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Pineapple Port Mysteries #1
Pineapple Lies
Growing up in one of Florida’s fifty-five plus communities, Charlotte never expected life to be wild. Golf cart racing with her surrogate mothers Mariska and Darla was about as nutty as life got...until she found the hot pawnbroker’s mom buried in her backyard.
Talk about making a lousy first impression.
Armed with nothing but her wits, Pineapple Port’s questionable cast of characters and a growing crush, Charlotte is determined to solve the mystery of Declan’s mother’s murder.
Hey, at least this guy’s skeletons aren't in his closet.
Talk about making a lousy first impression.
Armed with nothing but her wits, Pineapple Port’s questionable cast of characters and a growing crush, Charlotte is determined to solve the mystery of Declan’s mother’s murder.
Hey, at least this guy’s skeletons aren't in his closet.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
2423 people are currently reading
3795 people want to read
About the author
Amy Vansant
78 books832 followersAmy Vansant is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author who writes with an unique blend of thrills, romance and humor (occasionally with a touch of time travel or fantasy). Check out the Pineapple Port Mystery series or her Urban Fantasy Thriller, the Kilty Series!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
April 9, 2015
Charlotte is a relate-able heroine to me, she's pretty funny,kinda silly and down to earth. She's spent years living at a elderly community where going slow is the way to go. Being around people of experience has taught Charlotte that not everything can be taken at face value. A lot of the women she hangs out with may be older but they're still a blast which most people wouldn't believe.
Declan owns a pawnshop, and happens to be quite the cutie. Charlotte has a mad crush on the guy, who could blame her! However, Declan seems a bit mysterious and not so forthcoming with information as Charlotte starts to investigate the murder.
Pineapple Lies is exactly what it's entitled as, its a cute romantic comedy mixed with a solid mystery. The romantic parts of this book were very sweet and innocent, in my opinion which made it fun to read. I didn't feel like it was this outrageous romantic affair that had me hand-fanning. It's funny and far more realistic, it shows how people really interact with each other.
The mystery part was well written,too. I was able to follow the clue and hints dropped throughout the book without knowing exactly who done it or what was going to happen. So, that was pretty cool. I got to connect the dots as I read.
My final thoughts on this book is that it's definitely a solid five stars. I think mystery and comedy lovers will really enjoy this book. It's a light-hearted read you can really get into. The cover is very cute, too.
Declan owns a pawnshop, and happens to be quite the cutie. Charlotte has a mad crush on the guy, who could blame her! However, Declan seems a bit mysterious and not so forthcoming with information as Charlotte starts to investigate the murder.
Pineapple Lies is exactly what it's entitled as, its a cute romantic comedy mixed with a solid mystery. The romantic parts of this book were very sweet and innocent, in my opinion which made it fun to read. I didn't feel like it was this outrageous romantic affair that had me hand-fanning. It's funny and far more realistic, it shows how people really interact with each other.
The mystery part was well written,too. I was able to follow the clue and hints dropped throughout the book without knowing exactly who done it or what was going to happen. So, that was pretty cool. I got to connect the dots as I read.
My final thoughts on this book is that it's definitely a solid five stars. I think mystery and comedy lovers will really enjoy this book. It's a light-hearted read you can really get into. The cover is very cute, too.
July 22, 2024
Del Boca Vista is a retirement condominium complex.
Kramer finds a skeleton buried underneath his garden
Hilarity ensues.
Not funny and too simple for my taste.
It was free on Amazon
You get what you pay for.
Kramer finds a skeleton buried underneath his garden
Hilarity ensues.
Not funny and too simple for my taste.
It was free on Amazon
You get what you pay for.
November 22, 2023
Fun!
Fun detective series! I loved this! I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series sometime soon! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
Fun detective series! I loved this! I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series sometime soon! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
July 23, 2017
I recieved this Kindle freebie in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As the youngest resident of a retirement community, twenty-six-year-old Charlotte doesn't lack for surrogate mothers, but what she does lack is a general purpose in life. Thanks to her grandmother's inheritance, Charlotte doesn't really have to DO anything. She makes spending money embroidering pet-themed designs on clothing for a friend's business, but that isn't really her calling. She thinks maybe gardening will be her thing, but when she has her grandmother's old concrete patio pulled up, a neighbor's Cairn Terrier (<3 <3 <3 my favorite breed, but I'm not basing my review on that) Katie digs up a human skull followed by bones, Charlotte knows gardening will NOT be her thing. She feels sorry for the woman, whoever she was and is determined to find out how and why the woman came to be buried in Charlotte's yard. Enter Declan, the hot pawnbroker who swoops in to scoop up treasures when someone dies. A chance meeting at Charlotte's house reveals the identity of the bones-Declan's mother Erin. Erin disappeared when Declan was a child and he's never stopped wondering what happened to her. Now he knows where she ended up and wants some closure to find out how. With the help of Charlotte and her senior pals Darla and Mariska, they may be able to crack the case. Darla and Mariska are also determined to do a little matchmaking on the side and they see sparks flying between Charlotte and Declan. His uncle Seamus sees it too, but is it just because they're the only two under 55 for miles around?
This is a cute cozy mystery. The first half focuses too much on the setting, though the bones are found right away. (Smart Cairn Terrier!) There were too many senior citizens to keep track of and they all sounded the same. The mundane details of life in a retirement community stretched the story out too long. Around the halfway point the story switches to solving the murder and the build-up of the romance. The murder mystery fell a little flat for me when all was revealed. I was surprised and disappointed by the whole thing. Not only do Charlotte, et. al. break laws but the how and why ended up as a let down. This is not your typical cozy mystery. It doesn't follow convention which is both good and bad. Bad because it ended up more cozy than I expected and good because I didn't predict what had happened.
The romance plot is technically clean but there are some warm moments, including innuendo, looking, touching, and some make-out sessions (some among the seniors!). The seniors in Pineapple Port have too much sex on their minds. There's also some drug use that I didn't care for.
The characters are all quirky. Charlotte's mothers Darla and Mariska have too much time on their hands and worry too much about her. Poor Charlotte! She can't entertain without one of them barging in. They're nosy and get into trouble, dragging Charlotte with them. Charlotte brought herself up for the most part, after her mother and grandmother's deaths. She is largely super straight and narrow, like me, but has a more childish mischievous side to her. I can relate to the 20-something feeling of wondering what to do with the rest of your life. I liked that she is a dog lover and her best friend is her Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Abby. I can relate to that too. Where Charlotte fails for me is her decision making skills. She needs to grow up a lot there. She makes some really poor decisions, some of which have consequences. Her sense of humor is also sophomoric.
Declan at first glance seems like a narcissistic idiot. His first meeting with Charlotte did not endear me to him, but the more they met and talked, the more perfect they seemed for each other. They share the same sense of humor which is always a plus for me and they both lost their parents early on in life and haven't quite moved past it. Declan seems a little more mature than Charlotte. His uncle Seamus, however, is a lot less mature. His amorous adventures did not endear him to me and his reveals about his past made me like him even less. He didn't feel very realistic to me.
The other secondary characters include Frank Marshall, the local sheriff. At first he seems like a cranky, somewhat senile old man, but he does know his job and is good at what he does. Though he lets his wife and Charlotte get the better of him at times, I ended up liking him. Not so for Harold. He's a nosy, prosy old man who has nothing better to do than relive past glories. I felt a little sympathy for him at first but then he became annoying. There's also the wealthy couple Penelope and George. She seems like a stereotypical type A unlikable person. I was surprised she had some depth to her character. Her husband doesn't appear to have much personality.
I liked this book but not enough to want to buy any more in this series. There wasn't enough about pets and the humor wasn't really my taste. If the library had them and I needed something to read, I might read more.
As the youngest resident of a retirement community, twenty-six-year-old Charlotte doesn't lack for surrogate mothers, but what she does lack is a general purpose in life. Thanks to her grandmother's inheritance, Charlotte doesn't really have to DO anything. She makes spending money embroidering pet-themed designs on clothing for a friend's business, but that isn't really her calling. She thinks maybe gardening will be her thing, but when she has her grandmother's old concrete patio pulled up, a neighbor's Cairn Terrier (<3 <3 <3 my favorite breed, but I'm not basing my review on that) Katie digs up a human skull followed by bones, Charlotte knows gardening will NOT be her thing. She feels sorry for the woman, whoever she was and is determined to find out how and why the woman came to be buried in Charlotte's yard. Enter Declan, the hot pawnbroker who swoops in to scoop up treasures when someone dies. A chance meeting at Charlotte's house reveals the identity of the bones-Declan's mother Erin. Erin disappeared when Declan was a child and he's never stopped wondering what happened to her. Now he knows where she ended up and wants some closure to find out how. With the help of Charlotte and her senior pals Darla and Mariska, they may be able to crack the case. Darla and Mariska are also determined to do a little matchmaking on the side and they see sparks flying between Charlotte and Declan. His uncle Seamus sees it too, but is it just because they're the only two under 55 for miles around?
This is a cute cozy mystery. The first half focuses too much on the setting, though the bones are found right away. (Smart Cairn Terrier!) There were too many senior citizens to keep track of and they all sounded the same. The mundane details of life in a retirement community stretched the story out too long. Around the halfway point the story switches to solving the murder and the build-up of the romance. The murder mystery fell a little flat for me when all was revealed. I was surprised and disappointed by the whole thing. Not only do Charlotte, et. al. break laws but the how and why ended up as a let down. This is not your typical cozy mystery. It doesn't follow convention which is both good and bad. Bad because it ended up more cozy than I expected and good because I didn't predict what had happened.
The romance plot is technically clean but there are some warm moments, including innuendo, looking, touching, and some make-out sessions (some among the seniors!). The seniors in Pineapple Port have too much sex on their minds. There's also some drug use that I didn't care for.
The characters are all quirky. Charlotte's mothers Darla and Mariska have too much time on their hands and worry too much about her. Poor Charlotte! She can't entertain without one of them barging in. They're nosy and get into trouble, dragging Charlotte with them. Charlotte brought herself up for the most part, after her mother and grandmother's deaths. She is largely super straight and narrow, like me, but has a more childish mischievous side to her. I can relate to the 20-something feeling of wondering what to do with the rest of your life. I liked that she is a dog lover and her best friend is her Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Abby. I can relate to that too. Where Charlotte fails for me is her decision making skills. She needs to grow up a lot there. She makes some really poor decisions, some of which have consequences. Her sense of humor is also sophomoric.
Declan at first glance seems like a narcissistic idiot. His first meeting with Charlotte did not endear me to him, but the more they met and talked, the more perfect they seemed for each other. They share the same sense of humor which is always a plus for me and they both lost their parents early on in life and haven't quite moved past it. Declan seems a little more mature than Charlotte. His uncle Seamus, however, is a lot less mature. His amorous adventures did not endear him to me and his reveals about his past made me like him even less. He didn't feel very realistic to me.
The other secondary characters include Frank Marshall, the local sheriff. At first he seems like a cranky, somewhat senile old man, but he does know his job and is good at what he does. Though he lets his wife and Charlotte get the better of him at times, I ended up liking him. Not so for Harold. He's a nosy, prosy old man who has nothing better to do than relive past glories. I felt a little sympathy for him at first but then he became annoying. There's also the wealthy couple Penelope and George. She seems like a stereotypical type A unlikable person. I was surprised she had some depth to her character. Her husband doesn't appear to have much personality.
I liked this book but not enough to want to buy any more in this series. There wasn't enough about pets and the humor wasn't really my taste. If the library had them and I needed something to read, I might read more.
March 5, 2017
I wish I could give this the 4 1/2 stars it deserves...
Our protagonist, 26 year old Charlotte, is living in the 55+ community Pineapple Port. Her mother died when Charlotte was only 11 years old and she went to live with her grandmother who passed away shortly after. So raising Charlotte became a Pineapple Port community project.
Charlotte decides to dig up the concrete in her backyard to be able to do some gardening and discovers a human skeleton. Now it is up to her and the older folks to solve this cold case.
It is a well written mystery with a great portion of humour, romance and some good investigating. I had to laugh out loud quite a few times and chuckle on other occasions. Life in Pineapple Port with its retirees is everything but boring! A highly recommended fun read.
Our protagonist, 26 year old Charlotte, is living in the 55+ community Pineapple Port. Her mother died when Charlotte was only 11 years old and she went to live with her grandmother who passed away shortly after. So raising Charlotte became a Pineapple Port community project.
Charlotte decides to dig up the concrete in her backyard to be able to do some gardening and discovers a human skeleton. Now it is up to her and the older folks to solve this cold case.
It is a well written mystery with a great portion of humour, romance and some good investigating. I had to laugh out loud quite a few times and chuckle on other occasions. Life in Pineapple Port with its retirees is everything but boring! A highly recommended fun read.
September 18, 2017
“Pineapple Lies” earns 5/5 Bones in the Garden!
She resides in her grandmother’s home trying to make it her own…a garden, even a little garden would be a delightful hobby tending to tomatoes and cucumbers. She didn’t, however, expect to find a skull..then forensics find a whole skeleton…the identity a shock…the first investigation begins.
I am new to Amy Vansant’s Pineapple Port Mystery series…I know, where have I been? I have her books, and when I had a break in my summer reading, I decided I had to check this out. “Pineapple Lies,” the first book, is the perfect place to start out this juicy adventure: Skeleton in the garden? Cold case mystery? Budding romance? Geriatric antics? I thoroughly enjoyed this story….clever (Neighborhood Watch turned Corpse Committee), humorous (puns to punchlines), and an “Oh, my!” ending (perilous, of course) I almost didn’t see coming. Amy’s characters already are well developed for a first book, although their vulnerabilities will be exciting to see how they affect them in future. I loved Charlotte: her patience for all her local ‘grandmas,’ her caution with the ‘green-eyed’ hunk, her clever note-taking on her chalkboard wall. The nuances of a retirement community, multi-generational perspectives, and the dynamic between Charlotte and the former Chicago cop play out in the background. I loved it.
She resides in her grandmother’s home trying to make it her own…a garden, even a little garden would be a delightful hobby tending to tomatoes and cucumbers. She didn’t, however, expect to find a skull..then forensics find a whole skeleton…the identity a shock…the first investigation begins.
I am new to Amy Vansant’s Pineapple Port Mystery series…I know, where have I been? I have her books, and when I had a break in my summer reading, I decided I had to check this out. “Pineapple Lies,” the first book, is the perfect place to start out this juicy adventure: Skeleton in the garden? Cold case mystery? Budding romance? Geriatric antics? I thoroughly enjoyed this story….clever (Neighborhood Watch turned Corpse Committee), humorous (puns to punchlines), and an “Oh, my!” ending (perilous, of course) I almost didn’t see coming. Amy’s characters already are well developed for a first book, although their vulnerabilities will be exciting to see how they affect them in future. I loved Charlotte: her patience for all her local ‘grandmas,’ her caution with the ‘green-eyed’ hunk, her clever note-taking on her chalkboard wall. The nuances of a retirement community, multi-generational perspectives, and the dynamic between Charlotte and the former Chicago cop play out in the background. I loved it.
July 25, 2018
One of the funniest books I've ever read!!! I mean laugh out loud while I'm reading, people staring at me thinking I might have mental issues level funny!!
Great characters, awesome plot and setting, excellent mystery, climax and denouement... I couldn't love it more!
Highly recommend!
Great characters, awesome plot and setting, excellent mystery, climax and denouement... I couldn't love it more!
Highly recommend!
June 12, 2020
Such a fun read. Even though it’s a murder mystery, the author’s use of humor is delicious. I’m in love with Charlotte, and her ways. Placing a 26 year old in the middle of a plus 55 year old community is a stroke of genius!
I fully look forward to more in this series. The
I fully look forward to more in this series. The
April 16, 2018
Laugh out loud funny!
This book was so much fun to read. I want to be Charlotte. I loved the characters and was impressed with their development. I felt like I was getting to know them more and more with each chapter. I laughed at their antics and teared up when Penny found out the truth. I didn't figure out what happened until halfway through the book. I usually know very quickly. It was well written, very entertaining, had amazing and interesting characters. I loved it and am only sorry it took me so long to read it. Well done Amy!
This book was so much fun to read. I want to be Charlotte. I loved the characters and was impressed with their development. I felt like I was getting to know them more and more with each chapter. I laughed at their antics and teared up when Penny found out the truth. I didn't figure out what happened until halfway through the book. I usually know very quickly. It was well written, very entertaining, had amazing and interesting characters. I loved it and am only sorry it took me so long to read it. Well done Amy!
May 19, 2015
Unexpected mayhem in Florida
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in Florida with Charlotte & her over-50 crew solving a cold case that starts in her own backyard. It's great that the "old folks" are depicted as regular people & not stereotypes. This book is lots of fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in Florida with Charlotte & her over-50 crew solving a cold case that starts in her own backyard. It's great that the "old folks" are depicted as regular people & not stereotypes. This book is lots of fun!
June 8, 2023
This made me laugh - there aren't many books that can do that :)
March 18, 2018
Title: Pineapple Lies: A Pineapple Port Mystery
Author: Amy Vansant
Publisher: A.V.
Series: Pineapple Pot Mysteries Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Pineapple Lies: A Pineapple Port Mysteries Book 1" by Amy Vansant
My Thoughts...
This story starts in a retirement community in Florida for 55 and up. What will happen after Charlotte is now living with her grandmother and the grandmother dies? Charlotte who was around twenty will continue living there since he has inherited the home. What will happen when Charlotte decides to have a garden put in the back porch area and a skull is found? Who is this person and just how long has this skull been there? How will this all come together as we have a younger woman living in a older community? Be prepared for quite a mystery where there will be plenty of secrets coming out, romance, also suspense with even some humorous moments. The characters [Charlotte, Mariska, Darla, Bob, Frank, Jackie, Seamus, Henry & Declan] are well developed, portrayed and so very believable giving the readers a good romantic/comedy/murder/ mystery read this will keep you guessing. How will this crew solve this case? Well, you will have to pick up this fun read 'Pineapple Lies' to find out.
Author: Amy Vansant
Publisher: A.V.
Series: Pineapple Pot Mysteries Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Pineapple Lies: A Pineapple Port Mysteries Book 1" by Amy Vansant
My Thoughts...
This story starts in a retirement community in Florida for 55 and up. What will happen after Charlotte is now living with her grandmother and the grandmother dies? Charlotte who was around twenty will continue living there since he has inherited the home. What will happen when Charlotte decides to have a garden put in the back porch area and a skull is found? Who is this person and just how long has this skull been there? How will this all come together as we have a younger woman living in a older community? Be prepared for quite a mystery where there will be plenty of secrets coming out, romance, also suspense with even some humorous moments. The characters [Charlotte, Mariska, Darla, Bob, Frank, Jackie, Seamus, Henry & Declan] are well developed, portrayed and so very believable giving the readers a good romantic/comedy/murder/ mystery read this will keep you guessing. How will this crew solve this case? Well, you will have to pick up this fun read 'Pineapple Lies' to find out.
July 25, 2018
What an excellent book! The dialogue is fast and funny, the characters are entertaining, the mystery is intriguing and keeps you guessing. I really look forward to reading more! I do believe that I have found another favourite author.
July 14, 2015
Welcome to the Pineapple Port Retirement Community located in sunny Florida where Charlotte, a young woman in her twenties resides with a zany bunch of retirees. After Charlotte’s grandmother passes away she finds herself left with a home surrounded by a society of grandparents who look after her like she was their own.
As idyllic as this all sounds, Charlotte feels like life is passing her by. Her life and career is at a standstill. Looking for some sort of excitement she decides to plant a garden. When the neighbor’s dog helps her dig up a patch of ground a skull is uncovered which leads to the mystery of who is buried in Charlotte’s backyard.
Along with help from sexy Declan, the owner of the local pawn shop, and the only other young person in the town, Charlotte and a whacky cast of elderly characters delve into the mystery of identifying the body. The terrifying part is that the murderer lives right under their noses!
I loved the chemistry and humor shared between Charlotte and Declan. Numerous times I found myself laughing out loud, as the two young people try to deal with a mutual attraction to each other while surrounded by nosy neighbors watching them at all times. I look forward to seeing how the author, Amy Vansant brings the two of them together in subsequent novels. They are a great match and it will be fun to see their relationship advance.
This is a cozy mystery with a romantic sparkle. It is filled with humor and kept me laughing till the end. On top of that, I did not figure out the ending until the very last, which was a pleasant surprise. If you are looking for a book to take on vacation or for a trip to the beach, Pineapple Lies is a lighthearted and fun read to enjoy with a relaxing glass of wine. Cheers!
RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 4/5
Made Me Think: 3/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.0
As idyllic as this all sounds, Charlotte feels like life is passing her by. Her life and career is at a standstill. Looking for some sort of excitement she decides to plant a garden. When the neighbor’s dog helps her dig up a patch of ground a skull is uncovered which leads to the mystery of who is buried in Charlotte’s backyard.
Along with help from sexy Declan, the owner of the local pawn shop, and the only other young person in the town, Charlotte and a whacky cast of elderly characters delve into the mystery of identifying the body. The terrifying part is that the murderer lives right under their noses!
I loved the chemistry and humor shared between Charlotte and Declan. Numerous times I found myself laughing out loud, as the two young people try to deal with a mutual attraction to each other while surrounded by nosy neighbors watching them at all times. I look forward to seeing how the author, Amy Vansant brings the two of them together in subsequent novels. They are a great match and it will be fun to see their relationship advance.
This is a cozy mystery with a romantic sparkle. It is filled with humor and kept me laughing till the end. On top of that, I did not figure out the ending until the very last, which was a pleasant surprise. If you are looking for a book to take on vacation or for a trip to the beach, Pineapple Lies is a lighthearted and fun read to enjoy with a relaxing glass of wine. Cheers!
RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 4/5
Made Me Think: 3/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.0
June 14, 2018
This one I would probably give a 2 1/2. It was an interesting light read that might be a good choice for a trip to the beach. However, there were certainly some aspects of the book that just didn't impress me much.
The story is built on an interesting premise -- a 26 year old that lives in a 55+ retirement community, who finds a body buried in her back yard. But that is about where the interesting part ends and the improbable begins. I couldn't figure out how an entire community could possible adopt a kid and allow her to live in her own house -- alone -- as she grew up -- with the whole community serving as surrogate parents "In absentia." Add to that the fact that the characters are shallowly drawn, with very little depth or dynamics and you end up with something you come away shaking your head over.
The mystery aspect of the story is a huge let down if you are an avid mystery reader. Not only was it entirely predictable from a very early point in the book -- but the conclusion is a huge let down as far as a who done it ending. Certainly not what I would have paid a great deal of money for, and not something I would recommend on the mystery genre front.
The "romantic" part of the story was another huge question mark. I felt like Charlotte and Declan were simply going through the motions -- and there was no real connection or spark between them. (But then, that seems to be true of all the characters.) There just wasn't enough depth, or story development to actually create dynamic interactions and meaningful relationships. In general the story felt rushed and the characterizations forced. Add to that the problem of the book needs some serious editing and ultimately I would have to give this one a pass as far as recommendations go.
The story is built on an interesting premise -- a 26 year old that lives in a 55+ retirement community, who finds a body buried in her back yard. But that is about where the interesting part ends and the improbable begins. I couldn't figure out how an entire community could possible adopt a kid and allow her to live in her own house -- alone -- as she grew up -- with the whole community serving as surrogate parents "In absentia." Add to that the fact that the characters are shallowly drawn, with very little depth or dynamics and you end up with something you come away shaking your head over.
The mystery aspect of the story is a huge let down if you are an avid mystery reader. Not only was it entirely predictable from a very early point in the book -- but the conclusion is a huge let down as far as a who done it ending. Certainly not what I would have paid a great deal of money for, and not something I would recommend on the mystery genre front.
The "romantic" part of the story was another huge question mark. I felt like Charlotte and Declan were simply going through the motions -- and there was no real connection or spark between them. (But then, that seems to be true of all the characters.) There just wasn't enough depth, or story development to actually create dynamic interactions and meaningful relationships. In general the story felt rushed and the characterizations forced. Add to that the problem of the book needs some serious editing and ultimately I would have to give this one a pass as far as recommendations go.
April 20, 2015
well written, enjoyable and very funny book!
Reading this first book of a romantic mystery/comedy series was a big step for me as I tend to like straight-forward mysteries. The premise of a 20 something woman, not just living in, but having grown up in one of Florida’s senior communities piqued my interest. The backstory of Charlotte, the protagonist, is a plausible setting for the real story, which begins after finding the skeleton of a woman in her backyard.
From that point on, the humor takes over, and as much as I do not like humor in suspense (except for a few little spots) I ended up laughing out loud more times than not! Ms. Vansant’s humor, more so even than the enjoyable mystery of the story is what makes this into a page turner. You want to know what is happening via the plot-line, but you also want to keep smiling and laughing.
Charlotte’s love interest is a well-constructed man, (in both a physical and a literary way) who learns about the body when he races into the house to look at its contents n preparation to make an offer to the estate. After all, he does has a pawnshop and a used furniture shop.
The only issue here is that the bones belong to his mother – it’s a hell of a way to start a romance!
While there is every stereotype and archetype of the 55 plus crowd, most of it comes across as real. This was a very enjoyable read, and so much fun that I will be reading the next Pineapple Mystery as soon as it comes out.
Thank you for the laughs, Ms. Vansant.
Reading this first book of a romantic mystery/comedy series was a big step for me as I tend to like straight-forward mysteries. The premise of a 20 something woman, not just living in, but having grown up in one of Florida’s senior communities piqued my interest. The backstory of Charlotte, the protagonist, is a plausible setting for the real story, which begins after finding the skeleton of a woman in her backyard.
From that point on, the humor takes over, and as much as I do not like humor in suspense (except for a few little spots) I ended up laughing out loud more times than not! Ms. Vansant’s humor, more so even than the enjoyable mystery of the story is what makes this into a page turner. You want to know what is happening via the plot-line, but you also want to keep smiling and laughing.
Charlotte’s love interest is a well-constructed man, (in both a physical and a literary way) who learns about the body when he races into the house to look at its contents n preparation to make an offer to the estate. After all, he does has a pawnshop and a used furniture shop.
The only issue here is that the bones belong to his mother – it’s a hell of a way to start a romance!
While there is every stereotype and archetype of the 55 plus crowd, most of it comes across as real. This was a very enjoyable read, and so much fun that I will be reading the next Pineapple Mystery as soon as it comes out.
Thank you for the laughs, Ms. Vansant.
September 1, 2016
Full disclosure -- I was given a free copy of this book to review. Fuller disclosure -- I would have read it anyway. The idea of a romantic comedy/mystery set in an Over 55 community was a lure I could not resist, since I am presently contemplating moving to such a community. Oh that my community will hold as fascinating and funny inhabitants as Pineapple Port!
Once the reader accepts the premise of a twenty-something heroine living by herself in a senior community -- and loving it -- the reader's laugh and thrill ride begins. A dead body is discovered beneath a patio and quickly identified as a long-missing resident of Pineapple Port.
Then the fun begins as suspicions rise and fall as to "who done it." Is there a murderer among the residents? Author Amy Van Sant has done a marvelous job of creating a warm, humorous community peppered with unforgettable characters. Yes, the killer is discovered but the real reader satisfaction comes from the journey toward discovery.
Highly recommended.
Once the reader accepts the premise of a twenty-something heroine living by herself in a senior community -- and loving it -- the reader's laugh and thrill ride begins. A dead body is discovered beneath a patio and quickly identified as a long-missing resident of Pineapple Port.
Then the fun begins as suspicions rise and fall as to "who done it." Is there a murderer among the residents? Author Amy Van Sant has done a marvelous job of creating a warm, humorous community peppered with unforgettable characters. Yes, the killer is discovered but the real reader satisfaction comes from the journey toward discovery.
Highly recommended.
December 31, 2015
I picked this up because I wanted a quirky cozy mystery. The cozy mystery kept me reading, but the quirky got in the way. I like a tightly written story, one where the scenes progress the story. There were too many short, and in my opinion, unnecessary scenes where the sole purpose seemed to be affirming a character quirk already established. Also, another pet peeve - all the dogs had people names and when combined with a large (yet reasonable) cast of characters, I sometimes couldn't tell in the name belonged to a two or four footed character.
May 24, 2015
When I started this book, I wasn't sure that I like it or would even finish it. But the varied personalities of the characters wove their way into my heart. There was a little bit of a love story. Plus a murder that I did my figure out the who done it. I only recommend this book to anyone who needs a book to read when deep thinking his to be avoided. I most likely will not read another book by the author.
December 4, 2015
At first I questioned the author’s choice of a fifty-five plus community in Florida for the book’s setting, but soon after she began introducing some of Pineapple Port’s colorful characters, I realized the method to her madness. This well-written cozy mystery includes a balanced mix of comedy, romance, secrecy, and suspense. A lighthearted read that’s hard to put down, the author’s delightful and often witty writing style makes it that much more enjoyable.
April 17, 2015
Pineapple Lies is an adorable murder mystery with twists and turns right to the very end. The characters are well drawn and engaging. The heroine is likable with her various slips and faults. In fact she's a lot like someone I know.
This is the second Vansant book I’ve read and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoy her writing style and humor.
This is the second Vansant book I’ve read and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoy her writing style and humor.
December 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book as a courtesy of the author. It wasn't my cup of tea (setting and characters) but it was very well written and I loved Amy's sense of humor. I'd recommend this if you're into older characters, and I'll definitely give more of Amy's books a try.
October 19, 2015
A fun read if you're into cozy mystery with a bit of The Golden Girls humor, Nancy Drew curiosity, Scooby Doo 'meddling kids' antics, and sappy romance.
It's crazy hilarious.
It's crazy hilarious.
April 15, 2023
Charlotte Morgan has been living in the 55+ community of Pineapple Port in Charity, Florida, since she was 11 years old. That's a story in itself but best told by Charlotte, as I don't reveal spoilers. I will share that Katie, the next-door neighbor's dog, was helping Charlotte with vegetable garden preparations, but Katie's discovery brought all progress to a standstill.
Cozy mystery fun in every chapter, on every page! Charlotte is a delightful character, with her pauses in the middle of a conversation making her seem a little scatterbrained at times, but the actual reason is just one of the reasons a reader smiles. A delightful cozy with all the treasures of cozy reading with well-developed characters and mischief galore in-between community activities, travel by golf carts, and sleuthing to solve the mystery of Katie's discovery.
As the author's books are listed at the end of the cozy, I look forward to continuing to read more of the series and investigating her romantic mystery thrillers, romantic suspense/urban fantasy, and romantic comedies.
I've enjoyed using many of the features of AuthorsXP.com but didn't realize that Amy Vansant is the founder. A website with special features for authors and readers, I highly recommend your investigation. But do read "Pineapple Lies" first! You don't want to miss the friendship, the latest gossip, the tail-wagging companionship of furry paws, the community activities, or the romance.
Cozy mystery fun in every chapter, on every page! Charlotte is a delightful character, with her pauses in the middle of a conversation making her seem a little scatterbrained at times, but the actual reason is just one of the reasons a reader smiles. A delightful cozy with all the treasures of cozy reading with well-developed characters and mischief galore in-between community activities, travel by golf carts, and sleuthing to solve the mystery of Katie's discovery.
As the author's books are listed at the end of the cozy, I look forward to continuing to read more of the series and investigating her romantic mystery thrillers, romantic suspense/urban fantasy, and romantic comedies.
I've enjoyed using many of the features of AuthorsXP.com but didn't realize that Amy Vansant is the founder. A website with special features for authors and readers, I highly recommend your investigation. But do read "Pineapple Lies" first! You don't want to miss the friendship, the latest gossip, the tail-wagging companionship of furry paws, the community activities, or the romance.
November 14, 2022
This was a very cute debut. A “youngster” in her 20’s living in a retirement community where the elderly residents get up to all sorts of mischief. The discovery of a body in Charlottes’s garden, brings a murder investigation to the community and thus the mayhem and hijinks ensue, along with the victim’s son, Declan. From underground senior raves to breaking and entering, these senior citizens live to lead to young astray 😂😂😂
A medium paced book filled with humor, snark, and a slightly of kilter premise. Two main characters that are very quirky, Declan, a pawn shop owner who spends his time going to “death sales” and Charlotte who grew up in the retirement village, are surrounded by a cast of witty, hilarious secondary character (Darla, Frank, Seamus, Jackie, Marla, and more) who can hold their own.
A medium paced book filled with humor, snark, and a slightly of kilter premise. Two main characters that are very quirky, Declan, a pawn shop owner who spends his time going to “death sales” and Charlotte who grew up in the retirement village, are surrounded by a cast of witty, hilarious secondary character (Darla, Frank, Seamus, Jackie, Marla, and more) who can hold their own.
February 19, 2022
Interesting and fun had a baby and called it Pineapple Lies
This is a cute and absorbing mystery set in the retirement town Pineapple Port. The more I read, the more I wanted to read as Charlotte (and two of her closest "mature" friends) try to solve the case of who buried a body in her backyard.
Between gossip, rambling thoughts, surprisingly funny jokes, and details that had me picturing every moment in Pineapple Port, Amy Vansant has kept me engrossed again. There's nothing like a good mystery where the clues are all entwined to keep me frantically flipping the pages to find out whodunit.
The answer may not be as obvious to some as it is to others, but either way just when you think you've figured it out something else happens to send you in another direction. A good, clean read that's not always good and clean, I think you'll enjoy this light mystery and all of its lovable characters.
This is a cute and absorbing mystery set in the retirement town Pineapple Port. The more I read, the more I wanted to read as Charlotte (and two of her closest "mature" friends) try to solve the case of who buried a body in her backyard.
Between gossip, rambling thoughts, surprisingly funny jokes, and details that had me picturing every moment in Pineapple Port, Amy Vansant has kept me engrossed again. There's nothing like a good mystery where the clues are all entwined to keep me frantically flipping the pages to find out whodunit.
The answer may not be as obvious to some as it is to others, but either way just when you think you've figured it out something else happens to send you in another direction. A good, clean read that's not always good and clean, I think you'll enjoy this light mystery and all of its lovable characters.
January 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much. A cozy but the plot is different enough to make it feel fresh. Charlotte is a 26 year old living in a retirement community. The characters are quirky and fun but I especially liked Charlotte. She is average folk through and through. The mystery is a bit whacky but kept me interested right to the end. In a very simple way this story reminded me a bit of Jana Deleon's Miss Fortune series.
April 30, 2018
Pineapple Lies by Amy Vansant, 25-year-old Charlotte lives in the senior citizen village of Pineapple Port in Florida because when orphaned at the age of 11, she moved in there with her grandmother, who lived only one year past Charlotte’s mother. The sheriff then made arrangements for Mariska and Darla, best friends of Charlotte’s grandmother, to oversee her care, while Charlotte was able to inherit the cottage of her grandmother, making her the only one under 55 to live in Pineapple Port. Now at 25, Charlotte works part time embroidering personalized items for people but is often at loose ends. So one day, Charlotte decides to do some gardening after having just gotten someone to break up the concrete that has covered the back area since before her grandmother moved into the community. But just as Charlotte starts to dig, her dog jumps in and pulls up a bone. It’s a human skull.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
August 16, 2017
What a creative premise. Loads of chuckles, great protagonist, tight mystery-just a great all around read!
March 28, 2018
Excellent book! It should be a TV series. It's filled with colorful characters, intrigue, romance, and large doses of humor.
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