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Zion Sawyer #5
Americano
Now that spring has arrived and the snow has melted, Zion and Tate look forward to warmer weather, more customers and time to explore the beautiful Sierras. Logan is doing well in his final year in school and Zion is about to open the coffee kiosk. Everything is running smoothly.Until Lorenzo Whitefeather summons Tate to the Acorn Casino with a mysterious death he needs help solving before the federal government gets involved. Zion doesn’t like Tate entangling himself with the taciturn, intimidating casino boss, so she insists on helping him solve yet another mystery.So much for leaving the mean streets of San Francisco for paradise.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
50 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Hamilton
115 books424 followersML Hamilton taught high school English and journalism in Central California for 32 years.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 18, 2019
I enjoyed the story and characters up until Tate and Zion have their supposed first fight. Tate demanding that she fire Evie who is caught in a domestic violence relationship doesn't fit with the character who so readily decided to foster Logan. Where did the heart of this man go? Why would he suddenly want to be so over protective.? Also why does Zion get so over protective when he goes to arrest CJ.
Suddenly the characters seem very co dependent???
Still a good easy read.
Suddenly the characters seem very co dependent???
Still a good easy read.
June 29, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"I have a business to run."
Zion has now been in Sequoya for almost a year: her inherited coffee shop is doing well and the Half Cat is about to open. Her best friend has established herself in the small town, too, and her relationship with David might be getting serious whilst Zion and Tate, ex policeman and owner of the local hardware store, grew ever closer. All is well - until Tate is summoned by casino boss, Lorenzo Whitefeather, who demands he take charge of the investigation of the body that had been found on his premises: and Lorenzo is not someone who takes no for an answer. Then Ziion's parents arrive, with friends, there's a new girl in town looking for work in the cafe, and Tate's foster son, Logan, seems to be acting strangely - not to mention Jaguar, Noah and Demos...
Another fun murder mystery set amidst the charismatic folks of a small town with fancy shop names. But it is the intertwining lives of those people which makes the book so enjoyable: M.L.Hamilton has created characters who really seem to have lives of their own and narrator Kelley Hazen reinforces this feeling as she draws on a cornucopia of voices to give individuality to every person there.
This is the fifth of a good cozy series, definitely a stand alone but enhanced if the characters have been met before in the earlier books. Reading one of the Zion Sawyer mysteries is like taking a brief vacation in a familiar holiday setting and catching up with old acquaintances..
Recommended.
"I have a business to run."
Zion has now been in Sequoya for almost a year: her inherited coffee shop is doing well and the Half Cat is about to open. Her best friend has established herself in the small town, too, and her relationship with David might be getting serious whilst Zion and Tate, ex policeman and owner of the local hardware store, grew ever closer. All is well - until Tate is summoned by casino boss, Lorenzo Whitefeather, who demands he take charge of the investigation of the body that had been found on his premises: and Lorenzo is not someone who takes no for an answer. Then Ziion's parents arrive, with friends, there's a new girl in town looking for work in the cafe, and Tate's foster son, Logan, seems to be acting strangely - not to mention Jaguar, Noah and Demos...
Another fun murder mystery set amidst the charismatic folks of a small town with fancy shop names. But it is the intertwining lives of those people which makes the book so enjoyable: M.L.Hamilton has created characters who really seem to have lives of their own and narrator Kelley Hazen reinforces this feeling as she draws on a cornucopia of voices to give individuality to every person there.
This is the fifth of a good cozy series, definitely a stand alone but enhanced if the characters have been met before in the earlier books. Reading one of the Zion Sawyer mysteries is like taking a brief vacation in a familiar holiday setting and catching up with old acquaintances..
Recommended.
May 2, 2019
The Zion Sawyer Cozy Mystery series is just sheer delight! And AMERICANO is no exception.
One of the best things about ML Hamilton's writing and the worlds she creates is the level of detail in the community that you come to know so well. You can absolutely picture the quaint village/town of Sequoia, CA. Also of particular delight, is the depth of Hamilton's ancillary characters. In particular, in the case of AMERICANO, is the new level to which we get to know Zion's parents, Joe and Gaby Sawyer. You will remember these are Zion's adoptive parents. Book One CAPPUCCINO deals with Zion's first exposure, albeit posthumously, to her birth mother.
Not to give too much away, my favorite part of this particular story is the patter between Zion and her parents who are anything but 'retiring'. We hvae staggered through any number of Gaby's hobbies that come and go like flies. In AMERICANO, Joe has gotten into the act. Together they have joined a motorcycle gang... called The Rusty Buckets😎🕶🏍🌄⛓ And THAT it just the tip of the iceberg! The mystery that goes along with the intricate relationships that thrive in this precious community is just the whipped cream on the espresso drink!
One of the best things about ML Hamilton's writing and the worlds she creates is the level of detail in the community that you come to know so well. You can absolutely picture the quaint village/town of Sequoia, CA. Also of particular delight, is the depth of Hamilton's ancillary characters. In particular, in the case of AMERICANO, is the new level to which we get to know Zion's parents, Joe and Gaby Sawyer. You will remember these are Zion's adoptive parents. Book One CAPPUCCINO deals with Zion's first exposure, albeit posthumously, to her birth mother.
Not to give too much away, my favorite part of this particular story is the patter between Zion and her parents who are anything but 'retiring'. We hvae staggered through any number of Gaby's hobbies that come and go like flies. In AMERICANO, Joe has gotten into the act. Together they have joined a motorcycle gang... called The Rusty Buckets😎🕶🏍🌄⛓ And THAT it just the tip of the iceberg! The mystery that goes along with the intricate relationships that thrive in this precious community is just the whipped cream on the espresso drink!
June 4, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's another book in the Zion Sawyer Cozy Mysteries series and it's another win. Although the beginning feels a bit slower than in the previous books (that's why I'd give the story 4.5 stars - rounded up to 5) and it takes us a bit more time to get to the "juicy' part (that is, the murder:)), the mystery itself is again intriguing and touching on an important issue. The new characters that appear in this part quickly become familiar and feel like they belong there and the background story of Zion's personal life is as funny and heart-warming as always.
Definitely a great addition to the series.
Narration by Ms Hazen is as good as ever, with the pace of her reading just about right, nice variation of voices, and perfect interpretation of the individual characters' feelings and emotions.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's another book in the Zion Sawyer Cozy Mysteries series and it's another win. Although the beginning feels a bit slower than in the previous books (that's why I'd give the story 4.5 stars - rounded up to 5) and it takes us a bit more time to get to the "juicy' part (that is, the murder:)), the mystery itself is again intriguing and touching on an important issue. The new characters that appear in this part quickly become familiar and feel like they belong there and the background story of Zion's personal life is as funny and heart-warming as always.
Definitely a great addition to the series.
Narration by Ms Hazen is as good as ever, with the pace of her reading just about right, nice variation of voices, and perfect interpretation of the individual characters' feelings and emotions.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 1, 2021
One of the best in the series (make sure that that you read the predecessor). One of the things that I like about this series is the character development (as weird and wonderful, as hippy angst and drugged up dumb etc as the most extreme of them are)!
This is a great 21st century aware tale, told with understanding and compassion. We also get introduced to a few more people who look as if they are going to be regular recurring personalities to the town.
I’ve said before, that this is no longer a Cozy Mystery series, it’s a step above that. (I have nothing against Cozy Mystery’s, it’s why I started this series in the first place). This is definitely a step above the ‘traditional’ witch cozy tale, whilst being light hearted enough to be enjoyable, it covers some sober matters which make you think.
I still don’t like Sam, Rebecca (& by extension), David. But there’s a new male irritant whom, I’m sure will be a regular...
This is a great 21st century aware tale, told with understanding and compassion. We also get introduced to a few more people who look as if they are going to be regular recurring personalities to the town.
I’ve said before, that this is no longer a Cozy Mystery series, it’s a step above that. (I have nothing against Cozy Mystery’s, it’s why I started this series in the first place). This is definitely a step above the ‘traditional’ witch cozy tale, whilst being light hearted enough to be enjoyable, it covers some sober matters which make you think.
I still don’t like Sam, Rebecca (& by extension), David. But there’s a new male irritant whom, I’m sure will be a regular...
July 6, 2022
I finished this book today, the last one in the collection of the first five Zion Sawyer audiobooks. They were all cozy mysteries, but they were exceptional in that respect.
This book was thrilling and unexpected, and although I did have the requisite "romance", it wasn't as bad as it might have been (I generally like mysteries, but not romances, so when their combined (as is frequently the case with cozy mysteries), it's best if the romance is not the major concern. This does get a little have been with the romance, but the ministry is DEFINITELY the concentration. Of course, the obvious suspects are examined and dismissed, but the whole story holds together, and is consistent.
These books are overall, kind of a joy: they're mysteries, but not hard-boiled, and for the most part the characters are agreeable; there's a consistent story that doesn't seem to be "trying too hard." I am looking forward to others in the series.
This book was thrilling and unexpected, and although I did have the requisite "romance", it wasn't as bad as it might have been (I generally like mysteries, but not romances, so when their combined (as is frequently the case with cozy mysteries), it's best if the romance is not the major concern. This does get a little have been with the romance, but the ministry is DEFINITELY the concentration. Of course, the obvious suspects are examined and dismissed, but the whole story holds together, and is consistent.
These books are overall, kind of a joy: they're mysteries, but not hard-boiled, and for the most part the characters are agreeable; there's a consistent story that doesn't seem to be "trying too hard." I am looking forward to others in the series.
May 11, 2019
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very entertaining. The Half Caf should be the most exciting thing happening in Zion's life but as usual things keep happening. Tate gets a summons from the casino owner and once again Zion and Tate have a mystery to solve. With Zion's parents in town to help and hinder, there's never a dull moment. There's something for everyone in this mystery. Once again this is a perfect combination of writing skill and narration. Looking forward to the next one.
August 21, 2019
I’ve followed this series from the beginning and I love catching up with all the characters.
M.L. Hamilton continues to develop the characters that we’ve grown to know and love, while introducing new characters as the story progresses.
It amazes me how Kelley Hazen can voice so many different characters. Each has their own voice and personality and I never have any doubt as to which character is speaking.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
M.L. Hamilton continues to develop the characters that we’ve grown to know and love, while introducing new characters as the story progresses.
It amazes me how Kelley Hazen can voice so many different characters. Each has their own voice and personality and I never have any doubt as to which character is speaking.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
May 16, 2019
Americano (A Zion Sawyer Cozy Mystery Book 5) was another great read by M.L. Hamilton. Zion and Tate's relationship is as good as ever. Zion has opened the Half Caf and everything seems to be going well with her new shop. Lorenzo Whitefeather summons Tate to his casino to investigate a mysterious death. I enjoyed reading Tate and Zion's story about their investigation. This was another great read by M.L. Hamilton and I can't wait to read more by the author.
August 14, 2023
Now what
This series is a fun read, especially if you can read it all in a row. Someti.we the witty banter get to be a bit much, but I like the humor in it overall. I would love to visit a town like this. With Zion and Tate on the job you just might forget that a murder needs to be investigated.
This series is a fun read, especially if you can read it all in a row. Someti.we the witty banter get to be a bit much, but I like the humor in it overall. I would love to visit a town like this. With Zion and Tate on the job you just might forget that a murder needs to be investigated.
April 10, 2024
Americano
What more nice things can I say about this series. I’m totally invested and enjoying all the characters. Not to mention more pop up with every book. What I also really enjoy is the dialogue between the characters. Less description and more dialogue between characters makes it more of a fun read. Now on to the next in the series.
What more nice things can I say about this series. I’m totally invested and enjoying all the characters. Not to mention more pop up with every book. What I also really enjoy is the dialogue between the characters. Less description and more dialogue between characters makes it more of a fun read. Now on to the next in the series.
April 29, 2022
Amei esta série. Gosto cada vez dos livros desta autora. Divertidos na medida certa, sempre com mistérios a serem resolvidos. Neste último, muita coisa se esclarece e se organiza, os protagonistas tomando importantes decisões, e os personagens secundários encontrando seus caminhos. Muito bom.
September 27, 2023
I started the first book in the Zion Sawyer series not knowing anything about the author or the series. After I finished the first book I had to continue until I had read all of the books in the series. Fun and easy to read mystery series.
February 28, 2019
Loved the book. The characters in this series are a hoot...
June 8, 2019
Americano
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of murder mystery and romance novels.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of murder mystery and romance novels.
April 22, 2023
Americano
A lot of action in this story plus romance! Everyone would like the ending in this cozy mystery. Barbara Wenk
A lot of action in this story plus romance! Everyone would like the ending in this cozy mystery. Barbara Wenk
December 30, 2020
I just love these cozy mysteries. I love how each character gets involved in the mystery or murder. Look forward to these, I have already started on Book 6...keep up the good work.
April 10, 2023
These were exactly what they claimed to be; cozy mysteries set in a quaint little town with likable people, surprisingly relatable villains, cute and obvious love matches, and the requisite lovable burnout hippy. They were quick snack sized fluff. I think I got through all five in as many days.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews