor, and a student assistant, Max, arrive and the older man is beside himself with glee. Lobzilla is put in one of the lobster shack’s storage tanks for the night.
Mystic Bay is known as a safe community where people don’t bother locking their doors. But the night Lobzilla is found, word comes out that Royal Parish’s house has been broken into. The Parish family is wealthy and proud of their royal heritage, and are stunned that someone ransacked their house. Unfortunately, someone has also stolen Lobzilla.
Allie begins to wonder about several weird happenings. Someone was peeking into Aunt Gully’s kitchen while she prepared her chowder, running away when Allie confronted him or her (they were dressed in black and fled before Allie could catch them). Odd items have been left at the lobster shack – leis draped around and beer and liquor bottles strewn throughout the yard. Then Gully’s house is broken into and her recipe cards and cookbooks are tossed onto the floor, drawers opened, and a general mess left. But this is nothing compared to finding the body of Max, Fred’s student, laying on the grave in the Parish family cemetery with Lobzilla beside him.
While Allie knows the police are investigating Max’s death, she has her own thoughts on who might be involved. But there are almost too many red herrings. She is trying to get her dancing career back on track while investigating all of the different channels regarding Max. Can she narrow things down before she, too, is put in a dangerous position?
DRAWN AND BUTTERED is another Lobster Shack Mystery and it’s both funny and exciting. Allie studies all of the clues along with two close friends. There are any number of potential killers, despite the laid back, New England community where everyone knows everyone. Preceded by two books, AGAINST THE CLAW and CURSES, BOILED AGAIN, I highly recommend this enjoyable mystery. And I dare readers to figure out the killer before Allie does!
A Lobster Shack Mystery
Mystic Bay, CT – Present Day
Allie Larkin is a professional ballerina, a part-time helper at the Lazy Mermaid lobster Shack (owned by Allie’s Aunt Gully), and an amateur sleuth. After injuring her ankle in a fall, Allie is bunking with Aunt Gully while taking some dance classes at the local college. As Halloween approaches, there is excitement at the Lazy Mermaid when Bertha Betancourt shows up at the dock with her customers from her Learn to Lobster tour. They carry a large bucket up to the shack and inside is the biggest lobster any of them had ever seen. Summoning a professor from the marine biology program at the college, everyone nicknames the big crustacean Lobzilla. Fred Nickerson, the professor, and a student assistant, Max, arrive and the older man is beside himself with glee. Lobzilla is put in one of the lobster shack’s storage tanks for the night.
Mystic Bay is known as a safe community where people don’t bother locking their doors. But the night Lobzilla is found, word comes out that Royal Parish’s house has been broken into. The Parish family is wealthy and proud of their royal heritage, and are stunned that someone ransacked their house. Unfortunately, someone has also stolen Lobzilla.
Allie begins to wonder about several weird happenings. Someone was peeking into Aunt Gully’s kitchen while she prepared her chowder, running away when Allie confronted him or her (they were dressed in black and fled before Allie could catch them). Odd items have been left at the lobster shack – leis draped around and beer and liquor bottles strewn throughout the yard. Then Gully’s house is broken into and her recipe cards and cookbooks are tossed onto the floor, drawers opened, and a general mess left. But this is nothing compared to finding the body of Max, Fred’s student, laying on the grave in the Parish family cemetery with Lobzilla beside him.
While Allie knows the police are investigating Max’s death, she has her own thoughts on who might be involved. But there are almost too many red herrings. She is trying to get her dancing career back on track while investigating all of the different channels regarding Max. Can she narrow things down before she, too, is put in a dangerous position?
DRAWN AND BUTTERED is another Lobster Shack Mystery and it’s both funny and exciting. Allie studies all of the clues along with two close friends. There are any number of potential killers, despite the laid back, New England community where everyone knows everyone. Preceded by two books, AGAINST THE CLAW and CURSES, BOILED AGAIN, I highly recommend this enjoyable mystery. And I dare readers to figure out the killer before Allie does!
May 19, 2019
This book was a pretty perfect example of what a cozy mystery should be: a cute, coastal setting, an unsettling mystery and a touch of ghostly presence combined to create a story that you will just breeze right through.
This is the third book in the Lobster Shack series, but can be read as a standalone. But don’t read it if you’re hungry. Cause you will be even hungrier when you read this.
Allie is continuing to heal from her ankle injury which has derailed her dancing career wile helping her aunt run the Lazy Mermaid lobster shack when a gigantic lobster is found, then stolen. And when the lobster reappears, it’s sitting on top of a body, which is on top of a supposedly-haunted grave. Allie find herself once again knee-deep in the investigation, which involves a local fraternity, old secrets and a lot of seafood.
I loved the characters in this book, they were the type of people I’d want to hang out with if I spent a weekend on the beautiful coast of New England. I was rooting for Allie, both in her investigation and to heal up for the performance that will bring her back to the stage. He characters of Verity, Beltane, Aunt Gully, Isabel parish, etc. all added flavor of the novel because you couldn’t possibly guess what was going to happen next with this crazy bunch.
I really liked how this story concluded and felt it as really a good, realistic ending. It’s not perfect, but nothing in life really is, isn’t it?
In addition to the main murder plot, there are several subplots which are really fascinating and are going to lead to me reading the rest of the series. I really can’t wait to see where everything goes - especially the storyline at the dance company, which just shocked me.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes, and will be picking up the next one. And the previous two I missed. You should too.
This is the third book in the Lobster Shack series, but can be read as a standalone. But don’t read it if you’re hungry. Cause you will be even hungrier when you read this.
Allie is continuing to heal from her ankle injury which has derailed her dancing career wile helping her aunt run the Lazy Mermaid lobster shack when a gigantic lobster is found, then stolen. And when the lobster reappears, it’s sitting on top of a body, which is on top of a supposedly-haunted grave. Allie find herself once again knee-deep in the investigation, which involves a local fraternity, old secrets and a lot of seafood.
I loved the characters in this book, they were the type of people I’d want to hang out with if I spent a weekend on the beautiful coast of New England. I was rooting for Allie, both in her investigation and to heal up for the performance that will bring her back to the stage. He characters of Verity, Beltane, Aunt Gully, Isabel parish, etc. all added flavor of the novel because you couldn’t possibly guess what was going to happen next with this crazy bunch.
I really liked how this story concluded and felt it as really a good, realistic ending. It’s not perfect, but nothing in life really is, isn’t it?
In addition to the main murder plot, there are several subplots which are really fascinating and are going to lead to me reading the rest of the series. I really can’t wait to see where everything goes - especially the storyline at the dance company, which just shocked me.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes, and will be picking up the next one. And the previous two I missed. You should too.
February 13, 2019
Shari Randall's Drawn and Buttered is the third installment in the Lobster Shack Mystery series. Autumn is setting in, and the small town of Mystic Bay is recovering from the hectic busy season as a top tourist destination. Recovering from an injury, former ballerina and now Lobster Shack employee, Allie Larkin has seen it all. Now she is looking forward to a little peace and quiet that the off season could provide. Of course, with Halloween around the corner things are bound to get a little out of hand. When from the depths of the ocean, a monstrous sized lobster, affectionately named Lobzilla emerges, everyone is excited about this almost record breaking lobster, especially Allie's friend Fred, the eccentric marine biologist.
Lobzilla's infamy makes him a prime target though, and in the dark of the night poor Lobzilla goes missing, and that is just the beginning.
As part of the series, Drawn and Buttered could be read as a standalone. I had no issue getting into the characters and understanding the dynamic of Mystic Bay. You are introduced to motley crew of townsfolk. Such as Aunt Gully, the owner of the Lobster Shack. Allie's friends Verity and Bronwyn, and even Allie's friends from her other life as a prolific ballerina in Boston.
As a cozy this book packs a punch. The book has many layers of intrigue and mystery and builds on an interesting town history. As a reader I am highly intrigued by Mystic Bay and the Lobster Shack series, and will definitely be going back to read the first two books in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Lobzilla's infamy makes him a prime target though, and in the dark of the night poor Lobzilla goes missing, and that is just the beginning.
As part of the series, Drawn and Buttered could be read as a standalone. I had no issue getting into the characters and understanding the dynamic of Mystic Bay. You are introduced to motley crew of townsfolk. Such as Aunt Gully, the owner of the Lobster Shack. Allie's friends Verity and Bronwyn, and even Allie's friends from her other life as a prolific ballerina in Boston.
As a cozy this book packs a punch. The book has many layers of intrigue and mystery and builds on an interesting town history. As a reader I am highly intrigued by Mystic Bay and the Lobster Shack series, and will definitely be going back to read the first two books in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
February 24, 2019
This is a great series but, after reading each of the three books (so far) I have wanted lobster rolls every single time. One of these days.....In any case, it was wonderful to spend more time with Allie and her Aunt Gully and their friends. This time it's Halloween and the summer crowds are gone, replaced by the Leaf Peepers so business is still a rush at Aunt Gully's lobster shack, the Lazy Mermaid. Allie continues to lend a hand while she is recovering from a broken ankle. She is a ballerina eager to return to the stage, all she needs is the green light from her doctor. Until then she has another mystery or two to solve - who stole the monster lobster nicknamed Lobzilla who was residing in a tank at the Lazy Mermaid? Who murdered the university student and why is Lobzilla found at the scene? Add some spooky Halloween antics involving tales of vampires and witches and Allie has a lot to wade through in her attempt to clear her dance mentor, Madame, a former Russian dancer whose bloody cape is at the crime scene and places her at the top of the prime suspect list. The crime scene also happens to be the private cemetery of the founding family of Mystic Cove. What is the connection and what secrets might the family be trying to hide?
This entry can easily be read as a stand alone but, if you enjoy this one as much as I did, you will be eager to read the previous two books. Allie, Aunt Gully and everyone else will welcome you and feed you well and the laughter will brighten your days.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entry can easily be read as a stand alone but, if you enjoy this one as much as I did, you will be eager to read the previous two books. Allie, Aunt Gully and everyone else will welcome you and feed you well and the laughter will brighten your days.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2019
DRAWN AND BUTTERED by Shari Randall, the third book in the Lobster Shack Mystery series, is the first I’ve read although I have to admit I’ve had my eye on the series for several months now. Despite my best intentions to start reading this series, it’s been the case of too many books and too little time… but now I’m realizing I should have moved it to the top of my to read pile. Despite starting with the third book, DRAWN AND BUTTERED was easily read as a standalone and I felt like it was easy to get to know the characters and settings. Protagonist Allie Larkin is an injured professional ballerina. While recuperating, she’s moved back to Mystic Bay to help her Aunt Gully run her lobster shack, the Lazy Mermaid. The reader is treated to a goose-bump worthy, Halloween-themed, slightly spooky story filled with a giant lobster, aka Lobzilla,; a coven of witches who have their eyes on Aunt Gully, and a murdered victim found on top of a supposedly haunted ancestral grave.
I enjoyed how the author combines historical elements from the colonial era with current day events. She effortlessly weaves in bits and pieces about how people dressed in the 1600s, along with sailor and fishermen equipment, and swords. It added to the authenticity of the plot’s premise. Ms. Randall includes several subplots, each building on the other, to keep Allie moving at a fast pace throughout the story. There were plenty of clues to keep me turning pages and plenty of suspects, thanks to the subplots, to keep me guessing. The reveal felt just a little rushed but in the end, the threads were pulled together for a heartwarming conclusion.
I enjoyed how the author combines historical elements from the colonial era with current day events. She effortlessly weaves in bits and pieces about how people dressed in the 1600s, along with sailor and fishermen equipment, and swords. It added to the authenticity of the plot’s premise. Ms. Randall includes several subplots, each building on the other, to keep Allie moving at a fast pace throughout the story. There were plenty of clues to keep me turning pages and plenty of suspects, thanks to the subplots, to keep me guessing. The reveal felt just a little rushed but in the end, the threads were pulled together for a heartwarming conclusion.
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