Shake Down

Elliott Lisbon Mystery #5

by Kendel Lynn

Ballantyne Foundation Director and PI-in-training, Elliott Lisbon, is enjoying her idyllically slow life on Sea Pine Island, South Carolina. It’s the week before the annual Beach Ball and she’s sipping Bellinis on the sidelines. Her committee involvement is limited to securing the centerpieces: scrumptious two-tiered masterpieces from the Cake & Shake. But when the head baker (and owner’s maid of honor) goes missing, Elli’s calm life gets a major shakeup. She takes the case and soon learns that missing is a relative term. These two bffs were once rivals on a local dating show. Perhaps the free spirit had reason to wander off on her own. Or perhaps she wasn’t the only woman scorned. As Elli walks the delicate line between a woman finding herself and a woman needing to be found, the days speed up and she knows something’s about to go down. From drug runners to whistleblowers to sea turtle sabotage, Elli stirs up secrets and inadvertently whips a desperate killer into a frenzy. If she doesn’t find a way out of the heat, she’s going to get burned.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2020

About the author

Kendel Lynn is a Southern California native who now parks her flip-flops in Dallas, Texas. She read her first Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators at the age of seven and has loved mysteries ever since. Her debut novel, Board Stiff, was an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel. It features Elliott Lisbon, a mostly amateur sleuth who has a slight aversion to all things germy and is only five thousand hours away from getting her PI license. Along with writing, she spends her days editing, designing, and figuring out ways to avoid the gym but still eat cupcakes for dinner.

Reviews

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Kendel Lynn.
The setting reminds me a little of another series published by Henery Press but unfortunately I could not complete warm to the story. It starts off with a lot of names and it is very confusing to find out who is who, also because of the sometimes silly names and the fact that the reader is supposed to have read the first books in the series. Luckily I warmed to the story by the time I reached the third chapter and from there on it got easier.
I quite liked Elliott because she knows her own weaknessess and tries to deal with them. The story is a bit convoluted at times with all those characters running and driving around in different places, but in the end everything falls into place.

My only question is: why would you call very rich people, who use their own plane all the time and drive around in a Rolls Royce, who are planning to give a 300-people BBQ on the beach 'very environmentally conscious'?

Thanks to Netgalley for this digital ARC.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the fifth book in the Elliott Lisbon mysteries by Kendel Lynn.

This is one of the first series I discovered when I first started reading for NetGalley. It really felt like coming home as I peered back into Elliott’s life. I was only sorry that Ransom didn’t play a bigger part. He would definitely be one of my favorite book boyfriend characters. Henery Press and their choice of author’s just get me and get what I like and what I look for in a book and a series. I totally appreciate that they have introduced me to so many fantastic authors that I now consider must read books.

This was different than a lot of other cozy mysteries I have read. It pretty much centered around a missing person for most of the book. Of course, like all mysteries of this type, it does end up in murder.

There are a lot of fun and quirky characters in this world that I really appreciated. It’s a lot like walking into a real town. The entire storyline centers around a reality tv show sort of like The Bachelor where girls compete for a man’s affection. Two of these girls come from Elliott’s neck of the woods and are involved in a wedding. The girl who is missing is the jilted lover, and according to the episodes the “true love” of the bachelor guy. Choice number two seemed to be the bride and she was wasting no time in having him “put a ring on it.”

There is, as you could guess, a lot of drama in this story that keeps you glued to the page. I loved seeing all the recurring characters, the Ballantyne’s and Ransom but not enough of the hunky detective to suit me but I will take what I can get.

Overall, I totally dig this series and want to do a re-read of the complete series in 2020!

If you love a good cozy mystery, you have to check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 /5 stars.

Elliott Lisbon finds herself involved in the hunt for missing maid of honor Daphne Fischer. Juggling her PI training and looking after the Ballantyne Foundation keeps this 40 yr old with barely time to date the handsome Lt Nick Ransom.

Tucker Turnbull is torn between Daphne & Juliette on Down the Isle reality show. His wedding is just days away and the reality show producer is back to film it.

To say more would spoil the plot. The twists and turns are clever when you throw in a reality TV producer and an unhappy former contestant.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Henery Press through Edelweiss.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last as I really loved this one.
It's darker than the average cozy even it shares the main tropes of the classic cozy (small town, quirky characters).
The characters are well thought and likeable, the setting is lovely and vivid, the mystery is solid and full of twists and turns.
I had no great issues with the plot or the characters but I think it can be more enjoyable if one read the previous instalment.
I look forward to reading other story in this series, recommended.
Many thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

As my book review blog is now seven years old I have become much more selective in the books I request. Shake Down by Kendel Lynn was not something on my watch list, but as I've been enjoying a number of different mystery series' published by Henery Press, I thought I'd give this one a try as well.

Eli Lisbon is working on becoming a private detective. She also happens to be the director of the Ballantyne Foundation. It is just one week before the annual Beach Ball at the foundation and she's on the committee to secure the dessert centerpieces. A piece of cake, right? (Pun intended.) But the head baker goes missing. When Eli looks into the situation she learns that the baker is supposed to be the maid of honor at a wedding the following week, and that the maid of honor and bride-to-be had previously been rivals on a reality television show.

No one seems to know if there's still bad blood between bride and maid. Did something happen to the baker or did she leave the cozy beach resort on her own? And more importantly, who's going to make the cake centerpieces for the Ball?

This is the fifth book in a series, but it is the first book I've read. I don't think that I was missing anything too important about Eli - I felt like anything I needed to know what presented to me. The story is classic cozy mystery - we don't get any overt violence, just the hint of something possibly having been done.

I am typically not a fan of cozy mysteries, though there are a few that I've really liked. This particular book never really caught my attention. I felt it moved along much too slowly (a problem I find with most cozy mysteries) and Eli didn't strike me as very remarkable or exciting.

For the most part, this was just a very average read. Fans of cozies would probably really like this, but it didn't quite work for me.

Looking for a good book? Shake Down by Kendel Lynn is cozy mystery, the fifth book in a series, and is generally an average read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first I’ve read in this series, it was a bit of acclimation to get to know Elliott and her unusual life, working with a foundation and doing some PI work on the side, with her newly returned flame, ex FBI agent and now small island-town cop. In this story, we have a missing person: bridesmaid of honor and best friend (as well as business partner) of the bride and her failure to appear at a “Bride’s Brunch”. While the missing girl hasn’t been heard from in days, and her car is found at the local airport, the search turns from a “well, she’ll turn up” to a ‘we have to find her.

Set in the small island community – there are characters and opportunities for misdeeds everywhere, and Elli’s determination to ferret out the clues and play monkey in the middle between the bride and the mother of the missing girl – a rather acrimonious relationship as the two met on a ‘Bachelor-like” reality show, and well, the bride got the man. As far as going with the flow and following the story through to conclusion, the read was clever and following Elli’s steps, some missteps and listening to her viewpoint was enjoyable. But, there were so many characters that came and went, or were important to the interactions that I did feel like I was missing pieces of background, and coming in at book five with plenty of history that wasn’t explained left me wondering why I felt as if there was more there than I saw.

It is NOT the author’s fault, for the story itself was amusing, and I truly did find Elli and her castmates engaging and intriguing – I just needed to have more familiarity with the people before jumping into the story. Fans of the series are sure to love it – and for my part I’ve added all of the earlier titles to my shelf for reading in a ‘catch up cozy weekend” sometime soon.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of books in this series and have enjoyed them. I plan on going back to the first book and filling in all the continuing plot points that I have missed by not having read them all.

Still, this is a book that can easily be read stand-alone. It doesn’t rely on previous books and does give brief information of things that went before without giving spoilers for the earlier books.

Elliott Lisbon is the director of the Ballantyne Foundation which is a charity set up by a very rich, older couple who are like family to Elliott. This story, however, is about friends of Elliott who are getting married.

When the maid of honor goes missing a week before the wedding, Elliott is drafted to help find her. Elliott is also a PI-in training, so that isn’t really an unusual request.

The more that Elliott investigates, the more troubling it is that the young woman is missing. Could there be more involved that just this young woman gone or is everything that she uncovers happenstance and not related at all.

An interesting twist on the story is that a reality television series is involved. I don’t watch reality TV, in truth I don’t watch much TV at all. However, the book shows that this type of series is not all fun and games and that people can get hurt by appearing on it. This didn’t surprise me but it may do so for people who enjoy watching reality television.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott Lisbon has a whole lot to juggle in this, the fifth entry of this cozy series. Working as the director of the Ballantyne Foundation while also training to become a private investigator would be more than enough to balance. Now she is involved with a friends wedding and is in charge of the center pieces. What could possibly go wrong? As with any wedding, it's a rule that there will be some kind of snafu. In this wedding the baker of the centerpieces goes missing a week before the nuptials and she is just so happens to be the maid of honor. Given that Elli is already involved with the wedding and she is a PI (even if not fully trained) it's natural that she gets drawn into the search for the missing woman.
There is a major twist to the case - it's all tied into a dating reality show and those shows can turn nasty. This wedding will be filmed as part of the show, if it ever happens. Add a few other plot twists and danger to Elli and you've got a great mystery. I'll say no more for fear of dropping a spoiler or two. This can be read as a stand alone but be prepared to get your hands on the previous books, the series is that good. My thanks to the publisher Henery Press and to Edelweiss for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in Lynn’s “Elliott Lisbon Mystery Series”, but the first that I have read. Elliott Lisbon is the Director of the billion-dollar Ballantyne Foundation. It is a week before the annual Ballantyne Beach BBQ and, the following day, Juliette Pete’s wedding. And, Daphne Fischer, her maid-of-honor, was missing.

It was going to be a long week.

Written and promoted as a cozy mystery, Shake Down is mostly that. It is a fun journey through the islands lining the Atlantic shores of South Carolina. But there is a BUT as the pieces come together; the book feels more like a thriller than a cozy. With more deaths and unfinished stories, it feels as the book is not quite done.

The book might feel comfortable to those who like a bit harsher tale than found in most cozy mysteries; it was less satisfying to this reader. Though I would not go looking for it in my public library, it might have a home there. Though I was a bit concerned with the conclusion of the book, it was well-written and I will be looking forward to more books from this author.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott Lisbon is the director of the billion-dollar Ballantyne Foundation and is also a very frustrated PI-in-training. There are plenty of cases to work on, but her boyfriend Lieutenant Ransom and other law enforcement officers do not share much information with her. So, Elliot enlists her best friend Sid, and the pair hone their investigative skills in the complicated search for Daphne who has a reputation for going missing and following her whims without warning. Would she do that with her friend’s wedding less than a week away?

In Shake Down by Kendel Lynn, lots of plot lines intersect. The Ballantyne Foundation is sponsoring a BBQ fundraiser honoring families who host the homeless. We are also introduced to Daphne who disappears shortly before she is to be maid of honor for her best friend Juliette. The girls met on a reality TV show where they were competing for an eligible bachelor. Much of the plot is centered around the town’s search for Daphne. That part of the book drags just a bit, but the pace and action pick up later and culminate in a conclusion I could never have predicted.

I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled that Elliott Lisbon returned. I'd despaired there would be anymore in the series! This latest book did not disappoint!

Elliot is involved in helping with a Ballantyne Beach BBQ and a wedding venue at the Big House. Unfortunately, the bride's maid of honor disappears. The community pitches in to find Daphne but Elli takes the case! Elli, with help from Sid and a few other friends, follow clues through random flights, car chases, reality television, and actual tracking through woods in order to find Daphne. Ransom's (Elliott's boyfriend) current case just so happens to intersect with Elli's. As they race to locate the missing girl, more "dirt" is uncovered in the personal lives of community members.

It was a well thought out plot with a surprise ending! The main characters were like coming home to friends. I missed Elliott, Ransom, Sid, and the gang! I hope Kendel Lynn doesn't wait as long for the next book! I can't wait to see what happens between Elliott and Ransom!

[Jo Dervan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eli Lisbon is the a Private Investigator in training in the quiet island of Sea Pine Island in coastal South Carolina. She is also the director of the Ballantyne Foundation. The foundation’s annual Beach Ball is coming up and she is involved in the planning. A week later the wedding of a friend is also scheduled nearby. However the maid of honor disappears. It turns out that the maid of honor had been a rival of the bride on a reality TV show. Both women worked in a bakery and shake shop on the island and are involved with supplying the Beach Ball with cakes.

So no one is sure whether the missing girl left on her own or if there was foul play. Eli begins the investigation and mobilizes people on the island to hunt for the girl. Eventually the local police take over the search.

This cosy mystery starts out slowly and speeds up at the end. The author writes of the quiet Low Country beach scene. This is the 5th book in the Elliot Lisbon mystery series.


In accordance with FTC guidelines, this ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the first book I've read by this author, I was happy to accept a free copy from Henery Press and offer my review once I finished reading. No spoilers in my reviews, just a fair shake on what you can expect. An enjoyable read with a story that moves along at a good clip and characters that are well developed enough that you can pick up here without having read anything beforehand. Also, I did enjoy this mystery enough to go back and start from the series beginning because this book was good enough for me to determine that this was an overall enjoyable series as well. An enjoyable and well-written story with humor infused in just the right places and allows you to transport yourself to the beach setting. A formidable whodunit that will keep you turning the pages to satisfy your curiosity about who the murderer is. It kept me guessing and I was completely surprised when the killer was exposed. Overall a likable story that left me wanting to read more by this author.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott Lisbon, Director of the Ballantyne Foundation on Sea Pine Island, South Carolina, is tangentially involved in a barbeque for 300 of the best donors for a homeless program supported by the Ballantynes, Edward and Vivi, who live in the Big House on Sea Pine. Elliott's chief concern is the wedding of the grandkids of the Turnbulls, friends of the Ballantynes, which will take place on the same grounds as the barbeque the following day. And chief among Elliott's concerns is that the maid of honor for the wedding has disappeared. Elliott is still working on getting her P.I. license and does not get the support she feels owed her in her missing person's case by her boyfriend, Nick Ransom, an agent for the FBI.
Trying to melt into the background when tracking a suspect while driving a new Ferrari in Charlotte, N.C., Elliott and her best friend, Sid, are picked up by the D.E.A. when they land at the Sea Pine's airport. This all occurs in a backdrop of "Down the Isle", a reality show where the bride and groom kindled their romance.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Juliette’s maid of honor and roommate, Daphne, doesn’t show up for the bridesmaid dinner, everyone in the small beach community of Sea Pine Island is concerned. More of a “where-is-she” than a whodunit, Shake Down is a modern mystery rather than the cozy mystery I expected.

Juliette and Daphne met on a Bachelor-style reality show, Down the Isle. In addition, Juliette met her fiancé, Tucker, on the show. Juliette runs the Cake & Shake shop where Daphne works part-time. How could Daphne leave Juliette alone at a time like this?

Elli is enlisted to assist Juliette and her historic islander family find Daphne. Elli is the Director of a local philanthropic organization. But she is studying to be a private investigator. And so the game is afoot!

If you know going in that Shake Down is neither a cozy mystery nor a murder mystery, I believe you will enjoy this slow-burn of a novel. 3 stars.

Thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss+ for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I tossed my phone on my desk in frustration. “You know, Tod, a PI-in-training under the mentorship of law enforcement is code for figure everything out on your own.”

Elliot Lisbon, OK in training has a tendency to run into trouble. And this case isn't any different. Who's who and what and why all during a huge fundraiser for a homeless shelter and then they'll have a wedding? Or will they. And, who's marrying who? And, a reality show? Really?


As much as I loved the author's first Elliot Lisbon book, I wasn't really thrilled with this one. Mendel Lynn's descriptions are still first rate, however, this story wasn't. Too many story lines, mixed-up names and the ending makes me want to know what was edited out. I was contacted by the author's publisher and given access to an early copy, and I'm almost sorry I agreed. It was that disappointing. 2/5

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

This is the 5th book in the series, but the first one I have read. I really enjoyed this and will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. I enjoyed the characters (there are A LOT of them) - Elli is an unusual cozy protagonist, at least in the books I tend to read, in that she is actively training to be a PI. She has a decent relationship with local law enforcement. I liked that feature - it made the character feel fresh. I don't have a great feel for how the PI stuff works with her Foundation job, but I'm sure when I go back to the start of the series it will all make sense.

The mystery was terrific. Great pacing with plenty of new developments and twists. Cozy fans should not miss this one! (Language, TW for the ending)

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ballantyne Foundation Director and PI-in-training, Elliott Lisbon is on the case. This time she’s asked to help find Juliette’s missing Maid of Honor, Daphne. But is she really missing or just took off? These two were once rivals on the ‘Down The Isle’ dating show. And Elli is doing this while getting ready for the annual Beach BBQ. I enjoy Elli and the other cast of characters living on Sea Pine Island. This series is full of humor, plot twists, mystery and some romance between her and Lt. Nick Ransom. Such an enjoyable read. I’ve been a fan since I read Switch Back in Other People’s Baggage.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book in the series and once I sorted out who's who, I settled in for a classic cozy read. Elli is a detective in training (although goodness knows she's been doing it long enough) and now she's entangled in the drama surrounding the marriage of Tucker, a reality TV star. Daphne and Juliette competed for his heart; one won and the other, well, she's supposed to the maid of honor except she's gone missing. There's a fair amount of drama here but some nice local atmospherics. The dialogue between Elli and her love interest Lt Nick Ransom might make you, like me, chuckle. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I'm going to keep an eye out for the next one!

[Kathy Kennerley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I want to be Elliott when I grow up! Seriously though, I've loved reading female sleuth books since I was a child and this series has the best of everything. She's only a little distracted by the gorgeous beaches and food dishes and her responsibilities at the foundation. Her friends are a real kick and each have a knack at some skill that helps her with her investigation. She's a bit shaken by the emotions of people close to her but in the end it helps her takes steps in her own relationship. This is a great cozy mystery. ARC edelweissplus.com

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shake Down is Kendel Lynn's fifth entry in her Elliott Lisbon Mystery Series. This is my first book by Kendel Lynn. After an initial slow start, likely due to starting a series five in, the story picked up for me, and I was able to enjoy it on it's own. As I have always said though, it would have probably enhanced the experience to have started at the beginning.

That said, it was a good story with likable main characters. There was a lot happening, and many characters to follow, but it came to a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance!🐧🐧&#x1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHAKE DOWN is a comfortable cozy mystery, Book 5 in the Elliott Lisbon Series about the upscale South Carolina island P.I. in training who moves readily among the upper-class set on Sea Pines Island. Ideal for fans of Julie Mulhern's Kansas-set Country Club Murders series, Elli polishes her investigative skills while polishing connection with her reunited love interest, away for two decades in the FBI.

[Karla Brandenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given this book to review. If I hadn’t, I might not have finished it. It might help to know I’m not a big fan of cozy mystery.

The first chapter is a litany of food and no story, a confusion of who is what. But I soldiered on.

By the third chapter we had our missing person and from there the story grew. My overall impressions- the actual story was good. I enjoyed the progression and the mystery. Elliot (and why do the women in this book have boy names?) came across as not too bright. For a PI in training, she lacked some basic everyday knowledge, and when she had the final piece of the puzzle from the missing person, she lacked the deductive reasoning to put it together until the dramatic climax.

Hot and cold? Sorry, that’s kind of how it struck me. So yes, the story was good, but three stars is as good as it gets.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I had no trouble following the story once I sorted out the characters. This book is very well written, with a complex plot and believable characters. I’m looking forward to more from this author. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very elaborate and convoluted mystery! I wasn’t sure which story was the truth and I couldn’t tell who to suspect! I enjoyed the story and the way Elli’s brain processed the clues and information. Then throw in the secrets from the reality show and up seems down and down seems up and you don’t know what is happening! Great mystery!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story since it is different from most of the cozy mysteries out there. A P.I. in training searching for a missing person made a nice change from the usual amateur trying to prove that their friend or family member wasn’t the killer. The characters are well done and the writing style is easy to read. But at the same time I felt like someone who’s been an investigator-in-training for 13 years shouldn’t need the police to tell her how to go about looking for a missing person or, have to rely on other people for so many internet skills.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this series, I was unsure if I would continue. The first book was good but moved a little slow for me. I sure am glad that I kept going. Each book is even better than the last one. I really enjoyed reading this one & hope that there will be more.

[Geri Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I found this series and author by accident. The stories were very well written and researched. Thank you for keeping me busy until I finished every word and each story.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet

Elliott is definitely growing and learning even though no one in law enforcement wants to help her. This story was huge and very well written. Elliott and Sid have their funny moment and it’s a doozy! The ending was sweet and I look forward to more.

[Candi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit predicable and a little hard to get into at first, but as with the previous Elliott Lisbon novels, a good read.