Whack The Mole

Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective #2

by Maggie March

Lucy is a human lie detector. Her rescue dog Paco is a ghost whisperer. Together, they solve crime in this laugh-out-loud cozy mystery series!

Joey "The Weasel" Frizzone has been deep undercover with one of the country's largest organized crime families and the time has come for him to testify against them. The trial isn't for a couple of weeks and the feds need him to lay low, so they hide him in a place no one would ever think to look--a sleepy little town in Florida called Whispering Bay.

Lucy McGuffin bakes the best muffins in town. She's also a human lie detector, a talent that hasn't always been easy to live with, because, c'mon, how many times can a girl hear "It's me, not you," and keep a straight face?

Lucy's ability to sniff out a lie has given her a reputation for solving crime, so when an attempt is made on Joey's life, local police officer, Travis Fontaine, reluctantly seeks Lucy's help. But Lucy and Travis have a wobbly relationship. The arrogant cop thinks he's God's gift to womankind and Lucy isn't about to become President of his fan club.

Someone in the FBI must have a big mouth because soon there are enough hitmen in town to make Whispering Bay look like a reunion site for The Sopranos. Then someone starts whacking the hitmen. As the body count begins to rise, Lucy realizes she has to step up to the plate. Travis needs Joey to stay alive long enough to testify, and Lucy wants her quaint little town back, minus the mobsters.

With the help of her best friend, Will, and her rescue dog, Paco, Lucy and Travis set out to discover who's behind all the hits, because if they don't, Whispering Bay may never be the same again. Ba-da-Bing. Ba-da-Boom.

NOTE: This book was previously published under the name Maria Geraci

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Fantasy, Ebooks

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2019

About the author

Looking for your next addictive cozy mystery series? Maggie March delivers heartwarming whodunits that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Her stories blend clever mysteries with humor and just enough romance to make your heart flutter.

She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."

When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.

Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com

Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.

Reviews

[Kellene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really want to like this series, but Lucy has moments of being so annoying that I want to scream. If possible, Brittany is even worse. I do like Will and Sebastian, and I guess Travis is okay (but he does some awfully dumb stuff to be a deputy). Again, the dog keeps me coming back. The story moves quickly and I was kind of surprised at the end. I have one more in the series downloaded, so hopefully the series will improve for me.

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read although I have read something very similar.

A great plot although I must admit that I have read something very similar to this before but there was actually a nice twist at the end. Also is Will the mystery author - I think so? The characters are getting better with every book and I must admit Pack has skills when it comes to finding dead bodies.
The day started like any other until her curiosity was aroused by some deputies. Why is her lie metering digging when they say the order they want is for the police department? Throw in some FBI agents, the witness protection plan, hitman, murders, a film crew and her unfailing lie detector meter plus vivid imagination for a fast paced read. Will she work out who the notorious hitman is that's been on the FBI list for so long but who they are no closer to discovering?

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute story is the second in the Whispering Bay Mystery Series. The book is totally a stand alone, although I have read the first book in this series and like the thread that continues through each book. Lucy figures prominently in both books as she can catch people in a lie. She also owns a dog named Paco, who she believes is a “ghost whisperer” because he finds dead bodies. The book involves murders, the mob, the FBI, a cable cooking show, and a romance triangle. I must admit, that although the story is cute, and I did figure out who the murderer was, this almost romance between Lucy, Will, and Travis is the most interesting! I’m on team Travis and hope the next book moves that story on a bit further! Come on Lucy, at least go out on a date with these guys!

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not long since Lucy and her dog Paco solved a cold case crime, now they find themselves back in the thick of things when Paco sniffs out a corpse, that turns out the be a dead FBI agent!, and Lucy has to be told that Whispering Bay is hosting a hideout, well the FBI are looking after someone who has snitched on the mob and they need to keep him alive to testify.  The only problem is they know that someone nicknamed El Tigre is looking to kill him, and they are prepared to take out anyone in the way ... and that could include Lucy!

Add in a new delivery guy, a film crew and general mix-ups and Lucy has more than home made muffins on her plate!

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one (in my DJ Khaled voice)

I must say that I think this series may just have me in a chokehold. I hope that as it progresses that Lucy’s detecting skills get better or people are going to keep not liking her when she falsely accuses the of a crime because the real culprit doesn’t stand out to her until later. I also truly hope that this author isn’t headed towards a love triangle because I kind of hate those and I’m really liking Travis as a love interest.

[Jaimee Weatherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were engaging and quirky. The small town aspect was done well and the dog Paco was the star of the show. It had everything I enjoy in a Cozy Mystery and this particular storyline was fun and unique. I will have to check out more by this author.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really growing on me

I enjoyed this book a lot. Great characters Paco was a fun addition. He found multiple bodies during the story

[Jewett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun mystery with a neat dog.

[Imjussayin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whack the Mole
Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective #2, by Maggie March

In a Nutshell:
A warm, comforting cosy with a surprisingly big investigation when the FBI arrives in town. Lucy grows closer to Travis, the town fights hard to land a TV cooking-show spot, and the supporting cast gives the book its charm — especially Paco and the wonderfully outrageous eighty-year-old flirt, Betty Jean Colins.

Story Vibes:
🪄 Psychic lie-detection
💫 FBI involvement in a small town
🪄 Travis–Lucy spark building
💫 Tourism push for a TV show
🪄 A book club that is impossible to get into
💫 Paco’s ghost-whispering instincts

The Plot:
Lake Erie Shores has barely recovered from losing its “Crimeless City” reputation in Book 1, and now everyone is determined to look perfect for a high-profile cooking-show that could bring real tourism to the town. But Lucy wonders at the volume of food being eaten by the police and Paco finds another body.

The FBI sweeps into town, turning a cosy investigation into something with sharper edges. Lucy’s involuntary truth-blurting ability pulls her straight into the mess again, and Paco’s uncanny intuition keeps nudging her in the right direction. Meanwhile, Travis grows closer to Lucy, giving the book a gentle undercurrent of romance.

The Protagonist:
Lucy remains warm, reactive, and easy to root for. She juggling emotionally, especially with Travis edging further into her life. Paco continues to be her emotional anchor and supernatural sounding-board. A highlight this time is Lucy being invited to the highly exclusive book club, a little boost of confidence in the middle of chaos.


Themes & Style:
A cosy blend of psychic touches, community pride, and big-city pressure. The FBI adds unexpected weight to the mystery, while the town’s bid for the cooking-show keeps the pace light. The supporting cast is lively — including Betty Jena, the eighty-year-old who flirts boldly with younger men and steals every scene she’s in.

My Thoughts:
A sweet and highly enjoyable instalment. The FBI angle adds tension without breaking the cosy tone, and the Travis–Lucy thread is warming nicely. Paco is, as always, a delight. The community effort to look polished for television is charming.

Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: mild
Violence: mild
Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes

Star Rating: 3★ – charm and character.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Is Such A Hoot!!!

This story will have you in stitches while trying to figure who done it. In this second story of Whispering Bay Mystery series Lucy and Paco are at it again and three body count is rising. While Lucy makes the best muffins around, she is trying to get on a cooking show to win the big money prize. Whispering Bay is just getting back to being the sleepy retirement town it's known as after capturing a most wanted serial killer. Lucy's unknown gift of being a human lie detector send her hair on end when a local deputy tries to pull the wool over her eyes over a large order of food and drinks at her bistro. Lucy can't let things go and unknowingly stumbles into a case of witness protecting and the FBI. New and sexy sheriff Travis Fontaine swears Lucy to secrecy when she and Paco discover the dead body of an FBI Agent, but the body count doesn't stop there. With a professional human , El Tigre, on the loose killing other hitmen pandemonium is breaking loose in Whispering Bay once more. Will Lucy bumble the case when she accuses the wrong person or will she find that elusive clue and solve the case again?? Maria Geraci spins a humorous murder mystery with such a flair you can't help but turn the page to see what Lucy is up to next. The characters are a lively bunch. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy to add to my library. A wonderful book to one click!!!

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to return to Whispering Bay and get immersed in another mystery with Lucy and the police. Whispering Bay, the safest city, is having its moments with more and more murders and Lucy is right in the thick of things. Her dog, Paco, seems to be a ghost whisperer, since he's always bringing dead bodies to her attention while she's a human lie detector. Her best friend, Will, and her family are by her side throughout.

The story drew me in from the first page to the last and it was like I never left. The characters, the town and the small town life made me feel a part of the action and welcomed me back. I could taste Lucy's muffins and visualize the bistro. There was a coziness but also an edge due to everything that was going on there.

There were twists and turns to the story as well as the chance for Whispering Bay to participate in the Battle of the Beach Eats on the Cooking Channel. It was on again, off again, more than once due to all the murders. Lucy has a few dating opportunities but is it with who she wants? Does she once again help Travis solve the murders or is she a persona non grata? There was nice closure but I'm sure Lucy will be up to her antics again and again. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Murder by Muffin.

Ms. Geraci is an author whose books I enjoy whether her contemporary romances or her cozy mysteries. I can't wait to read what she writes next.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want an escape from the snow or the rain that has hit many of us here in the US, then look no further than Whack The Mole (Whispering Bay Mystery #2) by Maria Geraci. It is a mini-vacation to Florida, along with one in witness protection and those out to get him. Lucy is back to save the day though Paco always does his part. That is one special canine!
Like the first book, this turns into a murder mystery early in the story. The writing is excellent, the humor is actually funny without being snarky or crude and the characters are a hoot. Lucy and Paco are main in the story with much of the town of Whispering Bay making an appearance. This book is also educational or am I the only person to have never heard of “sciurophobia”? What can I say, Lucy’s life is always interesting, never boring. If only Lucy’s romantic life could be clear up as neatly as catching the villain, life would be perfect. However, like Lucy, I am not sure which direction her interest should go.
I may have like this one more than the first but that is hard to tell since I loved them both. If you haven’t read the first book, this will read just fine on its own, but why wait. Blanket Homicide is great so grab it too.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that murder could be so much fun! I died laughing while reading Whack a Mole. This is the second in the spin-off series of cozy mysteries. What a hoot! Although they spin off the characters in the highly romantic Whispering Bay novels, each book stands alone. Whack a Mole is fun, full of quirky characters, muffins (I get hungry reading about them), one smart dog who finds dead bodies and the heroine Lucy who is a human lie-detector, which is not always a good thing. When Whispering Bay, "the safest community in the world" is used to hide a federal witness against the mob, all hell breaks lose and Lucy finds herself knee-deep in "whacked" bodies. I do not want to spoil the surprises, of which there are many, but Lucy can never leave things to the "professionals". Her amateur sleuthing, aided by her lie-detector skills and ghost-whispering dog, will get her killed one of these days. There is a double helping of mystery, action, suspense and fun. Rabid squirrels, Grey Flamingos (cranky seniors), double chocolate muffins, arrogant detectives; this book has it all. And a touch of romance thrown in too. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of the book and I just love it!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book it is the second book in the Whispering Bay series. Lucy MacGuffin makes the best muffins in town. She is co-owner of the Beach Bistro and is entered in a contest for best Beach eats. She has another talent but keeps it a secret---she is a human lie detector. With her dog Pacco, (who is a ghost whisperer) she has a reputation for solving murders. The FBI needed a safe place to stow Joey the Weasel and keep him safe so he can testify against a crime family he spied on undercover so they choose quiet little Whisper Bay. When Joey's hiding place becomes know the town suddenly has hit men---that Lucy finds dead. Travis the town 's policeman asks for her help finding who is doing the killings. With Paco the dog, Will her best friend & Travis they solve the mystery. It is an easy read, with some zany characters & enough action to keep you turning the page. A nice clean book that leaves happy glow with you. I'll be watching for the next book in the series. Alice

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy McGuffin and her faithful sidekick Paco are up to their antics once again in this sequel to "A Whispering Bay Mystery"

When the FBI actually ask Lucy to help them solve a case, things quickly get out of hand in the small town of Whispering Bay. Paco locates one dead body after another, and Lucy discovers that at times her "gift" isn't as helpful as she thought.

Then there's also the handsome police officer who has feelings for Lucy, and tries to make a move, while Lucy still has feelings for her best friend, Will, and finds out that she doesn't hide them as well as she thought.

Does Lucy catch the bad guy? Does Paco really have the gift of "ghost whisperer"? Does Lucy tell Travis about her gift? Does Lucy have feelings for TWO men, and does she tell either of them?

Maggie March has a wonderful way of bringing you to Whispering Bay, and of solving murder mysteries in a light & fun way, without scaring the heck out of you!

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fun, quirky, and even a little snarky at times but absolutely fabulous! Lucy and Paco are back for more fun and chaos and murder to go with the muffins. Lucy can detect a lie and when one of the police officers comes in for a large order to go and she knows it is not going back to the office she is suspicious, especially when she follows him and Travis and discovers they hand off the order to a jogger who then goes to one of the vacation homes. It only gets crazier when Paco jumps from her car and runs down the sidewalk later that evening and finds the jogger with a bullet hole between the eyes. Murder victim number one. It seems the FBI has invaded their small town and hiding a witness. This is a fast paced and crazy story but so much fun it had me laughing while reading which makes it a keeper in my eyes. Definitely a recommended read!

**Received this ARC for review**

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I did not read the first book in the series, the author provided enough back story, that it was not an issue understanding this one. Lucy McGuffin is co owner of The Bistro by the Beach, in the small Florida town of Whispering Bay, "America's safest city", with her friend Sarah Power. Aside from being a baker, she is also human lie detector, and recently solved finding a serial killer. At that time she inherited a cute dog, Paco, from one of the victims. She is in love with her best friend, Will Cunningham, who is oblivious to her feelings, while local police officer, Travis Fontaine is trying to woo her. Lucy is convinced that Paco is a ghost whisperer, and he starts leading her to more dead bodies. While a murder mystery, the book is written in a very witty voice. The characters are well developed and endearing. I found it a very fun read.

[Latoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy the human lie detector and Paco the ghost whisperer dog 🐕 are back on the case. This book takes place just one week after the first book 📕 so the town is still buzzing about how Lucy solved those murders 🔪 The cooking channel is also in town to do test shoots 🎥 to see if the town will be chosen to be the focus of the next season of Best Beach Eats a cooking competition 🥘 so needless to say there’s a lot going on in the small town of Whispering Bay. Lucy was so nosey in this book to the point where she follows the police 👮‍♂️ 🚔 to find out why they’ve been ordering so much food 🧁from her cafe. After that she finds a dead ☠️ body and all the shenanigans ensue. I enjoyed this and was surprised 😱 at who the murderer/ hit man 🔫 turned out to be. I give this 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and Paco 🐶 is still my favorite character.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy is back and more fun than ever. The question on everyone's mind in the small town of Whispering Bay is 'Can Lucy McGuffin's canine companion really sniff out death' It certainly seems so when Paco finds another corpse. Lucy finds herself pulled into another mystery when all she really wants to do is bake fantastic muffins and capture the eye of her best friend Will. Enter Travis Fontaine, the hot new cop in town who certainly isn't making Lucy's sleuthing any easier. Can Lucy hold Travis at bay, using her mad baking skills to keep Bistro at the Beach in the running for the Battle of the Beach Eats cooking show and solve another murder. Pick up Whack a Mole to find out. I received a copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily giving this review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fun, interesting read. I didn't want to put this book down once I started reading it. I thought I knew who the killer was but happily I didn't. Lucy is a really fun character that has all the boys wanting to date her. I look forward to seeing who she ends up with, I am hoping for Travis. I have not read the first book but you don't have to, to really enjoy this book. I now want to go back and read the first one though. The little extra stuff is fun to read about also. If you like cozy mysteries, you will love this book.


*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a humorous detective story. Lucy has a knack for knowing when someone is lying to her and her dog Paco has a knack for finding bodies. Bodies start turning up in their peaceful little town. It turns out that the FBI has someone in a safe house, but when bodies start showing up, Lucy decides to help find the murderer.
I knew it was going to be a fun romp as soon as I read the first couple of paragraphs. There is a host of characters from the formerly quiet little town.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. I honestly really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Whispering Bay where the people are fun and quirky. Lucy McGuffin is the town baker of the most amazing muffins. Now with her side companion Paco, it seems trouble is finding them. With that trouble comes Travis, the new police officer in town. He is both intrigued by her and leaves him guessing how she figures things out. You will laugh and smile as she tries to find out who is killing people in town. Added to the zaniest is a film crew showing up early to see if they qualify for Battle of The Beach Eats. Just when you think you've figured it out, another turn. I am enjoying this series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispering Bay doesn't do boring. This beautiful small town hosts a ton of big city problems. To survive the drama residents need a nose for adventure, a wicked sense of humor and a thirst for a good mystery. Geraci is back to peak the interest and steal the heart with Whack the Mole. Hot on the trail of a dangerous mystery, Lucy and Travis lose their hearts to love. Cluelessly clever romantic suspense with it's own built in laugh track. Ms. Geraci makes zany, fabulous with a uniquely entertaining twist.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Loved it! Didnt want to put it down.

This is the second book in the Whispering Bay series and it was just as amazing as the first book. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out who El Tigre was.
Author Maria Geraci bring back many of the characters you love, adds a few new characters, causes you to laugh out loud one moment and leaves the edge of your seat guessing the next. This is an amazing read that I highly recommend. I cant wait for the third book to come out!

[Beth Temin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy catches El Tigre

The story of the FBI working with Lucy's help to catch a hitman (which turned out to be a woman) was a fun read, except for the four dead bodies plus two dirty FBI agents. I loved the way Lucy used her "human lie detector" skill to sleuth out the truth, as well as Paco's skill at finding dead bodies. It was hilarious when she accused the delivery man of being El Tigre, only to learn he was a policeman on leave from his job. The best part was when Will & Paco saved Lucy's life from El Tigre at the end.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Mystery

I love how the book starts off with Lucy just being her, well, nosy self. Where Travis the detective is concerned, she wants to know what is up with him. So she follows him when she catches him telling her a lie. She is a human lie detector afterall. This gets her into all kinds of dangerous situations. Her ghost whisperer dog Paco leads her to a dead body. Then she finds another dead body. Soon it is a epidemic of dead bodies. What is going on! She is bound and determined to figure it out. This was a very good mystery!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent addition to the series! In fact, when I finished reading it, I didn't even stop to do the review, I just started book three. Then, same day, finished book three and started book four. I'm taking a mini-break during a very exciting scene in book four (can't wait to get back to it) to catch up on these reviews. So far, this is an amazing series. The mysteries are interesting and not solvable from page one, the characters are fantastic, and the love story or triangle is building naturally. I honestly can't wait to read more. I highly recommend.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun , Lucy and Paco mystery in Whispering Bay, Florida, touted as one of the safest places to live. It was easier for me to read this story because of already knowing most of the characters from the first book in the series. This is just a funny, quirky story that you can not help but enjoy. The men in Lucy's life make it very interesting too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just hilarious. Paco is a very special/smart dog who seems to lead Lucy instead of her leading. Despite the mystery pile-up, I enjoyed reading this because Lucy is a great character, quirky and down to earth even though she has a special gift as well. She is independent and compassionate, her adventures in crime solving and love are very entertaining and has several laugh-out-loud moments. I am voluntarily reviewing a free copy.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Geraci has done it again. In the second installment Whack the Mole she had me laughing
And wanting more. Hang onto you’re seats while Lucy McGuffin and friends find murder and mayhem.

Also highly suggest Beach Blanket Homicide. But no worries if you haven’t read that. Both are stand alone.