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Trouble Cat Mysteries #6

Trouble in Paradise

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DEAD IN PARADISE… Key West is paradise--unless you’re the dead woman in the Toucan Suite. The Hemingway cats, Megs and Bartholomew, who wander the grounds of the B&B, think Liberty Anderson was a spy. But spying on whom? And why? Trouble, the black cat detective, must decipher their cryptic communications and piece together a motive for murder.

Ginger Browne runs the B&B on a shoestring. The Paradise is her home, her history, and her refuge. An unsolved murder could be the kiss of death for this native Conch’s struggle for financial and emotional security.

Trout Richardson is one of the many recluses who came to Key West to escape his past and work as a charter boat captain. Was Liberty merely a charter to him? Or is there more to their relationship?

Both Trout and Ginger resist their mutual attraction, but Trouble knows they’re on an irreversible course toward love and redemption. Trouble must help them resolve the mystery of Liberty’s murder and steer them down the path toward each other.

All while a killer roams the island paradise of the Conch Republic and a lost treasure is up for grabs.

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First published May 1, 2018

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About the author

Rebecca Barrett

16 books138 followers
Rebecca Barrett writes historical fiction, the Hugo August Detective series, cozy mysteries, children’s stories, and short stories of life in the South. An avid reader all her life and a product of “front porch” socializing, she became a story-teller at an early age.

She resides in the lovely artist colony of Fairhope, AL, on the shores of Mobile Bay where she draws inspiration and joy.

Visit the author's website rebeccabarrett.com to enjoy some of her short stories.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,453 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2018
Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett is another adventure with the cat, Trouble, who is staying in Key West, FL while his owner is on a cruise. Trouble doesn't have long to settle into the Paradise B&B when a suspicious death happens at the B&B. The local police write it off as a date rape gone wrong when they find alcohol and GHB in the victim's bloodstream but Trouble isn't so sure. Neither is Georgia, the owner of the B&B and her friend Trout. Soon their is a cast of characters that all seem to have multiple motives to be in Key West which might or might not have to do with the victim. Twists, red herrings, Hemingway cats and clues that keep Georgia and Trout guessing until the reveal.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from KaliOka Press. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,472 reviews47 followers
May 24, 2021
I first "met" Trouble earlier this spring when I read "Year-Round Trouble: 14 Original Cozy Holiday Mysteries" and to share my first impressions from that book review,
"...I purred in my human reading pleasure way for the wondrous names that a charismatic cat I’ve never met before named 'Trouble' has for humans, the things humans do, the things human say, etc...Trouble appears very sophisticated perhaps because he has modeled and honed his sleuthing talents learning 'his skills from his dad (Familiar), but also from watching his hero, Benedict Cumberbatch, on the telly as Sherlock Holmes.' Accordingly, Trouble has an occasional slip into British slang."
I knew I wouldn't hesitate to spend more time reading about this incredible feline detective.

Trouble is residing with proprietress Ginger Browne at The Paradise Bed and Breakfast in Key West while Trouble's owner and Ginger's friend, Tammy Lynn is on a cruise. Trouble's resilience and adaptability to new surroundings are second to none. His communication skills whether convincing a bi-ped (human) to follow him, open a closed door, and conveyance of epicure taste is to be admired and becomes highly respected by all he encounters. Many of Trouble's encounters around and about "Paradise" are with the Hemingway cats, Megs/Mitzi Gaynor and Bartholomew/Lou Costello who enjoy a stroll away from their home grounds. Their interactions are priceless!

I don't know who enjoys their vacation time apart more, Tammy or Trouble. Without a doubt, it is clear that resourceful Trouble is keen to meet all new adventures and will not hesitate to solve the latest murder as the master detective on the case! The local police department may not always give Trouble the credit due but readers know who really did solve the case!

I can't wait to learn where Trouble will turn up next! If you haven't met Trouble yet, you're in for a Paw-some time that will be Un-fur-gettable!
Profile Image for Claire Matturro.
Author 14 books80 followers
May 22, 2018
5.0 out of 5 starsThis cozy is the perfect blend of who-dunnit mystery and romance
By Claire LeNoir on May 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Utterly charming! This cozy is the perfect blend of who-dunnit mystery and romance, set in the lush tropical Key West, and featuring Trouble, the black cat detective. “Trouble in Paradise” is Rebecca Barrett’s second book in the multi-author series featuring Trouble, the black cat detective, and it’s a grand addition to the series. The leading lady, Ginger, is a Key West Conch, running a Bed and Breakfast handed down the female lineage from her grandmother. One of her female guests turns up dead, but it’s never really clear (till the climax that is) why, or even if she was the intended victim. Hemingway cats with their seven paws feature big in the story, as do the environs of Key West. A psychologist turned fishing guide, nickname of Trout, offers a helping hand to Ginger, but his mysterious past is cause for concern not just for Ginger, but for the police detective on the case. A French literary agent, an overweight rich man, an angry ex-wife, a box of ashes, a hidden attaché case, a Cuban with a wayward gymnast daughter, and a savvy collector of valuable items all add to the intrigue. But Trouble is the star, and this time he has two Hemingway cats—Megs and Bartholomew—to either help or hinder in his investigation. This is a fun book, complexly plotted, with compelling characters, and the writing is wonderfully well done. Thank you, Rebecca.
171 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2018
Trouble (the cat, that is) does get around! This time he's in Key West, at a B&B owned by a friend of Tammy Lynn's, Ginger. When one of Ginger's guests turns up dead, Trouble goes to work trying to find out what happened. Although he tries to get some help from a pair of the Hemingway cats, their clues are so obtuse as to be almost useless.
Barrett has woven a story rich with Key West charm and history. Her readers can almost see the sunsets and feel the humidity of August. We watch Ginger and Trout, who has come to Key West to reinvent his life, tap dance around their mutual attraction while trying to solve the murder. Trout's world weariness is a good foil for Ginger's naïveté, and it's always amusing to watch as the humans come to realize that Trouble is usually the smartest creature in the room. I can't wait to see where he lands next.
This voluntary review is based on an ARC received from the publisher.
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 38 books397 followers
December 25, 2018
I've been doing a lot of cute, cozy mysteries lately. They're good fun, and nice for when you want something light.

"Trouble in Paradise" is just that. The titular cat, Trouble, is being cat-sat in Key West by Ginger, owner of the Paradise Bed and Breakfast. There's a murder in one of the rooms and soon not only Ginger, but also her friend Trout, find themselves under suspicion. It's up to Trouble, and two cats from the Hemingway Estate (Megs and Bartholomew) to figure it out ... at least, as far as Trouble can tell.

This book was somewhat reminiscent of the delightful Midnight Louie series. Unlike Louie, who is straight out of Damon Runyon, Trouble has a British accent (he tells us so) and sees himself more in the vein of Benedict Cumberbatch's version of Sherlock.

This was a delightful, well-constructed mystery with lovable characters. I will look forward to checking out more tales in this multi-authored series.
1,356 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2018
What a great mystery!!

I totally enjoyed this addition to the Familiar Legacy
series! I loved that it took place in Key West. The 2
Hemingway cats were so cute. Fantastic story line
and wonderful characters. Of course, Trouble is such
a lovable kitty. Trouble rates right up there with
Midnight Louie and Joe Gray. He's an extraordinary
detective!!! Great mystery, great author!!!!
118 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2018
We find our witty feline detective in Paradise—Key West to be exact. Once again our traveling sleuth has landed in the midst of a mystery when a body is found at a local Bed and Breakfast. Trouble is staying with Ginger, owner Tammy Lee’s friend. This Cumberbatch-like detective leads and pushes his hostess and her new love toward clues and answers, all while exploring this legendary piece of Paradise.
As a part-time Floridian, I enjoyed this look at the life of the islanders. Trouble is fascinated by the legendary six-toed (or is it seven?) Hemingway cats roaming the island. His efforts to communicate with them and even to understand them is both fun and funny! Also, the introductory T.S. Eliot quote that “a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES” is just so right! You’ll see what I mean when you read it!
The mystery is complex, more intricate than what I’ve come to expect in a cozy. Which makes it more fun for this reader. And there are characters here who are laugh out loud funny; the ex-wife was a hoot! But the best part of the book for me is the way Key West life is interwoven into the story. The chickens, history, food, bars, all lend character to the story. Nicely done.
Now just where will we find Trouble next? I so enjoy his travels!
1 review
May 20, 2018
Trouble the Feline Detective finds himself on holiday in Key West - well who wouldn't look forward to enjoying that! As usual, things don't go to plan, in fact events get very complicated and it is up to Trouble and his Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock Holmes inspired skills to try to restore order, save the B&B Accommodation House of Tammy-Lee's friend Ginger, and maybe nudge Cupid's arrow in the right direction along the way if he can. All with the dubious help of two of Hemmingway's cats who really don't want to lose their privileged lifestyle. But of course, no-one is as they seem and with a locked door murder mystery involved life gets very uncomfortable for Ginger and her team.

I really enjoyed this latest book in the Trouble series. As usual it intersperses all of the usual elements required with genuine insights into people which make them relatable and interesting. With plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. Step outside your day to day life and escape with Trouble on his many adventures, this time to Paradise, even if it is in your dreams.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
June 5, 2019
Trouble's human Tammy Lee, is off on a cruise. She leaves Trouble with her friend Ginger who owns a delightful Bed and Breakfast called Paradise. If you've been reading these books along with me you'll know that Trouble is the son of a famous cat detective named Familiar, and he appears to have the same skills.

When Charter Captain Trout Richardson shows up looking for the woman who booked his boat, Ginger finds her guest, Liberty Anderson, deceased on her bed. Not a very good way to start a day in Paradise.

As the investigation begins, Trouble of course is in the middle of everything. I really love that every chapter begins with Trouble's musings or interactions.

This tale gets more intriguing as you turn the pages. Adding to the murder there is also the occupant of the 'Bird Cage' room that keeps expecting phone calls. Plus some someone is looking for something, causing even more havoc for poor Ginger.

Fast-paced and fun with intrigue and suspense, plus some romance aided by Trouble as well.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,332 reviews
May 7, 2018
Trouble is now in Key West staying with Tammy Lee’s friend Ginger. When a body is found at a local Bed and Breakfast this Cumberbatch like detective leads, prods and pushes his hostess and the man she loves to clues to find answers.
While in Key West Trouble may as well explore and see what paradise looks like as I am always told by family who live down there.
I myself was actually fascinated by the Hemingway cats, that roam the island. Particularly the legendary six or is it seven toed one.
Loved the mystery, the characters had me laughing, all around a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Can’t wait to see where Trouble ends up next!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lynn.
356 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2019
Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett was great. I love Trouble. I think I really got into it because I've been to KeyWest and the Hemingway Museum. The story itself was on point. I enjoy how things are kept on such an even keel when the Cat ladies can get together and keep things going.
The Familiar series is great for anyone who wants a nice light captivating story with each author putting there own twist on things.
Great job.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
43 reviews
May 7, 2018
Trouble is at it again! While staying with Ginger, a friend of Tammy Lynn's in Key West, he discovers a body in one of the rooms at the Paradise Inn her family's funky themed but cozy inn. What brought the murdered woman to the Keys? How was she murdered and why? And Trout, the mysterious tour boat captain, is he here to help her or hinder the investigation?
1,397 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2018
Trouble visits the Hemingway Cats

Trouble is visiting Key West while Tammy Lynn is on a cruise. He’s staying at a small bread and breakfast run by Ginger. The bread and breakfast has been in Ginger’s family for years. One of the guests is found dead in her room leading Trouble on the trail of the murderer.

This is another great Trouble mystery and I was excited to read an advanced copy.
12 reviews
May 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Trouble navigates the twists and turns of this mystery as well as his idol, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch)) would. And he keeps the humans on the straight and narrow. I loved the Key West location and the Hemingway cats. Wonderful beach read!

Where will Trouble be next???

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
209 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2018
Trouble in Paradise

Trouble, the feline of great detective abilities, is on his toes in Key West! The bi-peds in this story are complex as is the plot. One murder, 2 disappearances, 3 break-ins and a couple of Hemingway cats -- will Trouble solve the mysteries before Tammy Lynn returns from her cruise?
Profile Image for Sandy Van domelen.
143 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
Another Fabulous Mystery Solved By Trouble!

Ms. Barrett writes an amazingly good mystery. I have so enjoyed Trouble and his exploits. This particular story actually had two mysteries to solve. The writing was well done, kept me in suspense making it hard to put the book down. Can't wait to start the next book which thankfully is next on my list.
Profile Image for Nadine.
828 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2019
I especially loved this one because it takes place in Key West!!! I love Key West and the Hemingway house. Mystery not too bad but I thought it would have more of a bang to it. Still.....loved it!! Happy Reading :)
1,124 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2019
OKAY MURDER MYSTERY

Slow moving murder mystery. Trouble, the cat detective, is staying with the owner of local B&B. He meets two of the local cats which adds a little suspense as well. Ginger, B&B owner, andd Trout the tour boat captain, join forces to solve the crime.
547 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2020
Review

I really enjoy this series. I love the idea that each one takes place in a different location. This one was in Key West and that is such a cool location. I really enjoyed the part about Hemingway and his cats having been there.
1,559 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2022
read better from authour

This book didn’t hold my attention at all, skipped a lot to get to the end. Disappointed really, as Ive read much better from this authour. It was very dry., lacked fun and cat wasn’t involved very much.
Profile Image for Jamie.
278 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2018
The mystery was interesting. I liked reading about the Hemingway Cats. Ginger Browne and Trouble the cat are my favorite characters.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
1,270 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed Trouble in Paradise. The mystery was interesting and has many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The characters are interesting. I love Trouble! He is wonderful.
7,749 reviews49 followers
April 30, 2020
Trouble is once again the star of this caper, he is British and has a taste for fine food, nothing out of a can. Trying to babysit him is Ginger owner of the B B a small inn. When a murder happens to Liberty, or is it Alice, her phone suggest she was something else, then the way she dressed and went to bars, Intruduers want something that is hidden in the room she had, figuring out what. With Trouble are the two museum cats Meg and Bartholomew. Great cozy mystery with a good flowing plot.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
568 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2019
Paradise, Murder, Secrets, and Trouble
Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett is a fun mystery. I loved the setting, the characters and learning a bit about the Hemingway Cats. Trouble is staying with Ginger at the Paradise B&B in Key West while Tammy Lynn takes a cruise.
Ginger
Likes

Lovely disposition, very friendly
Energetic
Great hostess, baker, and cook
Intelligent, she has a solid business plan

Dislikes
Ginger is a great character. I didn’t see anything that would make me dislike her.
Trout
Likes

Keeps to himself
Honorable and trustworthy
Seems to be a good judge of people
He realized that he wasn’t happy in his previous life and made a huge change that has worked out for the better.

Dislikes
He drinks too much, but he is trying to control it, and as the story moves we can see the changes in him.  
Mystery
There are a couple of mysteries going on here, with a few red herrings. There was lots of chaos going on at the Paradise B&B and even more secrets surrounding the guests staying there.

However, I adored the Hemingway cats, Mitzi Gaynor/Megs and Lou Costello/Bartholomew. The way they weren’t impressed with Trouble and confused him with their strange banter was terrific.

If you would like to learn more about the Hemingway cats and museum, please go HERE

Trouble was a little off on the mystery and didn’t catch the killer until the bipeds figured it out. I think there were too many things going on for him. Although, he did figure out one of the mysteries.
5 Stars for Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett
My rating for Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett is five stars. I adored the story, mystery, characters, romance, and Trouble. I enjoyed learning about Key West which sounds beautiful. I was also fun to take the tour of Hemmingway House with Ginger. I liked the way history was woven in with this contemporary story.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett.

This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book on your site.

Jen Signature for BBT

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Profile Image for Anne Leazar.
53 reviews
May 8, 2018
Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett

Murder and mayhem in Key West, Florida? You bet there is a whole lot of Trouble when the feline detective is on the case. Our black Sherlockian cat, Trouble is visiting Ginger Browne, the owner of the Paradise Bed and Breakfast on holiday. Ginger's friend, Trout, the sea captain, was there to pick up Liberty Anderson, one of the Paradise's guests for a guided boat tour for a mysterious reason. Unfortunately, Liberty is not up to make this tour, she is found dead in the Toucan suite by Trouble, Ginger and Trout Richardson.

The lead suspect in this case is Trout, who has a troubling past that he is running away from, that could involve murder? Detective Duncan Moore thinks there is more to Trout than he is telling. Megs and Bartholomew, the Hemingway cats, befriended Trouble to assist with the murder with unusual responses that has Trouble questioning the various guests' motives for staying at the Paradise.

Ginger gets more than what she bargains for while searching for clues regarding the murder and a missing person while inspecting several of the rooms in her establishment for clues for both cases. Trouble and his bipeds found out more about Liberty's reasons for the trip to the Keys. She wanted to have a fun time while investigating the treatment of the Hemingway cats at the museum after a complaint about their possible mistreatment was filed with her government agency.

While the murder investigation is going on at her establishment, one of her shady guests is planning an elaborate scam of a rare Hemingway literary work that caught the attention of the police and several wealthy bidders. Trout and Trouble have been asking questions to humans and to the Hemingway cats about this "rare artifact" that a literary agent found so she can sell it to the highest bidder. Along with this latest development and the ever growing list of clues, Trouble and his bipeds got more than they bargained for with these investigations.

This is an interesting read with several twists and turns throughout the story. The author used local slang for the locals that I did not know. This explanation appeared in the middle of the storyline which told the story of the creation of this term for the locals of the Florida Keys. The action does pick up during the middle of the story at a good pace with the addition of a missing person mystery. The two plots were effortlessly weaved together to lead the reader to believe that one suspect for both mysteries behind both crimes until the end of the story. She did an outstanding job of staging the scenes for the murder and the missing person reveal very well. Throughout the story, the hint of a possible romance between Trout and Ginger is an excellent addition to this interesting plotline.
Ms. Barrett's writing has greatly improved since her last book. The plotline is tightly entwined with the memorable characters' development. I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Barrett's Trouble books in this highly entertaining series.

I was given an ARC for a honest book review.

Profile Image for Eor OR.
9 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2018
Trouble in Paradise
In this story of Rebecca Barret we find Trouble staying at The Paradise Bed and Breakfast in Key West near the Marina and Hemingway Museum.
Trouble’s owner is away so he is staying for a while with Ginger, the proprietor of The Paradise B&B and it does not take long before his detecting skills are called upon. One of the guests of the Paradise is found dead in her room with the door locked on the inside! Trouble had a meeting with the guest in question and had already concluded that she did not like cats at all.
Ginger is understandably very upset but has the support and help of ‘Trout’ a single guy who is reorganising his life in Key West living on a small charter boat. Their initial tentative attraction soon grows as they work together trying to find out what happened to the dead guest, an attack on Ginger and another one on an employee of The Paradise. Trout is stepping up to support Ginger in keeping the B&B running whilst Ginger is recovering and her staff member is at the hospital getting first aid and being checked out.
As they have their hands rather full with this, Trouble puts his whiskers to the task and soon finds a common thread between smells left in the dead women’s room and the area where Ginger and her staff were attacked. He also shows Ginger and Trout where to look for a missing treasure which was hidden by another guest who appears to have disappeared without trace.
Fortunately this missing guest reappears and can claim ownership of the treasured papers which are purported to be drafts Hemingway made prior to writing one of his books.
Ginger and Trout become an item and started to accept Trouble’s detecting abilities as they unravel the mystery of the locked doors with a dead person inside and various other attacks that happened in the B&B over a few days time.
A most entertaining story with Trouble as hero situated in Key West and at The Paradise Bed and Breakfast hotel.
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