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Mariposa Beach Cozy Mysteries #1
A Beach House To Die For
What could go wrong with starting over in a tropical paradise?
Life in San Francisco was getting too expensive, too hectic, and too crowded for recently divorced Dana Kirkpatrick.
When this big-city girl inherited a beach house in a coastal Costa Rica town, she took it as a sign and packed her bags.
Dana imagined the small beach town would have its challenges, but she never could have predicted legal troubles, local wildlife, and being adopted by a stray cat.
And now she's suspected of murder!
It's not quite the fresh start she envisioned when she moved to the tropical paradise beach community of Mariposa Beach.
If you love quirky characters, offbeat animals, and small beach town charm with a cozy mystery to solve, then you will love this new series!
Although this is a series the books stand alone and you can read them in any order you like.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2019
205 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews
July 10, 2022
Loved this story and best of all it kept me guessing to the very end.
February 19, 2024
Murder in paradise!
I truly enjoyed this story and the characters of Dana and Courtney, her best friend. Dana has inherited her uncle's property in Costa Rica and has decided to leave San Francisco and move to the small community of Mariposa Beach. However, upon her arrival she finds that her uncle's son and wife are disputing the will and taking her to court in Costa Rica even though they lost their appeal in the US. There's a murder and Dana becomes a suspect. A great crime mystery that took me to a surprising ending. I recommend and will be reading book 2.
I truly enjoyed this story and the characters of Dana and Courtney, her best friend. Dana has inherited her uncle's property in Costa Rica and has decided to leave San Francisco and move to the small community of Mariposa Beach. However, upon her arrival she finds that her uncle's son and wife are disputing the will and taking her to court in Costa Rica even though they lost their appeal in the US. There's a murder and Dana becomes a suspect. A great crime mystery that took me to a surprising ending. I recommend and will be reading book 2.
January 10, 2021
Dana Kirkpatrick has decided to leave the big city life of San Francisco behind and permanently move to Costa Rica and enjoy her inheritance of an uncle's beach cottage that includes an on-site gardener. After all, Dana's divorce is final, sale of the former marital home is complete with 50% of the money in escrow coming her way, and she's happy to leave a job she hates. Dana's closest friend, Courtney Lowe, isn't sure this is a good idea but is happy to tag along and help her friend get settled in her new beach home in her new adopted country. But no one could have anticipated the rocky beginning Dana experiences.
I learned that K.C. Ames was born and raised in Costa Rica and now lives with her family in San Francisco, CA. Her father was an American (from Minnesota) and her mother is from Costa Rica. The cozy mystery series is set in the beautiful Guanacaste Province. Returning to Costa Rica for family visits also inspires each new mystery the author writes. I definitely felt that special touch of authenticity as I was reading the novel and I'm so delighted it's the opening of a series. Reading a novel with a beach setting is a joy at any time of year but especially soothes the soul in the midst of winter in the northeast even though it's been fairly mild so far this year. To think of walking to town via the beach and wearing flip flops every day certainly set the stage in my mind as I turned each page.
For all who delight in learning of the delicious fare in different settings will surely be attentive to the breakfast, lunch, treats, and dinners Dana and Courtney savor as they explore the beach town of Mariposa Beach and the surrounding area and during meetings with Benny Campos, Dana's Costa Rican lawyer. For those interested in the recipes, be sure to visit the author's website for a free download of, "A Cookbook to Die For" at https://kcames.com/recipes/ The author advises,
I learned that K.C. Ames was born and raised in Costa Rica and now lives with her family in San Francisco, CA. Her father was an American (from Minnesota) and her mother is from Costa Rica. The cozy mystery series is set in the beautiful Guanacaste Province. Returning to Costa Rica for family visits also inspires each new mystery the author writes. I definitely felt that special touch of authenticity as I was reading the novel and I'm so delighted it's the opening of a series. Reading a novel with a beach setting is a joy at any time of year but especially soothes the soul in the midst of winter in the northeast even though it's been fairly mild so far this year. To think of walking to town via the beach and wearing flip flops every day certainly set the stage in my mind as I turned each page.
For all who delight in learning of the delicious fare in different settings will surely be attentive to the breakfast, lunch, treats, and dinners Dana and Courtney savor as they explore the beach town of Mariposa Beach and the surrounding area and during meetings with Benny Campos, Dana's Costa Rican lawyer. For those interested in the recipes, be sure to visit the author's website for a free download of, "A Cookbook to Die For" at https://kcames.com/recipes/ The author advises,
"A collection of typical Costa Rican dishes that are to die for! Several of the recipes were provided by my 86-year-old Mother who still lives in Costa Rica and loves to cook."I can't wait to read more of Dana's adventures in her new home town!
August 1, 2021
“Welcome to the tropics.”
“Oh, yeah, a new bed, a new room, a new house, a new town, a new country, and a loud monkey hanging around outside.”
“What are you going to do? Go all Jessica Fletcher and go catch a dangerous killer?”
Despite having possibly the worst and most generic book cover I have ever seen in my life, this was a delightful cozy mystery set in a beach setting in Costa Rica. Dana was a great main character; she wasn’t like some cozy heroine that can be whiny, making bad meddlesome decisions, etc. The mystery was strong, a great whodunnit that will have you guessing until the end. I will definitely keep reading this series.
“Oh, yeah, a new bed, a new room, a new house, a new town, a new country, and a loud monkey hanging around outside.”
“What are you going to do? Go all Jessica Fletcher and go catch a dangerous killer?”
Despite having possibly the worst and most generic book cover I have ever seen in my life, this was a delightful cozy mystery set in a beach setting in Costa Rica. Dana was a great main character; she wasn’t like some cozy heroine that can be whiny, making bad meddlesome decisions, etc. The mystery was strong, a great whodunnit that will have you guessing until the end. I will definitely keep reading this series.
August 2, 2020
When Dana Kirkpatrick inherits a Costa Rican beach house from her uncle, the newly divorced woman decides to leave her old life behind and move to Costa Rica. Unfortunately, her cousin is contesting the will -- until he dies, leaving her a murder suspect.
A Beach House to Die For is the first in K.C. Ames Costa Rica Beach Cozy Mysteries. It's a pretty good book. The most interesting part for me was the look at the Costa Rican justice system, which is different from the U.S. one (ie, you're not innocent until proven guilty). Otherwise, it's a fairly standard murder mystery plot with a few wacky characters often seen in cozy mysteries.
A Beach House to Die For is the first in K.C. Ames Costa Rica Beach Cozy Mysteries. It's a pretty good book. The most interesting part for me was the look at the Costa Rican justice system, which is different from the U.S. one (ie, you're not innocent until proven guilty). Otherwise, it's a fairly standard murder mystery plot with a few wacky characters often seen in cozy mysteries.
February 14, 2022
The suspense of a whodunnit, the sunny scenery, and the main character's predicament made an entertaining read. The author created the troublesome mystery in a relaxing setting. It was not clear who the culprit could be as several characters, in turn, had a motive. According to the bio at the back of the book, the author was born and raised in Costa Rica. Costa Rican phrases and administration (different from the U.S.), the fictional beach community characterized by yoga, surfing, tourism, and real estate, bring a made-up story in mapped geographical places down to earth. Also, each characterization tended to be a unique, flawed personality jumping to conclusions, having a temper, being too generous or greedy, yet balanced with some more exemplary virtues, such as friendship, intuition, adventure. There are at least four later books in the beach cozy mystery series by K. C. Ames.
April 8, 2022
Fun little cozy in a new (to me) setting. I felt like I had a mini-vacation in Costa Rica. The characters in this series are fun, the food references delish, and the mystery just fine. The writing is pretty elementary, but good enough. I’ll be back for more…
November 26, 2023
A fun little cozy mystery set in a unique place. ¡Pura vida!
September 6, 2019
A really great start and a fascinating look at Costa Rica
An author new to me and a fascinating read about life and the judicial process in Costa Rica. Obviously well researched and the imagery provided is both colourful and powerful. A plot of greed, dysfunctional relationship and cold blooded business dealings that end in murder. Okay the characters are great but I need a bit more time to actually get to really like the main character. For an investigative reporter she let a really big clue float right over her. Were's the curiosity and the fact that no-one should be taken at face value. Plus I fully expected her to get in touch with her silicone valley friend and have a hand in opening up a small, select hotel (that would have given her uncle's mentor a leg up the ladder and annoyed the resort owner - maybe I'm too nasty?). Hope her BFF is in more books.
She's inherited her uncle's place in a small community in Costa Rica. Now having won the will dispute against her, she and her BFF move in. Only to find another case lined up against her, her cousin and his wife living on the island and then the murder of her cousin. With her name as top suspect and her cousin's wife slandering her to all and sundry she, her BFF and her lawyer do a bit of snooping. Will it lead to the killer or will the killer come to her?
An author new to me and a fascinating read about life and the judicial process in Costa Rica. Obviously well researched and the imagery provided is both colourful and powerful. A plot of greed, dysfunctional relationship and cold blooded business dealings that end in murder. Okay the characters are great but I need a bit more time to actually get to really like the main character. For an investigative reporter she let a really big clue float right over her. Were's the curiosity and the fact that no-one should be taken at face value. Plus I fully expected her to get in touch with her silicone valley friend and have a hand in opening up a small, select hotel (that would have given her uncle's mentor a leg up the ladder and annoyed the resort owner - maybe I'm too nasty?). Hope her BFF is in more books.
She's inherited her uncle's place in a small community in Costa Rica. Now having won the will dispute against her, she and her BFF move in. Only to find another case lined up against her, her cousin and his wife living on the island and then the murder of her cousin. With her name as top suspect and her cousin's wife slandering her to all and sundry she, her BFF and her lawyer do a bit of snooping. Will it lead to the killer or will the killer come to her?
August 30, 2020
Mediocre to the point where I would have quit reading if it had not been a rather short book.
Nice atmosphere---it made me want to go to Costa Rica.
Characters did not appeal to me, e.g., Courtney seems proud that she is such a bad cook she failed at boiling eggs twice, Benny is the sort who pollutes the atmosphere by running his car for an hour to keep the AC going.
Identity of the killer was fairly clever, but the details were not too credible, and a lot of people did rather dumb things or unexplained things. For example, Dana rushes to the scene of the crime when she hears that a murder has occurred; when a cat shows up at her door she makes no attempt to find out if it has an owner, etc.
The writing is not too smooth.
I am finding it harder and harder to believe that so many readers accept this level of writing as something deserving or 4 or 5 stars. Do people completely toss aside quality standards just because they consider a book to be "entertainment"? A beach read can also be a GOOD read.
Nice atmosphere---it made me want to go to Costa Rica.
Characters did not appeal to me, e.g., Courtney seems proud that she is such a bad cook she failed at boiling eggs twice, Benny is the sort who pollutes the atmosphere by running his car for an hour to keep the AC going.
Identity of the killer was fairly clever, but the details were not too credible, and a lot of people did rather dumb things or unexplained things. For example, Dana rushes to the scene of the crime when she hears that a murder has occurred; when a cat shows up at her door she makes no attempt to find out if it has an owner, etc.
The writing is not too smooth.
I am finding it harder and harder to believe that so many readers accept this level of writing as something deserving or 4 or 5 stars. Do people completely toss aside quality standards just because they consider a book to be "entertainment"? A beach read can also be a GOOD read.
August 4, 2024
This review is going to be pretty scathing and I do feel a bit mean but I genuinely was just so ready to be done with this, I hate DNF’ing but I was so tempted. I’d do zero stars if I could.
I happen to be fully aware that I am not the master of literary craft I presumed myself at 13, but I am fully confident I could write this book 10x better than the author did. Give me a red pen, there will be very little left unmarked. Or does that just make me someone with the barest comprehension of the concept of *editing* beyond rudimentary first drafts??
This was torturous to get through. Boring. Cringe. Slow and anticlimactic. Horribly simplistic writing. Words used incorrectly. Inconsistencies within the same scenes. Author genuinely had a local refer to items from his own country as “exotic,” and clearly never heard the writing advice “show don’t tell” that anyone with a tumblr account would be at the very least aware of. Reeks of colonialism and white-washing, and lacks any and all couth.
I happen to be fully aware that I am not the master of literary craft I presumed myself at 13, but I am fully confident I could write this book 10x better than the author did. Give me a red pen, there will be very little left unmarked. Or does that just make me someone with the barest comprehension of the concept of *editing* beyond rudimentary first drafts??
This was torturous to get through. Boring. Cringe. Slow and anticlimactic. Horribly simplistic writing. Words used incorrectly. Inconsistencies within the same scenes. Author genuinely had a local refer to items from his own country as “exotic,” and clearly never heard the writing advice “show don’t tell” that anyone with a tumblr account would be at the very least aware of. Reeks of colonialism and white-washing, and lacks any and all couth.
August 29, 2020
This was just as enjoyable as I'd hoped it would be! I have to admit I went for the beach setting, cute cat on the cover and the irresistible intro price when I got it, but I was happy to see it's part of Kindle Unlimited, so I'm going to continue reading it by borrowing it hence keeping up with my goal of trying to make the best use of my KU. Not to mention that I really like these characters and want to see what happens next.
I've never been to Costa Rica and have no plans to go, so this was the perfect armchair travel mystery for me. From the awesome beach descriptions to the fun little shops, I loved every bit of it. I had a feeling about someone being the killer fairly early on and much to my surprise (I think I'm just getting better at guessing!), I was right. The showdown was good, and an old enemy became a friend to Dana who, of course as anyone can guess, was able to keep her beach house she'd inherited.
I've never been to Costa Rica and have no plans to go, so this was the perfect armchair travel mystery for me. From the awesome beach descriptions to the fun little shops, I loved every bit of it. I had a feeling about someone being the killer fairly early on and much to my surprise (I think I'm just getting better at guessing!), I was right. The showdown was good, and an old enemy became a friend to Dana who, of course as anyone can guess, was able to keep her beach house she'd inherited.
March 23, 2023
When Dana Kirkpatrick inherits a Costa Rican beach house from her uncle, the newly divorced woman decides to leave her old life behind and move to Costa Rica. Unfortunately, her cousin, Roy, and his wife are contesting the will. Then Roy is killed, and Dana’s the main suspect.
A Beach House to Die for was like a mini-vacation. It was sunny and relaxed and the foods sounded delicious, but I think the howler monkeys might drive me crazy. Most of the locals were friendly and helpful.
Dana was a good lead character. She’s friendly and nice, but pushy enough to get answers. The mystery was fine. I didn’t guess who the killer was but probably should have.
This was a fun, light read, which is what I expect from a cozy. It has a fabulous setting, quirky characters, a potential love interest, and even a cat.
A Beach House to Die for was like a mini-vacation. It was sunny and relaxed and the foods sounded delicious, but I think the howler monkeys might drive me crazy. Most of the locals were friendly and helpful.
Dana was a good lead character. She’s friendly and nice, but pushy enough to get answers. The mystery was fine. I didn’t guess who the killer was but probably should have.
This was a fun, light read, which is what I expect from a cozy. It has a fabulous setting, quirky characters, a potential love interest, and even a cat.
February 15, 2022
A very light read. A mix of mystery and chick flick. Dana's uncle just passed away and she inherited his beach house in Costa Rica, much to the dismay of her uncle's biological, yet estranged son Roy. Dana is also newly divorced, so she thinks moving to Costa Rica will give her a fresh start. She barely arrives at that tiny beach community with her best friend Courtney when she becomes the suspect of a murder. The story was quite predictable and very easy to read. My book club chose this for our visit to Costa Rica, which is a bit sad because this book is written from the perspective of an expat and looks at Costa Rica very superficially. However, it was a light read, nothing too serious. Rounded up to 3 stars because it didn’t mess me up emotionally.
June 5, 2022
Parts of this were promising but the plot and story got tedious so I skipped most of the middle and read the last 2 chapters.
Amazon synopsis:
What could go wrong with starting over in a tropical paradise?
Life in San Francisco was getting too expensive, too hectic, and too crowded for recently divorced Dana Kirkpatrick.
When this big-city girl inherited a beach house in a coastal Costa Rica town, she took it as a sign and packed her bags.
Dana imagined the small beach town would have its challenges, but she never could have predicted legal troubles, local wildlife, and being adopted by a stray cat.
And now she's suspected of murder!
It's not quite the fresh start she envisioned when she moved to the tropical paradise beach community of Mariposa Beach.
Amazon synopsis:
What could go wrong with starting over in a tropical paradise?
Life in San Francisco was getting too expensive, too hectic, and too crowded for recently divorced Dana Kirkpatrick.
When this big-city girl inherited a beach house in a coastal Costa Rica town, she took it as a sign and packed her bags.
Dana imagined the small beach town would have its challenges, but she never could have predicted legal troubles, local wildlife, and being adopted by a stray cat.
And now she's suspected of murder!
It's not quite the fresh start she envisioned when she moved to the tropical paradise beach community of Mariposa Beach.
September 13, 2023
Having been warned that this is more or less a self-published book, I read it anyway because it’s one of the only cozy mysteries set in Costa Rica that I’ve been able to find. (I’m trying to read books set in Costa Rica before I visit there.)
I thought this was a nice cozy! It was exactly what I was looking for (though again, the plot and writing aren’t going to win any awards). The author is clearly into Costa Rican life, and more or less mansplains (touristsplains?) it, assuming you know nothing. For my case, that was quite helpful! This was exactly what I wanted to get from a mystery set in Costa Rica. I will keep reading in this series!
I thought this was a nice cozy! It was exactly what I was looking for (though again, the plot and writing aren’t going to win any awards). The author is clearly into Costa Rican life, and more or less mansplains (touristsplains?) it, assuming you know nothing. For my case, that was quite helpful! This was exactly what I wanted to get from a mystery set in Costa Rica. I will keep reading in this series!
March 3, 2025
I was undecided between one (really bad) and two (pretty bad) stars. In the end it was two stars. The setting and premise, a nice beach town in Costa Rica and a fresh Expat from San Francisco getting involved into the murder of her cousin, was promising. Add to that a cat and a nice romance interest and I‘m usually easily happy.
But the writing … So stiff, so much told instead of shown, so boring, so emotionless. Add to that 3rd person view, interrupting scenes or even dialogue with extended memories, and in the end what turns out to be a really weak case and a heroine that can’t really capture my heart or interest and I‘m out. There just was too much wrong with this one.
But the writing … So stiff, so much told instead of shown, so boring, so emotionless. Add to that 3rd person view, interrupting scenes or even dialogue with extended memories, and in the end what turns out to be a really weak case and a heroine that can’t really capture my heart or interest and I‘m out. There just was too much wrong with this one.
April 30, 2023
I was looking for something light and fluffy and was hopeful this might do the trick. A recent divorcee inherits her uncle’s Costa Rican property and decides to move there, only to be embroiled in murder when her cousin, who was contesting the will, ends up on the wrong end of a knife. The author tries to pepper in information about Costa Rica and its language and customs, but the writing is clunky all around, the dialogue is forced and stilted, and the mystery doesn’t really hold up either. This is the first of a series, but I won’t be continuing.
July 22, 2025
Fun Costa Rican cozy. Complete w/cat
Newly divorced Dana needs to get away from San Francisco. Her Uncle Blake left his home in Costa Rico to her, so moving south of the border it is. She and her BFF Courtney move in. However, Blake's son Roy is contesting the will. Soon, not only is Dana contending with legal proceedings regarding the will, but soon there is murder most foul. And Dana finds herself high on the suspect list. Can she find the. Killer before she sees the inside of a Costa Rican jail?
Newly divorced Dana needs to get away from San Francisco. Her Uncle Blake left his home in Costa Rico to her, so moving south of the border it is. She and her BFF Courtney move in. However, Blake's son Roy is contesting the will. Soon, not only is Dana contending with legal proceedings regarding the will, but soon there is murder most foul. And Dana finds herself high on the suspect list. Can she find the. Killer before she sees the inside of a Costa Rican jail?
August 20, 2024
This book came recommended from a friend and I loved every minute of it. The story is very well developed for being as short as it is. I loved each of the characters that we met and can totally see how a series could start with a wonderful first book like this. I enjoyed learning about the culture and the lifestyle of the Tico/Ticas and the friendship of Dana and Courtney. I will be picking up the next book for sure.
May 25, 2022
A quick lighthearted beach read. The mystery isn't very in depth and the characters are quite superficial as well. I wanted more from this novel, the plot in my head was way more complex and intense than how the story actually played out so that was disappointing. And the mystery was solved too quickly and too easily for my liking. But the writing is too the point and dialogue was authentic.
October 17, 2024
Good cozy mystery.
This is my first cozy read by K. C. Ames. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and appreciate that the author kept these numbers in check. The storyline was great and I didn't figure out the murderer until towards the end. I am off to the next book in this series.
This is my first cozy read by K. C. Ames. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and appreciate that the author kept these numbers in check. The storyline was great and I didn't figure out the murderer until towards the end. I am off to the next book in this series.
July 2, 2025
Great read. Had me guessing till the end.
The book had me wondering who the killer really was and the ending was a huge surprise. The murderer wasn't even on my radar. Loved the characters and in some cases, I loved to hate them. Casa Verde sounds like a great place to live, especially if you don't need to work, so you can play all day.
The book had me wondering who the killer really was and the ending was a huge surprise. The murderer wasn't even on my radar. Loved the characters and in some cases, I loved to hate them. Casa Verde sounds like a great place to live, especially if you don't need to work, so you can play all day.
May 25, 2020
Great read
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed reading this first book in the series. Great characters and interpersonal relationships. Looking forward to the next book and seeing where things go.😉
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed reading this first book in the series. Great characters and interpersonal relationships. Looking forward to the next book and seeing where things go.😉
December 27, 2022
If you are looking for a fun Costa Rica-set book for our 2023 Uncorked Reading Challenge, A Beach House to Die For is a short, quick, and wanderlusty read.
Read our full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/...
Read our full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/...
August 14, 2024
This is such a fantastic read!! I enjoyed every second of it. I love that it takes place in Costa Rica, a beautiful country, with a snorkely, mean bully!! Oh to have a house like that and on the beach!! I'll just have to read the next book!
March 30, 2025
Fast paced story
The author has written a who dun it in the beautiful country of Costa Rica and the plot kept me guessing till the end. I learned about the Costa Rican culture especially about the food.
The author has written a who dun it in the beautiful country of Costa Rica and the plot kept me guessing till the end. I learned about the Costa Rican culture especially about the food.
March 22, 2020
The murderer caught me off guard but the book didn't catch me much at all!
April 4, 2020
Expat in Costa Rica
Murder, contested inheritance, a stray cat and best friend all conspire to create a good story. Read a good story and get away .
Murder, contested inheritance, a stray cat and best friend all conspire to create a good story. Read a good story and get away .
Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews