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Madeline Dawkins #4
The Trouble With Paradise
Life in beautiful Santa Barbara County will never be the same for two grieving widows. One is serving a lengthy sentence for the bizarre tractor death of her much older, land-rich husband. The other is convinced her late-husband did not take his own life.
During Madeline’s four-month convalescence, infamous jailbird Steven Ridley—acting in his new role as California prison reformer—enlists Mike’s help to see if inmate Lindsay Bartholomew has been set up to take the fall for someone else’s depraved actions.
Santa Barbara D.A. Conrad Adams makes a personal appeal to MDPI on behalf of Natalie Sheckle, hoping Madeline and Mike can determine whether her husband died by his own hand, or if someone has stitched him up for his own murder.
Never ones to shy away from longshots or lost causes, the duo dives straight into two nearly hopeless cases. Now it’s up to them to figure out what secrets these two husbands have taken to their graves.
"The Trouble with Paradise" is the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series.
During Madeline’s four-month convalescence, infamous jailbird Steven Ridley—acting in his new role as California prison reformer—enlists Mike’s help to see if inmate Lindsay Bartholomew has been set up to take the fall for someone else’s depraved actions.
Santa Barbara D.A. Conrad Adams makes a personal appeal to MDPI on behalf of Natalie Sheckle, hoping Madeline and Mike can determine whether her husband died by his own hand, or if someone has stitched him up for his own murder.
Never ones to shy away from longshots or lost causes, the duo dives straight into two nearly hopeless cases. Now it’s up to them to figure out what secrets these two husbands have taken to their graves.
"The Trouble with Paradise" is the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series.
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2019
221 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Hamilton
21 books225 followersCynthia Hamilton started writing 2000 as a means of coping with a debilitating illness. Writing gave her lifeline and a way to channel her overly-active imagination. Late-stage Lyme disease turned out to be a blessing in disguise, giving her a career she never imagined for herself, one that constantly inspires her.
Cynthia writes in a variety of genres: mysteries/general fiction/memoir. She is currently working on the 9th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, and is still finding tremendous inspiration from her protagonist.
FINDING RUTH, the book she wrote to understand her mother's life from her POV, was the 1st Place Winner in the Firebird Book Awards in the Women's Fiction and Relationships categories.
Cynthia recently attended a book signing Q & A at Chaucer's Bookstore in Santa Barbara. You can click on the link below to watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEaLu...
During an interview on SPEAK UP TALK RADIO hosted by Pat Rullo, she spoke about her books and the role writing has played in her life:
https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/cynt...
Cynthia lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their extended family. She loves reading, writing, discussing books with other book lovers, and walking for hours, especially on the beach. She considers herself immensely fortunate.
You can also find her at http://cynthiahamiltonbooks.com, Twitter (@AuthorCynthiaH), and Facebook: http://bit.ly/2IDnLcF
Cynthia writes in a variety of genres: mysteries/general fiction/memoir. She is currently working on the 9th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, and is still finding tremendous inspiration from her protagonist.
FINDING RUTH, the book she wrote to understand her mother's life from her POV, was the 1st Place Winner in the Firebird Book Awards in the Women's Fiction and Relationships categories.
Cynthia recently attended a book signing Q & A at Chaucer's Bookstore in Santa Barbara. You can click on the link below to watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEaLu...
During an interview on SPEAK UP TALK RADIO hosted by Pat Rullo, she spoke about her books and the role writing has played in her life:
https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/cynt...
Cynthia lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their extended family. She loves reading, writing, discussing books with other book lovers, and walking for hours, especially on the beach. She considers herself immensely fortunate.
You can also find her at http://cynthiahamiltonbooks.com, Twitter (@AuthorCynthiaH), and Facebook: http://bit.ly/2IDnLcF
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 25, 2020
Review of The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton
I received this book from the author for an honest review and once I started reading it, I couldn't stop and finished reading it in two days. After a serious injury Madeline Dawkins, Private Investigator, returns to work to solve two cases concomitantly involving widows. The protagonist in Cynthia Hamilton’s mystery series isn’t out of danger herself and is attacked by a “hit man,” someone hired to assassinate her by her ex-husband Steven Ridley, and although this character is little seen, he is spoken of often enough to give the reader the idea that he's a complete sociopath.
I very much enjoyed reading the analytical thinking progressions that Madeline employs when discussing the cases with her partner in business and in life, Mike Delaney. Madeline’s problem-solving techniques involve observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, and decision making. However, she also uses her “gut feelings,” insights, and inclinations, which are profound and revelatory in solving murders/suicides/deaths. Due to these critical thinking processes, the author has chosen to write a fascinating and absorbing, yet eloquent and engaging mystery novel. I applaud her intelligent writing style which elevates the genre, and hope to read other books in this series..
I received this book from the author for an honest review and once I started reading it, I couldn't stop and finished reading it in two days. After a serious injury Madeline Dawkins, Private Investigator, returns to work to solve two cases concomitantly involving widows. The protagonist in Cynthia Hamilton’s mystery series isn’t out of danger herself and is attacked by a “hit man,” someone hired to assassinate her by her ex-husband Steven Ridley, and although this character is little seen, he is spoken of often enough to give the reader the idea that he's a complete sociopath.
I very much enjoyed reading the analytical thinking progressions that Madeline employs when discussing the cases with her partner in business and in life, Mike Delaney. Madeline’s problem-solving techniques involve observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, and decision making. However, she also uses her “gut feelings,” insights, and inclinations, which are profound and revelatory in solving murders/suicides/deaths. Due to these critical thinking processes, the author has chosen to write a fascinating and absorbing, yet eloquent and engaging mystery novel. I applaud her intelligent writing style which elevates the genre, and hope to read other books in this series..
July 15, 2019
The Trouble with Paradise (Madeline Dawkins #4)
By Cynthia Hamilton
4 stars
The Trouble with Paradise was another very enjoyable read in the Madeline Dawkins series! I absolutely love Madeline and Mike – they are such an awesome team and I love reading about them and trying to solve they mysteries right alongside them. The cases that they are involved in investigating always throw up some great twists and turns – I enjoy guessing what’s going to happen and I think the author does an amazing job of keeping the suspense and mystery running through the whole story. There were also some interesting secondary characters introduced into the story too. The two cases in this story were really interesting and I enjoyed reading about how Madeline and Mike unravelled just what happened.
I do really enjoy Ms Hamilton’s writing, I am always engaged in her stories straight away and my level of interest doesn’t falter over the story. I highly recommend this book and this series – they really are excellent reads!
By Cynthia Hamilton
4 stars
The Trouble with Paradise was another very enjoyable read in the Madeline Dawkins series! I absolutely love Madeline and Mike – they are such an awesome team and I love reading about them and trying to solve they mysteries right alongside them. The cases that they are involved in investigating always throw up some great twists and turns – I enjoy guessing what’s going to happen and I think the author does an amazing job of keeping the suspense and mystery running through the whole story. There were also some interesting secondary characters introduced into the story too. The two cases in this story were really interesting and I enjoyed reading about how Madeline and Mike unravelled just what happened.
I do really enjoy Ms Hamilton’s writing, I am always engaged in her stories straight away and my level of interest doesn’t falter over the story. I highly recommend this book and this series – they really are excellent reads!
July 12, 2019
The Trouble with Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4)
By: Cynthia Hamilton
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Trouble with Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton is the next amazing book in a series that I have loved reading since the first story. The book pulls you in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. It has mystery and danger. I loved reading about the characters of Madeline and Mike. They are an awesome PI team who work well together and are the best of friends. They find themselves investigating two different deaths of two different husbands. Once they start discoveries are soon made. Are the two cases not all that they seem to be? Read this book to find out. The story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. I felt like I was right there with Mike and Madeline. The other characters that you are introduced to are interesting and I found myself wondering about what some of their motives really were as the story progressed. I felt like I was trying to put together a puzzle with the clues that are given. This is an author who has created a series that is wonderful to read with unforgettable characters. I highly recommend this book and series.
By: Cynthia Hamilton
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Trouble with Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton is the next amazing book in a series that I have loved reading since the first story. The book pulls you in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. It has mystery and danger. I loved reading about the characters of Madeline and Mike. They are an awesome PI team who work well together and are the best of friends. They find themselves investigating two different deaths of two different husbands. Once they start discoveries are soon made. Are the two cases not all that they seem to be? Read this book to find out. The story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. I felt like I was right there with Mike and Madeline. The other characters that you are introduced to are interesting and I found myself wondering about what some of their motives really were as the story progressed. I felt like I was trying to put together a puzzle with the clues that are given. This is an author who has created a series that is wonderful to read with unforgettable characters. I highly recommend this book and series.
July 15, 2019
Madeline
Another great story. Didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. The characters are excellent.
Another great story. Didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. The characters are excellent.
July 23, 2019
5 Star
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton is a wonderfully written Book that will grab your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the last page. I’ve truly enjoyed this series and I highly recommend reading it if you haven’t already. In this book we find Mike and Madeline back at it with two cases with two different women. They have to find out if one took their own life and the other one if they was set up for there husband’s death. Can they find the secrets these two men were had? Find out what happens next in this must read book. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton is a wonderfully written Book that will grab your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the last page. I’ve truly enjoyed this series and I highly recommend reading it if you haven’t already. In this book we find Mike and Madeline back at it with two cases with two different women. They have to find out if one took their own life and the other one if they was set up for there husband’s death. Can they find the secrets these two men were had? Find out what happens next in this must read book. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
July 23, 2019
Hamilton is at it again. Bringing adventure and mystery and a little bit more romance to Madeline and Mike. Their latest adventure includes some dead husbands and confused widows. Even Madeline isn’t free from the danger her ex-husband brings but with Mike’s help and the help of her staff at MDPI nothing is going to get in Maddie’s way of solving these mysteries!
I am really enjoying the adventures that Hamilton is able to put Mike and Madeline through. Just enough danger to worry, just enough mystery to wonder, just enough love to keep us hoping. Hamilton’s writing style hasn’t changed from Book 1. She is definitely on a roll with this series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I am really enjoying the adventures that Hamilton is able to put Mike and Madeline through. Just enough danger to worry, just enough mystery to wonder, just enough love to keep us hoping. Hamilton’s writing style hasn’t changed from Book 1. She is definitely on a roll with this series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 12, 2019
The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton is a novel in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery. This is a brilliant series that is fast paced and gripping.
It was great to be able to get back into the same characters again. It felt like you were just picking up where you left off, it was that easy to slip back into the series. Again I was left trying to figure out what was going on and who was involved. It really was a guessing game and it was intriguing right to the end.
This has been such a strong series so far and it is one I can definitely recommend.
It was great to be able to get back into the same characters again. It felt like you were just picking up where you left off, it was that easy to slip back into the series. Again I was left trying to figure out what was going on and who was involved. It really was a guessing game and it was intriguing right to the end.
This has been such a strong series so far and it is one I can definitely recommend.
July 11, 2019
This is my favorite in this series yet. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into her story from the beginning and keep me engaged until the end. In this story, Madeline and Mike are back at it with two cases with two different women. They have to figure out if one was set up for her husband’s death and the other if he took his own life. Will they find the secrets these two men had? Page turning suspense and mystery. I highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2019
Another Madeline Dawkins mystery - another five star adventure. Hamilton continues to weave a captivating tale that just entrances me from beginning to end. I love her level of detail and her ability to keep the reader guessing. Madeline continues to be a main character that just resonates loudly with me. I simply loved this installment. This book and series are most definitely a must read.
July 21, 2019
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton was a hooking addicting read that had me flipping the pages.
In this fourth book we are given a new mystery, new twist, turns, and thrilling details. I was impressed with this latest book, it topped the last book, and I'm glad I stuck with this series. I loved the double murder mystery, the new and old characters, the way the story flowed, builded, and just fully engulfed you. Our MC, for me, was much more put together in this book. I did have some misgivings about her in the last book, but this one, she was everything I wanted and more. Overall this book, this series is worth the read. It's full of hidden mysteries, new and old, and I love how it all ties back to that first book, making it realistic and fully engaging.
So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you need this book in your life.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
In this fourth book we are given a new mystery, new twist, turns, and thrilling details. I was impressed with this latest book, it topped the last book, and I'm glad I stuck with this series. I loved the double murder mystery, the new and old characters, the way the story flowed, builded, and just fully engulfed you. Our MC, for me, was much more put together in this book. I did have some misgivings about her in the last book, but this one, she was everything I wanted and more. Overall this book, this series is worth the read. It's full of hidden mysteries, new and old, and I love how it all ties back to that first book, making it realistic and fully engaging.
So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you need this book in your life.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
August 4, 2020
5 Stars
“Two women in a world of misery, both widowed by circumstances that haven’t been sufficiently explained,”
The Trouble With Paradise is the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. I am soooooooooo in love with this series- hands down one of the best discoveries I have made this year!!!! This is one of those series that you can read over and over again and never tire of it. After reading the first book and loving it so much, I was compelled to go on a one-click spree for any other books that I could find in the series. I ended up reading the series back to back, and several times over- that’s how much I enjoyed them.
I went into this book with extremely high expectations because all the previous books were so brilliant- so part of me was a little trepidatious about reading it, wondering if Cynthia Hamilton could sustain the momentum and deliver another thrilling mystery. So, I am thrilled to say that I should never have doubted her as this book is every bit as wonderful and brilliant as the previous books- setting my anticipation levels on high for the release of Book Five!!!
The story is so cleverly woven with intriguing mystery, suspense, drama, engrossing developments, action, danger, tension, romance, emotion, and so much more. Cynthia Hamilton once again puts Madeline and Mike through their paces- weaving a smart and thought provoking mystery infused with a dangerous tension that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
This story takes place four months after the events of the previous book. Madeline and Mike end up with two cases involving grieving widows who need help to uncover what really happened to their husbands. One widow is in jail, charged with the murder of her older, wealthy husband. But did she really kill him? And if not, then what really happened? The other widow wants to prove that her husband’s death definitely wasn’t suicide. But, what will our detectives discover? As I have come to expect from Cynthia Hamilton, nothing is ever simple. She always manages to weave a complex, multilayered mystery with more than a few twisty surprises to get me sitting up and really paying attention. Add in the fact that Madeline’s snake of an ex is now released from prison, had me wondering what he was up to, and when he would make his move. He seems to have turned over a new leaf- but Madeline (and I) know better- and just how underhanded and vile he can be. So what unfolds makes for quite a thrilling read!
As I have mentioned previously, I think The Madeline Dawkins books would make a fantastic television series- reminding me a lot of the old Moonlighting series with Cybil Shephard and Bruce Willis- but with more danger, excitement, and a modern ‘feel’.
So, if you love a cleverly crafted and thrilling mystery then what are you waiting for! Grab yourself a copy and dive in- but be prepared to develop an addiction to Cynthia Hamilton’s stories- you may find that one book will never be enough.
I am so desperate to find out what’s in store for Maddie and Mike- especially after the way this book ended! So, bring on Book Five!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!!! I can’t wait!
Brilliant!!!!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
“Two women in a world of misery, both widowed by circumstances that haven’t been sufficiently explained,”
The Trouble With Paradise is the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. I am soooooooooo in love with this series- hands down one of the best discoveries I have made this year!!!! This is one of those series that you can read over and over again and never tire of it. After reading the first book and loving it so much, I was compelled to go on a one-click spree for any other books that I could find in the series. I ended up reading the series back to back, and several times over- that’s how much I enjoyed them.
I went into this book with extremely high expectations because all the previous books were so brilliant- so part of me was a little trepidatious about reading it, wondering if Cynthia Hamilton could sustain the momentum and deliver another thrilling mystery. So, I am thrilled to say that I should never have doubted her as this book is every bit as wonderful and brilliant as the previous books- setting my anticipation levels on high for the release of Book Five!!!
The story is so cleverly woven with intriguing mystery, suspense, drama, engrossing developments, action, danger, tension, romance, emotion, and so much more. Cynthia Hamilton once again puts Madeline and Mike through their paces- weaving a smart and thought provoking mystery infused with a dangerous tension that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
This story takes place four months after the events of the previous book. Madeline and Mike end up with two cases involving grieving widows who need help to uncover what really happened to their husbands. One widow is in jail, charged with the murder of her older, wealthy husband. But did she really kill him? And if not, then what really happened? The other widow wants to prove that her husband’s death definitely wasn’t suicide. But, what will our detectives discover? As I have come to expect from Cynthia Hamilton, nothing is ever simple. She always manages to weave a complex, multilayered mystery with more than a few twisty surprises to get me sitting up and really paying attention. Add in the fact that Madeline’s snake of an ex is now released from prison, had me wondering what he was up to, and when he would make his move. He seems to have turned over a new leaf- but Madeline (and I) know better- and just how underhanded and vile he can be. So what unfolds makes for quite a thrilling read!
As I have mentioned previously, I think The Madeline Dawkins books would make a fantastic television series- reminding me a lot of the old Moonlighting series with Cybil Shephard and Bruce Willis- but with more danger, excitement, and a modern ‘feel’.
So, if you love a cleverly crafted and thrilling mystery then what are you waiting for! Grab yourself a copy and dive in- but be prepared to develop an addiction to Cynthia Hamilton’s stories- you may find that one book will never be enough.
I am so desperate to find out what’s in store for Maddie and Mike- especially after the way this book ended! So, bring on Book Five!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!!! I can’t wait!
Brilliant!!!!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
July 24, 2019
I always struggle when I get the the review part of reading A Madeline Dawkins Mystery. Not for lack of good things to be said, rather I often feel like I fail to fully express how wonderful these novels are. The Trouble With Paradise, book number four of the series, is no exception to the rule. Cynthia Hamilton really has a knack for writing engaging mysteries with plenty of plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. I adore how I never find myself bored with the novel, or frankly never seem to figure things out quite like I expect them to. I love that I get to the end and always have a wonderful surprise as far as the finale of the cases goes.
In The Trouble With Paradise finds our favorite sassy and headstrong PI, Madeline working together again with Mike to try and solve the deaths of two different men. Both are husbands and leave family and friends behind that question the reasoning behind their deaths. Of course nothing is quite as it seems from the outside looking in and new things are discovered every step of the way. I was once again reading well past that ‘just a few chapters before bed’ limit, and well into the night so I could find out what was going to be the climax. It of course did not disappoint. Now the real struggle begins while I wait for the next Cynthia Hamilton book to be released!
In The Trouble With Paradise finds our favorite sassy and headstrong PI, Madeline working together again with Mike to try and solve the deaths of two different men. Both are husbands and leave family and friends behind that question the reasoning behind their deaths. Of course nothing is quite as it seems from the outside looking in and new things are discovered every step of the way. I was once again reading well past that ‘just a few chapters before bed’ limit, and well into the night so I could find out what was going to be the climax. It of course did not disappoint. Now the real struggle begins while I wait for the next Cynthia Hamilton book to be released!
July 2, 2022
I am continuing to enjoy this series as Mike and Madeline work their PI magic for the underdogs and also strengthen their personal relationship and broaden their businesses.
I thought this was a delightful read.
I thought this was a delightful read.
November 4, 2019
Another enthralling read in this well-constructive series. I was thrilled this book included a little romance between Mike and Madeline.
A pattern has been established with each book including two cases these partners are working on and this time both cases involved widows. As the cases unfold, there are few twists and turns. There is also the never-ending saga of Madeline’s ex-husband. Poor Madeline never gets any peace where that man is concern. Rating 4.5 Stars.
