What do you think?
Rate this book
The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries #11
Sailor Take Warning
The commissioner banned citizen interference in police investigations, but that’s never stopped Donna before and won’t stop her now.
A race yacht has capsized. A millionaire has gone missing. If that and the involvement of a would-be psychic aren’t reason enough to worry, adding Donna’s meddling mother to the mix will jeopardize Legacy’s reputation even further.
Can Donna rein in the chaos before it spells disaster for everyone involved?
A race yacht has capsized. A millionaire has gone missing. If that and the involvement of a would-be psychic aren’t reason enough to worry, adding Donna’s meddling mother to the mix will jeopardize Legacy’s reputation even further.
Can Donna rein in the chaos before it spells disaster for everyone involved?
- GenresMystery
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2020
About the author
M.K. Scott
33 books766 followersM. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries, The Talking Dog Detective Agency, which is set In Indianapolis, and The Way Over the Hill Gang series.
Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities.
Morgan’s daughter, who works at a hotel, has contributed a guest horror tale or two to fuel plot lines along with housekeeping details. Overall, the series are a family effort.
Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities.
Morgan’s daughter, who works at a hotel, has contributed a guest horror tale or two to fuel plot lines along with housekeeping details. Overall, the series are a family effort.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 31, 2020
This is such a great cozy mystery series!
You might wonder… What does a veteran police detective and a retired nurse turned B&B owner have in common? In this case, they are the dynamic duo that solves a baffling murder. I just love the interactions of these two characters. They are the perfect complement to each other.
This book is a well-written, clean, fun, and easy read. A very enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery that I would recommend to anyone who loves to solve a great whodunit while relaxing in an easy chair.
The following recipes are included as a bonus feature: Easy Shortbread Cookies, Crunchy Fried Chicken, Seasoned Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Country Gravy.
As a posted reviewer, I was gifted an advance copy of “Sailor Take Warning” from the author. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
You might wonder… What does a veteran police detective and a retired nurse turned B&B owner have in common? In this case, they are the dynamic duo that solves a baffling murder. I just love the interactions of these two characters. They are the perfect complement to each other.
This book is a well-written, clean, fun, and easy read. A very enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery that I would recommend to anyone who loves to solve a great whodunit while relaxing in an easy chair.
The following recipes are included as a bonus feature: Easy Shortbread Cookies, Crunchy Fried Chicken, Seasoned Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Country Gravy.
As a posted reviewer, I was gifted an advance copy of “Sailor Take Warning” from the author. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 29, 2020
A yacht capsizes during a race, the billionaire owner goes missing, and Donna is on the case. This fast-paced mystery kept me guessing until the end. A fun bonus is a visit by characters from another series. As always, the writing is skillful, the story well-crafted, and the characters interesting and believable. I’m looking forward to the next book. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 1, 2020
This is a well written book that will keep you turning the pages. It's a fast fun read that will keep you guessing until the end. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2020
This is a great cozy mystery which takes place in the small coastal town of Legacy, where a regatta is scheduled for the weekend. Donna prepares her Victorian, The Painted Lady Inn, for the onslaught while trying to replace her last helper. And Thelma shows up with a premonition, warning of a murder. When a yacht capsizes in the first race and a millionaire is missing, Donna as an amateur sleuth starts to investigate, along with her Detective husband Mark. Was it a murder or a kidnapping? And who will solve it first? A fun read with plenty of antics to keep you entertained! I received an advanced copy of this book and am so glad I did!
May 2, 2020
Legacy, NC is hosting its first regatta, and Donna has splurged on Italian sodas, fancy water, and specialty coffee, in addition to her delicious daily fare, to entice well-heeled guests to the Painted Lady. She and Mark are scheduled to have a full house for the event, hosting Yankees attending the boat races. It’s not a good time to be looking for Tennyson’s replacement, but luckily her first applicant is a gem: Rosemarie, a middle-aged woman involved in a bitter family battle over her late father’s estate.
After fending off Thelma, a self-identified psychic who’s come to warn her of a murder, the regatta’s most impressive yacht, the Foam Empress, capsizes in the first heat, and her owner, J.D. Sizemore, who’s proud to show off the latest from his specialty yacht racing line, is nowhere to be found. The only evidence of his unlikely presence on the boat — part of his braggart personality— is the captain’s hat he cockily sported before the yacht keeled over.
One of Donna’s guests is Tabitha Vorhees, the girlfriend Sizemore recently dumped, who drunkenly confides in Donna over desserts in the kitchen. Other guests are the snooty visitors from up North, Eugenia Heyer and her cousin Cynthia, who came to Legacy solely to see another cousin, Oscar, race his yacht, although they’re pleased Sizemore washed out. Turns out the dead man made a regatta full of enemies, but the lack of a body makes the case difficult to solve.
In the midst of all this, former handyman Herman (now featured in the Way Over the Hill Gang series) shows up with his lady friend, former showgirl Lola, to announce they’re on their way to Las Vegas to marry. Donna is a bit miffed that they’ve shown up unannounced at such a busy time, but eventually appreciates that lifelong bachelor Herman wants to share his life-changing relationship with his friends in Legacy.
As the mystery around Sizemore’s death deepens, Donna notices more anomalies, such as the fact that psychic Thelma’s brother, Jimmy Bobby, was hired at the last minute to replace an injured crew member, even though he has no yacht racing experience. She wonders why Tabitha, an obvious suspect in Sizemore’s murder, attended the regatta in an effort to win her way back into the heart of the man who threw her aside. And just why does Donna feel the need to rent bait shop owner Leroy’s beagle Peanut, who’s more famous for his ability to howl along with a tune than sniffing out bodies?
It’s murderous days in Legacy, North Carolina — the only recipe needed is for a few yachts and a lot of tourists to show up.
After fending off Thelma, a self-identified psychic who’s come to warn her of a murder, the regatta’s most impressive yacht, the Foam Empress, capsizes in the first heat, and her owner, J.D. Sizemore, who’s proud to show off the latest from his specialty yacht racing line, is nowhere to be found. The only evidence of his unlikely presence on the boat — part of his braggart personality— is the captain’s hat he cockily sported before the yacht keeled over.
One of Donna’s guests is Tabitha Vorhees, the girlfriend Sizemore recently dumped, who drunkenly confides in Donna over desserts in the kitchen. Other guests are the snooty visitors from up North, Eugenia Heyer and her cousin Cynthia, who came to Legacy solely to see another cousin, Oscar, race his yacht, although they’re pleased Sizemore washed out. Turns out the dead man made a regatta full of enemies, but the lack of a body makes the case difficult to solve.
In the midst of all this, former handyman Herman (now featured in the Way Over the Hill Gang series) shows up with his lady friend, former showgirl Lola, to announce they’re on their way to Las Vegas to marry. Donna is a bit miffed that they’ve shown up unannounced at such a busy time, but eventually appreciates that lifelong bachelor Herman wants to share his life-changing relationship with his friends in Legacy.
As the mystery around Sizemore’s death deepens, Donna notices more anomalies, such as the fact that psychic Thelma’s brother, Jimmy Bobby, was hired at the last minute to replace an injured crew member, even though he has no yacht racing experience. She wonders why Tabitha, an obvious suspect in Sizemore’s murder, attended the regatta in an effort to win her way back into the heart of the man who threw her aside. And just why does Donna feel the need to rent bait shop owner Leroy’s beagle Peanut, who’s more famous for his ability to howl along with a tune than sniffing out bodies?
It’s murderous days in Legacy, North Carolina — the only recipe needed is for a few yachts and a lot of tourists to show up.
May 2, 2020
Donna Tollhouse has hired a new assistant, Rosemarie, to help her at the Painted Lady Inn. All of the rooms at the Painted Lady Inn are booked with people wanting to watch the Regatta, where the Foam Empress is the odds-on favorite to win everything. Shortly after the regatta fans check in, Thelma, a self-proclaimed psychic, shows up asking Donna for help. Thelma says she "had a feeling" that there has been a murder and she wants Donna to investigate the matter.
During the first race of the regatta, the Foam Empress capsizes, eliminating it from competition. Unfortunately, the boat's owner, J.D. Sizemore, is also missing. He was thought to have fallen overboard, but nobody seems to be able to find him.
Where is J.D. Sizemore? Is he dead or alive? Is Thelma's murder "feeling" valid or a dream? Can Donna figure out the mysteries?
Morgan Scott has another winner on her hands with this installment of the Painted Lady Inn Mysteries. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
During the first race of the regatta, the Foam Empress capsizes, eliminating it from competition. Unfortunately, the boat's owner, J.D. Sizemore, is also missing. He was thought to have fallen overboard, but nobody seems to be able to find him.
Where is J.D. Sizemore? Is he dead or alive? Is Thelma's murder "feeling" valid or a dream? Can Donna figure out the mysteries?
Morgan Scott has another winner on her hands with this installment of the Painted Lady Inn Mysteries. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
April 3, 2020
Donna is busy getting her B&B, The Painted Lady Inn ready for the weekend. There is a yacht regatta and she is booked up. She needs more help. A lady shows up at her door to apply for the job. Donna decides to hire her. While they are talking Thelma shows up and predicts there will be a murder. If this isn't bad enough, Donna's mother also arrives. One of the racing yachts has capsized and the millionaire owner is missing. He isn't found in the water. Where could he be? Could this be the murder Thelma was talking about? Was he even on the boat? Join Donna as she investigates even though her detective husband tells her to stay out of it. Fun characters, great plot and well written. You don't want to miss this one!! And there are delicious recipes at the end of the book.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
May 3, 2020
Not my Cup of Tea
This book is one of a series. The author does not go into much detail about things that have occurred previously. She does mention them (a lot) and never explains what she is talking about. As someone who has not read any of this series, it was very annoying and a little confusing. The heroine seems to be rather juvenile emotionally by getting jealous when someone else comes up with a better idea faster than she as well as being obnoxiously proud of her 'crime-solving abilities'. The character just doesn't have the personality to run an inn. The book was not my cup of tea. I read over half of the book before I just couldn't take any more of it. I have several of these books in my TBR file, I don't know if I will read them. I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest review.
This book is one of a series. The author does not go into much detail about things that have occurred previously. She does mention them (a lot) and never explains what she is talking about. As someone who has not read any of this series, it was very annoying and a little confusing. The heroine seems to be rather juvenile emotionally by getting jealous when someone else comes up with a better idea faster than she as well as being obnoxiously proud of her 'crime-solving abilities'. The character just doesn't have the personality to run an inn. The book was not my cup of tea. I read over half of the book before I just couldn't take any more of it. I have several of these books in my TBR file, I don't know if I will read them. I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest review.
June 6, 2020
When the regatta comes to Legacy, The Painted Lady Inn is full and help for the work is slim. Fortunately, an ad placed before the regatta is answered on the opening day just hours before guests are expected. It's not all smooth sailing however, between a psychic with wildly destructive children, early (rude) guests, and police problems dealing with a sailing incident, Donna Tollhouse Tabor has her capable hands more than full. Then when someone hints at murder (really kidnapping), all bets are off. No way Donna can stay out of that!
A delightful story that once again reinforces Donna's nosy issues when her help really isn't wanted by the police. A fun subplot involving characters who have left Legacy made Donna's warm and perfection-driven personality sparkle. A great visit to the inn and a fun chance to see Donna in action again.
A delightful story that once again reinforces Donna's nosy issues when her help really isn't wanted by the police. A fun subplot involving characters who have left Legacy made Donna's warm and perfection-driven personality sparkle. A great visit to the inn and a fun chance to see Donna in action again.
May 3, 2020
I really liked the characters in this book. They were quite believable, the kind of people who might live next door, except, perhaps for the psychic. Not only is there a mystery about what happened to the owner of the yacht that capsized, but there is LOL humor sprinkled through the book. There are also a number of yummy recipes at the end of the book. I couldn’t put my Kindle down; I also couldn’t figure out whodunit. I highly recommend this story for your reading pleasure. This is the first book I have read in this series, but it won’t be the last.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
May 3, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. The Inn is booked solid for a weekend of yacht racing and Donna needs to hire a new assistant. While things are happening at the beach, Donna is trying to get the Inn ready for her guests. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
May 4, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun cozy with lots of new faces!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this mystery. There were lots of new faces at the Inn due to a Regatta. There were plenty of twists and turns and suspects to consider. I look forward to the next one. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Fun cozy with lots of new faces!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this mystery. There were lots of new faces at the Inn due to a Regatta. There were plenty of twists and turns and suspects to consider. I look forward to the next one. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
May 2, 2020
Another fun Painted Lady Inn story. This is a well written series with likeable characters . Fun, quick read this story has a regatta, a missing person, a psychic plus a visit from old friends. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
May 2, 2020
Donna is an inn keeper with an insatiable org to investigate. Having a husband who is a police detective definitely can be a plus. Life is never dull at her inn. an enjoyable cozy murder mystery with recipes.
May 5, 2020
Sailor Take Warning is a very entertaining, cozy mystery. I love Donna, Mark, family, friends and the inn. It was delightful that Herman and Lola were in town. The characters are all well done and believable. This book kept the reader busy and off balance with new help at the inn, a psychic, not knowing if the billionaire was missing, kidnapped, drowned or murdered. I love it when I do not figure it out! This is one mystery you do not want to miss!
May 11, 2020
The innkeeper with sleuthing on her mind and her police detective husband live in the old Victorian near the shore and are hosting members of a regatta when a yacht capsizes and the captain goes missing. Looks like a standard cozy until you meet the characters who certainly are! Lots of laughs!
May 8, 2020
Well worth reading ❣️
June 26, 2020
Donna, along with her mother, Cecelia, and aged friend Herman, successfully solve another mystery and find the killer.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are just wonderful.
May 21, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a well-written story with great characters. I enjoyed it.
I received a free book, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free book, and this is my honest opinion.
Read
May 24, 2024Sleuthing Innkeeper
Detective Mark Taber and his wife work weii together whether it's the inn or solving a mystery. This tale is a fun one, full of humor and intrigue
Detective Mark Taber and his wife work weii together whether it's the inn or solving a mystery. This tale is a fun one, full of humor and intrigue
June 9, 2024
humor and murder
Interesting story line, capsized yacht that had a large freezer under a mattress. And who’d a thunk the killer seemed like such a meek, timid woman.
Interesting story line, capsized yacht that had a large freezer under a mattress. And who’d a thunk the killer seemed like such a meek, timid woman.
March 9, 2025
This was a rather madcap type mystery, with suspects everywhere.
August 3, 2021
Sailor Take Warning is a very entertaining, cozy mystery. I love Donna, Mark, family, friends and the inn. It was delightful that Herman and Lola were in town. The characters are all well done and believable. This book kept the reader busy and off balance with new help at the inn, a psychic, not knowing if the billionaire was missing, kidnapped, drowned or murdered. I love it when I do not figure it out! This is one mystery you do not want to miss!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews