Red Hot

A Red Herring Mystery #3

by Dana Dratch

Freelance writer Alex Vlodnachek hasn’t had a vacation in ages. So when her sister invites her—and pup Lucy—for a girls’ get-away to Miami, it’s too tempting to resist.

Big sister Annie wants Alex to savor a little fun in the sun at her South Beach condo. Redhead Alex just wants to escape complications at home, enjoy a little R&R and find an industrial-sized bottle of sunscreen. But trouble is hot on her heels—along with a few stray friends and relatives.

On the eve of the condo association's hotly contested election, everything in the luxury high-rise is going haywire. But board president and social butterfly Leslie McQueen seems curiously absent amidst the chaos. Along with a good chunk of the association's cash.

When several of Annie’s friends are left holding the bag, Alex jumps in to help—and discovers the tony condo tower offers no shortage of shady characters, murder, and mayhem.

But when her brother, Nick, arrives—with their irrepressible grandmother, Baba, and Alex’s pal Trip, in tow—is the gang riding to the rescue? Or plunging Alex into more hot water?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

304 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2020

About the author

Dana Dratch writes and the fast, funny "Red Herring" mysteries -- featuring redheaded coffeeholic and reluctant sleuth Alex Vlodnachek. CONFESSIONS OF A RED HERRING, SEEING RED, and her newest mystery, RED HOT, available now from Kensington Books.

Dana's currently working on a fresh pot of coffee — and her next Alex Vlodnachek mystery adventure. Contact her at: RedHerringConfessions@protonmail.com

Reviews

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review - release date is 26 May 2020


This was a fun caper filled mystery. This was an easy read that kept me intrigued and kept the pages turning. The main characters are likable and you’ve gotta love a story that has a cute pooch in it. This is the first book that I’ve read in the series but it won’t be the last. This is definitely the type of book that you take to the beach with you or any sort of vacation. I highly recommend it.

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun caper filled mystery. This was an easy read that kept me intrigued and kept the pages turning. The main characters are likable and you’ve gotta love a story that has a cute pooch in it. This is the first book that I’ve read in the series but it won’t be the last. This is definitely the type of book that you take to the beach with you or any sort of vacation. I highly recommend it.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hot by Dana Dratch is the third book in the cozy A Red Herring Mystery series. Each book of the series has it’s own self contained mystery to be solved so they can be read as a standalone or in any order. However, there is some character development that carries over from book to book for those who read the series from the beginning.

In this series Alex Vlodnachek had spent years as a reporter but left that industry to work in a PR firm and now has a blooming freelance career. With Alex doing well she offered her brother a place to stay while he tries to get his baking business up and going.

This time around Alex’s sister, Annie, has invited her to come down to her South Beach condo and have a nice relaxing vacation in the sunshine. Of course things are far from relaxing when Alex finds herself in the middle of the condo association’s volatile elections and everything in the condominium seems to also to be going haywire. Matters become even more chaotic when more of the family comes for a visit during the mess and the condo’s president, Leslie McQueen, goes missing.

The Red Herring Mystery series is another that I have followed from the beginning and found that it had just that right amount of quirky fun that I enjoy. The characters are all likable and along with the humans there is an adorable puppy that I of course love. And as I always love to find there are plenty of laughs along the way while you follow along with an interesting mystery.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Alex Vlodnachek heads to South Beach with her big sister/super model Annie for a much-needed vacay and pup Lucy gets to tag along. Alex plans to relax by the pool while Annie takes care of some business at her condo. A quickly scheduled condo vote has Annie concerned and she hopes Alex can use her investigative skills to help her figure out what is going on.

When the current condo association president, Leslie McQueen goes missing and things around the property start to fall into disrepair. the sisters start digging and learn the association is basically broke, less than $40 in their account. Now they need to decide who they can trust. Was Leslie working by herself or did she have an accomplice or two?

This was a crazy fun book to read. Once I started I didn’t put it down.

Ms. Dratch takes the characters I have come to love on the road but soon most are all together in Miami. Baba gets a South Beach makeover but that woman still can’t cook. but her family will never let her know. I loved that Alex and Annie got to spend some time alone together before the rest of the family arrived but they do run into someone very helpful from their past. I also loved that Lucy played a big part in the story. This family is a hoot and a half and still all the characters continue to evolve and grow. The author also introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters that live in Annie’s condo building and they all seem to have secrets.

The pace was lightning fast, those girls were always up to something, which is why I read this book faster than I have read any book of late. Ms. Dratch is the expert at placing red herrings that is why they are the Red Herring Mysteries. She also plots the story out so well. The investigation follows a clear path and even when Annie and Alex hit a dead end they use spot on reasoning to move their search ahead.

I liked the change of scenery in this book. Florida is a great locale for a cozy mystery.

Red Hot is a wondrous cozy mystery filled with lovable characters, an intriguing mystery, a large dose of humor, and just a dash of romance. The entire series is fantastic! I recommend you read them all. My only complaint is that we have to wait until next year for book four, but it is so worth it.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this has been my favorite so far of this series! I loved that it took Alex away from her home turf for a while to Miami, Florida, and that we got to know her sister Annie a lot better. I really like Annie, and she made an excellent sleuth and interrogator. She could question people, and they never realized it. Of course, with Alex's luck, the trip turned into a murder investigation but not at first. It was more of a "where did the dead woman hide the money she took" investigation. Lucy, Nick's dog that came along on the girls' trip was adorable as always. Trip, being the good friend that he was, had managed to snag a writing gig that Alex was able to work on during the time in Florida, and it was going to feature Lucy.

A Vlodnachek vacation wouldn't be complete without the ENTIRE family. That itself gave a little comic relief due to Baba (Grandma) showing up. I loved the showdown and how everyone worked together to trap the killer. Another favorite character, Gabby, made a good appearance and used her special skills to help with the sleuthing. This series has yet to disappoint me.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about this series that draws me in each time.  Perhaps it is the family dynamics, maybe it is the mystery, or maybe it is Baba - the Russian grandmother that loves to make goulash for the family.  Whatever it is, I am definitely a fan of the series.

This installment takes us to South Beach Miami where something is amiss with the HOA board where Annie has a penthouse.  Annie brings Alex and Lucy (the pup) for a bit of a vacation and to help figure out what is going on.  They don't expect to stumble across the death and mystery that ensues of who killed Leslie McQueen.

I stayed up way too late finishing this book.  That is the good (and bad) thing about an eReader is that it tells you how much more time is left in the book.  So when I see I only have 20 minutes, of course I'm going to finish the book before turning out the light.  The mystery moves along at a nice pace and while there are a few clues that might tip off who the murderer is, it wasn't obvious, at least not to me.  There were several possibilities and as the truth was revealed it was quite fascinating to see how all of the pieces fit together.

I was amazed at the deviousness of Leslie McQueen.  It is no wonder she ended up dead!  I was tickled at some of the other tenants in the building and of course the dogs.  One is named Mrs. Pickles, that just cracked me up.

I was glad to see Gabby make an appearance (Nick's ex) and she was quite useful with her criminal know-how.  We didn't see much of Ian, but then they were out of town and he was back home.  I hope that Alex and Ian are able to come to terms in future books and resume their relationship.

If you are looking for a fun cozy series to read, then check this one out.  We give it five paws up.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has been invited to her sister's beautiful condo in Miami for a little relax time.
She is happy to get out of town and the construction that is going on in her kitchen.
So she takes her brother's dog, Lucy and they both have some fun in the sun.
However, there is trouble at the condo and of course Alex has to investigate when the new President of the condo association is found dead in the elevator shaft.
Then they found out the condo association's money is missing and none of the needed repairs are being done.
So Alex and her sister as well as her friends, grandmother Baba and family work on sorting out everything that is going on and it starts to get very complicated. Good thing Alex is a trained investigator and follows all the clues. Funny cast of characters and a smart, well written story.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait for the third book in this series and it was wonderful! Alex is a free-lance journalist/sleuth with quirky & lovable family and friends. When a luxury vacation to Miami turns into a murder investigation of a tyrannical HOA president, Alex has the whole group working to solve the case!

In Red Hot, Alex's super-model sister Annie, Alex's best friend Trip, brother Nick, her lovable grandmother Baba, Nick's ex-girlfriend Gabby and lovely canine "daughter" Lucy are all on the case. I enjoyed "meeting" the luxury buildings residents and wanted to smack the mean HOA president Leslie!

Why do I love this book/series? So many reasons! The mystery is well-written and keeps the reader guessing, red herrings abound, there is humor, a little romance and the most likable supporting characters you'll meet! The mysterious Ian makes an appearance and I can't wait to see what develops in the next book. The minute I finished reading, I was impatiently waiting for the next book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t help but love this series as well as Alex and her family and friends.
In Red Hot, Alex heads to Miami with her sister and the family dog. She’s hoping to avoid the kitchen renovations at her home, and nothing says relaxation like sunning by the pool and walking on the beach.
Unfortunately for Alex, a gruesome death interferes, and Alex finds herself in the middle of the investigation, and realizes why everyone had a reason to want to see the victim dead.
This story had so many things going on, that I read the book in under 4 hours. I couldn’t read it fast enough, but I hated to see it end. I was thrilled that Gabby made an appearance, she adds so much color to this cast of quirky characters.
I am already waiting for the next book.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hot by Dana Dratch is the third novel in A Red Herring Mystery series and a lot of fun as always.

This time it is Alex's sister Annie who needs help.
She feels that something shady is going on at her Miami condo but she does't know what it is. So she invites Alex over for some fun and relaxation and to help her figure things out. They also take Lucy with them as NIc plans to remodel Alex's kitchen into professional one.
When girls arrive they realize that there is an election to be held for HOA but only one candidate, Leslie is present. Leslie throws a lavish party for her supporters but the next day she disappears and no one knows what is going on as the building seems to start having all these maintenance problems.
It is up to the girls to sorts things out with a help from someone from the past. What awaits them is murder and mayhem but as always family come to the rescue.

I like how almost all family members have recurring roles and develop along with the main protagonist. In every book it is a different family member to get to know more about.
As always it is nicely paced and easy to follow along. The clues are not hidden and readers can try to follow them and solve the mystery.
The only thing that bothered me was how Annie as a professional model continued to eat junk food which had no effect on her waistline. Or it just might be jealousy talking.
I would love to see their mother mentioned more often as a feel that she is a very interesting character and would contribute a lot to the general craziness of the series. I also think that investigation in her father's past should be continued and resolved.
I love all the characters, their camaraderie and how each of them contributes to the resolution of the problem with their wits and skills.
It has a lot of personal touches which gives us more input into characters live and makes them more real.

All in all absorbing and entertaining read.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Red Herring Mystery series; however I have not read the preceding books.

This is a light and sometimes funny caper type of mystery. There were some random references which I assume tied back to earlier books, but the references seemed a little random and superficial. I found them distracting, but maybe it works better if you read the other books.

Overall this book is a light easy read, perfect when you want to be entertained but not left emotional. A perfect beach read or a perfect "I want to think about something other than this coronavirus and I don't want to feel depressed in any way."

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This is the third book in the A Red Herring Mystery series by Dana Dratch.

I thought this was a great book. But I am really feeling let down. Let me explain. At the end of the last book there was this emotional cliffhanger that was left between Alex and her British Bed and Breakfast owning neighbor, Ian. I felt for sure that this book would concern how these two would deal with the fallout. As I read along, it was as if that cliffhanger had never happened. My mind was reeling. Ian only really makes a cameo in this book at about the halfway mark (49%). And pretty much that whole drama from the last book was done and dusted in like part of a chapter. I was so confused. I wanted them to ferret out their problems and come to a resolution. I didn’t want it to just be forgotten.

Beyond my misgivings about that, this book was wonderful. Alex really should be one of those forensic investigators who digs into the details of a company’s business dealings and figures out what is what. The whodunit of this story is spot on. I wasn’t as happy that the whole book was set off site away from the normal town where Alex, Ian, Trip and her brother, Nick live. This book really threw me out of my comfort zone and what I had come to expect from a Dratch cozy mystery.

Great story, great mystery but I really hope they get back to including Ian in the story in the future, I miss him, his Dad and the Bed and Breakfast. I miss the connection he has with Alex. This missing didn’t take away from the overall concept of what was written. I just wanted more, I guess. Looking forward to the next installment.

If you are looking for a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

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

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hot was my introduction to the Dana Dratch's "A Red Herring Mystery" journalist and amateur sleuth series published by Kensington Books.

This book is a fun read, but I highly suggest that readers start with the first book in this series. Alex is a complex character who seems to be bogged down with work and relationship issues. As a journalist, she finds herself getting involved in a story she never intended to write, but she's not one to back off a headline. Her sister Annie, on the other hand, appears to be successful, happy, and easy to like. Other characters in the story, including their brother, Nick, are likable and interesting. I would have liked to see a lot more of Trip and their grandmother, Baba. Those two characters I found to be overall the most intriguing and entertaining. But the pup, Lucy, is simply adorable and will grab the reader's attention.

The death of the president of the HOA is a very likely scenario, who hasn't heard of HOA presidents who power-crazed? I can't honestly say that Leslie deserved to die, she had some quarks, and as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that she belonged in jail at a minimum. Suspects are few, but they all have a great motive. The killer for me was evident from the start. But the motive eluded me a bit at first. Alex's journalistic instincts kick in as soon as the body is discovered, but it seems to take her a while to figure out what Is going on in the condo complex.

Although Red Hot is an enjoyable read, I found that it was a bit wordy when it could have been tighter. Having the main character be an unemployed journalist was interesting, but I felt she was a bit slow to figure out obvious clues. I urge readers to start from the beginning of the series to give them a better feel for the main characters. I would also recommend that readers give themselves extra time to read this book as it is long at 368-pages. But overall, I believe that readers will enjoy this book enough to want to read future additions.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hot by Dana Dratch is the 3rd book in A Red Herring Mystery series, and another fun addition. Alex Vlodnachek agrees to go on a vacation with her super model older sister, Annie, to Miami. And of course Lucy her brother's dog goes along. Annie asks Alex to go to the HMO association meeting with her. Something funny is going on with a missing president and missing money. Alex is determined to get to the truth. This book is a perfect blend of mystery and humor. Not only is this book really funny, I often found myself laughing out loud, the mystery kept me guessing. I found this book to be a quick read, I read it in one day, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you like quirky, humorous cozy mysteries, I recommend this book and series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd installment in the Red Herring Mystery series. Alex Vlodnachek is a freelance writer and former journalist who is currently letting her brother Nick live with her while he is planning kitchen renovations he gets his sister Annie the supermodel to get Alex out of the house and down to Miami. Lucy and Alex are headed with Annie to go to Annie’s condo as there is an upcoming condo association board vote. The current HOA president Leslie McQueen is running for re-election along with 5 other names no one seems to recognize. Leslie is having a meet and greet with the candidates and is excited that Annie has shown up and hoping she will support her in her re-election. Leslie has not been seen this party and after several days it is learned she has been found dead and speculation is whether this was an accident or intentional. Alex and Annie begin investigating along with their friend Gabby who happens to be in town. Leslie was certainly not always the favorite with all the residents. As the investigation starts to heat up Trip (her former editor at the paper), Nick and Baba (her grandmother) arrive so now the entire team work to find a killer. This was a good mystery and enjoyed the group and glad after Baba, Trip and Nick were able to help. Highly recommend this series and look forward to the next installment.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Red Hot by Dana Dratch is fabulously written. The characters are so full of life, with quirks and all. I felt like I was in South Beach with the Vlodnachek family.
Where is Leslie, and why would she want to be the HOA president?
Alex Vlodnachek
Alex is our sleuth, she is also a freelance reporter, on vacation with her supermodel sister Annie in South Beach. Although, Alex is also here to help Annie figure out why the HOA has decided to do an emergency election for the office of HOA president. Because seriously, who wants to do all that work for free. 

It's funny that Alex is so upset with Ian (her neighbor at home) for protecting his family, and yet here she is doing the same thing. Oh, and Ian is popping up in her thoughts. Hmmm. Does she protest her dislike too much? I like Alex, she is down to earth, funny and she gets things done. She has a great family and seems to make friends easily. 
The Mystery
So, this installment also has multiple mysteries. I happen to love this about Ms. Dratch; it's like bonuses in each book. So, we have:

The four candidates that no one has seen or met and the emergency HOA election.
Where did the HOA money go?
Why did the other two officers go along with Leslie's plan?
Who did Leslie in, and why?

So as you can see, Alex's vacation isn't actually as she thought it would be. But everyone seems to have fun. 
The Family in Red Hot
The Vlodnachek family is full of witty and quirky people. 

We have Anastasia (Annie), who is a successful supermodel, globe-trotting around and running her agency. 

Nick, their brother that is now a baker. He has a good head on his shoulder but, at times, seems naive. Nick also has a huge heart and loves people and animals easily.

Then there is Baba, their Russian grandmother who doesn't speak much English, cooks well and dresses with her flair. Yet, she is fiercely protective.

Alex's best friend, Trip Cabot, who helps her with her freelance articles, is a great guy, and he sticks by Alex though all of the things that Alex goes through. 

Then there is Gabby, Nick's ex, and everyone's friend. Gabby has these unique talents that Alex sometimes needs to borrow. She also pops up from time to time expectantly. 

Last we have Lucy, Nick's dog. Lucy is still a puppy, but she is relatively well behaved. Living in a penthouse has proved to be challenging at times for the pup. However, she has been pampered and made a new friend.
Five Stars
I absolutely love this book. Ms. Dratch brings everything to life. It's like I was there enjoying the Florida sun with them. My rating for Red Hot by Dana Dratch is five stars, and I highly recommend this book to all you cozy readers out there. 

I am looking forward to reading Flame Red Alex's next adventure.


Other Books in the Series

I hope you enjoyed this review of Red Hot by Dana Dratch.

Until the next time,



 

This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove. 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is is need of a vacation and her sister, Annie, a jet setting super model, makes her an offer she can't refuse. Things have become crazy at home - her kitchen needs updating so her baker brother can use it to increase his business. Sounds doable until she finds out what's really involved. She says yes to Annie's offer, packs a duffle bag, grabs her brothers pup, Lucy (can't have her underfoot in the soon to be renovated kitchen) and hits the road (sort of - she is, after all traveling with jet setter, Annie) for South Beach and the Florida sunshine. It's July and it's enough to make Alex melt but Annie is on a mission to find out what the heck is going on with the Home Owners Association at her swanky condo. The election for the HOA's president has been moved up and then, out of the blue, there are five on the ballot. Very strange and Annie and Alex are determined to get to the bottom of it.
This series engages me from page one and I'm happy to go along for the ride. Don't look for the corpse to show up early. It takes almost 40% of the book to find it but it's worth the time. The puzzle is well developed and Alex and Annie make a great pair of sleuths. Their investigation had a very natural feel to it and I found myself saying 'just one more chapter'. That's the sign of a well crafted mystery in my book.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's a unique story and the characters are great. I'd really like to read another with these characters. #RedHot #NetGalley

Freelance writer Alex Vlodnachek hasn’t had a vacation in ages. So when her sister invites her—and pup Lucy—for a girls’ get-away to Miami, it’s too tempting to resist.

Big sister Annie wants Alex to savor a little fun in the sun at her South Beach condo. Redhead Alex just wants to escape complications at home, enjoy a little R&R and find an industrial-sized bottle of sunscreen. But trouble is hot on her heels—along with a few stray friends and relatives.

On the eve of the condo association's hotly contested election, everything in the luxury high-rise is going haywire. But board president and social butterfly Leslie McQueen seems curiously absent amidst the chaos. Along with a good chunk of the association's cash.

When several of Annie’s friends are left holding the bag, Alex jumps in to help—and discovers the tony condo tower offers no shortage of shady characters, murder, and mayhem.

But when her brother, Nick, arrives—with their irrepressible grandmother, Baba, and Alex’s pal Trip, in tow—is the gang riding to the rescue? Or plunging Alex into more hot water?

[ᴀᴀꜱᴛʜᴀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

About halfway through this book, I realized that this is part of a series (which I am yet to read), however, that being said it conceivably can be read as a standalone. You can easily work around the relationships and there is enough history to make sure that you understand the dynamics between the characters in the book.

Alex is our lead, she is also a freelance reporter, on vacation with her supermodel sister Annie in South Beach. Although, Alex is also here to help Annie figure out why the association where her condo(Annie) is has decided to do an emergency election for the office of associations president (so basically she is not on vacation).

The book is a wondrous crazy mystery filled with likeable characters, a large spoonful of humour, and a pinch of romance. This book doesn't low down, it is the epitome of page-turner and feels like something or other is always happening with both the sisters. I need to read this series now.

Thanks NetGalley, and the author and the publisher for my e-arc, in return for an honest review

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and engaging cozy mystery. A delightful light tale of condo home owners association troubles. A trip to Florida for the group is a fun change of place. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything by this author. I did not realize that there were other books with these sane characters, but now I want to go read them all. I have throughly enjoyed this book! I really enjoyed the setting in Miami and the suspense throughout. The animal lover in me also enjoyed the dog portion of the book as well.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Cozy mystery and my first read from Dana Dratch! I really have no idea why I didn’t start reading cozy mysteries sooner.. the story has everything.. humour, thrills, twists, mystery, witty female lead (you gotta love Alex) and an adorable dog! The story line is light and interesting.. this novel a perfect recipe to put you in a good mood.. Definitely gonna check out more books from Dana and more cozies!
Thank you NetGalley, Dana Dratch and Kensington books for the ARC. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and its is another fun read. Nice and light reading to take your mind off the world for awhile. Alex is a journalist who thinks she is a sleuth and is in it up to her neck again in this one. with the help or hindrance of her quirky family and funny little dog she tries her best to get to the bottom of a murder while trying not to sun burn!! So much for a relaxing holiday. Great characters and a wonderful story line I'm going to go back and re the first two then wait for the next book to come out!!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOA presidents can be a pain but murder? Geez. Alex is supposed to be on vacation but she finds herself, along with her sister Annie and, it seems, her entire family AND her dog Lucy, investigating the murder of Leslie, a problematic person. It's a cozy so you know there's more than one possible villain and you know that there will be red herrings (hence the title). What you don't know, unless you've read another book in this series, is that Alex and the family are a hoot. She's a freelance writer with a penchant for solving crime. You'll be fine with this as a standalone but it might take a bit to sort out who's who. Dratch keeps this from veering too much. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

My three favorite things! Mystery, romance and an adorable dog are the ingredients of this enjoyable read. There are enough twists and turns to keep you interested and there is enough humor to keep you laughing out loud. I hadn't read the other books by this author but certainly will now!

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this ensemble crew!

This story was a little different in that the author very cleverly brings together a diverse range of personalities and skills. Each one contributes to the dynamic, as well as the plot (with its twists and turns). While each one was most enjoyable, Gabby gets my vote as the most intriguing. I think she could merit her own series of adventures!!

All in all an interesting cozy, murder mystery.. I loved that there was no darkness, but rather intrigue and deductive reasoning. I haven't read the other in the series and found this book stood alone, no problem.

With thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advanced Reader Copy. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Hot is the third book in the Red Herring mystery series by Dana Dratch.

I love reading the Red Herring mysteries, and Red Hot does not disappoint. It is a fun, upbeat read with a fast pace.

In Red Hot, Alex Vlodnachek goes to Miami with her sister, Annie, because there is something fishy going on with her sister's condo board association. Annie wants Alex to investigate and of course, a murder ensues.

Miami is a great change of scenery and makes it so fun to read during the summer.

Even though a murder takes place in the beginning, I liked how the first half of the book was about following the money trail and then the second half dealt with the whodunit.

I enjoyed how easily Trip, Nick, Baba, and even Ian were incorporated into the storyline, even though Alex was not in her hometown. I especially loved Gabby's appearance, and did not expect to see her in Miami!

The story line is well thought out. Ms. Dratch has a breezy and engaging writing style that makes it easy to get caught up in reading.

I would highly recommend Red Hot - one of my favorite cozy mystery series (and I read a lot of them).

A few more observations:
* What kind of bank serves cookies , even stales ones, in the lobby?
* Baba wearing Lilly Pulitzer is priceless!
* Where can I buy some of that special Miami sunscreen?

I received this book as an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is now a freelance writer, and is trying to finish a story, but finds it difficult when her brother Nick is in the middle of having her kitchen redone into a professional kitchen. So when she receives a phone call from her sister Annie, who owns a modeling agency and is a model herself, Alex is torn. Annie is in Miami at her condo for an emergency board meeting, and wants Alex to keep her company. With a little coaxing from her brother Nick, and her best friend Trip, an editor at the newspaper, she heads off with Nick's dog Lucy in tow to the airport. After arriving in style on a private plane, she thinks it will be a chance to catch some sun and write her story - due to Nick's idea of making it about Lucy's visit to the city instead - Alex is going to have a nice vacation...or will she?

When she meets the board's president, Leslie McQueen, it's not a pleasant one. She also learns that there isn't anyone who likes Leslie, and she begins to wonder why. But when Leslie is found dead, more questions arise: was it an accident? Or did someone finally have enough? Where is the association's money? And, with the help of the omnipresent Gabby, who seems to show up at opportune times for Alex, she discovers that Leslie was up to no good, and there's more at stake than just finding her killer...

This is the third book in the series and I have to say that I'm enjoying it more and more as I read each one. Alex is quite a character: not quite sure of herself as a person, but she's willing to put everything out there to save someone or get a story. She's intelligent and doesn't walk into situations that could get her put in jail (again), yet she's kind and trustworthy, and loyal to those she cares about.

And what she cares about right now is saving the people of the building, even though she doesn't know them well. But she also needs to take Lucy out and about and get pictures for the newspaper while she's at it, and she can't understand why her sunscreen isn't helping and her skin is turning red and peeling, when her sister, who's using the same sunscreen, looks like the model she is. Alex is personally miserable, but professionally on the job.

The mystery is one of the best that I've read in awhile, and the tale was thoroughly entertaining, peppered with characters that were humorous, especially when Baba showed up and Annie tried to turn her into a "Miami senior" and almost succeeded. We also have the fact that Alex is struggling with her emotions for Ian Sterling, owner of the B&B across the street from her, but hopefully, she'll come around eventually.

What Alex discovers is truly despicable of Leslie, and gives us one more reason not to mourn the woman's death (not that we would have, anyway). Yet there's enough action on the part of the three women (Alex, Annie, and Gabby) to keep us invested in the story and wanting more. It's a sprightly narrative that's more fun than it should be.

When the ending comes and we finally learn the truth, it wasn't all that unexpected, but getting there was half the fun, and looking forward to the next in the series is the rest. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

[Michelle Abate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hot is the third book in the Red Herring Mystery series. You could technically read it as a stand alone but I think reading the previous books gives you a better understanding of the secondary characters and context.

Red Hot has Alex leaving her home to head to Miami with her sister. I enjoyed seeing Alex in a new surrounding and I think it was a very smart choice by Dana Dratch. Freelance reporter Alex meets the eclectic cast of characters who share an apartment building with her supermodel sister Annie and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that there’s a mystery to solve.

I enjoyed seeing a different side of Alex since the first book had her playing defense and the second dealt with a mystery close to home (literally). There were genuine investigative work and interviews in Red Hot and I was trying to solve the mystery right along with Alex.

Now, before you write this off because I says there’s a mystery, let me tell you something. I cannot put my finger on the right category for this book. Dratch’s characters take front and center of each book. There is a mystery to solve but Dratch chooses to keep her books light and remove the dark suspense that comes with some mystery novels. This is a cozy, fun, character-focused novel that happens to involve solving a crime. I don’t know why anyone would not enjoy this book.

Red Hot isn’t even out yet and I’m already impatient for the next book in this series. From the excerpt it seems like we’re going to get more Ian (YES PLEASE) and I cannot wait.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Ari Clay]

I'm so excited for this one! Absolutely cannot wait!