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Paradise #17

Initiation in Paradise

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Margaritas, mangroves, murder. Just another day at the office. One minute, Madison Weston and her bestie, Fab, are tailing Creole and Didier to figure out what they’re hiding. The next, a hail of bullets sends them swamp slogging for their lives. So much for cute shoes. Eventually, Creole and Didier come Bodies are turning up in shallow graves, and they didn’t want their women catching wind of it. Too bad, boys, this mystery is too juicy to pass up.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2019

508 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Brown

52 books1,444 followers
Deborah Brown is the author of the Paradise series, Crazy, Deception and Trouble Florida Keys mysteries, which makes the reader laugh, cry and cheer...

My personal ad would read:

There's nothing a new pair of shoes can't cure.

Redhead. Long legs. There's nothing like a strawberry-lemonade in summer. Favorite activity: Filling my pockets with seashells. An avid rule follower when eating Animal Cookies: Broken ones get eaten first, match up the rest, duplicates next, line them up favorite to not, least favorite go first. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue cats, and where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.


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5 stars
949 (68%)
4 stars
344 (24%)
3 stars
75 (5%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Don Rich.
Author 34 books73 followers
March 27, 2019
Deborah Brown continues to deliver with this series! Now she takes us to Card Sound where they make killer grouper sandwiches and mangrove moonshine. But don't go without a friend and your gun...
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews20 followers
June 29, 2019
I chose to review this book after requesting a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I’ve read most of the books in this series and I love these characters. They’ve become like good friends, and I’m always looking forward to their next story or adventure. Madison and Fab are best friends and although they’ve calmed down over the years, they’re still good private investigators. They’ve also both gotten married recently and have great relationships with their men.

Although Madison and Fab are trying to stay away from the more dangerous cases, danger seems to seek them out whether they’re on a case or not.

Initiation in Paradise has several cases that the girls take from serving divorce papers to a welfare check. None of their cases are simple no matter how easy they sound which results in danger, humor, or both. I can always count on a good laugh when I’m reading a Paradise book.

As with all of the Paradise books, Initiation in Paradise was a quick and enjoyable read. Deborah Brown has a good sense of humor and you never know what’s going to happen. I especially liked the ending although it was not what I expected, and I’m looking forward to Madison and Fab’s next adventure.

Although this series is best read in order, all of the books stand alone. I definitely recommend them if you like independent women who are loyal and passionate about family, life and love.
377 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2019
Another fun adventure

I can’t believe this is the 17th Paradise series book. Brown keeps her storylines and characters interesting and fresh. I love how each character grows. You don’t feel like everyone is doing the same thing in each book. Her characters have grown and developed. Brown has phased out characters that are no longer important to the overall story. Madison and Fab have grown and matured (ha)! They still encounter the craziness you associate with this series. But each book is unique. Initiation in Paradise was addicting. I stayed up way too late at night reading about the Florida adventures!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2019
Another day star read

This series is one of my favorite series. I love Fab and Madison. Madison's mom needs to get reeled in. That's my only complaint on this book. I enjoyed all the side stories , and I love that Caspian and Harder are becoming more involved with the group. Madison has a rough few days, between being kidnapped and shot and her mother only mad she wasn't told first hand. Creole is the perfect husband. Didier is a close second. We have a murderous family, backstabbing friends, and felony chickens shooting off valuable body parts. Lots of crazy action.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,036 reviews
September 1, 2019
Another crazy adventure with the crazy twosome (sometimes foursome) in Florida. This one had too much driving around and complaining about Fab always driving the car and pouting and generally whining for me. I find the crazy antics funny but somehow don’t connect with the beach scene and the almost homeless crowd that hangs around. Jake’s bar sounds like a great place and Kelpie sounds like she’d be fun. There are lots of books in this series and you can pretty much pick any one up and have a good read without starting at the beginning.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2019
Making new friends in strange places.

Madison and Fab are up to their usual tricks, sticking their noses into things that don't concern them. In the process they find more than their fare share of bodies, and one scary deranged old lady. They also make a new friend out in the boonies, a moonshiner that helps save their bacon. The characters are as zany as ever and the locations are to die for.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
March 18, 2019
I love this series

It’s hard for me to believe that we are on book 17 and I still can’t wait to my hands on the next one when it comes out. The author does a fantastic job of writing each book as a stand alone but full of family and friendships that carry over and it’s one big family you will love. Each book also has a fantastic mystery, they are always well written, the author never skips on details and they captivate me.
Profile Image for Eileen.
107 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2022
Great Read

Excellent story lines and well executed!
This author was new to me but now I’m hooked! Binge reading the series . One tiny suggestion is to slap Madison’s mother into next week. Her controlling ways are tiresome. Really Spoon needs to real her in or Madison needs to tell her off! Love all the other characters but especially Madison and Fab.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2023
Is this the movie 'Deliverance'?
This book is part of a series that takes place in South Florida. Due to the ever-evolving backstory, I think this series should be read in order. In this episode, the ladies get into several awful situations. Some parts get pretty tense, but the humor softens it. This is a great episode with lots going on. I am enjoying binge-reading the series.
1 review
March 24, 2019
Another awesome day in Paradise!!!

I have this 5 stars, because as usual, I was drawn in from the very beginning! I love feeling as if I'm actually on all these adventures with the girls!! And the fact that no matter what, they are there for each other always!!
Profile Image for Carol Swigar.
3 reviews
June 10, 2019
I have read the whole Paradise Series and love all the storylines. Fantastic read

I have read the paradise series and loved each storyline. They are a fantastic read for anyone who loves thrillers
Profile Image for Susan.
2,496 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2019
Adventure, suspense, fun

This book in the series has the usual array of enjoyable characters with suspense, romance, and fun. There is always a lot going on in these books. Very entertaining!
375 reviews
May 16, 2023
Crazy people in this world

Madison lives through another ordeal. Fab comes to the rescue. Their friendship is polar opposites. Their boyfriends laugh at their tactics and holds them accountable. Mila is Brad's daughter and everyone wants time with her.
483 reviews15 followers
October 22, 2023
17 is also awesomely fantastic!

New roller coaster and new twists guaranteed.
The alternate universe I have come to love proceeds!
The family has expanded and the characters continue to entertain! Time for 18!
19 reviews
March 16, 2019
I love these crazy gals!

I have read ever book she has written. I love them all. The series of Fab and Madison are wonderful. I can't wait for the next one.
6 reviews
April 11, 2019
Love this series!!

Madison and Fab are so much fun and we all envision a best friend bond like that! I sure hope Paradise doesn't lose any steam!!
8 reviews
May 8, 2019
Love!!!

Like always love her books!!! Was afraid they would end after the girls got married and so glad there is more to come.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,038 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2019
Much nicer read as Madeline wasn’t meddling in her adult children’s lives! These are quick easy reads!
Profile Image for Michelle Jenkins.
2 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2019
Great 👍

As usual when I've read this series, I couldn't put it down. This one was no different. The adventures and cases were awesome!
Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2020
Great read

Just when you think the girls can't get in any more trouble you find yourself holding your breath in Book 17. Awesome series.
4 reviews
May 20, 2021
Love it

Love it wish I didn’t read them so fast they are so good. Love the characters feel like you know them
175 reviews2 followers
Read
May 27, 2023
Hooked from the first page!

Can't wait for the next installment! Each book is better than the one before! What will the Author think of next?
911 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2023
What a fun read! Lots of action and wild characters.
Profile Image for Debbie Bonk.
48 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
This is one of the best series I have read in a while.This latest one is excellent it has the right amount of humor and suspense characters that you love and a great story reading this series is a sure bet
Profile Image for Barb.
40 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
Addy Clegg finished up her fun with this book

Daddy decided to give Madison her best fun with her. Tried kidnapping Madison a couple of times, Fab and Madison followed Addy one time almost got caught. Daddy was finally was caught and she got prison and her boys did, too!
132 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2020
Love these books! Comfortable old friend characters. Story lines that just go a bit array. Easy & happy read.
Profile Image for Cat.
500 reviews
Read
March 21, 2019
Loved it. This is such a fun series. I always stop and read these books ASAP. Mystery, humor and romance. Madison has the most over the top mother I have ever encountered. Love how the relationships are evolving and maturing. Thanks Deborah!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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