A pattern has been established with each book including two cases these partners are working on and this time both cases involved widows. As the cases unfold, there are few twists and turns. There is also the never-ending saga of Madeline’s ex-husband. Poor Madeline never gets any peace where that man is concern. Rating 4.5 Stars.
August 20, 2020
This is book four in Cynthia Hamilton’s ‘Madeline Dawkins Mystery’ series and having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous three books I was really looking forward to this latest instalment and was definitely not disappointed. This series just keeps getting better and better, Madeline is a great main character and heroine of the stories and I felt like I was back with an old friend whilst reading this novel. In, ‘The Trouble with Paradise’ a person from Madeline’s past threatens her future and everything she has built for herself since leaving her husband and becoming a private investigator. Her latest cases along with partner Mike Delaney come personally from the Santa Barbara D.A. and include the case of a widow who is insistent that she did not kill her much older husband. The other is a widow who does not agree that her husband took his own life. Whilst sifting through the greed and betrayal involved in these cases to determine the truth, Madeline is reminded of her own past. Meanwhile, Madeline’s ex husband comes back into her life wanting to clear the name of an inmate, Lindsay Bartholomew who is adamant that she has been set up and is not guilty of the crimes she’s in prison for. Not believing her ex husband could be a changed man, Madeline focuses on her investigations. It soon becomes clear that if the killer is not already in prison then he is still free and will continue his murder spree to remain safe himself.
This story had me hooked from page one and kept me guessing until the last page, it has a fast paced and exciting storyline. The novel is full of drama and suspense, and I like how the author weaves the personal aspects of Madeline and Mike’s lives into the murder, mystery, crime story. It can be read as a standalone story, however the reader would understand more of Madeleine’s backstory if they have read the previous books in the story.
I definitely recommend this novel and think that it is a five star read.
This story had me hooked from page one and kept me guessing until the last page, it has a fast paced and exciting storyline. The novel is full of drama and suspense, and I like how the author weaves the personal aspects of Madeline and Mike’s lives into the murder, mystery, crime story. It can be read as a standalone story, however the reader would understand more of Madeleine’s backstory if they have read the previous books in the story.
I definitely recommend this novel and think that it is a five star read.
August 20, 2020
The Trouble with Paradise is a Madeline Dawkins Mystery by Cynthia Hamilton, the fourth in the series. I was drawn to it by the title, promising a gorgeous setting and captivating mystery. The book delivered on both fronts!
Injured in a previous case, our heroine Madeline has just come back to her job as a PI. We get glimpses throughout that she is still healing physically and mentally, but she is determined not to be held back. She’s a likeable character, using her social skills to get (almost) everyone to open up to her whilst constantly processing things that don’t quite fit.
Setting-wise, I particularly liked the ranch and vineyard! It was beautifully described, and such a great location being by the sea. I wanted to be there, tasting the wine and enjoying the view (as long as there weren’t any tragic accidents happening on that particular day…).
Madeline and her partner Mike have two big cases keeping them occupied throughout the book. Both involve men dying in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind widows who aren’t satisfied with the official causes and reasons for their deaths. The pair of PIs try to approach both cases with open, fresh minds to discover the truth and ensure that justice is served.
I really enjoyed this book – it gets five stars from me. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series but they’re on my tbr list now. The story made enough sense without them, but I’m sure they would have given me a lot more background on the central characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of a good murder mystery, who will enjoy being transported to a beautiful Californian setting.
Injured in a previous case, our heroine Madeline has just come back to her job as a PI. We get glimpses throughout that she is still healing physically and mentally, but she is determined not to be held back. She’s a likeable character, using her social skills to get (almost) everyone to open up to her whilst constantly processing things that don’t quite fit.
Setting-wise, I particularly liked the ranch and vineyard! It was beautifully described, and such a great location being by the sea. I wanted to be there, tasting the wine and enjoying the view (as long as there weren’t any tragic accidents happening on that particular day…).
Madeline and her partner Mike have two big cases keeping them occupied throughout the book. Both involve men dying in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind widows who aren’t satisfied with the official causes and reasons for their deaths. The pair of PIs try to approach both cases with open, fresh minds to discover the truth and ensure that justice is served.
I really enjoyed this book – it gets five stars from me. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series but they’re on my tbr list now. The story made enough sense without them, but I’m sure they would have given me a lot more background on the central characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of a good murder mystery, who will enjoy being transported to a beautiful Californian setting.
August 11, 2020
The Trouble With Paradise is the 4th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery series by Cynthia Hamilton. Each book can be read as a standalone but in my opinion I think you’d get more from the series if you read it all from the beginning and in order. This is a fantastic mystery series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think it gets better and better as it goes on and we get to spend more time in the company of Madeline Dawkins and her partner Mike Delaney. Just reading the blurb, I was already hooked and that was before I even started reading – Two dead husbands – Accident, Suicide or Murder?
Yet again Cynthia Hamilton had written an intricate storyline with so many twists and turns that you can’t put this book down. I absolutely loved this book. The two cases that Madeline and Mike are working on are full of mystery, danger and intrigue and are highly entertaining. I was totally absorbed by both cases and couldn’t wait to see how they unravelled.
Madeline and Mike are both amazing characters. I could read their exploits for hours on end. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think it gets better and better as it goes on and we get to spend more time in the company of Madeline Dawkins and her partner Mike Delaney. Just reading the blurb, I was already hooked and that was before I even started reading – Two dead husbands – Accident, Suicide or Murder?
Yet again Cynthia Hamilton had written an intricate storyline with so many twists and turns that you can’t put this book down. I absolutely loved this book. The two cases that Madeline and Mike are working on are full of mystery, danger and intrigue and are highly entertaining. I was totally absorbed by both cases and couldn’t wait to see how they unravelled.
Madeline and Mike are both amazing characters. I could read their exploits for hours on end. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
August 16, 2020
This is book 4 in the Madeline Dawkins series and these books keep getting better and better. It is a great faced paced read and keeps you guessing every step of the way.
After 4 months out recovering from injury Madeline is back at the PI firm with Mike ready to solve more cases.
When 2 cases arrive at once they have their work cut out for them. One case is brought to them by a friend. The other is brought to them by their enemy.
The 1st case is a woman who's husband died from suicide, well that was the finding but his wife Natalie doesn't believe that is the case. Did Andrew commit suicide or was it something more sinister? Also are Natalie's motives for finding the truth the motives of a bereaved widow or is there more to it?
The second case was brought to them by Madeline's ex husband who we know can't be trusted. This case involves the murder of a man by tractor accident. However the police don't believe it was an accident and arrest his wife Lyndsey for his murder. Was it just a tragic accident? Is his wife really guilty or murdering her husband or is someone else to blame?
After 4 months out recovering from injury Madeline is back at the PI firm with Mike ready to solve more cases.
When 2 cases arrive at once they have their work cut out for them. One case is brought to them by a friend. The other is brought to them by their enemy.
The 1st case is a woman who's husband died from suicide, well that was the finding but his wife Natalie doesn't believe that is the case. Did Andrew commit suicide or was it something more sinister? Also are Natalie's motives for finding the truth the motives of a bereaved widow or is there more to it?
The second case was brought to them by Madeline's ex husband who we know can't be trusted. This case involves the murder of a man by tractor accident. However the police don't believe it was an accident and arrest his wife Lyndsey for his murder. Was it just a tragic accident? Is his wife really guilty or murdering her husband or is someone else to blame?
July 26, 2019
Cynthia Hamilton's Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series continues to go from strength to strength. While some series fade and weaken with each succeeding book, that is not the case here. 'The Trouble With Paradise' may well be the author's best mystery book yet.
The multiple threads of this novel are skillfully handled, well paced, and draw on interesting parallels. Madeline and her business partner Mike have two puzzles to solve, both concerning bereaved wives. The first widow is in prison, convicted of the murder of her husband; while the second widow is seeking an explanation for her husband's apparent suicide. Naturally, all is not as it first seems. Throw into the mix Madeline's murderous ex husband - now out on parole - and the burgeoning love between the two sleuths, and you have a tale that is satisfying on a number of levels.
Please get writing the next one, Ms. Hamilton.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy unpicking a good conundrum or two, and like a bit of romance and action on the side.
The multiple threads of this novel are skillfully handled, well paced, and draw on interesting parallels. Madeline and her business partner Mike have two puzzles to solve, both concerning bereaved wives. The first widow is in prison, convicted of the murder of her husband; while the second widow is seeking an explanation for her husband's apparent suicide. Naturally, all is not as it first seems. Throw into the mix Madeline's murderous ex husband - now out on parole - and the burgeoning love between the two sleuths, and you have a tale that is satisfying on a number of levels.
Please get writing the next one, Ms. Hamilton.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy unpicking a good conundrum or two, and like a bit of romance and action on the side.
August 19, 2020
When two husbands die and are classed as suicides but the widows aren't convinced, so will the budding detectives solve the mystery.
The story takes place four months after the last book and the two detectives take on the cases of two wealthy men who have been found dead, one wife has been charged with one of the murders and is currently in jail but the other wife is adamant that her husband was murdered so Madeline and Mike start investigating.
As the story weaves through the book you get drawn into the mystery as you delve into the world of these two investigators. There are some shocking twists and the way the story has layers within the book you are guessing as you turn the pages to book to solve the mysteries.
I love this series and I would recommend reading the the other books first, although this story is a stand alone story there are other elements to the history of the main characters which weave through the first three books. I love the well developed main characters and the thriller aspect of the stories makes for a great read. I can't wait to read the next installment and see how these two characters develop in the future.
The story takes place four months after the last book and the two detectives take on the cases of two wealthy men who have been found dead, one wife has been charged with one of the murders and is currently in jail but the other wife is adamant that her husband was murdered so Madeline and Mike start investigating.
As the story weaves through the book you get drawn into the mystery as you delve into the world of these two investigators. There are some shocking twists and the way the story has layers within the book you are guessing as you turn the pages to book to solve the mysteries.
I love this series and I would recommend reading the the other books first, although this story is a stand alone story there are other elements to the history of the main characters which weave through the first three books. I love the well developed main characters and the thriller aspect of the stories makes for a great read. I can't wait to read the next installment and see how these two characters develop in the future.
July 25, 2019
The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton is the third book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery series. I recommend reading these in order but I believe they can be enjoyed as a standalone. There is an underlying portion of the story from the first book which keeps coming up but each mystery is self-contained. This series keeps getting better with each book. Madeline and her partner Mike are on the case with two different cases both involving dead husbands. How did these men die and who is at fault? Mike and Madeline will work together to figure out both cases.
I like there are multiple cases that overlap but have similarities despite being completely different cases. I look forward to reading more about Mike and Madeline and the crazy cases which come across their desks. Also, I have enjoyed seeing how these characters and the secondary characters are developing and changing with each book. I will be reading more of these in the future.
I like there are multiple cases that overlap but have similarities despite being completely different cases. I look forward to reading more about Mike and Madeline and the crazy cases which come across their desks. Also, I have enjoyed seeing how these characters and the secondary characters are developing and changing with each book. I will be reading more of these in the future.
August 1, 2019
The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton. This is the 4th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery series. These have been such fun books to read. This is the story of 2 dead husbands and their wives. One wife is in jail for the crazy tractor death of her much older husband and the other wife is convinced that her husband's death was not a suicide like they are trying to make her believe. Madeline has been on rest for 4 months and during that time her ex husband in jail has gotten parole and has asked Mike to help him figure out if Lindsay Bartholomew was set up for her husband's death. At the same time Santa Barbara District Attorney Conrad Adams is helping Mike and Madeline search for answers in Lindsay Bartholomew's husband "suicide". Will Mike and Madeline solve these mysteries before someone else dies and will they discover that these 2 men had a lot more in common than it seems. Read The Trouble with Paradise to find out.
August 11, 2020
The Trouble With Paradise is the fourth book in The Madeline Dawkins Series by Cynthia Hamilton. Madeline Dawkins is a private investigator with her partner Mike Delaney. The Santa Barbara D.A. calls up Madeline about figuring out how two men died. Unfortunately, Madeline isn’t a stranger to troubled marriages. Not only does Madeline have to worry about solving these two cases, but now her ex-husband is trying to clear the name of an inmate. I loved the way the author was able to carry out multiple storylines and how well she was able to tie them together. You’ve got two men dead, one who may have been killed by his wife and the other who may have killed himself. Then there is the storyline of Madeline’s ex-husband trying to clear Lindsay Bartholomew’s name. This is the second story I’ve read in this series and I definitely preferred Madeline in this story. I look forward to seeing what Madeline is up to in the next book.
August 22, 2020
The Trouble With Paradise
The Madeline Dawkins Series
Book 4
By Cynthia Hamilton
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This book is a full length crime novel. So much so it is a must read.
Madeline Dawkins is at it again. With her partner Mike Delaney working on a new set of crimes. One woman is in prison, was she wrongly accused? Maybe! Another is convinced her husband did not kill himself, is she right? Oh why not bring in Madeline s ex? He wants help for a friend.
So much work to be done! Is Madeline and Mike ready for this set of unsolved crimes?
Cynthia Hamilton has written several crime thrillers. This series alone will keep you reading and wanting so much more. I love the characters she has chosen. They make their crimes questionable. Madeline in herself has grown with her cases. She seems more together with even more confidence, which makes for a great detective heroine. I am looking forward to the next book by Cynthia Hamilton!
The Madeline Dawkins Series
Book 4
By Cynthia Hamilton
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This book is a full length crime novel. So much so it is a must read.
Madeline Dawkins is at it again. With her partner Mike Delaney working on a new set of crimes. One woman is in prison, was she wrongly accused? Maybe! Another is convinced her husband did not kill himself, is she right? Oh why not bring in Madeline s ex? He wants help for a friend.
So much work to be done! Is Madeline and Mike ready for this set of unsolved crimes?
Cynthia Hamilton has written several crime thrillers. This series alone will keep you reading and wanting so much more. I love the characters she has chosen. They make their crimes questionable. Madeline in herself has grown with her cases. She seems more together with even more confidence, which makes for a great detective heroine. I am looking forward to the next book by Cynthia Hamilton!
August 23, 2020
The Trouble With Paradise is book 4 in the Madeline Dawkins series. This series is a favourite of mine, and I would recommend staring at book one if you haven’t already. Knowing the back-stories and the characters makes this book even more enjoyable.
Book 4 sees Madeline and her partner Mike investigating new mysteries, and dredging up the past in more ways than one. Both cases involve murdered husbands and their widows. As the duo dig to find out the truth they unearth some truths and surprises that help them make sense of things.
I’ve been a fan of this series since book one. I love the character development, seeing Madeline change and grow to become an even stronger person, ready to help people despite her own misfortunes. I also enjoy watching the relationship between Madeline and Mike develop as the series goes on. This is a series that always leaves you wanting more, I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Book 4 sees Madeline and her partner Mike investigating new mysteries, and dredging up the past in more ways than one. Both cases involve murdered husbands and their widows. As the duo dig to find out the truth they unearth some truths and surprises that help them make sense of things.
I’ve been a fan of this series since book one. I love the character development, seeing Madeline change and grow to become an even stronger person, ready to help people despite her own misfortunes. I also enjoy watching the relationship between Madeline and Mike develop as the series goes on. This is a series that always leaves you wanting more, I can’t wait for the next instalment!
August 23, 2020
The Trouble with Paradise is the 4th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery series and in my opinion, as someone who has read all of these books, they keep getting better and better. Madeline is a great character who, despite all the challenges thrown at her, never stops until the mystery is solved and the relationship between her and her partner Mike, grows in each book and I am looking forward to seeing how that goes. In this book Madeline and Mike are faced with the investigations into two cases, one of a widow trying to prove she didn’t kill her husband and the other of a widow trying to find the truth in her husbands death while also trying to deal with the reappearance of Madeline’s despicable ex. As with all of the Madeline Dawkins books the author keeps you guessing right until the end. I would highly recommend this book, and the whole series to those who love a good mystery and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
August 7, 2020
This is the fourth book in this series...and it just keeps on rollin'. This book is interesting in that there are two cases being investigated simultaneously...and everything is not quite as it appears to be. Madeline is approached by the DA to look into a suicide when the widow is convinced there is more at play. Meanwhile, Mike is approached by Steven (yes...Madeline's ex) to look into a murder on behalf of another inmate.
There is a lot going on in this book with the different story lines...but as they move forward, Mike and Madeline find that there are some similarities that could link the two. But, if they are linked, then where is the mastermind behind it all? You will have to read it to find out.
This story, while busy with storylines, doesn't really move forward in terms of character growth. Don't get me wrong, Madeline has grown a lot since book 1. Maybe I just want more. Both she and Mike are great people and I want to see more from them. But, all in all, it is another great book in this series!
There is a lot going on in this book with the different story lines...but as they move forward, Mike and Madeline find that there are some similarities that could link the two. But, if they are linked, then where is the mastermind behind it all? You will have to read it to find out.
This story, while busy with storylines, doesn't really move forward in terms of character growth. Don't get me wrong, Madeline has grown a lot since book 1. Maybe I just want more. Both she and Mike are great people and I want to see more from them. But, all in all, it is another great book in this series!
August 12, 2020
The Trouble With Paradise (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton. Another fantastic addition to a series I’ve decided is in my top favorites for this years. Sometimes I find series that go for a while can lose something along the way and I get bored but once again this author proves that’s not always the case. I’ve loved watching these characters grow throughout this series. This book involves two different cases which may make you think it’ll be too busy but I for one found it’s got a perfect balance. The characters pull you into their world so completely I lost track of time and the outside world for a while and loved every minute. The storyline is well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I’m giving this story a five star review and highly recommend it. Can’t wait for more!
August 26, 2020
After months of recovery and convalescence, Maddie is ready to return to work. Determined to not show any weakness, she takes on a bit more than she can handle. Nick, like always, knows she needs to be independent and is silently waiting to assist.
They are brought 2 cases revoloving around a husband dying. One was recommended to them by Steven Ridley, Maddie's ex. The wife was accused and found guilty of killing her husband. But multiple people believe she's innocent. The second is recommend by the DA. A widow convinced her husband would never commit sucicde and wants them to find a reason why he would OR prove he was murdered.
This story had plenty of twists, turns, and oh crap! moments. I definitely recommend this book. I highly recommend reading the previous ones so you're caught up.
They are brought 2 cases revoloving around a husband dying. One was recommended to them by Steven Ridley, Maddie's ex. The wife was accused and found guilty of killing her husband. But multiple people believe she's innocent. The second is recommend by the DA. A widow convinced her husband would never commit sucicde and wants them to find a reason why he would OR prove he was murdered.
This story had plenty of twists, turns, and oh crap! moments. I definitely recommend this book. I highly recommend reading the previous ones so you're caught up.
July 25, 2019
The Trouble With Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton is part of a great series. I have been reading this series in order and have loved everything so far. The author is such a talented writer. These books are loaded with suspense. I keep saying ok one more chapter, let me see where this is going to go and then forget it, another door opens up and I’m still reading a few chapters later.
Two mean are dead. One by suicide and one by a tragic accident where the wife is arrested and blamed for his murder. Mike and Madeline are amazing PI’s and are now on both cases. They investigate every angle
and scenario to find out The Who, what, why, when and how. These two characters are awesome to read about and I love how they are best friends and sometimes more.
Looking forward to more by this author.
Two mean are dead. One by suicide and one by a tragic accident where the wife is arrested and blamed for his murder. Mike and Madeline are amazing PI’s and are now on both cases. They investigate every angle
and scenario to find out The Who, what, why, when and how. These two characters are awesome to read about and I love how they are best friends and sometimes more.
Looking forward to more by this author.
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