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Set Up: Secrets and Lies in Zihuatanejo
Between the smell of ripening marijuana and the semi-automatic rifle pointed at her head, JadeAnne Stone questions her decision to drive to Mexico in a VW camper with only Pepper, her German Shepherd, for protection. JadeAnne doesn’t fit anywhere–not with her adoptive, wealthy but dysfunctional, family, not with her new position as managing partner at Waterstreet Investigations, and especially not with her lover, Dex Trouette, now slipping away. Finding a missing banker’s wife is the key to distinguishing herself as an investigator and making her life fit like her favorite jeans. But life never cooperates.
Kidnapped off a lonely highway en route to Ixtapa, JadeAnne unwittingly enters a world of high-stakes oil politics, money laundering, and narco-trafficking. She is forced to drive to the Aguirre hacienda where she finds the missing wife. But she’s been set up, and to stay alive she must unravel the Aguirre family’s secrets. Who will she trust as loyalties shift and greed rules? And how will she escape this new underworld?
Kidnapped off a lonely highway en route to Ixtapa, JadeAnne unwittingly enters a world of high-stakes oil politics, money laundering, and narco-trafficking. She is forced to drive to the Aguirre hacienda where she finds the missing wife. But she’s been set up, and to stay alive she must unravel the Aguirre family’s secrets. Who will she trust as loyalties shift and greed rules? And how will she escape this new underworld?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
7 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Ana Manwaring
16 books17 followersAna Manwaring is the author of the JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventures: Set Up, The Hydra Effect, Nothing Comes After Z, Coyote and in 2023, Backlash. She is currently finishing her Mexico memoir, Saints and Skeletons—call it a prequal—the real adventure. Ana produces both North Bay Poetics and SincNorCal’s monthly events. She’s branded cattle, consulted a brujo, and target practiced with and Uzi. She lives with two feral kittens and her mostly tamed Leo husband in Wine Country. Follow https://www.pinterest.com/anamanwarin... and join Writing on the Wall, a periodic newsletter, at www.anamanwaring.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 24, 2019
In her debut mystery novel, author Ana Manwaring offers up more twists and turns than a Mexican rattlesnake. Fast paced, with well-crafted characters and a strong female lead, there's plenty to like about this world of power, politics, and Mexican money laundering. I especially enjoyed the strong sense of place, which Manwaring uses to great effect. Well worth adding to your TBR pile.
December 3, 2022
Private investigator JadeAnne Stone and her dog Pepper travel to Mexico to find a client's missing wife. It promises to be one of those fun, easy jobs because the wife was last seen near the resort town of Zihuatanejo, where one of JadeAnne's friends has a house. She can stay in her friend's house and combine business with pleasure.
Her plans go awry almost immediately when JadeAnne is kidnapped by a marijuana farmer/senator on her way to Zihuatanejo. The confusion mounts as the "kidnapper" treats JadeAnne like a welcome guest on his estate. And why is the missing wife there, too? Is she a guest or a captive...or both? And what's up with JadeAnne's boyfriend/partner? Why has he been so distant?
Things just get more complicated from there. Nobody except Pepper is who they appear to be. Sorting friends from foes is going to take all of JadeAnne's wits and courage. Do join her for the ride. Not everyone survives but I'm sure you'll come out of it still alive and well-entertained to boot.
Her plans go awry almost immediately when JadeAnne is kidnapped by a marijuana farmer/senator on her way to Zihuatanejo. The confusion mounts as the "kidnapper" treats JadeAnne like a welcome guest on his estate. And why is the missing wife there, too? Is she a guest or a captive...or both? And what's up with JadeAnne's boyfriend/partner? Why has he been so distant?
Things just get more complicated from there. Nobody except Pepper is who they appear to be. Sorting friends from foes is going to take all of JadeAnne's wits and courage. Do join her for the ride. Not everyone survives but I'm sure you'll come out of it still alive and well-entertained to boot.
June 22, 2021
Love this story. The writing is excellent, especially the action scenes, and I really enjoyed the regional flair of this part of Mexico. I thought JadeAnne Stone was an interesting and relatable character I'd like to read more of. Looking forward to the next one.
July 22, 2020
Set Up is a beautiful, exotic, glam-bohemian romp through Mexico, full of sensuous tastes of the cuisine, swims in the ocean, cocktails, romance—and murder. From a hippy van to a luxurious hotel, JadeAnne fits in anywhere and finds herself in a love triangle. Women, pay attention: there are hunks in here! Danger lurks everywhere, from rival Mexican mafia families, and JaneAnne is caught in the middle. Author Ana Manwaring’s love for dogs shines in her novel, with our second hero, Pepper the faithful German Shepherd—her guardian and best friend, who never leaves her side.
There’s an explosion scene that’s riveting! WOW! Edge of my seat the whole time, definitely my favorite part of the book!! I could smell the tar and creosote, feel the smoke burning her lungs. Really great writing!
Love interest Anibal is a hottie! II really liked his character, he seemed genuine and sweet, unlike the Senator, who was all about being in control of everything. Absent boyfriend Dex deserves a punch in the face. (Or does he?)
JadeAnne walks headlong into danger to further her investigation, with the bodacious confidence of a woman with a sidearm in her purse and attack dog at the ready.
The end of the book is buttoned up but with a feeling of “A sequel is coming!” (And, yep, there’s a sequel!) JadeAnne is tough, complicated, smart, and at times, vulnerable. Her friends are bold and fun, especially the gregarious wild Lura. You never know who to trust, but JadeAnne isn’t afraid to dive in, come what may.
Ana Manwaring captures the beauty of Mexico with brilliant writing… "the palm clacked their fronds in wild applause over the roar of the breakers..." Beautiful!
Rose Winters
There’s an explosion scene that’s riveting! WOW! Edge of my seat the whole time, definitely my favorite part of the book!! I could smell the tar and creosote, feel the smoke burning her lungs. Really great writing!
Love interest Anibal is a hottie! II really liked his character, he seemed genuine and sweet, unlike the Senator, who was all about being in control of everything. Absent boyfriend Dex deserves a punch in the face. (Or does he?)
JadeAnne walks headlong into danger to further her investigation, with the bodacious confidence of a woman with a sidearm in her purse and attack dog at the ready.
The end of the book is buttoned up but with a feeling of “A sequel is coming!” (And, yep, there’s a sequel!) JadeAnne is tough, complicated, smart, and at times, vulnerable. Her friends are bold and fun, especially the gregarious wild Lura. You never know who to trust, but JadeAnne isn’t afraid to dive in, come what may.
Ana Manwaring captures the beauty of Mexico with brilliant writing… "the palm clacked their fronds in wild applause over the roar of the breakers..." Beautiful!
Rose Winters
January 7, 2019
Ana has created a page-turner, for sure. This story is exciting, tension-filled, and the details make it totally believable. I had a difficult time putting the book down, once started. The main character is brought to life, as is the supporting cast. The reader is solidly placed in the setting. You definitely do not want to go there alone at night - maybe not even during the day!
This is a first novel, so expect a few glitches—none of which affect the overall enjoyment of the story.
I highly recommend Set Up.
This is a first novel, so expect a few glitches—none of which affect the overall enjoyment of the story.
I highly recommend Set Up.
December 16, 2018
Ana Manwaring has written an exciting page turning book. I couldn't put it down.
May 24, 2019
I hope Ana has the next book ready soon. I’m eager to read it!
August 18, 2020
A well written adventure of a female P.I. romping through the complexities of Mexican politics, drug cartels, romance, kidnapping, and murder.
March 12, 2021
I look forward to reading her subsequent books.
February 22, 2022
Manwaring has written a fascinating book about a female private investigator; JadeAnne, who is hired to find a missing wife. Yes, it does sound pretty standard, but wait a minute. What if this investigator decided to drive a VW camper and bring her dog along for the ride all the way down to interior Mexico? And what if her drive took her through cartel country where she is kidnapped? She wakes to find that she is in the estate of one of the biggest growers of marijuana in the country.
I am excited to say that Manwaring not only makes the story completely plausible but keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping that JadeAnne makes it out of there alive. It truly is a fascinating read with characters that make you laugh out loud, scare the you-know-what out of you, or beguile you. Mexico is beautiful with the tropical climate, beautiful fields of flowers, gifted musicians' exotic drinks, and romantic beaches. How can so much be in one story!
Oh, I forgot the dog, Pepper. Absolutely love the dog! If you saw John Wick 3 with Halle Berry and her dogs you will understand and if you missed it just think about the best dog in the world and you will understand the value of traveling with Pepper. Aside from Pepper, the reader will be mesmerized by the twists, turns, and surprises around every corner. How can JadeAnne know who to trust? How will she get out alive? A great fun adventure awaits!
I am excited to say that Manwaring not only makes the story completely plausible but keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping that JadeAnne makes it out of there alive. It truly is a fascinating read with characters that make you laugh out loud, scare the you-know-what out of you, or beguile you. Mexico is beautiful with the tropical climate, beautiful fields of flowers, gifted musicians' exotic drinks, and romantic beaches. How can so much be in one story!
Oh, I forgot the dog, Pepper. Absolutely love the dog! If you saw John Wick 3 with Halle Berry and her dogs you will understand and if you missed it just think about the best dog in the world and you will understand the value of traveling with Pepper. Aside from Pepper, the reader will be mesmerized by the twists, turns, and surprises around every corner. How can JadeAnne know who to trust? How will she get out alive? A great fun adventure awaits!
June 19, 2022
Set Up
By Anna Manwaring
This Mexican adventure hit the spot. Throughout the many twists, Ms. Manwaring never failed to paint a vivid picture of the world she created. As the mystery unfolds, we ride with JadeAnn, living through her exploits, curiosity piqued about her world; we live through the danger while trying to balance her life and loves. In the end, she sets the stage for the next in the series—an excellent read.
By Anna Manwaring
This Mexican adventure hit the spot. Throughout the many twists, Ms. Manwaring never failed to paint a vivid picture of the world she created. As the mystery unfolds, we ride with JadeAnn, living through her exploits, curiosity piqued about her world; we live through the danger while trying to balance her life and loves. In the end, she sets the stage for the next in the series—an excellent read.
June 7, 2025
A gripping, fast-paced thriller set against the vibrant backdrop of coastal Mexico. Manwaring masterfully weaves a narrative rich in cultural detail, immersing readers in the sights and sounds of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. The dynamic between JadeAnne and Pepper was one of my favorite parts, adding depth and warmth to the story. As loyalties shift and secrets unravel, I was kept on edge, questioning whom to trust. Set Up is must-read for fans of suspenseful, culturally immersive mysteries.
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March 18, 2022Exciting read!
Set Up is a fast-paced suspense novel. Set in Mexico, the author takes you on an intense ride to the conclusion.
Set Up is a fast-paced suspense novel. Set in Mexico, the author takes you on an intense ride to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews